There are certain things which need immediate attention of the government. Concrete steps on a priority basis must be taken to remove the feelings of deprivation among the Balochistan. Isn’t it strange that Sui gas is the product of that province but we have built its central offices in Lahore and Karachi. If they were not constructed in Dera. Bugti because of any law and order problem, what precluded the rulers of this country to locate these offices in Quetta?
Marble is another glaring example. 90 percent of marble is extracted from Balochistan . As a matter of fact marble processing plants should have been either in Chaghi or khuzdar but, strangely enough, a large number of such plants are located in Lahore, Islamabad or Karachi.
Government should make it a point that Balochis get a lion’s share in various services which the CPEC would generate in Balochistan so that the locals become big stake holders in this gigantic project. Needless to add Balochistan is the largest province of this country area-wise and is strategically located sharing borders with more than one country. Its importance has increased manifold because of Gwadar’s international harbour which is a sore in the eyes of both India and the U. S. It was a hotbed of India’s intrigue in the past and it is going to be the focus of attention of both India and the U. S. In future too because of the heavy Chinese investment in It.
POSTSCRIPT :It is heartening to see the return of international cricket to Pakistan after ten years with the current visit to Pakistan of the Sri Lankan cricket team.