The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Abdul Qadoos Bizenjo, has expressed deep regret and disappointment with the federal government’s attitude towards the province. In a recent statement, he highlighted the consistent failure of the federal government to fulfill its promises and commitments to Balochistan. The Chief Minister’s concerns revolve around the non-allocation of funds for the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, and the negligence of federal projects in the province. This article aims to explore the issues raised by the Chief Minister and shed light on the struggles faced by Balochistan in its quest for fair treatment and representation.

The PSDP is a vital instrument for the development of provinces, and timely allocation of funds is crucial for the progress of Balochistan. Despite the Prime Minister’s announcement, the province did not receive its share of funds for the PSDP by the designated date. This raises questions about the commitment of the federal government towards equitable development and regional parity.

Similarly, the NFC Award, which is meant to distribute resources among provinces, has not seen any new allocations since its seventh award expired in 2014. Balochistan, being one of the least developed provinces, is suffering an annual loss of over 10 billion rupees due to the absence of a new NFC award. This has resulted in further economic disparities and hindered the province’s growth potential.

Balochistan’s grievances begin with the non-receipt of its share of funds for the PSDP and the NFC Award, despite the Prime Minister’s announcement. It is rightly pointed out that the federal finance minister and the Prime Minister’s statements have proven to be empty promises. Balochistan, a province grappling with multiple socio-economic challenges, relies heavily on these funds for its development projects and to address the pressing needs of its people. The failure to allocate the promised funds not only hampers Balochistan’s progress but also reflects a lack of commitment on the part of the federal government.

Another significant is the neglect of federal projects in Balochistan, particularly the deteriorating condition of national highways and road networks. The National Highway Authority (NHA) has been negligent in maintaining and improving the road infrastructure in the province, adversely affecting transportation, connectivity, and economic activities. Balochistan’s unique geographical landscape demands robust infrastructure to connect its remote areas, promote trade, and facilitate the movement of goods and services. However, the negligence by federal authorities in addressing these critical infrastructure needs exacerbates the province’s isolation and impedes its socio-economic growth.

The ineffectiveness of the parliamentary committee in addressing the concerns raised by Balochistan needs to be pointed out. Despite submitting their stance based on eleven points, the provincial government’s issues have remained unresolved, indicating a lack of political will and urgency in addressing Balochistan’s grievances. It is crucial for the parliamentary committee to play an active and influential role in resolving disputes and ensuring equitable treatment for all provinces. The Chief Minister’s call for influential circles in the country to take note of the PSDP’s behavior and safeguard Balochistan’s rights highlights the urgent need for a fair and just approach towards the province.

It is important to question the behavior of the PSDP, which has been operating in the Sui gas field without a valid agreement since 2015. The PSDP’s commendable performance in Balochistan is overshadowed by its failure to fulfill its responsibilities towards the province. Balochistan’s demand for the obligations worth more than 60 billion rupees to be considered as its right rather than charity is justified. The federal government’s failure to honor these obligations not only deprives Balochistan of much-needed funds but also undermines its autonomy and sovereignty as a province.

Continuously ignoring any federal unit, as in the case of Balochistan, is unconstitutional and undemocratic. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the protection of the rights of every province, and it is imperative for the federal government to uphold these principles.

To address the grievances and challenges faced by Balochistan, several key steps need to be taken:

1. Immediate Allocation of PSDP and NFC Funds: The federal government must ensure the timely allocation of funds for the PSDP and announce a new NFC Award to promote equitable resource distribution among provinces.
2. Infrastructural Development: Investments in the province’s road network and other essential infrastructure are vital for promoting economic growth and connectivity. The NHA should be directed to prioritize the maintenance and improvement of Balochistan’s national highways, ensuring safe and efficient transportation within the province.
3. Effective Parliamentary Representation: Balochistan’s parliamentary representatives should actively raise the issues faced by the province in the national assemblies. Efforts should be made to enhance the province’s voice and influence in decision-making processes, ensuring that Balochistan’s concerns are given due consideration.
4. Strengthening the Parliamentary Committee: The parliamentary committee responsible for resolving Balochistan’s issues should be empowered and made more effective. It should work diligently to address the grievances and play a proactive role in resolving the challenges faced by the province.
5. Transparent Agreements and Obligations: The federal government should ensure that all agreements, including those involving the PSDP, are conducted transparently and in accordance with the laws and regulations. Balochistan’s rights and obligations should be recognized and fulfilled without delay or hesitation.
6. Socio-economic Development Initiatives: Besides infrastructure, there is a need for targeted socio-economic development initiatives in Balochistan. These initiatives should focus on sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and employment generation, aiming to uplift the living standards of the people and reduce the economic disparities.
7. Engaging Influential Circles: The Chief Minister rightly emphasized the need for influential circles in the country to take note of the behavior of the PSDP and ensure Balochistan’s rights are respected. Engaging with key stakeholders, including political leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations, can help create awareness and garner support for Balochistan’s cause.

It is crucial for the federal government to address these issues promptly and ensure the equitable development and prosperity of Balochistan. By fulfilling its obligations, allocating funds on time, and engaging in constructive dialogue with the provincial government, the federal authorities can work towards building trust, fostering unity, and securing the constitutional rights of the provinces.

Balochistan’s progress is not only essential for the province itself but also for the overall development and stability of Pakistan. Recognizing and addressing the concerns of Balochistan is a step towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for the entire nation. It is imperative that the federal government takes decisive measures to resolve the issues.