Situated in the south-west of Pakistan, Balochistan is famous for its vast untapped mineral resources: copper, gold, natural gas, and coal, yet to be mined. With its strategic position in the Arabian Sea and easy access to the gulf states, Balochistan has gained attention of the world super powers, primarily after the construction of Gwadar port; the gateway to South-East Asia, after the construction of highway under CPEC, would also serve as trade hub for the landlocked central Asian countries.
Balochistan does not only has potential of becoming major industrial hub in future, but with it fertile and dry soil of the uplands and sunny weather is ideal for growing fruits and nuts such as: pears, plums, peaches, apricots, pomegranates, grapes, cherries, almonds and pistachio nuts. An estimated of 90 % of all of the countries grapes, cherries and almonds are produced in Balochistan. Major chunk of the fruits moves to the markets of Karachi, while 60% of peaches, pomegranates, apricots, around 34% of apples, and 70% of dates are exported to other countries.
Fishing is one the main occupation of Balochistan. With extending on 70% of the coastline of the country, marine fishing is one of the major job of many people. The annual catch however is low, about 30% of the total marine catch due to poor fishing methods: however, the proficiency in boat making, considered a valuable skill, is recognisable by seeing the boats manufactured by the contractual workers at the coast by indigenous methods.
Balochistan, a province with one of the largest reserves of fossil fuel of the country, contributes for 40% of thermal energy production of the country. The electricity produced by Balochistan is 2422MW, while the demand is only 1500MW. The surplus is exported to other provinces for meeting the demand.
Balochistan has a variety of sizeable and valuable mineral deposits including gold, silver, copper, iron, chromite and lithium in many more. The Saindak copper-gold mine located near the town of Saindak in Balochistan was discovered in 1975 by help of Metallurgical Corporation of China Limited. The estimated reserves are said to be 410 million tons, of which 1.7 million tonne can be mined. The mining contract given to China’s MCC Resources Development Company limited is extended up to 2035. According to the agreement, 49% of the revenue goes to the company and 51% revenue goes to the government of Balochistan with 6% royalty.
Reko Diq mine with reserves of copper and gold, an estimate of 5.9 billion tons of ore with grading of 0.41% has a mining life of 40 years. Broken Hill Proprietary Company (BHP); Australia and Balochistan Development Authority (BDA) signed an agreement titled Chaghi Hills Exploration Joint Venture Agreement. In 2011, allegations led to the project being declared illegal by Supreme Court of Pakistan. Settlement was reached between all parties in 2022. Overall the project has proved to be favorable for Balochistan, by producing 8000 + job opportunities.
Despite so much potential, Balochistan has remained largely neglected, mainly due to tribal domination and foreigner’s insecurity. Anti-national sentiments and violence against other ethnicities such as killing of Punjabi discourages foreign companies to exploit the resources of Balochistan due to their employee’s safety concerns. Negotiations with tribes and development of infrastructure in Balochistan can help to utilize the potential of the province to its fullest.