Balochistan, a region of breathtaking landscapes and untapped potential, has long awaited a transformation. For years, its vast stretches of land remained dry and underdeveloped, as if time had forgotten this part of Pakistan. But today, a different story is unfolding—a story of hope, progress, and resilience.
Wearing a traditional Baloch turban, Minister Ahsan Iqbal recently walked through the golden wheat fields of Dera Bugti alongside Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti. This moment was more than just a visit; it symbolized the revival of a region once left behind.
As Minister Iqbal took in the aerial view of lush green fields stretching across Dera Bugti, he remarked that this was not a scene from Punjab but the reality of a flourishing Balochistan. This transformation is the result of a vision long held by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), first envisioned by Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and carried forward with determination by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The Kachi Canal: A Game Changer for Balochistan
Once just an idea on paper, the Kachi Canal has now become a beacon of hope, breathing life into thousands of acres of barren land. Minister Ahsan Iqbal, one of the key figures in turning this dream into reality, was welcomed by local farmers whose lives have been forever changed. Their once despairing faces now shine with pride as they showcase their golden crops—an unimaginable sight just a few years ago.
However, this progress did not come without challenges. The devastating 2022 floods wreaked havoc on the Kachi Canal, cutting off the water supply that had become the lifeline of many farmers. But under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, the federal government acted swiftly, restoring water flow just in time for the Rabi crop season. Today, those same fields that were once dry and lifeless are thriving—a testament to the resilience of the people and the unwavering commitment of the government.
A Vision Beyond Infrastructure: Investing in People
During his visit, Minister Iqbal didn’t just inspect the progress; he connected with the farmers, listened to their struggles, and celebrated their successes. “Development is not just about policies and projects—it’s about people,” he emphasized. “I am here not as a distant leader, but as a friend and ally, committed to ensuring that Balochistan gets its fair share in Pakistan’s progress.”
Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti also praised Minister Iqbal’s dedication, declaring that the people of Balochistan would always remember his efforts in bringing prosperity to the province. This moment was more than just political—it was a promise that development would reach every corner of Pakistan, not just urban centers.
Education: The Key to Balochistan’s Future
While the Kachi Canal has ushered in an agricultural revolution, Minister Iqbal’s vision extends beyond farming. At the signing ceremony of an agreement with Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), he passionately emphasized the power of education.
“Education is the greatest equalizer,” he stated, highlighting how PML-N has always prioritized the education sector in Balochistan. During his last tenure, he led the establishment of universities in Noshki, Pashin, Wadh, and Gwadar, while strengthening institutions like BUITEMS, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, and the University of Balochistan. These institutions are now nurturing the next generation of Baloch leaders, engineers, and innovators.
Girls’ education, often neglected in remote regions, is also a key priority. “An educated girl transforms generations,” Minister Iqbal reminded the audience, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that Balochistan’s daughters have the same opportunities as its sons.
Connectivity: Bringing Balochistan Closer to Pakistan
Development is not just about water and education—it’s about connectivity. Minister Iqbal recalled that until 2013, there was no direct road linking Gwadar to the rest of Pakistan. Under the PML-N government, a 650-kilometer highway was built, transforming the economic landscape of the region. What was once a place of isolation is now a hub of trade and opportunity.
However, progress has always faced resistance. Anti-state elements, fearing development, targeted the workers of Frontier Works Organization (FWO) who built these roads. But despite the threats, the government remained steadfast. “Neither then, nor now, will we back down from our mission to bring development and peace to Balochistan,” Minister Iqbal asserted.
A Sustainable Future: Uraan Pakistan Framework
Balochistan’s transformation aligns with the federal government’s ‘Uraan Pakistan’ framework, a roadmap designed to uplift every province through Productivity, Quality, and Innovation. Under this initiative:
✔ Agricultural advancements like the Kachi Canal are boosting food security.
✔ Education and human capital development are creating skilled professionals for the economy.
✔ Infrastructure projects like roads and highways are bridging gaps and opening trade routes.
✔ Industrial collaborations with companies like Pakistan Petroleum Limited are bringing investment into local communities.
Minister Iqbal’s visit was not just about reviewing progress—it was about laying the foundation for a self-sufficient, prosperous Balochistan. The Uraan Pakistan initiative ensures that this growth is sustainable, empowering the province to become a key player in Pakistan’s economic future.
As Minister Ahsan Iqbal stood in the middle of a once-barren field, now golden with ripe wheat, the significance of this moment was clear. This transformation is not just about water, roads, or schools—it’s about dignity. It’s about ensuring that the people of Balochistan are no longer left behind.
