Insecurity, Inflation and Border Closures Have Devastated Balochistan’s Economy; Government Priorities Are Contrary to Public Issues: Sirajul Haq

QUETTA (Daily Qudrat Quetta) – Former Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Ameer Senator Sirajul Haq has said that insecurity, unemployment, inflation and the economic crisis in Balochistan have made the lives of the people miserable. The deteriorating security situation in Balochistan, border closures and the strained situation on highways have limited business, trade and employment opportunities. The provision of basic facilities, education, health and employment to the people of Balochistan should be the government’s top priority.

He expressed these views while addressing a meeting and talking to delegations during his visit to Quetta. He said that the first right over Balochistan’s resources belongs to the people here, and practical steps are indispensable to bring them out of deprivation and a sense of alienation. For the establishment of durable peace in Balochistan, priority should be given to negotiations, jirga, justice and the restoration of public trust instead of the use of force. The issue of missing persons should be resolved in accordance with the constitution and law, the lives and property of citizens should be ensured protection, and the people should be delivered from fear and panic. Due to insecurity, mothers are being deprived of their children, children of their parents and families of their loved ones; ending this situation is the basic responsibility of the state and the government.

Senator Sirajul Haq said that border trade in Balochistan is a source of livelihood for thousands of families, therefore the closure of the Pak-Afghan and Pak-Iran borders and unnecessary restrictions should be reviewed. Relief should be provided to local traders, labourers, transporters and small business owners so that people can earn a dignified halal livelihood. The local population should be given an appropriate share in the benefits derived from the province’s mineral resources, coastline and other natural resources.

He further said that effective measures should be taken for the improvement of the education and health sectors in Balochistan, the provision of employment to the youth, the supremacy of merit and the elimination of corruption. Transparency should be ensured in government institutions and public resources should be spent on the welfare of the people. Without providing education, skills and employment opportunities to the youth, the dream of development and prosperity in the province cannot be realised.