Throughout the history of Pakistan, leaders have made pledges to utilize the wealth of Balochistan for the betterment of its people. Regrettably, these commitments have frequently led to the misallocation of provincial resources, leaving its populace to grapple with adversity.
By Qamar Bashir
The region of Balochistan has often garnered attention due to its vast reservoirs of minerals, oil, and natural gas. However, it is imperative to shift our focus to the plight of its residents, who endure formidable challenges in their everyday lives.
Is there hope for a departure from this repetitive pattern, or are we destined to see the cycle persist, with tribal leaders often bearing the blame for the ongoing poverty in the province?
Throughout the history of Pakistan, leaders have made pledges to utilize the wealth of Balochistan for the betterment of its people. Regrettably, these commitments have frequently led to the misallocation of provincial resources, leaving its populace to grapple with adversity.
Is there hope for a departure from this repetitive pattern, or are we destined to see the cycle persist, with tribal leaders often bearing the blame for the ongoing poverty in the province?
My recollections from my tenure as a news producer bring to mind distinct memories. I had the privilege of accompanying Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti during his visits to various regions in the provinces as a news producer at PTV.
Notably, his unwavering determination played a pivotal role in the inauguration of a metal road between Sui and Dera Bugti around 1988. Furthermore, his resolute demands were instrumental in the construction of certain segments of the RCD highway connecting Quetta and Karachi.
However, these construction endeavors came to an abrupt halt following his removal as Chief Minister. This serves as a poignant illustration of the complex interplay between regional leadership, development initiatives, and shifts in political dynamics.
One vivid memory stands out from a public rally in Sui, where an intriguing paradox unfolded. Despite the common narrative of attributing road and highway obstruction to Nawabs and Sardars, it is worth acknowledging that it was often during their tenures in power that Balochistan’s road network saw expansion.
A particular instance comes to mind involving Sardar Sanaullah Zehri addressing a public gathering, an event I covered in my capacity as a news producer. He passionately expressed his hope that, within our lifetimes, we would witness well-constructed roads in Balochistan.
Their boundless generosity is evident as they readily share whatever they possess, be it from their homes or pockets, without hesitation when approached for assistance.
He humorously lamented that even his expensive vehicles deteriorated quickly due to the poor road conditions. Notably, another Sardar countered accusations by stating that while these leaders were perceived as hindrances to the opening of schools and the establishment of cantonment areas and FC Qila, the successful implementation of these establishments raised the question of why schools couldn’t receive similar attention. This paradox underscores the intricate dynamics shaping development narratives in the region.
Hailing from Quetta and having formed bonds with Baluch, Pathan, and Hazara friends, my six-year tenure as a news producer granted me the opportunity to traverse every corner of Balochistan.
During this period, a consistent theme emerged in various public gatherings, whether involving Governors, Chief Ministers, or Federal Ministers. Four distinct demands resonated consistently: the call for water, roads, and schools, coupled with a collective sentiment that, beyond these necessities, the community was poised to harness its own efforts to foster prosperity.
I observed that Baloch, Pashtun, and Brahvi societies embody qualities of purity, simplicity, industry, resilience, hospitality, and an intrinsic benevolent nature.
Their boundless generosity is evident as they readily share whatever they possess, be it from their homes or pockets, without hesitation when approached for assistance.
These disparities are underscored in the National Human Development Report, which reveals that 31 out of 32 districts in Balochistan are among the most underprivileged areas in the country in terms of education, quality of life, and health access.
In times of adversity, their response isn’t a question of whether to help but an immediate action to provide relief, without expecting anything in return. Seeking refuge from them guarantees security without strings attached.
Even when facing their own hunger, they willingly share their meager provisions to ensure your nourishment. Nevertheless, there are boundaries they rightfully uphold. Reflecting on our treatment of these innocent, virtuous, and compassionate individuals reveals a somber truth about the prevailing state of affairs.
In 1990, Dr. Mahbub ul Haq revolutionized development thinking with the inaugural Human Development Report. This landmark report introduced the Human Development Index (HDI), which moved beyond conventional economic metrics to assess a nation’s progress based on the well-being of its citizens.
The HDI evaluates various dimensions of human development, encompassing factors like health, education, and living standards. Annually, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under the direction of the United Nations General Assembly, compiles an HDI ranking of countries, evaluating their human development performance against these criteria.
For the period of 2021-2022, Pakistan ranked 161st out of 192 countries on the Human Development Index (HDI). This positioning places Pakistan lower than other South Asian nations. Notably, Bhutan secured the 127th position, Bangladesh the 129th, India the 132nd, and Nepal the 143rd, categorizing them under medium human development. In a remarkable feat, Sri Lanka made substantial progress despite challenges, climbing nine places to secure the 73rd position, entering the high human development category.
While Pakistan’s overall HDI rank is 161st, the focus must shift to Balochistan’s distinct trajectory. Initially, the province boasted the second-highest per capita income, trailing only Sindh, as the century turned. However, today’s landscape paints a contrasting picture.
The latest UNDP report lays bare the harsh reality that 71% of Balochistan’s population lives in multidimensional poverty, translating to a troubling 7 out of 10 families living in destitution.
Despite being the largest province in terms of landmass, Balochistan now holds the lowest population share and ranks poorly on human development indicators. The province grapples with significant disparities in education and living standards. Access to healthcare remains woefully inadequate for its entire populace.
The latest UNDP report lays bare the harsh reality that 71% of Balochistan’s population lives in multidimensional poverty, translating to a troubling 7 out of 10 families living in destitution.
These disparities are underscored in the National Human Development Report, which reveals that 31 out of 32 districts in Balochistan are among the most underprivileged areas in the country in terms of education, quality of life, and health access.
Per capita gross regional product (GRP) has increased in all provinces except Balochistan, which has plummeted from second to last place among Pakistan’s provinces since 1999–2000, experiencing a 7 percent decline in real per capita income. Punjab leads in education, boasting the highest net enrollment ratio and literacy rate, while Balochistan ranks fourth.
While other provinces are making strides in human development, Balochistan’s progress is the most modest among them. From 2006–2007 to 2018–2019, it exhibits the least improvement in HDI value. Adjusting HDI for inequality changes the provincial rankings, with Punjab leading, followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan trailing behind.
Given its alarming position, it is natural to question the significance of statements made by notable figures. For instance, the late Benazir Bhutto’s assertion that “Balochistan is the backbone of Pakistan, and it is our duty to ensure its progress and development.”
Similarly, Nawab Akbar Bugti’s acknowledgment that “Balochistan is rich in natural resources, and the Baloch people deserve to benefit from them,” and Imran Khan’s call to “address the grievances of the people of Balochistan and ensure their rightful representation in national development.”
The former Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s recognition of Balochistan’s potential as a source of regional prosperity stands in stark contrast to the province’s current reality. Even former Army Chief General Bajwa’s affirmation that “Balochistan is the future of Pakistan, and it is our duty to fully assist its government. — The writer is the former Press Secretary to the President of Pakistan, former Press Minister to the Embassy of Pakistan to France, and former MD, SRBC.
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