Pakistan’s Development Hinges on Balochistan Peace
National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser chaired a crucial parliamentary committee meeting to address the pressing issues plaguing Balochistan, a province whose stability is integral to Pakistan’s overall progress. The meeting, held at the Parliament House, aimed to gather suggestions from Balochistan parliamentarians and public representatives to tackle the socio-economic challenges faced by the region and its people.
Significance of Balochistan in National Development
Speaker Qaiser emphasized the pivotal role of Balochistan in the country’s advancement, particularly highlighting the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that originates in Gilgit-Baltistan and culminates in Balochistan. He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the issues of Balochistan and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to find sustainable solutions.
Parliament’s Role in Addressing Balochistan’s Challenges
Qaiser underscored the critical link between peace and progress in Balochistan and urged the committee to focus on ensuring the equitable distribution of benefits from CPEC among the local population. He outlined the committee’s mandate to serve as a platform for recommending viable strategies to address the province’s socio-economic hurdles.
Committee’s Recommendations and Sub-Committee Formation
Recognizing the consultative nature of parliamentary committees, Qaiser announced the formation of a four-member sub-committee led by Dr. Fehmida Mirza to draft comprehensive terms of reference (ToRs) encompassing all Balochistan-related issues. The sub-committee would work closely with a representative from the Balochistan National Party and Defence Minister Prevaiz Khattak to ensure a holistic approach to problem-solving.
In a display of bipartisan cooperation, Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri commended the speaker’s initiative in establishing the special committee and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges hindering peace and development in Balochistan. Minister Mirza and Khattak echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for robust ToRs to enhance the committee’s efficacy in addressing Balochistan’s longstanding grievances.
Call for Swift Action on Balochistan’s Issues
Agha Hassan Baloch, representing the Balochistan National Party, urged swift action on the pressing issues confronting Balochistan, emphasizing the urgency of redressing grievances accumulated over the years. He highlighted the importance of revisiting past recommendations, particularly those stemming from previous parliamentary committees, to chart a path forward for sustainable development in the province.
As discussions unfolded during the parliamentary committee meeting, the collective resolve to address Balochistan’s challenges emerged as a beacon of hope for the region’s residents. With a renewed focus on collaborative solutions and inclusive decision-making, Pakistan’s journey towards sustainable development took a significant step forward, underscoring the vital role of peace and progress in Balochistan’s future.
This article was published in The Express Tribune on June 28th, 2020, signaling a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s commitment to fostering peace and prosperity in the Balochistan region.
