Balochistan is the lifeline of Pakistan having mineral resources like other parts of the country. There is a need to devise a national plan to develop and integrate all the mineral resources sprawlingin several parts of the country like iron resources in Punjab, coal resources in Sindh, gold and copper resources in Balochistan, gold and precious stones in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and gold resources in Gilgit-Baltisitan. The country is on the threshold of development and the government, which came into being through a democratic process, has the representation from all the federating units of the country.It should put special emphasis on the mineral development. So far, the national corporations, including Oil and Gas Development Corporation, have become white elephants and burden on the national economy. The purpose for which these corporations were established is far from achievement. Pakistan has strong industrial base with fertile minds and young workforce. The government should work to make a bridge between mineral and human resources by introducing the national plan. The country has various shades of economy. For example it is agricultural country but industry is not lagging behind any developing country. Pakistan is producing best information technology professionals while mineral resources are an added gift.
Commerce Minister Engineer Khurram Dastagir has rightly said that the representatives of Balochistan Assembly hold full rights for the development of the province. The representatives are chosen by the people and are voice of the people. Not only the citizens of Balochistan, but also other parts of the country hold full rights on the mineral resources and one should not forget that the unity of the nation holds key to development.
The National Assembly and provincial assemblies are full of educated representatives and the government also has technocrats in its ranks. A delay in devising the national plan is costing the country of its development and progress. According to Dastagir, it is the responsibility of the members of the assembly and the government to take measures for making progress and prosperity for the people of the Balochistan province.
The representatives of Balochistan hold rights enshrined in the constitution and implemented through the National Finance Commission Award. The public representatives should take steps for achieving progress and prosperity for the people of their respective areas.
The national plan is not the last hope for the development of the country, but it should be implemented sooner than later.
