Quetta's Garbage Crisis: A Call for Urgent Government Action

Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, is facing a severe garbage crisis that has led to health concerns and a decline in the city's aesthetics. The crisis is attributed to a lack of cleanliness initiatives and financial constraints that hinder the city's ability to manage waste effectively. Abdul Jabbar Baloch, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, highlighted the financial challenges, including stagnant funds for sanitation workers' wages and fuel expenses. The crisis affects various localities and has even impacted schools, with garbage surrounding educational institutions. Residents are calling for immediate and comprehensive government action to address the crisis and prevent further environmental and health hazards.

Challenging Misperceptions: The Empowering Journey of a Disabled Hazara Girl

The article tells the story of a disabled Hazara girl from Balochistan who overcomes societal challenges to become an artist, highlighting the broader issues faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the region. It discusses the role of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Balochistan Rural Support Program (BRSP) in supporting PWDs. The article also touches on the economic losses Pakistan faces due to the exclusion of PWDs from employment and the legislative efforts like the Balochistan Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017 to promote their inclusion. The BRSP's collaboration with the European Union and the use of technologies like 3-D printing for prosthetics are also mentioned. Individual success stories, such as that of Samander Khan, illustrate the positive impact of these support systems. The piece calls for a redefinition of 'disability' and stresses the importance of disability-inclusive development.

Exploring the Complex Dynamics of Agricultural Resilience in Balochistan: A Case Study of Mustong and Ispalnji

The article by Muhammad Hussain examines the challenges faced by agricultural communities in Balochistan, particularly in Mustong and Ispalnji, due to the recurring floods and droughts. It discusses the historical context of agricultural prosperity in these areas and the current struggles with natural disasters. The piece highlights the economic impacts of these challenges, such as the cost of diesel-powered generators and the financial strain on farmers due to reduced crop yields and rising prices. The article also touches on the lack of coordination within Balochistan's agriculture departments and the need for government action to support farmers. It calls for a coordinated approach to address the impacts of climate change and for investments in climate-smart agriculture to ensure a sustainable future for the region's agricultural sector.

Path to Prosperity: Balochistan's Dual Battle Against Poverty and Illness

The article discusses the Balochistan Health Card initiative, a program aimed at providing healthcare support to families in Balochistan, Pakistan. Despite covering 44% of the country, Balochistan faces significant challenges with poverty and health issues. The program, supported by the Government of Balochistan, Nadra, and State Life Corporation, offers Rs10 lakh to each family and is accessible through a network of 1000 hospitals nationwide. Poverty rates vary significantly across districts, with some areas experiencing over 90% multidimensional poverty. The initiative is seen as a beacon of hope, but the region still struggles with economic challenges, institutional weaknesses, and low labor participation rates, particularly among the youth. The article highlights the need for holistic and sustained efforts to improve the socio-economic conditions in Balochistan.