Balochistan’s cause was singularly advocated by a brilliant lawyer and statesman, Mr. Jinnah. He asserted that reforms should be introduced in Balochistan on the same footing as in the other provinces and no change will be made in the constitution without the consent of the province.  

 

Mr. Jinnah set the precedent to fight the case for this most neglected province, and as a result our great Baloch brethren voted to be part of Pakistan in 1947. While it may be politically expedient to only serve prosperous provinces that are truly consequential in election outcomes, we need to set up special provisions for Balochisan to provide it an adequate say in the federal administration.

 

For example, Balochistan had been elevated as the Governor-General’s province by Mr. Jinnah and it had a special advisory council that had direct line of contact and power to advise Governor-General on any matter; this council was not a nominal body and had the power to check, scrutinize the budget of the province and provide recommendations directly to the executive head of the nation. 

 

Mr. Jinnah had created new structures to counteract hierarchism and by establishing Balochistan’s direct and frequent contact with the premier of the country, he effectively short-circuited the country’s own governing structure, built a humane and fair arrangement, and empowered the Baloch people. 

 

Balochistan province is the largest landmass of the country, rich in mineral resources, and strategically located in terms of ports and connectivity with key regions. Progress of Balochistan is necessary for Pakistan’s success, and we should invest in making reforms for the political, economic, educational and social uplift of the people of Balochistan.