The first thing that pops into mind whenever the Balochistan issue crops up is that development of basic infrastructure in the province ought to be the first priority of the provincial government. While travelling to Quetta the only thing one views while peering down the little plane window is endless stretches of parched land guarded by magnificent mountains with not a trace of an emerald hue in sight that would indicate the existence of life. Yet people are living, albeit in small numbers, in subhuman conditions that are surely beyond our metropolitan imagination.
What the eye does not capture while viewing the dusty terrain is the treasure that lies beneath the golden soil transforming the barren land into the most fertile realm, the kind that pirates had sought to explore for unearthing immeasurable fortunes that promised to transform them into kings and monarchs.
This colossal wealth mocks the backwardness of the province where people remain undernourished bodily, mentally and spiritually. This forces us to realise that water, electricity, hospitals, schools and higher education institutes are what they require on an urgent basis.
The recently inaugurated sports complex and medical institutes in the Quetta garrison by the army chief where land belonging to the army has been dedicated for such institutes where the youth of the province would be allowed to exercise their abilities is surely a welcome step.
Stemming from the realisation that the protracted deprivation of masses needs to be addressed urgently and comprehensively, the army has taken a small step towards enhancing relations and building confidence.
That the total expenditure of the sports complex has been approximately Rs 8 million only is indicative of the fact that resources play a much smaller role in comparison to the will that translate such projects, either small or big, into tangible form.
Projects such as these would be instrumental in bringing many young Baloch closer to their dreams, but is surely not enough. The onus is now upon the provincial government to take over the affairs of the province by exercising their authority and will.
Once the will of the government comes into action the entire socio-economic structure of the province can be miraculously transformed. With development starting in earnest the separatist narrative will automatically lose its appeal.
Talking to a bunch of students from Quetta it was revealed that their main concern had been the acquisition of knowledge that they thought they had been deprived of and the need to be linked to the rest of the country. Modern education, skilled educationists, well reputed institutions, speedy internet connectivity and cool hangouts are some of the things that the youth of Balochistan crave for.
Brimming with an intense patriotic fervour it was announced that a modernised and secure Balochistan was the ultimate dream of the people who dwell there with their existence shadowed by the cloud of an insurgency in which that they have no participation or interest.
LUBNA UMAR
Islamabad
