Daily Times

According to the 2023 Census, Pakistan’s population is approximately 242 million, spread across its four main provinces. Punjab, the most populous, has around 127.68 million residents, making it the demographic leader of the country. Sindh follows with about 55.69 million people, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) ranks third with an estimated 40.86 million inhabitants. Balochistan, in contrast, has the smallest population among the provinces, with about 12 million residents. Despite its modest population, Balochistan is notable for its rich ethnic diversity and abundant natural resources, although its population density is significantly lower than that of the other provinces.

Balochistan’s demographic landscape is a vibrant mosaic, showcasing a rich tapestry of ethnic diversity. The province is home to a significant number of Pashtoons, closely followed by the Brahvi and Hazara communities, along with settlers from other regions. While the Baloch people form a prominent and influential segment, the presence of these varied ethnic groups highlights the multicultural character of Balochistan, a region where diverse traditions and cultures converge.

Beyond Balochistan, the Baloch people have established themselves in other parts of Pakistan, particularly in provinces like Punjab and Sindh. Karachi, Pakistan’s largest metropolis and a thriving economic centre has a substantial Baloch community that plays a crucial role in the city’s workforce. This widespread Baloch diaspora not only enriches the social fabric of these regions but also strengthens the interconnectedness of Pakistan as a whole. Islamabad, the nation’s capital, reflects Pakistan’s demographic diversity, with a notable Baloch community. This migration, driven by economic opportunities, educational aspirations, and a quest for better living standards, has enriched the cultural landscape of these regions. The Baloch presence in Punjab, Sindh, Karachi, and Islamabad has significantly contributed to the nation’s rich cultural mosaic, ensuring that their unique heritage remains an integral part of the broader Pakistani identity. Beyond Pakistan’s borders, a substantial Baloch population resides along the approximately 909-kilometre border with Iran. As a minority group within Iran, the Baloch face significant challenges in achieving autonomy or independence.

The propaganda advocating for a separate Balochistan is a superficial and self-serving endeavour.

The complex interplay of geopolitical factors, social dynamics, and economic realities makes such aspirations virtually unattainable. The Baloch’s position within the Iranian state is further complicated by broader issues of nationhood, regional politics, and minority rights.

Their struggle for greater recognition or autonomy within a marginalised context highlights the ongoing challenges they face. The notion of an independent Balochistan is an unrealistic idea, a narrative propagated by those who understand its implausibility. The geopolitical and social realities of the region make such a proposition untenable. The propaganda advocating for a separate Balochistan is a superficial and self-serving endeavour. Balochistan possesses immense potential that can be harnessed for both regional and national development. This potential is multifaceted, with each aspect contributing uniquely to the province’s overall promise.

Balochistan’s strategic position, acting as a gateway to South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, presents exceptional opportunities for trade and commerce. By investing in transportation infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and ports, the province can become a crucial hub for regional and international trade.

The province is endowed with rich mineral resources, including copper, gold, coal, and various industrial minerals. Responsible and sustainable exploitation of these resources can significantly boost the local economy, create jobs, and attract foreign investment.

Certain areas of Balochistan have fertile land suitable for agriculture. By promoting modern farming techniques and irrigation projects, the province can enhance food security, increase incomes for local farmers, and contribute to overall economic stability.

Balochistan’s coastline offers significant potential for maritime activities, such as fishing and shipping. Developing ports and harbour facilities can transform the province into a vital trade hub, facilitating international commerce and generating employment opportunities.

The hardworking and resilient people of Balochistan are an invaluable asset to the province’s development. By investing in education, vocational training, and skill development programmes, their potential can be further enhanced. Empowering the people of Balochistan through capacity-building initiatives will enable them to actively participate in the province’s economic progress, driving innovation and enhancing productivity.

The strategic importance of Balochistan, with its vast potential to uplift and transform Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape, has not gone unnoticed by adverse and antagonistic forces. This region, abundant in natural resources and strategically positioned near key trade routes, holds immense promise for the national economy. Its mineral wealth and agricultural expanses position Balochistan as a cornerstone for economic growth and national development. However, it is precisely this potential that poses a threat to those with inimical agendas.

The empowerment and development of Balochistan could lead to a more unified and economically robust Pakistan, a scenario that would inevitably undermine the interests of those who thrive on instability. These elements, recognising the transformative power Balochistan holds, have sought to destabilise the region to prevent it from realising its full potential. The prosperity of Balochistan, with its promise of increased employment, improved infrastructure, and enhanced social services, threatens to reshape the very fabric of Pakistan, making it imperative to scrutinise the forces that perpetuate the region’s challenges.

(To be Concluded)

The writer is a freelance columnist.