Balochistan: Overview of its Geo-economic and Socio-economic Perspectives

Abstract

This study gives an overview of geo-economic and socio-economic perspectives of Balochistan. The research methodology of descriptive analysis is used to highlight the objectives of this study on thematic analysis outcomes. The findings of the study show paradoxical themes that Balochistan is the largest and resourceful yet the least developed province of Pakistan. The major portion of population comprises of youth but not skilled enough to find decent works for livelihood earnings. Political awareness is present, but the government is made on the consent of governments formed at federal level. Economic snapshots reveal that resource-rich attributes of the province are associated with the lowest socio-economic indices across all districts of the province. The natural cum geo-economic importance and resources abundance have not contributed for socio-economic development of this backward province of Balochistan. Unemployment, low skills development, zero industrialization and socio-economic backwardness are main economic issues responsible for the lowest development of the province. The policy recommendations include the implementation of comprehensive development policies for natural resource development, human capital formation of its labor force, coastal area development, development of Gwadar sea-port, enhancing capacity building of the provincial government departments, rule of law, investment for socio-economic development and mainstreaming the local population in macro decision making for the development of the least developed province of Balochistan.