Syed Ali Shah Analysis :
The decision to demolish the historic Balochistan Assembly building and construct a new one for Rs. 5 billion is not just unwise—it is outrageous. At a time when the province is struggling with extreme poverty, a failing education system, and a collapsing healthcare sector, prioritizing infrastructure over people’s well-being raises serious questions about governance and leadership.
Balochistan has the highest child mortality rate in Asia, with maternal mortality also at alarming levels. According to the Directorate of Nutrition Cell, 54% of children suffer from stunting, while over 60% of women are anaemic. Hidden hunger, a silent crisis, is worsening health conditions, especially among women. The province’s female literacy rate has hit a historic low, and over 3 million children remain out of school. Given these grim realities, how can any rational mind justify spending billions on a new building while millions of people suffer from malnutrition, disease, and illiteracy?
The existing assembly building is not just a structure; it is a part of Balochistan’s history and culture. It stands in a secure zone with ample space to function effectively. There is no logical reason to shift it elsewhere. More importantly, in a province where resources are scarce, this massive sum should be directed towards improving the Human Development Index (HDI). Balochistan doesn’t need more concrete structures—it needs a healthy and educated population capable of facing the growing global challenges.
The priorities of the government must be questioned. Should Rs. 5 billion be wasted on a new assembly building, or should it be used to improve healthcare, provide clean drinking water, ensure food security, and address the devastating impacts of climate change? The answer is clear to anyone who values human lives over political vanity projects.
Shockingly, most of the opposition has chosen to remain silent on this reckless decision—except for Jamaat-e-Islami chief Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman, who has voiced his opposition. This silence is both disappointing and alarming. If those who claim to represent the people do not stand against such misplaced priorities, who will?
Balochistan does not need another building—it needs a future. It needs leadership that understands the struggles of its people. It needs investment in its children, its women, and its environment. If Rs. 5 billion is to be spent, let it be on human lives, not on another structure that adds no real value to the province’s future.
