Balochistan should be seen as a place which can provide great opportunities for the people living there through Education, Economic Growth, Social Development and ultimately having a positive future. Due to its large size, Balochistan has huge potential. Being strategic, having vast resources and a young population, there are lots of opportunities arising due to development, education, and infrastructure. However, there are still issues regarding the glorification of violence and those who are associated with militant organisations. Ultimately we should ask ourselves who can make a positive contribution to Balochistan.

It should be looked into when posters and online campaigns are circulating showing women who are part of violent organisations as heroic. Although women play an integral role in Balochistan, they should be celebrated through Education, Employment, Leadership and having a positive contribution. However, this should not be used as an excuse for violence. If there is credible evidence that members of militant organisations are involved in attacks on security forces, members of the public, education, and infrastructure then this cannot be justified. People should not attack members of the public and infrastructure just because they are seen as representing a political cause. This causes more uncertainty for communities and doesn’t help anyone.

Balochistan has suffered greatly due to Militant activities. There have been attacks on Frontier Corps, security convoys, infrastructure and education causing precious lives lost. Many security forces and members of the public have suffered. Schools and universities should be a safe place for our young people to learn. Roads, Power Stations and infrastructure should be helping communities. However, violence is causing uncertainty for families in Balochistan. It is causing people not to invest in areas, disrupting development and putting extra pressure on communities.

There are also concerns about militant activities being glorified online. Online campaigns can make violent people seem inspiring. Some banned student groups and networks have also been accused of links to militant organisations and promoting violence. This needs credible evidence and should be reported responsibly. Any platforms promoting suicide attacks, ambushes and killing members of the public and security forces should be criticised. Any political issues should be dealt with in a peaceful manner through political engagement, dialogue and democracy.

The future for women in Balochistan isn’t just about conflict. Women across the province are going to Higher Education, Employment, Public Service, Healthcare, Teaching, Business and Community Development. Their accomplishments are a true sign of how brave and determined they are. Young women who go to University, become doctors, start businesses and teach children are making a positive contribution to their community. These accomplishments should be celebrated as they benefit families in the long run.

Economic growth can also provide great opportunities. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has brought many new opportunities to Balochistan through transport, energy and connectivity. Gwadar is a strategic location so Balochistan has great potential to become a key trading hub. However, communities need to have opportunities through employment, training, education, transparency in resources and being involved in decision making. Ensuring young people in Balochistan are benefiting will help gain trust from the public.

It is unrealistic to think that development will help all of the issues. Balochistan still has issues with Unemployment, Inequalities in Education, Poor Healthcare, lack of Infrastructure and political and economic issues. These issues need to be looked at by the Federal and Provincial government. Legitimate concerns should be addressed through accountability, inclusivity, dialogue and equal development. Although we shouldn’t support terrorism we should be even more determined to help the issues facing everyday people.

The youth of Balochistan have so much potential. If they have good Education, Skills, Employment and opportunities they can make a difference to their province. Universities, Colleges, Digital Training and Start ups can help give young people a bright future for themselves. We shouldn’t encourage another generation to get involved with violence. We should invest in opportunities to help them become Engineers, Scientists, Teachers, Entrepreneurs and Leaders in Public Service.

History isn’t just made by people fighting the current situation but also by people making a positive contribution to the future. Those who set up Schools, improve Hospitals, start businesses, teach children and improve communities will have accomplished something which will help society. Violence causes destruction and takes away from the infrastructure needed to help communities. Balochistan has amazing talent, culture, resilience and potential.

The future of Balochistan should be created by people who want to build, not destroy. Women should have opportunities to be leaders, young people should have Education and Employment and communities should have peace, respect and positive development. We shouldn’t support the glorification of Terrorism but should address legitimate concerns in a peaceful and democratic way. The real Heroes of Balochistan will be those who make the most of the opportunities. They will turn their dreams into a reality. They are the builders of tomorrow.