The propaganda machines working against the national integration of Pakistan over the period of time have tried to make it a confirmation bias that Balochistan is deprived from provincial funds. Hostile elements have tried to push this narrative among common people that being largest province of the country Balochistan is not getting adequate share of funds. But other side of the story is, Balochistan is the largest province with smallest population in Pakistan. Therefore, the budget allocation is made after calculating the per capita ratio in comparison with other provinces.
Malicious intentions and pernicious activities of hostile agencies specially RAW in the region of Balochistan are not hidden from anyone. Any step taken for the progress of this province face malefic challenges. On the other hand, an information war to create a discord between the people of Balochistan and national institution is also part of the enemy’s strategy. All such tactics are used to keep the truth hidden and poison the minds of common people.
A focused introspection of Balochistan’s case reveals that the funds allocated to the province generate higher per capita for its people than any other province in Pakistan. A rational judgement considering the facts and figures reveal that average per capita for Balochistan during fiscal year 2019 – 2023 is Rs. 30,027/- that is 1.6 times higher than Punjab which gets Rs. 15,490, 1.4 times more than Sindh which gets 18,664, and 1.6 times higher than KP which gets 15,484. It means that despite of the financial stress faced by the country Balochistan gets substantial financial allocations and socio-economic development efforts. The data rightfully debunks the myths circulating around the province allocation of resources.
However, there is a need to investigate the management of allocated funds. The status of the province shows that there is indeed corruption and mismanagement of resources that result into failures rather than their unequal distribution. In addition to this financial allocation, Federal Government institutions such as Pakistan Army have made concerted efforts to uplift the socio-economic development of the province. 912 quick impact projects were executed in complete province costing over Rs 1.6 billion with focus on provision of water, health, education and employment opportunities.
Major aspects of these projects include; 510 clean drinking water supply schemes, education facilities for approx. 60,000 children through 157 schools, 9 cadet colleges, 2 universities, and 3 technical training institutions. To improve the health sector 5 Combined Military Hospitals are treating around 10,000 patients on monthly basis and treatment of approx. 60,000 patients is being carried out in far flung areas using medical camps. Moreover, the secure environment provided by the Armed Forces has rendered uninterrupted development work on CPEC, extension of electricity facilities, construction of border markets in Chaman and Kech.
Therefore, there is a dire need to take concrete steps against the enemy’s disinformation campaigns and hold all those accountable who are involved in mismanagement of the province’s allocated funds. There should be a critical analysis and proper research on any fake news circulating around on media that aims to create a divide between people of Pakistan and its institutions.