Yet another issue, Reko Diq, related to Balochistan has surfaced in media. It is ironic that we have not been able to satisfy the anxiety and reservations of Baloch people and give them their due rights. Mismanagement by successive ruling Pakistani regimes coupled with grievances of the Baloch has played the passage for support of nationalist cause and exploitation by foreign hands to fuel the issue. Its not the first time that Islamabad is facing the challenge to convert the strategic assets of Balochistan into economic opportunities by starting cleanly a mega project like Reko Diq.
Balochs have already serious reservations on Gwadar Port’s development and award of contract and yet we are again repeating the mistake in the case of gold and copper mines contracts by giving it to foreign companies at a throw-away price in Reko Diq, Balochistan. Even Supreme Court has expressed its reservation over credibility of the project.
To resolve such non-issues and to convert the Balochistan resources into economic development, government must express the political will and take on board all stakeholders before planning and starting any development project. Government should have kept in mind the Chamalang Coal Mine project which is being run so efficiently in Loralai district. If the basic demands of the people are being fulfilled, there is no question that they show mistrust on government policies.
MAIMUNA ASHRAF
Rawalpindi