Unemployment, Unequal Funds Distribution and Border Closures Behind Balochistan Unrest, Says Khalid Magsi
ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Balochistan Awami Party and Federal Minister Nawabzada Khalid Magsi has said that unemployment, unequal distribution of funds, and border closures are the main reasons behind the deteriorating situation in Balochistan.
Speaking to journalists from Quetta in Islamabad, Khalid Magsi said the federal government would provide full support to the provincial government to improve conditions in Balochistan.
He also rejected reports about merging BAP into another political party, saying that if any party wished, it could instead merge into BAP.
Magsi stated that previous governments had neglected Balochistan in every sector, including allocations under the NFC Award and the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), which he said deprived the province of resources needed to address long-standing grievances.
“The situation in Balochistan is worsening mainly because of unemployment, unfair distribution of funds, and especially the closure of borders, which has devastated the businesses of millions of families,” he said.
The BAP leader criticized the implementation of “smart lockdowns” in the province, arguing that Balochistan was already economically underdeveloped and lacked employment opportunities. He warned that rising unemployment was pushing young people toward desperation and insecurity.
He said the federal government should focus on the development and prosperity of Balochistan, adding that BAP has always worked to provide employment opportunities to youth and keep them away from violence and extremism.
Khalid Magsi also stressed the urgent need for large-scale funding to expand and dualize national highways in the province, saying dozens of people lose their lives on dangerous roads every year.
He particularly referred to the long-delayed Quetta-Karachi Highway project, saying successive governments had failed to complete it over the past 75 years. However, he expressed hope that funds announced by the Prime Minister would help complete the highway and reduce public hardships.
The federal minister concluded by saying that BAP had always raised Balochistan’s issues at the federal level and would continue to do so, adding that the province would receive full federal support this year to address deprivation and development challenges.
