Balochistan, often regarded as Pakistan’s most underdeveloped and marginalized region, is experiencing a transformation that demands recognition. This shift is not merely a matter of political promises, but the culmination of substantial, ongoing development projects that are altering both the physical landscape and the lives of the people in the province. The evolving chronicle of Balochistan today speaks to themes of resilience, opportunity, and economic inclusion, challenging longstanding perceptions of the region as neglected and disconnected.
One of the most significant areas of progress in Balochistan has been in the field of education. In 1947, the province had a mere 114 schools, an indicator of the systemic challenges faced in providing educational opportunities. By 2024, however, Balochistan is home to 12 universities, 5 medical colleges, 145 colleges, and over 300 technical institutes. The provincial government has awarded scholarships to 75,000 students in the past year alone, while the Balochistan Education Endowment Fund (BEEF) currently supports 8,000 students across the province. The literacy rate, which was only 5.5% at the time of independence, has risen significantly to 54.5% in 2024. These statistics reflect the government’s concerted effort to equip the province’s youth with the necessary skills to contribute to and thrive in a modern economy.
The healthcare sector has also seen notable improvements. Balochistan, once limited to a few basic dispensaries, now boasts 13 major hospitals, 18 teaching hospitals, 33 district headquarters, and over 1,000 other health facilities. The establishment of specialized services, including cardiac centers, dialysis units, and tuberculosis clinics, means that residents no longer have to undertake arduous journeys for basic medical care. The state’s investment in healthcare infrastructure has significantly enhanced access to quality medical services for the people of Balochistan.
In terms of energy, Balochistan’s rich resources are beginning to be harnessed with a focus on sustainability and job creation. The $2 billion Hub Coal Power Project, a 1,329 MW coal-fired power plant, is a flagship initiative that not only contributes to Pakistan’s energy security but also generates employment opportunities for Balochistan’s residents. The project has created 10,000 jobs and has launched environmental initiatives such as desert tree planting and coastal cleanup campaigns. This multifaceted approach to development—encompassing energy, employment, and environmental responsibility—underscores the potential of Balochistan as a key player in Pakistan’s broader economic development.
Balochistan’s wealth extends beyond energy, particularly in its mining sector. The Saindak Copper-Gold Project, which has been operational since the early 2000s, generates $60 million annually. This revenue is shared between Chinese operators, as well as federal and provincial governments, with part of the proceeds being reinvested into the local community. The project has facilitated the construction of Saindak High School, which serves over 600 students, and a hospital that provides healthcare to 4,000 villagers. The success of Saindak serves as a model for how resource extraction can contribute to local development, particularly when there is a clear strategy for community engagement and investment.
Further growth in the mining sector is anticipated with the development of the Reko Diq project. With a potential output of 200,000 tons of copper and 250,000 ounces of gold annually for over half a century, Reko Diq stands as a monumental investment. Barrick Gold’s $10 billion commitment, alongside a 50% stake held by the provincial and federal governments, ensures that Balochistan is not merely a passive participant but a significant stakeholder in its own resources. This project is expected to create 10,000 jobs, thereby further boosting the province’s economic prospects.
The Duddar Lead-Zinc Project in Lasbela also represents a key development within the province’s mineral wealth. With an annual production capacity of 500,000 tons of lead and 300,000 tons of zinc, this project is a major economic driver for the region. Notably, 70% of the workforce is drawn from Balochistan, with 75% of that contingent hailing from Lasbela itself. In addition to mining, the project is fostering community development through the construction of schools and the improvement of local infrastructure, thereby ensuring that the benefits of the project are widely shared.
Gwadar, once a relatively isolated coastal town, is now emerging as a critical economic hub within Pakistan’s vision for the region. The Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) is overseeing the construction of the Gwadar International Airport, set to be the largest in Pakistan, which will facilitate the growth of trade and tourism. Water security for Gwadar’s residents is being ensured through the construction of major dams, including the Mangi Dam, which is 80% complete. With its proximity to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Gwadar is poised to become an integral part of Pakistan’s broader economic strategy.
International collaborations also play a crucial role in Balochistan’s development. The UAE’s Urban Poverty Alleviation Program (UPAP) has funded multiple initiatives, including the Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute of Cardiology in Quetta and a date processing plant in Panjgur, which processed 750 tons of dates in 2024. Moreover, investments in women’s education, such as the establishment of a cadet college for girls in 2022, are opening new doors for young women in the region. With additional projects valued at Rs. 388.7 billion in the pipeline, these international partnerships are significantly contributing to Balochistan’s development.
Road infrastructure has been another area of focus. Since 1947, Balochistan’s road network has expanded from a mere 375 kilometers to over 45,000 kilometers. This expansion is facilitating trade, investment, and the integration of the province into national and international markets.
Social safety programs, such as the Benazir Income Support Program and Ehsaas Program, are providing direct assistance to the most vulnerable communities in Balochistan, ensuring that the benefits of development reach those who might otherwise be left behind.
Despite ongoing challenges and the efforts of foreign-backed groups to destabilize the region, Balochistan’s transformation is undeniable. The state’s efforts to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and resource management provide a clear contrast to those who exploit grievances for their own agendas. The real question, therefore, is not about the progress being made but rather about the contributions of those who perpetuate division and unrest in the region. What have these actors truly done for Balochistan’s people, other than inflame tensions?
Against a backdrop of vested interests seeking to undermine this progress, the nation’s investment in Balochistan’s future shines all the brighter. This is not a nation that has turned its back; rather, Pakistan has opened its arms, channeling resources and infrastructure into a province ripe with potential. Balochistan’s future is not merely an afterthought—it is a central part of Pakistan’s vision. And as the province steps forward, every project, every road, every school speaks louder than any critic’s empty rhetoric. This is the state’s answer to cynics: an undeniable, irreversible march toward progress, bringing Balochistan firmly into Pakistan’s fold and placing it at the heart of the nation’s aspirations.
