Balochistan’s Development

Article Type

Article

Description

All socioeconomic indicators show a marked difference between Balochistan and national averages. Whether it is the list of Pakistan’s most backward districts, poverty rates and GDP per capita, or unemployment, illiteracy and lack of connectivity, Balochistan ranks at the bottom of the pyramid. There are, of course, inbuilt structural impediments such as a large area, sparse population, low density, tracts of uncultivable and rugged land, dwindling water availability, long distances between few urban areas. Cost of building infrastructure is relatively higher than in other parts of the country and that is why greater allocation to Balochistan under the NFC award is fully justified. However, there are issues of strategic choices, resource utilisation, public investment and development priorities that are amenable to prudent management. What would it entail?

Publication Source

Dawn

Publication Date

11-18-2021

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