# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "Big challenges" by Editorial, Published in Dawn on June 18th, 2025:* The article examines *Balochistan*'s *Rs1.028 trillion budget* with a *public development investment* of *Rs245 billion* and *provincial surplus* of *Rs36.5 billion*, which ostensibly aims to address massive *socioeconomic infrastructure gaps* in Pakistan's most neglected and strife-ridden province. Despite being the country's largest province with the smallest population, *Balochistan* faces challenges too enormous for a few hundred billion rupees to tackle successfully. The province is rich in *natural resources* with a *750km coastline*, strategically located with potential to become a *regional and global trading hub*, yet remains Pakistan's least developed province with *six out of 10 persons living below the poverty line*. It suffers from a growing *separatist insurgency*, *sectarian militancy*, poor governance, and endless corruption. *Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani* claimed to have 'fully utilized' development funds of *Rs219 billion* during the outgoing year, but given the average *development budget utilization* of around *55%*, much might have been misappropriated. The province faces unique challenges as both the *establishment* and *government* view *Balochistan*'s problems through a *security lens* rather than addressing root causes. The growing *trust gap* between rulers and ruled explains why past uplift efforts like the *Aghaz-i-Haqooq-i-Balochistan package*, the *18th Amendment*, and enhanced share from *federal tax resources* have yielded few results. *Bad governance*, *inefficient service delivery*, and *rampant corruption* have curbed progress, resulting in massive *throw-forward of schemes*, *disaffection against the state*, and higher *security costs*. The province's economy continues revolving around *low-value-added services* despite *mineral wealth*, while its *agriculture sector* has been blighted by *climatic catastrophes*. *Private parties* fear investing in *industrial development* as the *Gwadar Port*, the flagship of the *CPEC project* that was supposed to change destinies, remains *inoperative*. The editorial concludes that no amount of money, regardless of how judiciously invested, can address these issues unless *Balochistan*'s *political economy challenges* are tackled first through more than just *kinetic actions*. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: *Balochistan*'s *Rs1.028 trillion budget* with *Rs245 billion* development investment aims to address infrastructure gaps, but challenges are too massive for monetary solutions alone. Despite being Pakistan's largest province with *natural resources* and *750km coastline*, *60%* live in poverty due to *separatist insurgency*, *sectarian militancy*, and *poor governance*. Past uplift efforts like *Aghaz-i-Haqooq-i-Balochistan* failed due to *trust gaps* and *corruption*. The *Gwadar Port* remains *inoperative*, discouraging *private investment*. Solutions require addressing *political economy challenges* beyond *kinetic actions*. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Improve Governance Structure* Establish transparent *governance mechanisms* with *accountability measures* to reduce *corruption* and improve *service delivery*. ## *2. Build Trust with Local Population* Create inclusive *dialogue platforms* between *government* and *Baloch people* to address *grievances* and reduce *separatist sentiments*. ## *3. Operationalize Gwadar Port* Fast-track *Gwadar Port* operations to attract *private investment* and realize *CPEC* potential. ## *4. Diversify Economic Base* Develop *value-added industries* based on *mineral wealth* and move beyond *low-value services*. ## *5. Strengthen Agriculture Sector* Implement *climate-resilient agriculture* practices and provide *disaster management* for *climatic catastrophes*. ## *6. Enhance Security Through Development* Shift from *security lens* to *development approach* addressing root causes of *insurgency*. ## *7. Improve Budget Utilization* Establish monitoring systems to ensure *development funds* are properly utilized beyond the current *55%* rate. ## *8. Create Investment Incentives* Provide *security guarantees* and *investment incentives* to encourage *private sector* participation. ## *9. Address Sectarian Issues* Implement *interfaith harmony* programs to counter *sectarian militancy* and promote *social cohesion*. ## *10. Strengthen Federal-Provincial Coordination* Enhance coordination between *federal* and *provincial governments* for effective *resource allocation*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *Balochistan*'s budget is *Rs1.028 trillion*. - *Public development investment* amounts to *Rs245 billion*. - *Provincial surplus* stands at *Rs36.5 billion*. - *Balochistan* has a *750km coastline*. - *Six out of 10 persons* live below the *poverty line*. - Development funds of *Rs219 billion* were claimed to be 'fully utilized'. - Average *development budget utilization* is around *55%*. - *Balochistan* is Pakistan's largest province with the smallest population. