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. Speaking at the launch of the book Mir Hazar Khan Marri – Mazahmat Say Mufahamat Tak (From Resistance to Reconciliation), he dwelt upon the strategic importance of the province and said it remained the focus of global powers, who fought proxy wars over it since British rule.
There is no reason to dispute the assessment and projection made by Prof. Ahsan Iqbal as by virtue of his portfolio, he has an intimate knowledge of plans and programmes under implementation as well as in the planning phases for all round development of Balochistan. His assertion is seconded by the fact that this year, the Federal Government has allocated Rs. 130 billion in its development budget for Balochistan, which is nearly double than that of Punjab and higher than any other province. A number of mega projects are also underway to create required infrastructure in the province, develop Gwadar as a modern seaport to become hub of regional trade and investment and exploit its rich mineral resources for welfare of its people. As these projects and programmes have the potential to transform the province in the next decade or so, frantic efforts are being made by some foreign-funded elements to mislead Baloch and deny them the fruits of progress and development. The recent terrorist attacks were surely part of the conspiracy to destabilize the province and create hurdles in the smooth implementation of ongoing development projects. The disinformation being spread regarding the grant of a naval base to China in Gwadar is also part of the propaganda war of the enemies of Baloch people. The Foreign Office has done well by prompting rejecting the report and setting the record straight. People of Balochistan are as patriotic as people of other provinces and they would surely strengthen the hands of those working to ameliorate their lot.
