KARACHI:
Despite being the sixth-largest district area-wise and sharing a border with Turbat, Lasbela, and Khuzdar, Awaran is disconnected from the majority of Balochistan and the rest of the country. The district was separated from Khuzdar in 1992 but has not undergone any development since then. The poor road infrastructure has made it difficult for people to travel within and outside the district. This has affected the transport of goods to and from the district and limited people’s access to services and opportunities outside the district.
Basic services such as healthcare and education are not widely available. There are few hospitals, which are not equipped with proper facilities and lack staff. Most schools are not operational and the few that are running are in deplorable shape. Teachers do not have any formal training or qualifications. Students who want to sit board exams or university entrance exams encounter many difficulties as they lack access to course items. Internet broadband services are not accessible in all parts, which has intensified the disconnect.
The one highway that connected Awaran with Turbat and Karachi was the main source of movement and income for those living in settlements nearby. However, it was destroyed in the recent flooding and is still lying unrepaired. I request the provincial government rebuild the highway and work on addressing the problems faced by the people of Awaran.
Farhad Hazoor
Awaran
Published in The Express Tribune, November 20th, 2022.
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