Balochistan to become Pakistan’s most prosperous province, says minister

Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, expressing his optimism on Thursday said Balochistan would become the most prosperous province in Pakistan within the next 15 to 20 years. The minister credited the province’s immense potential and ongoing development efforts for his confidence.

“I’m pleased to announce that the federal government has allocated a record-breaking Rs130 billion in its development budget for Balochistan this year,” he said at the launch of the book ‘Mir Hazar Khan Marri – Mazahmat Say Mufahamat Tak (From Resistance to Reconciliation)’. “This is nearly double the amount allocated to Punjab and significantly higher than any other province,” he added.

The minister highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance in the region, surrounded by powerful neighbours like China, Iran, and India. He likened Pakistan’s 77-year-old nation to a newborn experiencing growing pains but assured that it will ultimately emerge stronger.

Balochistan plays a vital role in the nation’s economic development due to its strategic geographic position. Ensuring stability and prosperity in the province is critical for alleviating conflicts in the region. High unemployment rates and inadequate access to quality education represent significant challenges for the province. However, initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) hold promise for harnessing the region’s demographic potential in a constructive manner and serve as a foundation for fostering prosperity across the region and must be replicated in other parts of Balochistan to promote equitable development.