For a moment, consider this estimated yet appetising list of deposits and resources. Gold: 5.9 million ounces. Copper: 412 million tons. Coal: 19.5 billion tons. Natural Gas: 34 trillion cubic feet. This is not all, there are others as well! A conservative estimate puts the valuation of these vast reserves over $1 trillion! One would be forgiven to believe that this is a description of a region in the Middle East or South America but that is not the case. This is what Balochistan can do for Pakistan!
The general state of the country is reflective in Balochistan too. All is not well, anywhere!
Decades of neglect and mismanagement of the relationship between state and province has left this “high potential – high yield” region of Pakistan flailing in the dust.
Since independence, marginalisation of the local population has left people disenchanted with the notions of unity and identity. On the other side of the coin, resident landlords of the area – those who were placated by the state for the betterment of Balochistan – have not allowed any trickle-down impact of monetary funding, budget allocations and economic growth. Therefore, the problem has been two-fold. One, state absolving its responsibilities. Two, indigenous leaders being disingenuous with their brethren.
What has been done, can’t be changed. What is to come, can be! Consider the following five-prong strategy.
Considering the high level of natural deposits in the province, there is no reason that a galvanising economy can’t act as the engine of growth in Balochistan
First, come out of denial and acknowledge and accept the fact that Balochistan was an afterthought in almost all government calculations since the time of independence. I concede that there will be arguments about issues at the local level such as dishonest tribal leadership. Nonetheless, in a state-province relationship, obligations of the state come first while those of the province come second.
Second, ensure the unique identity of the Baloch people is defined and acknowledged in the national identity of Pakistan. In my previous writings preaching a reboot of the national security framework in Pakistan, I have amply discussed the need for a Pakistani identity. Something that works as a wrap around for other notions of national purpose, national interests and national security policy. This will also allow an all-inclusive dialogue with the people of the province and not just limit it to a chosen “blue-eyed” few! The state will not only have to make good on any concrete steps agreed but will also need to make concessions for righting years of wrongs. This will entail encouraging reconciliation, supporting victims of abandon, enabling forgiveness and encouraging cultural exchanges to build bridges between different communities.
Third, raise the standard of governance in Balochistan. This is easier said than done particularly when governance across the country is nothing to write home about! Nevertheless, the travails and tribulations of this province are such that even a decent increase in uprooting corruption, access to justice, maintaining human rights and improving political involvement will work wonders for the locals. This will also bring the disfranchised back into the ambit of mainstream living and lend a voice to the voiceless!
Targeted subsidies, cash transfers and social benefit schemes can act as a social safety net for the vulnerable
Fourth, allow for better education, healthcare and social care. Again, the same call can be made for all Pakistani population but considering that Balochistan is deemed to contribute the least to national standards, it is imperative that improving the lives in this province may come first! An improvement in these sectors would bring greater dividends to Balochistan in particular and Pakistan in general. Targeted subsidies, cash transfers and social benefit schemes can act as a social safety net for the vulnerable and the needy and will help further reduce the trust deficit between province and state.
Fifth, raise the bar of economic development in the area. This is perhaps the lynchpin if ever there was one! Considering the high level of natural deposits in the province, there is no reason that a galvanising economy can’t act as the engine of growth in Balochistan. To do that, the state must invest in infrastructure: motorways, transport, roads, hospitals and schools to name some components. A core aspect of such an approach would also include upgrading ports and airports to allow Balochistan to play a pivotal role in regional tourism and trade. This would lead to renewed investor interest. The afore mentioned improved governance will then need to kick into action and allow investment to flow through especially when investors know that a system of equity and fairness flourishes in the region. This – in turn will make the untapped potential of Balochistan a reality and enrich the lives of the locals so much so that alongside big business, small businesses will also bear fruit. However, the government of the day needs to ensure two things: one, empower the people of Balochistan to have more say in local governance and more control over their own resources! Something that has been lacking in the past. Two, invest heavily in local energy infrastructure including renewables so that chronic power shortages become a thing of the past and that much needed energy is available for the growth of the province.
There will be arguments about issues at the local level such as dishonest tribal leadership
It is sad to see so much potential going to waste! And nothing will change this in the future unless and until the policy making elite generate a consensus on the future of Balochistan around the five-prong strategy discussed above. Harder said than done? Definitely. Should this be endeavoured? Certainly. Anything less would not be doing justice to the people of Balochistan and all the potential the area represents.
