Lack of social policy in Balochistan

Nazish Jameel
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest yet least developed province, continues to suffer from the absence of a coherent and effective social policy. Despite abundant natural resources, its people face chronic poverty, weak healthcare, underfunded education, and minimal social protection. Public welfare programs are often ad hoc, donor-dependent, or politically driven, leaving vulnerable communities without sustained support. The absence of a clear, long-term framework means issues like malnutrition, unemployment, and lack of clean water remain unresolved for generations. Rural women and marginalized groups are particularly disadvantaged, as there are no targeted measures to address their specific needs. Social safety nets that exist elsewhere in the country rarely reach the province’s remote areas, deepening inequality. Without a structured policy, Balochistan risks falling further behind in human development. The provincial leadership, in coordination with federal authorities, needs to commit to a well-funded, transparent, and inclusive social policy—one that prioritizes education, health, and livelihoods, and ensures no community is left behind.