Stategic Importance
Balochistan is a mineral- rich state and holds immense revenue potential for Pakistan.
China has proposed an economic corridor to link Pakistani port of Gwadar and Kashgar, a trading hub in Western China
Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline is planned to go through Balochistan
Insurgency
After the 1948 military action, rebellion crisis erupted in 1958, in 1962-63 and 1973-77. Pakistan has even used its air force against the Baloch people to counter insurgency. Fresh tensions started with General Pervez Musharraf coming to power in Pakistan in 1999. There were large scale military build-up in the region which rebels fought against.
Accession
The rulers of princely state Khanate of Kalat, a major constituent of Balochistan, refused to join Pakistan in 1947. It was annexed to Pakistan in a military operation in 1948 and Yar Khan, the then ruler, signed the treaty of accession while his brothers and followers declined to surrender.
Other issues PM mentioned
Laying of power transmission lines increased to 50,000 kms in a year from 30,000-35,000-km earlier
4 cr new LPG connections given in 60 weeks as against 14 cr connections given in past 60 years
Construction of rural roads increased to 100 km a day from 70-75 km a day
20 per cent increase in pension of freedom fighters.
Emphasis on revival of 118 stuck projects worth Rs 7.5 lakh crore
Stress on the strategy of ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’; tried to avoid populism
Food godowns with 15 lakh tonnes capacity built; emphasis on food processing.
Aim is to help double farmers’ income by 2022
90 shut irrigation schemes will be revived; 77,000 solar pumps distributed to bring down input cost of farmers:
Medical expenses of up to Rs 1 lakh for BPL families will be borne by the government.
