By Muneeb Ur Rahman
Balochistan’s journey towards socio-economic development has been hindered by a complex interplay of factors rooted in its historical legacy, geography, low population density, and the absence of a vibrant middle class and social structure.
It is sad to observe how the development of Balochistan is ignored from a geographical and historical point of view. Centuries of marginalization due to its harsh geography and history while depicting the scarcity of water have impeded socio economic progress of the province.
Although due to its location at the intersection of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Balochistan has always been regarded as a region of great strategic importance and has been subjected to a series of invasions. Including those by Persian, Arab, and British forces, each leaving their imprint on the socio-economic fabric of Balochistan.
However, the colonial legacy, in particular, has left deep-seated inequalities and power imbalances that continue to shape the province’s socio-economic landscape. British colonial efforts in Balochistan were primarily focused on maintaining control for strategic military purposes rather than fostering infrastructural or socio-economic development. Even though the railway tracks in the province were designed to facilitate troop movements and logistical support, the tracks served strategic purposes rather than primarily benefiting civilian transportation or economic development in the region.
This largest province is characterized by its harsh and unforgiving geography, which has historically posed significant challenges to human habitation and survival. Unlike other regions of Pakistan, Balochistan lacks significant river systems, with no major perennial rivers flowing through its terrain. Instead, the province relies on seasonal streams and underground aquifers for water supply, making access to water a perennial challenge for its inhabitants. The harsh geography characterized by vast deserts, rugged mountains, and sparse water resources, makes it less conducive to the establishment of agricultural settlements or urban centers compared to other regions.
The low population density in Balochistan is another significant factor and challenge for its socioeconomic development. The province has a population density that is far lower than the national average, making it difficult to get economies of scale when it comes to infrastructure and public services. The cost of providing essential services such as transportation, electricity, healthcare, and education per capita is considerably higher compared to more densely populated regions. Additionally, the limited population base means that revenue generation through taxes is comparatively lower, making it difficult to finance large-scale infrastructure projects and sustain public services without significant subsidies from the federal government.
There are also peculiar difficulties and challenges because of the demographic makeup of Balochistan. It is commonly observed that the name Balochistan is perceived as the province representing only the Baloch. This is not correct. Balochistan is home to a mosaic of ethnic and tribal groups, each with its distinct cultural heritage, socioeconomic dynamics, and linguistic identity.
The province is primarily inhabited by the Baloch, Pashtun, and Brahui ethnic groups, alongside smaller communities such as Hazaras, Sindhis, Punjabis, and Saraikis. The Baloch, primarily inhabit the western and southern parts of Balochistan. Pashtuns are concentrated in the northern and eastern regions of Balochistan. Additionally, smaller ethnic groups such as the Hazaras, Sindhis, and Punjabis, who are mainly concentrated in urban centers like Quetta and its surrounding areas contribute to the province’s diverse demographic landscape.
Balochistan, in contrast to other regions of the country where the middle class acts as an engine of prosperity and stability, lacks a vibrant middle class. The province is pigeon-holed by a stark divide between a tiny but powerful class of tribal chieftains, a struggling lower class, a small group of public sector employees, and a segment of politicians who wield pro rata influence due to their close connections to the state apparatus.
This deeply ingrained system of patronage suppresses dissenting voices and perpetuates a culture of reliance on pro-rata tribal leaders rather than enabling communities to participate in decision-making. This imbalance restricts economic mobility and keeps differences within the province alive. This is further challenged by a weak entrepreneurship class, and the majority of the population’s primary dependence on government jobs and subsistence farming for their livelihoods, which hinders economic diversification and diminishes social cohesion, and hampers efforts to build consensus around development priorities.
Finally, it may be concluded that Balochistan has complex and deeply ingrained socioeconomic challenges that are a result of its historical legacy, geography, demography, bad governance, corruption, low and scattered population, and social structure. In order to effectively address these challenges, a comprehensive strategy that recognizes the complexity of the above factors, the province’s environment, and works to empower local communities, promotes inclusive development, and encourages economic diversification can effectively unlock the potential of Balochistan to construct a more prosperous and equitable future for its populace.
Author: Muneeb Ur Rahman – Research officer at Balochistan Think Tank Network at BUITEMS., Quetta.
(The views expressed in this article belong only to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights).
Image Credit: AFP