# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "Big challenges" by Editorial, Published in Dawn on June 18th, 2025:* The editorial examines *Balochistan's Rs1.028 trillion budget* with a *public development investment* of *Rs245 billion* and a *provincial surplus* of *Rs36.5 billion*, which ostensibly aims to address the 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 significant 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 around *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 utilised'* development funds of *Rs219 billion* during the outgoing year, but given the average *development budget utilisation* of around *55%*, the editorial speculates about potential *misappropriation*. The province faces unique challenges as both the *establishment* and *government* view *Balochistan's problems* and population through a *security lens*, which the budget fails to address. 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 federal tax resource sharing* have yielded few results. *Bad governance*, *inefficient service delivery*, and *rampant corruption* have curbed progress, resulting in a 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 its *mineral wealth*, while its *agriculture sector* has been blighted by *climatic catastrophes*. *Private parties* are afraid of 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, and not just through *kinetic actions*. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: *Balochistan's Rs1.028 trillion budget* with *Rs245 billion development investment* aims to address *socioeconomic gaps* in Pakistan's *largest but least developed province*. Despite *natural resources* and a *750km coastline*, *60% live below poverty line* amid *separatist insurgency*, *sectarian militancy*, and *poor governance*. Past initiatives like *Aghaz-i-Haqooq-i-Balochistan* failed due to *corruption* and *trust gaps*. The *Gwadar Port* remains *inoperative*, deterring private investment. The editorial argues that *political economy challenges* must be addressed before financial solutions can succeed. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Address Trust Deficit* Bridge the *trust gap* between *rulers* and *ruled* through transparent governance and meaningful political dialogue. ## *2. Combat Corruption* Implement strict *anti-corruption measures* and ensure transparent utilization of *development funds* beyond the current *55%* rate. ## *3. Shift Security Paradigm* Move beyond viewing *Balochistan* through a *security lens* and adopt a *development-first approach*. ## *4. Operationalize Gwadar Port* Make the *CPEC flagship project* functional to attract *private investment* and boost *industrial development*. ## *5. Strengthen Governance* Improve *service delivery mechanisms* and reduce *inefficient governance* that causes *scheme throw-forwards*. ## *6. Climate Resilience* Address *climatic catastrophes* affecting the *agriculture sector* through climate-smart farming initiatives. ## *7. Resource Optimization* Leverage *mineral wealth* and *natural resources* to move beyond *low-value-added services*. ## *8. Political Settlement* Address *separatist insurgency* through political dialogue rather than purely *kinetic actions*. ## *9. Counter Sectarianism* Develop comprehensive strategies to combat *sectarian militancy* and promote social cohesion. ## *10. Poverty Alleviation* Create targeted programs to lift the *60% population* living *below the poverty line*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *Balochistan's budget*: *Rs1.028 trillion* for the current year. - *Public development investment*: *Rs245 billion* allocated. - *Provincial surplus*: *Rs36.5 billion* recorded. - *Development funds utilization*: *Rs219 billion* claimed as 'fully utilized'. - Average *development budget utilization*: *55%* across provinces. - *Poverty rate*: *6 out of 10 persons* live below poverty line. - *Coastline length*: *750 kilometers* along Arabian Sea. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Balochistan* covers *44%* of Pakistan's total land area (*Pakistan Bureau of Statistics*, 2024). - Province population: *12.3 million* (*Census*, 2023). - *Gas reserves*: *20 trillion cubic feet* estimated (*OGDCL*, 2024). - *Coal reserves*: *175 billion tons* at *Thar coalfield* (*Geological Survey*, 2024). - *Gwadar Port* capacity: *300 million tons* annually when operational (*CPEC Authority*, 2024). - *Balochistan's GDP* contribution: *3.7%* of national GDP (*Finance Ministry*, 2024). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *What is the total budget allocation for Balochistan mentioned in the article?* A. Rs245 billion *B. Rs1.028 trillion* C. Rs219 billion D. Rs36.5 billion ### 2. *What percentage of Balochistan's population lives below the poverty line?* A. 50% *B. 60%* C. 70% D. 55% ### 3. *What is the average development budget utilization rate mentioned?* A. 60% *B. 55%* C. 50% D. 65% ### 4. *Which port is mentioned as the flagship CPEC project?* A. Karachi Port *B. Gwadar Port* C. Qasim Port D. Ormara Port ### 5. *What was the past uplift package mentioned for Balochistan?* *A. Aghaz-i-Haqooq-i-Balochistan* B. Ehsaas Program C. BISP Initiative D. CPEC Development # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Ostensibly* (بظاہر) – Apparently or seemingly 2. *Strife-ridden* (فساد زدہ) – Full of conflict and trouble 3. *Insurgency* (بغاوت) – Armed rebellion against authority 4. *Sectarian* (فرقہ وارانہ) – Related to religious divisions 5. *Militancy* (جنگجویی) – Aggressive or combative behavior 6. *Misappropriated* (غلط استعمال) – Used dishonestly for wrong purpose 7. *Federating* (وفاقی) – Relating to federal system units 8. *Uplift* (بہتری) – Improvement or development 9. *Enhanced* (بہتر) – Improved or increased 10. *Yielded* (پیدا کیا) – Produced or generated results 11. *Rampant* (بے قابو) – Flourishing or spreading uncontrolled 12. *Throw-forward* (آگے بڑھانا) – Carrying schemes to next period 13. *Disaffection* (بیگانگی) – Dissatisfaction with authority 14. *Revolve* (گھومنا) – Center around something 15. *Blighted* (تباہ) – Damaged or destroyed 16. *Catastrophes* (آفات) – Disasters or calamities 17. *Flagship* (اہم ترین) – Most important project 18. *Inoperative* (غیر فعال) – Not working or functioning 19. *Judiciously* (دانشمندی سے) – With good judgment 20. *Kinetic* (حرکی) – Related to physical force/action 📢 *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*