Government Negligence Has Left Western Borders in Permanent Trauma; Poverty in Balochistan, KP Resembles Congo: Sana Baloch

**QUETTA (Special Report):** Former Senator of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), **Sana Baloch**, has strongly criticized the federal government and national media for ignoring the severe socio-economic and security crises facing **Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa**, especially amid the ongoing Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions.

In a statement posted on social media platform **X (formerly Twitter)**, Baloch said it is tragic that **national media continues to focus on superficial topics** while meaningful debate on the grave challenges confronting Pakistan’s western provinces is entirely absent.

He remarked that **both provinces—forming Pakistan’s western frontier—have become the most neglected regions in the country**, despite bearing the brunt of regional instability and economic deprivation.

Criticizing government policies, he said **employment opportunities are almost nonexistent**, **economic activities have collapsed**, and the **levels of poverty and underdevelopment** in these areas now **mirror those of South Sudan, Congo, and Bangui (Central African Republic)**.

Baloch stressed that it is time for the government to **move beyond cosmetic narratives** and address the **root causes of deprivation, injustice, and alienation** that have inflicted deep and lasting wounds on the people living along Pakistan’s western border belt.