Islamabad, August 9: A recent report highlights that poor governance is the primary reason behind instability and deprivation in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The Shahbaz government views Balochistan solely through a security lens, neglecting the social, economic, and political factors contributing to the crisis.
According to the Afghan Diaspora Network, Balochistan is rich in resources, yet the local population does not benefit from them. Most development projects in the region, including the Gwadar Port and the Saindak Copper and Gold Mine, have been led by China. Profits from these resources primarily go to people from Punjab and Sindh provinces, rather than to the residents of Balochistan.
The report states that many desperate individuals in Balochistan resort to militancy to fight for their rights and express their anger towards foreigners in the region.
The majority of Balochistan’s population lives in severe shortages of resources, human rights, and education. However, the Pakistani government denies that the people in the province are unhappy. Its focus remains on security, while development and governance issues are sidelined.
Currently, Balochistan faces the highest poverty rates in Pakistan, with 47% of its population living below the poverty line. Despite being a hub for extraction and mega projects, the province lacks basic infrastructure, job opportunities, gas connections, and clean drinking water.
Pakistani journalist Kadeem Baloch noted in the report, “Experts believe that poor governance is the main reason behind instability and deprivation. The government has viewed Balochistan as a security issue, ignoring the real social, economic, and political causes of the crisis.”
The report further mentions that the ongoing ‘Operation Shaban’ may make headlines for targeting terrorists, but it has failed to ensure sustainable peace and stability.
Experts argue that the military cannot bring lasting peace to Balochistan without addressing the root causes of unrest, such as federalism, identity, and equitable resource distribution.
Local media reported that on Saturday, the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed responsibility for destroying two electricity towers in the Nasirabad area of the province.
According to The Balochistan Post, BRG spokesperson Dostin Baloch stated that members of the BRG detonated two 220 kV electricity towers that were en route from the Oach Power Plant to Punjab, near the Peeru Bridge area in Mir Hasan.
The explosions caused two towers to collapse and severely damaged two others. The spokesperson declared that the BRG takes responsibility for this attack and that such operations will continue until Balochistan gains independence from Pakistan.
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