Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan by area. It covers over 44 percent of Pakistan’s total land. Over a period of almost two decades the population density has doubled. According to the 2023 population census approximately 43 people living per square killometer, against the density of the country which is approximately 300 to 331 persons per square killometer. This calculation is as per population which is 14.89 million and an area of 347,118 square killometers.
Therefore, it is the least densely populated province.The low population density is contributed to it’s geographical design such as large mountains. Balochistan is consist of eight divisions which are further divided into districts.
Mostly labour force is engaged in Agricultural sector. According to estimates almost 40 percent of the labour force engaged and employed in agrobased activities. It accounts half of the province’s domestic population. For their living directly or indirectly almost 80 percent population rely on Agriculture. Balochistan economy, therefore, is agrobased. Dry highlands, low precipitation, semi desert environment, scarecity of irrigation water and also poor infrastructure has resulted in slow agricultural growth. The cultivated area is low, only 51% of the total farm area under actual cultivation.
Water scarecity is the major factor of low production.
Wheat, cotton, onion and fodder are major crops whereas fruit production is significant with pomegranates, tomatoes, apples, grapes and dates as well.
Balochistan is naturally and incredibly rich in minerals. These mineral deposits need special attention and development alongwith the opening of new industries. This province is loaded with significant reserves of emeralds and copper, gold at Reco Diq, chromite, coal, iron, zinc, lead, gypsum, marble and gas, the large portion as much as 20 % of the county’s total reserves.
Reko Diq project expected to generate employment, revenue and boost economy at national level. This aims to the industrial growth. Historically, industrial sector didn’t show a reasonable picture, was consist of only two dozen industrial plants in and out of Quetta. Investors were either from Sindh or Punjab. The rest of the industrial base located in Lasbela district which is just an hour drive from Karachi. At present the improved situation refer to the important industries that include mining consist of coal,copper, gold then oil and gas, also renewable energy alongwith agriculture and livestock. Important to note, work is in progress on the significant potential in fisheries and tourism. Another very important aspect is CPEC- related industrial zones such as HUBCO and cement. It is the development taking place around Gawadar Port. It also plan social development by building hospitals and Technical and Vocational institutions for local population. Major projects are Gawader Port and Economic Zone alongwith the development of infrastructure, roads like khuzdar basmia project in order to transform Balochistan into a key CPEC hub.
The good news is that the delegation from Balochistan visited China to explore investment opportunities. Representatives of the delegation included a long list: Pakistan Customs, Gawadar Port Authority, Gawadar Development Authority, district police, civil courts,
Education Authorities, the Fisheries Development and more. Visit to Gawadar sister city Zhuhai also planned among other economic and industrial zones. The goal is to analyse their experience how they have developed coastal economic zone?
This will boost blue economy also.
Another visit to Shenzhen aimed to research it’s transformation into a global innovation and technological hub. Researching as how to apply these successful models to Gwadar Urban planning and economic position.
The most focused areas remain, Urban development, technology, transport, sustenability and energy planning.
China may extend their help to train Pakistani workers in replicating their models.
This important visit and both countries official meetings as always look forward for economic cooperation and investment partnership in the sectors of mutual interest discussed earlier.
Both countries China and Pakistan have been enjoying a best and sincere friend relationship. I have been witnessing their friendship gestures as was fortunate to live near Chinese Embassy during 1960’s and 1970’s in Islamabad and Father with ministry of Finance have official connection with them. It was then, fallen in love with jasmine tea.
Now Balochistan diplomacy will work for Pakistan’s well being. It is certain that the delegation successfully explore opportunities to sign MOU’s and bring expected investments home.
It’s not late to mention a word regarding upcoming 11th NFC Award formula. In regard to population density and developments taking place Balochistan certainly deserve increase in percentage of indicators in the formula.
Balochistan reflects the fast growth in population tend to increase it’s share.
Now with new investments coming in and revenue generation overall increase in Balochistan share will certainly increase.
