Abdul Basit Alvi
A recent and noteworthy example of DG ISPR’s outreach occurred during an interaction with students at Balochistan University. In this session, DG ISPR shared compelling facts and figures about Balochistan, highlighting Pakistan’s contributions and services to the province. He informed the students that Balochistan is the largest province by area, covering 45% of Pakistan’s territory, yet it has a relatively small population of 15 million. Despite this, the province enjoys special status within Pakistan, with significant resources allocated to its development. He outlined that in the fiscal year 2023-24, Balochistan received an NFC share of 481 billion rupees, while the total tax collected from the province was 33.7 billion. Additionally, the federal government provided 96 billion rupees in 2022-2023, and Balochistan received 29 billion rupees in royalties during the same period. Moreover, foreign-funded projects contributed around 18 billion rupees to Balochistan’s development.
DG ISPR also pointed out the impressive progress in education and healthcare in the province. In 1947, Balochistan had just 114 schools, whereas today it boasts 15096 schools, 12 universities, 5 medical colleges, 145 colleges, 13 cadet colleges, and 321 technical institutes. He emphasized that this remarkable transformation has been made possible through the collective efforts of the entire nation. In the healthcare sector, DG ISPR highlighted how Balochistan has evolved from having only 3 hospitals and 6 dispensaries in 1947 to now having 13 major hospitals, 18 teaching hospitals, 33 district hospitals, 756 Basic Health Units, 541 dispensaries, 4 cardiac centers, 8 TB centers, and 24 dialysis centers.
These figures not only reflect the significant investments made in Balochistan’s development but also underscore Pakistan’s commitment to uplifting the province and its people. Through such interactions, DG ISPR continues to foster a deeper understanding of the army’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s progress, particularly in its most underserved regions. This journey has been one of shared progress between Pakistan and Balochistan. In 1947, Balochistan had only 375 km of roads, but today the province boasts an extensive network of 45,640 km of roads.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, holds immense strategic importance both geographically and economically. Often referred to as the country’s gateway to the Arabian Sea, it serves as a crucial link between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. While the province’s significance is evident—due to its abundant natural resources and pivotal geopolitical location—its development has historically been hindered by challenges such as political unrest and security issues. Despite these obstacles, the collective efforts of Pakistan and Balochistan have driven significant progress in recent years. Despite the challenges, the Pakistani government has made significant efforts over the years to integrate Balochistan more fully into the national framework, addressing its socio-economic issues and creating opportunities for growth. The province’s geographical importance to Pakistan cannot be overstated. Situated at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Balochistan plays a pivotal role in regional connectivity, trade, and security.
One of Balochistan’s most valuable assets is the Gwadar Port, a deep-sea port located on the Arabian Sea. Gwadar has the potential to transform Pakistan into a key trading hub, connecting landlocked Central Asia and Afghanistan to international markets. The port’s strategic location is set to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, providing the country with a significant geopolitical advantage. Additionally, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major infrastructure and energy project, runs through Balochistan, further increasing the province’s importance for Pakistan’s economic future. CPEC aims to link Gwadar with China’s Xinjiang province via a network of roads, railways, and pipelines, creating new trade routes and opening up opportunities for economic collaboration between the two countries. This connectivity is expected to boost Pakistan’s economy by fostering regional trade and attracting investments to Balochistan.
The province’s strategic location also places it at the heart of regional geopolitics. Balochistan’s proximity to the Middle East and vital oil shipping routes highlights its significance not only for Pakistan’s national security but also for broader regional stability.
DG ISPR also visited Jamia Ashrafia Lahore, where he engaged with scholars, religious leaders, and students to address concerns and clear up misconceptions about the Pakistan Army. This direct engagement reflects the ongoing efforts to build trust and bridge gaps between the military and various segments of society. The session offered a valuable platform for open dialogue, where participants had the opportunity to ask questions directly to the DG ISPR, who responded with clarity, generosity, and well-reasoned insights. This exchange played a crucial role in dispelling long-held uncertainties and misconceptions, effectively countering unfounded narratives that had been circulated without proper research about the Pakistan Army. The participants expressed great satisfaction and encouragement from the DG ISPR’s thoughtful responses. They reaffirmed their strong and unwavering support for the Pakistan Army, recognizing it as a symbol of national pride and honor. The religious community, along with the broader nation, voiced their collective commitment to standing firmly with Pakistan’s armed forces, both now and in the future. This meeting highlighted the strong unity between religious schools of thought and the Pakistan Army in safeguarding the nation’s integrity and security. It underscored the importance of collective efforts to protect the country’s core values and interests.
The spread of anti-military propaganda and misinformation has serious consequences for a nation’s security, stability, and social cohesion. In Pakistan, as in many countries, the military plays a crucial role in national defense, maintaining law and order, managing disaster responses, and supporting national development. Therefore, any attempt to undermine the military through misleading or false narratives can destabilize the country and erode the trust necessary for effective governance.
DG ISPR has played a pivotal role in presenting a clear and accurate picture, countering misinformation, and addressing misconceptions. His efforts in engaging with the youth have been instrumental in reducing misperceptions and strengthening civil-military relations. The people and youth of Pakistan are united in confronting both internal and external challenges. Any malicious attempts to create divisions or foster animosity between the civilian population and the military will ultimately fail.