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Balochistan* covers *44%* of Pakistan's total area (*Pakistan Bureau of Statistics*, 2024). - Province has only *5%* of Pakistan's total population (*Census 2023*). - *Balochistan* contributes less than *4%* to Pakistan's GDP (*State Bank*, 2024). - Province has *40%* of Pakistan's *mineral reserves* (*Geological Survey*, 2024). - *Gwadar Port* can handle *300 million tons* cargo annually when operational (*CPEC Authority*, 2024). - *Balochistan* receives *9.09%* share from *federal taxes* under *NFC Award* (*Finance Ministry*, 2024). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *What is the total budget amount for Balochistan mentioned in the article?* A. Rs500 billion B. Rs750 billion *C. Rs1.028 trillion* D. Rs1.5 trillion ### 2. *How many out of 10 persons live below the poverty line in Balochistan?* A. 4 out of 10 B. 5 out of 10 *C. 6 out of 10* D. 7 out of 10 ### 3. *What is the length of Balochistan's coastline?* A. 500km B. 650km *C. 750km* D. 850km ### 4. *What is the average development budget utilization rate mentioned?* A. 45% B. 50% *C. 55%* D. 60% ### 5. *Which port is mentioned as the flagship of the CPEC project?* A. Karachi Port B. Port Qasim *C. Gwadar Port* D. Pasni Port # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Ostensibly* (بظاہر) – Apparently or seemingly 2. *Strife-ridden* (فساد زدہ) – Filled with conflict and trouble 3. *Insurgency* (بغاوت) – Armed rebellion against authority 4. *Sectarian* (فرقہ وارانہ) – Related to religious or political divisions 5. *Brunt* (بوجھ) – Main force or impact 6. *Misappropriated* (غلط استعمال) – Used dishonestly for wrong purpose 7. *Federating* (وفاقی) – Forming a federal union 8. *Uplift* (بہتری) – Improvement or development 9. *Rampant* (بے قابو) – Uncontrolled and widespread 10. *Throw-forward* (آگے بڑھانا) – Carrying projects to next period 11. *Disaffection* (بیگانگی) – Estrangement or disloyalty 12. *Blighted* (تباہ) – Damaged or spoiled 13. *Catastrophes* (آفات) – Disasters or calamities 14. *Flagship* (سرکردہ) – Most important or prominent 15. *Inoperative* (غیر فعال) – Not working or functioning 16. *Judiciously* (دانشمندی سے) – With good judgment 17. *Kinetic* (حرکی) – Relating to motion or military action 18. *Enhanced* (بہتر) – Improved or increased 19. *Curbed* (روکا گیا) – Restrained or controlled 20. *Strategically* (حکمت عملی سے) – In a planned, purposeful way 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. 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Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link*: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y) --- *dawn.com* *Big challenges* *Editorial* *3–4 minutes* BALOCHISTAN'S Rs1.028tr budget, featuring a public development investment of Rs245bn and provincial surplus of Rs36.5bn, ostensibly aims to address the massive socioeconomic infrastructure gaps in this most neglected, strife-ridden province. But the challenges facing the country's largest province — despite its having the smallest population — are too big for a few hundred billion rupees to tackle successfully. Rich in natural resources, and with a 750km coastline, the province is strategically located and has the potential to become a regional and global trading hub. Yet it is Pakistan's least developed province with around six out of 10 persons living below the poverty line. Not only is it affected by a growing separatist insurgency and sectarian militancy, it also bears the brunt of poor governance and endless corruption. In his budget speech on Monday, Balochistan's Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani claimed to have 'fully utilised' development funds of Rs219bn during the outgoing year. Given the average development budget utilisation of around 55pc, we can only speculate how much of it might have been misappropriated. The province is not grappling with the usual development challenges that the other federating units face; both the establishment and government look at Balochistan's problems and population through a security lens. Does the budget have anything in it that can change that view? Unfortunately, it does not. The growing trust gap between the rulers and the ruled is a major reason why past efforts for the province's uplift, such as the Aghaz-i-Haqooq-i-Balochistan package, the 18th Amendment, and an enhanced share from the federal tax resource arrangement, have yielded few results. Bad governance, inefficient service delivery and rampant corruption have curbed its progress, resulting in a massive throw-forward of schemes, disaffection against the state and higher security costs. The province's economy continues to revolve around low-value-added services despite its mineral wealth, while its agriculture sector has been blighted by climatic catastrophes. Private parties are afraid of investing their money in industrial development as the Gwadar Port, the flagship of the CPEC project that was billed to change destinies, remains inoperative. No amount of money, no matter how judiciously and effectively it is invested, can address these issues unless Balochistan's political economy challenges are tackled first — and not just through kinetic actions. *Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2025*