By Rafiullah Mandokhail
ZHOB: Despite the fact that Zhob has geographical and historical importance, but due to the apathy on the part of federal and provincial governments, the fundamental issues of the district are gradually increasing instead of decreasing. Zhob is one of the populous districts in Balochistan, but neither any collective development scheme has been completed nor the promises made to the people have been fulfilled so far.
Few years ago, a group of youth marched with bleeding feet for the provision of gas, thousands of kilometers to the provincial capital Quetta and the federal capital Islamabad, but despite this difficult protest the federal government’s promise to provide gas to Zhob has not been fulfilled. Although the government announced but tenders have been cancelled repeatedly. Due to lack of gas in the region, the precious forests have been destroyed and people have no option but to cut olive trees for firewood use.
Lack of educational institutions, clean drinking water, non-pavement of roads, lack of electricity and unavailability of water are the long standing and unresolved issues. Due to non-construction of bypass, heavy traffic between Zhob and DI Khan has to pass through the main city. Compared to the city’s large population, the municipal committee has very little staff and resources. Giving the municipal committee the status of a corporation can resolve many sanitary related problems. For the last two years, PIA has suspended it operation to Zhob. Despite repeated assurances and announcements, the domestic flights have not been resumed yet. In the previous period, attempts were made to give the status of district to Kakar Khurasaan but it has not been ensured yet. The incumbent government has also promised to take concrete steps to resolve the basic problems, but these promises do not seem to be fulfilled. An appeal has been made to the Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Kamal Alyani to pay attention and provide sufficient funds to the poverty-hit area for resolution of its longstanding problems.