BALOCHISTAN has been deprived of the basic utilities of life since the independence and both the federal and provincial governments are responsible for this deprivation.

The tribal influence is so deep that the will of locals is suppressed and they are subservient to what has been told to them by their tribal lords. Tribal lords belong to the conservative school of thought. They do not allow an educational setup to flourish in their province.

They believe that education will make people rebellious, disobedient and distant from the teachings of Islam. Balochistan has been made so unfortunate that neither it is progressing physically nor intellectually. Balochistan is bestowed upon with inestimable natural resources, but it lacks proper infrastructure, heavy equipment and skilled people to take advantage out of it.

But, most importantly, the political will and effective policies are needed because plans are only accomplished when they are executed. The natural resources can prove immensely beneficial for the natives and the country to move on the path of progress. Negligence on the part of federal and provincial governments is making the situation worse with each passing day.

Solely allocating huge budgets would not work. Proper mechanism of monitoring is needed. The legislative, executive and judicial bodies should join hands to save Balochistan and must initiate effective and substantial reforms and projects for the betterment of the Baloch.

The issue is very sensitive and grave and calls immediate attention from the authorities to break the dominance and monopoly of feudal lords in the National Assembly, parliament and the province. The time has come to heal the pains of the Baloch people.

Treating Balochistan on the basis of equality will surely help ease the tensions and end the conflict. The authorities and individuals have to think wisely and act logically upon this issue because we cannot afford to offend the Baloch people anymore.

Indeed, we are one nation, which joined hands some 65 years ago and struggled so hard to carve out Pakistan on the world map regardless of any creed.

So at this point, we badly need to get united and must own equally all the four provinces of Pakistan to see it flourishing as a one nation. We need a united Pakistan, and not a divided Pakistan.

SANA SHAUKAT Rawalpindi