There are moments in a country’s history when the untapped potential coincides with the significant national needs—Balochistan’s mineral resources represent such an opportunity for Pakistan today. Balochistan is often seen as the treasure trove, blessed with vast mineral wealth, including extensive reserves of copper and gold located in Reko Diq, along with significant resources of rare earth elements, coal, and chromite. The resources in the region have the potential to steer Pakistan’s economic revival and elevate its presence in the global mining sector. For that reason, the recently proposed mines and mineral act 2025 intends to modernize the industrial landscape, optimize investment process and enhance transparency in industry that has long been overlooked.

Is it possible for these reforms to truly take hold and flourish without integrating political discourse with the interests of each province?

Pakistan faces significant external debt, trade deficits, and economic stagnation. This situation points to the importance of its assets. With the burgeoning concerns for mining security and the growing global demand for rare earth elements, there are opportunities to turn Pakistan’s natural resources into significant benefits for the country itself. This program is actively seeking foreign investment and is expected to be a major job creator for long-term sustainable development. However, despite the positive economic outlook, there is still concern. Is it possible for these reforms to truly take hold and flourish without integrating political discourse with the interests of each province?

In Balochistan, where people perceive deprivation and disconnection from decisions that significantly impact their land, culture, and future; such an approach is likely to be exploited rather than empowered

As for the timing and structure of these acts, they raise a serious question, especially of Balochistan, a province with long-standing grievances and unrest. Many people in Balochistan see the proposed initiative to delegate authority to federal institutions as a step back from the enhanced provincial autonomy over natural resources established by the 18th Amendment, as it increases uncertainty in the region. In Balochistan, where people perceive deprivation and disconnection from decisions that significantly impact their land, culture, and future; such an approach is likely to be exploited rather than empowered.

Furthermore, the neglect of local perspectives in this spiritually vibrant yet politically unstable province exacerbates the situation. What individuals fear is not the acceleration of development, but rather the absence of transparency, inequitable wealth distribution, and lack of local engagement in both planning and implementation. In the absence of these three essentials, as demonstrated by projects such as Gwadar and Saindak, they ultimately estrange rather than advantage the local populace.

When people are denied a voice, even gold in the mines means nothing

Indeed, the argument for mining reform from an economic standpoint is persuasive, but true prosperity cannot be built on foundations of mistrust and marginalization. When people are denied a voice, even gold in the mines means nothing. Without inclusive consultation, equitable benefit-sharing, and labor safeguards, the act could deepen the divide between the state and Baloch citizens. Development cannot be imposed; it must be co-created.

To harness the vast potential of Balochistan for national progress, the government of Pakistan must complement legislative reforms with political dialogue, ensure inclusive governance, secure community support, provide sustainable employment opportunities, limit federal overreach, and introduce transparent policies for fair revenue sharing. While the potential is indeed enormous, it alone cannot guarantee lasting peace.

If managed inclusively and transparently, mineral development in Balochistan could transform the province’s socio-economic landscape and strengthen national cohesion

As Government of Pakistan is currently showing a renewed and ambitious interest in extracting its mineral wealth, particularly from Balochistan. However, this ambition risks repeating historical mistakes if it follows the same top-down, forceful approaches of the past. There lies a critical choice: either pursue extractive development that alienates local populations further or adopt a genuinely community-led, participatory model that prioritizes local voices, safeguards livelihoods, and ensures fair distribution of benefits.

If managed inclusively and transparently, mineral development in Balochistan could transform the province’s socio-economic landscape and strengthen national cohesion. But if mishandled, it will deepen existing divides, foster mistrust, and undermine long-term peace. The path Pakistan chooses now will determine whether its mineral wealth becomes a source of unity or a trigger for further unrest.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.