Socioeconomic Development in Balochistan

Balochistan has witnessed rapid social change since the 1970s. These changes were augmented by the national and international political situation. The traditional, tribal, and largely pastoral nomadic society of Balochistan gradually transformed into a modernizing agrarian society. On 1st July 1970, when ‘One Unit' was dissolved, Balochistan gained the status of a province and the bureaucratic expansion required educated work force. Thus, the Government of Pakistan expanded educational facilities in Balochistan, but this expansion continued at a very slow pace. Unfortunately, Balochistan is still the most backward province in terms of socioeconomic development in Pakistan. Though, it is the largest province in Pakistan, almost 44% of Pakistan's total area. It also possesses one of the largest blocks of juniper forests in the world. Along with it, Balochistan is rich in biodiversity and possess natural resources in abundance, like copper, gold, lead, zinc, iron, coal, and marble. This article focuses on the various factors affecting the socioeconomic development in Balochistan.