Balochistan often takes center stage in conversations about deprivation, with claims of inadequate facilities in the province. While challenges exist in Balochistan, it’s worth noting that other provinces face similar issues. One frequently discussed topic is the province’s role in oil and gas production, showcasing both its potential and the challenges it faces.
Balochistan was the first in Pakistan to discover gas reserves, and in 1995, it supplied 56% of the nation’s gas.
Today, Pakistan’s daily gas demand exceeds 4,000 billion cubic feet, but the country produces only 3,597 billion cubic feet daily. Balochistan contributes 359 billion cubic feet to this, accounting for 9% of Pakistan’s total output. However, only 3% of what Balochistan produces is supplied to the rest of the country, with 6% consumed locally.
By comparison, Sindh produces 71% of Pakistan’s gas, with the remainder coming from other provinces or imports. Globally, Pakistan lags significantly. Iran’s reserves are 32 times larger, and Russia’s reserves are 54 times greater. Even Qatar, a small nation, produces 29 times more gas than Pakistan.
Pakistan’s daily oil consumption stands at 550,000 barrels, but local production ranges from just 80,000 to 90,000 barrels per day. The rest is imported, funded by tax revenue collected nationwide. How much of that burden specifically falls on Balochistan is worth considering in the broader discussion on resource distribution and equity.
Despite its resource contributions, Balochistan faces development challenges. According to the UN, its Human Development Index (HDI) is only 0.312, far below Gilgit-Baltistan’s 0.592. Remarkably, GB’s youth thrive in education despite limited local higher education infrastructure, utilizing opportunities across Pakistan.
A lack of modern skills and education among Balochistan’s youth hinders the region’s development, despite university quotas and infrastructure investments. To unlock the province’s potential, its youth must focus on acquiring in-demand skills to take control of resources and contribute to its growth. The key to Balochistan’s future lies in empowering its people to adapt and lead.
