Balochistan’s development and stability

In the past, smaller provinces used to blame Punjab for exploiting their resources; but today Punjab is playing the role of big brother in the real sense of the term. Media, politicians and intellectuals of Punjab have been raising voice for the development of Balochistan. At the time of the 7th National Finance Award Punjab had conceded to their demand for replacing the previous population-based formula for inter-provincial redistribution of funds from the federal tax divisible pool with multiple criteria. There is a realization that Balochistan, the most neglected province in the past, should be compensated by giving special allocation for lack of development in the past. Although population still dominates the new formula with a share of 82 per cent, Punjab’s concession ensured that backwardness was assigned a weight of 10.3 per cent, revenue generation 5 per cent and area 2.7 per cent.
Consequently, Punjab’s overall share from the resource was cut by 1.27pc (from 53.1 per cent to 51.74 per cent. Balochistan had also benefited from increase in the combined provincial share from the divisible pool from 47.5pc to 57.5pc. The 7th NFC Award was a milestone on the road to fiscal decentralization in Pakistan. In addition to 18th amendment, it had ushered a sense of autonomy in the federating units and was therefore a landmark achievement of a democratically elected government. For the past so many years, the issue of divisible pool’s apportionment had kept the federal and provincial governments, haggling, bickering and at loggerheads. Of course, because of scattered population in such a vast area like Balochistan, it requires more funds for the infrastructure. It was realization on the part of elected governments in the centre and province that strength of the federation hinges on strengthening the federating units.
This positive change in the mindset has resulted in Punjab and Balochistan’s harmony, which is also obvious from the conduct of seminar for Balochistan’s stability in Punjab’s provincial capital in the University of Punjab. Education sponsoring of 300 Baloch students by the Punjab University is a positive contribution to the development of Balochistan. Voices from Punjabi intelligentsia and journalists of Punjab for welfare, development and empowerment of the provinces and the people especially Balochistan will lead to national unity. There is no denying that Balochistan was neglected during British Raj and also by various governments of Pakistan since 1947, with the result that Balochistan lacks technological prowess and economic resources to exploit its minerals and untapped resources. In this context, Pakistan had sought China’s help in developing Gwadar into an international port with a future plan to link it with Kashgar (China).
No doubt, Gwadar deep sea port has great potential to boost Pakistan’s economy; and mineral resources of Balochistan could bring prosperity not only to the people of Balochistan but also people of other provinces. Of course, people of Balochistan stand to gain more, as they will have the first right in business and employment opportunities. All Chinese investment, be it for expansion of Gawadar port or roads and other assets will remain the property of the Balochistan, as these assets cannot be shifted elsewhere. Coming back to development of Balochistan, it is imperative to have peace. True enough, the CPEC project is part of Beijing’s “Belt and Road” plan to expand its trade and transport footprint across Central and South Asia. It is also true that it will give China easier access to Middle Eastern oil via the deepwater sea port of Gwadar, but Pakistan also stands to gain.
However, the completion of Gwadar and implementation of CPEC would make Balochistan economic hub, and people of Balochistan in particular and Pakistan in general would benefit. But Balochistan needs peace to complete those gigantic projects. A high level reconciliation and negotiation committee comprising seasoned Baloch, Pashtun and Sindhi leaders has been tasked by Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch to initiate dialogue even with Baloch separatists. Open offers for negotiations were made to armed Baloch groups. It is hoped that all right thinking intellectuals would play their role in ensuring a better life for the people of Balochistan. Balochistan is gaining stability under political government. Frontier Constabulary operating against Indian RAW-sponsored terrorists is under control of provincial government. CPEC is must for economic progress, infrastructural development and future prosperity of Balochistan. Ownership of Mega projects and provincial natural resources rests with Baloch masses.
But Pakistan has to be watchful of India, which is fanning terrorism, violence, militancy, linguistic hatred and inter provincial disharmony to sabotage the CPEC project. India was not only funding insurgents, it also continues its propaganda that Baloch would become Red Indians with the influx of engineers, skilled and unskilled workers. Of course, people of Balochistan have the first right over minerals and other natural resources of Balochistan, and major part of the income from these assets should be spent on the welfare of the people of Balochistan. During the last five years, Pakistan Army through recruitment of Baloch in the army, by establishing health centres and other facilities has contributed towards winning hearts and minds of Baloch youth, who are participating in nation building process.