
Aafreen Yahya has completed her MPhil in Education from Alhamd Islamic University, Quetta, and has been appointed as an SST (Science) through the BPSC.
Balochistan crisis is escalating with each passing day. Balochistan, the largest province in terms of area and rich in natural resources is facing numerous socio-economic and political troubles. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s (HRCP) latest fact-finding report confirms that lack of governance and persistent violations of human rights; including but not limited to enforced disappearances, custodial killings and harassment of families remain prevalent in the province. Furthermore, provoking factors such as growing regional inequalities and the unequal distribution of resources have deepened the disparity across the province. Researchers estimate that more than 65% of the population in Balochistan’s vulnerable districts live in temporary or makeshift homes. 50% lack toilet facilities and 40% do not have access to safe drinking water. Moreover, extreme poverty, lack of basic health facilities, and the highest illiteracy rate in the province present a nightmarish scenario. The rot does not stop there. The HRCP also asserts that the province’s mineral wealth is extracted for the benefit of outsiders, while its people are denied education, jobs, and fair representation. All this continues to fuel insurgency. Hence, the Balochistan issue is of great consequence and must be addressed urgently. The government must take concrete measures and amend laws to resolve this crisis, because the people of Balochistan deserve justice, which can help steer the youth away from militancy.