The prime minister of Pakistan recently announced that it would allocate its savings from the global oil price drop, i.e., Rs 300 billion, to major development projects in Balochistan, which include the construction of the N-25 Highway and Kacchi Canal Phase II. The dualization of N-25, which connects Karachi to Kalat, Khuzdar, Quetta, and Chaman, is a necessity, as the poor infrastructure has taken thousands of lives. It holds the potential to increase trade opportunities in Balochistan. While the Kacchi canal project was envisioned two decades ago to draw water from the Indus River through the Taunsa Barrage into Balochistan for a better irrigation system and to provide a water source to the agriculture sector, the promises remain unfulfilled.

The federal government’s decision to complete the project can revive hope for lost economic opportunities in Balochistan

The federal government’s decision to complete the project can revive hope for lost economic opportunities in Balochistan. There is no doubt that such economic projects and initiatives are a long-awaited need of the province, but the current political and social instability in Balochistan can set back the triumph of these economic projects.

The recent events of terrorism have raised security concerns in Balochistan, while Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC)’s protests and rallies continue across Balochistan for Baloch missing persons, causing unrest and chaos in the region. The closure of major highways and routes, which connect Balochistan to the rest of Pakistan, amidst the protest has caused severe disruption for travelers, traders, and the local population, which has caused a shortage of goods across the region, while airfares were raised, leaving people helpless.

There is a mistrust and gap between the center and the province; radicalization among youth is growing day by day due to the unheard grievances and political engineering

Certainly, these development projects are essential and a need for Balochistan’s economic development and infrastructure, creating better economic opportunities for the people of Balochistan. However, the resolution of Balochistan’s current political and social crisis is crucial for the success of the economic projects. It will require a multi-dimensional approach from the state to resolve the Balochistan crisis, as the social fabric of Balochistan has completely worn out. There is a mistrust and gap between the center and the province; radicalization among youth is growing day by day due to the unheard grievances and political engineering. Moreover, the recent terrorist activities has also caused division among local communities, where one community is being specifically targeted in the region. Such instances have tarnished the region’s social fabric.

Economic projects like CPEC, which did bring a ray of hope for economic potential in the region for the locals, are dysfunctional today due to lack of acceptance and mistrust among locals

Economic grievances do exist, where locals want better economic opportunities, infrastructure, and their fair share in the resources of the province, but it alone cannot bring stability to the region. These development projects will play a major role in resolving the issues, but that is not the only solution. The government needs to look at and analyze the crisis through more of a broader perspective to address the issue. Economic projects like CPEC, which did bring a ray of hope for economic potential in the region for the locals, are dysfunctional today due to lack of acceptance and mistrust among locals. It raises concerns about every future development project in the region.

Governments have to seek a more comprehensive and inclusive solution to overcome the crisis in Balochistan. Good governance can play a major role in bringing political and social stability to the region by addressing the grievances of the people, engaging in effective dialogue with the locals, resolving the missing person issue, rebuilding trust in order to fill the gap between government and people by bringing transparency and accountability to the system, and increasing local inclusivity in the politics and economy of Balochistan, where they can participate for the betterment of their province.

Government and policymakers have to re-evaluate and rethink peace in Balochistan, have a multi-dimensional approach to address political, social, and economic challenges of the region

Government and policymakers have to re-evaluate and rethink peace in Balochistan, have a multi-dimensional approach to address political, social, and economic challenges of the region. If the region is politically and socially stable, then the economy can thrive; otherwise, all efforts can go in vain. People of Balochistan concerns are now more than jobs, roads, and pipelines; the grievances have grown over time, while security and radicalization are raising concerns of security, a threat to the state.

Now, it’s high time for the government to engage in peaceful negotiation with people, because the people of Balochistan first need to be seen and heard, then empowered

The crisis has been unresolved for decades now, and many argue that the hard state policies have failed. Now, it’s high time for the government to engage in peaceful negotiation with people, because the people of Balochistan first need to be seen and heard, then empowered. The recent projects announced raise the question over government policies: whether the economy alone can reduce the growing radicalization in youth, or whether economic development is enough to restore peace in Balochistan.

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.