Rich in natural resources and spread over 700 kilometers along the coastal belt, Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of land area. Unfortunately, it has been the least developed province of the country, lacking basic infrastructure and necessities of life.
Balochistan has lagged behind in development and its natives have suffered many hardships since 1800s when the British empire ruled and divided the area into three parts between Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. And now after 70 years of Pakistan's independence, the province has been able to lure in significant investment for the first time, which could open the doors to prosperity for the province.
Our natural resources like Reko Diq, oil, gas, copper, marble, uranium, and the long coastal belt have long been the interest of the west. My message to the Baloch people is that they should whole-heartedly support CPEC as they are in a desperate need of economic opportunity. And I also believe, Balochistan is that speed engine that can jump-start Pakistan's economy
As far as the insurgency and the nationalists' movements in Balochistan are concerned, I believe that it is high time that the issues be brought to the negotiation table by the Government of Pakistan, focusing on solving the problems of the insurgents, protestors and the people within the country's framework. This is the only way we can bring harmony in a province that can be a source of significant development for the country.
At the same time, the people of Balochistan along with our Chinese brothers welcome investors and businessmen from all around the world to Balochistan as it is a delicious cake and everyone should get their due share. Pakistan via Gwadar is the gateway to Central Asia and Europe. In my opinion, we should maximize the benefits from CPEC by opening our doors to other countries like Iran, Afghanistan. Russia, America, and the European countries.
This development however, will not be conclusive without understanding the rights of the locals and the Baloch natives, and giving them their due share in shape of education, royalties, jobs, business opportunity, etc. I believe if the locals are made the stakeholders in the development of the province, they themselves will ensure its smooth progress. This is the only way to end the resistance that we have faced for a long time.
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