Opinion | Baluchistan and Islamabad: Unbalanced Power

Pakistan, a nation with diverse regions and cultures, has been grappling with disparities in the distribution of power and resources between its federal capital, Islamabad, and the province of Baluchistan. This disparity not only reflects economic and developmental challenges but also highlights the complex interplay of politics, governance, and security issues that have shaped the region’s landscape.
The recent statistics from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, depict a disturbing reality of the economic divide between Islamabad and Balochistan. During the financial year of 2022-2023, it can be evaluated that Islamabad clocked a GDP growth of 6.2%, but Baluchistan’s growth trailed much behind the national average.This economic disparity puts forth the difficulties met in Baluchistan to attain equality and shared development which are, in addition to aggravated by the internal disturbances in the region and security hazards.
Islamabad has been the seat of power that has every now and then marginalised Baluchistan, its autonomous representatives and clear voice into decision-making processes. In spite of the fact that Baluchistan is a larger province in terms of area and population, it has got only 10 billion rupees under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) compared to Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, which received 17 billion rupees during same financial year. Deficiency in resource allocation observed in Baluchistan does show the need of a more democratic system of administration which aims at considering the distinct characteristics and problems of Baluchistan.
Besides the economic inequality, Baluchistan is struggling with several internal conflicts and security challenges that makes the region to have very low stability and therefore these development efforts have become more difficult. There are different cases of insurgency and violence that have taken place in the province leading to an atmosphere of fear with a complete void of trust. The problem has in the past caused negative changes to the society for instance their economy and infrastructure which makes the population to struggle more amid the existing inequalities and to achieve stability and development.
The World Bank points out that Baluchistan has seen a shortage in basic amenities including safe water, health care and education.The province has the lowest literacy rate among all provinces in the country as result of lack of resources and poor quality of services provided in the area of education. On the other hand, limited access to healthcare is a persistent issue as no sufficient facilities and services are covering the whole population. These challenges draw attention to the necessity to pay extra attention to the issue of targeted investments in the region so that the province is able to improve the basic infrastructure and thus increase the quality of living standards of it’s people.

Against the increased uprooting and fighting, civil society organizations, local political leaders and community activists are advocating for reform which will cure the inequality in Islamabad and Baluchistan. The special relevance of The National Commission on Human Rights (NACHR) to the sphere of fair social development, social justice, and peacebuilding in the area has been accentuated. Emphasising the authorities to take immediate measures that guarantee the security and good life of all citizens and free the country from the causes of conflicts and instability, is the way forward.
The unfair distribution of power and resources between Islamabad and Baluchistan, demand a concrete action plan which highlights equitable development, decentralization of powers, and sustainable peacebuilding initiatives. The federal government needs to associate authorities together with the provincial authorities and local communities in order to reduce this gap, encourage an inclusive growth and make possible a peaceful and prosperous future for all citizens.
Pakistan with its efforts has to be more forth coming and shall first accept the unevenness and the conflicts between the Islamabad and Baluchistan. The growing discrepancy in the power, resources, and the prolonged conflict represent an indisputable urgency, thus calling for coordinated actions, governance transparency, and a reawakening the idea of justice and peacebuilding. To overcome the gap, the country should undertake courageous transformations, implement inclusive policies, and support peacemaking strategies. This will support all provinces like Baluchistan to achieve their potential, foster national unity, and bring prosperity and stability to the war ravaged Baluchistan.