'Balochistan to transform by 2044'

Iqbal says govt allocated Rs130b for development, nearly double of Punjab

ISLAMABAD:

Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, expressed optimism on Thursday that Balochistan will become the most prosperous province in Pakistan within the next 15 to 20 years, thanks to its immense potential and ongoing development efforts.

"This year, the federal government allocated Rs130 billion in its development budget for Balochistan, nearly double that of Punjab and higher than any other province," he said at the launch of the book Mir Hazar Khan Marri – Mazahmat Say Mufahamat Tak (From Resistance to Reconciliation). The book, authored by Ammar Masood and researched by Khalid Farid, chronicles the struggle of Mir Hazar Khan Marri, who exposed conspiracies against Pakistan.

The minister paid tribute to Marri, a notable figure from Balochistan, for his efforts in educating the people, especially the youth, about the hostile intentions of Pakistan's adversaries. Marri's leadership, he noted, helped guide the province toward reconciliation, unity, and harmony.

Iqbal highlighted Pakistan's strategic importance in the region, surrounded by powerful neighbours like China, Iran, and India. While Pakistan, at 77 years old, is relatively young compared to these nations, he likened the country to a 'newborn' experiencing growing pains but assured that it will ultimately emerge stronger.

Discussing Balochistan's crucial geostrategic position, the minister highlighted that the province has long been the focus of global powers, with proxy wars fought over it since British rule. He remarked that if Balochistan were not part of Pakistan, it could be facing a situation akin to Afghanistan's current state.

Iqbal further stressed that as the first Islamic nuclear state, Pakistan is secure from external threats, and no one can cast an "evil eye" on any part of the country. However, he warned that anti-state elements are actively trying to mislead the youth of Balochistan to further their own agendas.

He affirmed that the federal government is acutely aware of Balochistan's needs and is committed to addressing the province's sense of deprivation. The development of Balochistan, Iqbal said, is intrinsically tied to the progress of the entire country.

Reflecting on past achievements, Iqbal cited the construction of thousands of kilometres of road infrastructure and the establishment of universities across the province to produce highly skilled human resources for the modern era.

Iqbal also highlighted the current government's decision to channel 50% of public sector procurement through the Gwadar deep seaport, a move aimed at stimulating Balochistan's local economy.

In just 16 months, the Gwadar Port has handled 600,000 tonnes of cargo, he said, underscoring the effectiveness of the current government's initiatives, Iqbal said.