ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a seminar called for practical measures to be taken in order to streamline and formalize border trade in Balochistan for the ultimate benefit of its people.
They also emphasised the importance of initiating dialogue to address issues and resolve differences related to border trade.
They were speaking at a seminar titled “Developments in Balochistan,” organised by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), said a press release.
The panelists at the seminar included former Chief Minister of Balochistan, Jam Kamal Khan, Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, former federal minister Zubeida Jalal, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Danesh Kumar, Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Sanaullah Baloch, and Sarfaraz Bugti, as stated in a news release.
Ms @zobaida_jalal laments that there is still so much to overcome & a gendered planning & Policymaking is essential to tackle these issues. The system will have to be responsive towards the demands of girls & boys. pic.twitter.com/xKCT3F5rNy
— Islamabad Policy Research Institute (@IPRI_Pak) June 20, 2023
Ambassador Raza Muhammad, President of IPRI, highlighted the need to bridge the gap between the elite and the marginalised in Balochistan, a province abundant in natural and human resources. Jam Kamal emphasized the restoration of communication and cooperation between stakeholders and the common people to enhance their confidence. He pointed out that the high poverty levels in Balochistan, coupled with inadequate infrastructure, contribute to insurgency and are exploited by vested interests.
Mr @jam_kamal gives his keynote highlighting the importance of human security. He argues that the deprivation & mishaps open space for external actors to exploit vulnerabilities. pic.twitter.com/OjqUYRt4jA
— Islamabad Policy Research Institute (@IPRI_Pak) June 20, 2023
Sarfaraz Bugti stressed the significance of small actions that can make a substantial difference and urged for a fresh start.
Senator @PakSarfrazbugti speaks on the prevalent situation in Balochistan.
Corruption, lack of good governance has kept Balochistan has kept it stuck in security paradigm leaving the development paradigm. pic.twitter.com/LLhkulOXsW— Islamabad Policy Research Institute (@IPRI_Pak) June 20, 2023
He highlighted the existence of two paradigms in the province, one concerning law and order, and the other focusing on development. MNA Danesh Kumar discussed the importance of social cohesion and emphasized the need for equal treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Balochistan. He called on the government to allocate sufficient funds to bring the province’s development on par with other areas of the country, while proudly mentioning that minorities in Balochistan enjoy freedom of religious practice.
Sanaullah Baloch expressed his belief that mega development projects would ultimately uplift the people of Balochistan. Zubeida Jalal, a former federal minister, drew attention to the widening development gaps in the province. She highlighted the challenge faced by the government in terms of unemployment and providing quality education, with 75 percent of the Baloch population being under 30 years of age.
The seminar provided a platform for these distinguished speakers to address key issues and present their perspectives on the development of Balochistan. Their insights and recommendations underscored the importance of taking concrete actions to address the province’s challenges and unlock its immense potential.
