This deficiency reflects broader systemic issues related to gender inclusivity in Balochistan, which continues to hinder the province’s development and governance.

As of 2024, the provincial cabinet of Balochistan presents a dismal picture when it comes to women’s participation. Out of the 19-member cabinet, only two women are present, both belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi serves as Advisor to the Chief Minister for Women’s Development, and Raheela Hameed Durrani holds the Education portfolio. These women are the only female members in the entire cabinet, highlighting the severe gender imbalance.

What makes this scenario even more alarming is the absence of any female representation from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), a major political force in Balochistan and across Pakistan. PPP, known historically for championing women’s rights, has failed to include even a single woman in the provincial cabinet. This zero representation from the PPP starkly contrasts with their traditional stance and raises concerns about the party’s commitment to gender equality in the region.

Female Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) who have not been included in the cabinet reveal deep frustration. One such MPA, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her disappointment, saying, “Despite our constant efforts and hard work at the grassroots level, we are often sidelined when it comes to significant decision-making roles. It’s disheartening to see that gender still plays a crucial role in whether or not you get a seat at the table.”

Another female MPA criticized her party’s leadership for not fulfilling its promise of promoting gender equality. “PPP has always claimed to be the torchbearer for women’s rights, but in Balochistan, we see a different reality. Women are not given the opportunities they deserve, and this needs to change,” she stated.

Experts agree that the lack of female representation in Balochistan’s cabinet is detrimental to the province’s progress. Dr. Saima Ahmed, a political analyst specializing in gender studies, argues that “women’s representation is not just about numbers; it’s about bringing diverse perspectives to the decision-making process. In a province like Balochistan, which faces unique challenges such as tribal conflicts and underdevelopment, women can play a crucial role in addressing these issues.”

Dr. Saima also points out that the exclusion of women from the cabinet limits the government’s ability to create policies that cater to the needs of the entire population. “When women are absent from the decision-making process, their voices and concerns are not adequately represented, leading to policies that may not address their needs,” she added.

When compared to other provinces in Pakistan, Balochistan’s record on women’s representation remains poor. Punjab, for instance, has made more significant strides in this regard. The current Punjab provincial cabinet includes several female ministers who hold important portfolios such as Health, Education, and Social Welfare, while province is being led by a woman as well. Similarly, Sindh, another province with a significant PPP presence, has also included women in key ministerial positions.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, traditionally more conservative, has also made efforts to include women in its provincial cabinet, although the numbers remain modest. These examples demonstrate that other provinces are making conscious efforts to ensure women are part of the political and decision-making processes, a trend that Balochistan has yet to fully embrace.

Historically, women’s representation in Balochistan’s cabinets has always been minimal. Over the years, there have been sporadic instances where women have held ministerial positions, but these have been few and far between. In most cases, women were relegated to less influential portfolios, such as Social Welfare or Women’s Development, which limited their impact on broader governance issues.

The first significant breakthrough came in the early 2000s when the Musharraf-era policies aimed at increasing women’s representation led to a slight increase in the number of women in provincial assemblies and cabinets across the country, including Balochistan. However, this momentum was not sustained, and subsequent governments failed to build on these gains.

The lack of women’s representation in Balochistan’s provincial cabinet is a reflection of deeper systemic issues related to gender inequality in the province. The absence of female ministers, particularly from parties like PPP that claim to champion women’s rights, is a worrying trend that needs immediate attention.

For Balochistan to progress and address its complex challenges, women must be included in the decision-making process. This requires not only a change in political will but also a broader societal shift towards recognizing the importance of gender inclusivity in governance. By learning from other provinces and building on its history, Balochistan can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.