The Beaconhouse National University (BNU) Center for Policy Research (BCPR) has unveiled the second edition of "The Policy Beacon," titled "Balochistan Falls Far Behind." Authored by Dr. Hafiz A. Pasha, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Economics at the School of Business, BNU, and Director of BCPR, this groundbreaking policy brief series delves into the critical issues affecting Pakistan, providing expert analysis and policy recommendations to decision-makers.

Key Highlights from "Balochistan Falls Far Behind"

In the report, Dr. Pasha explores the economic performance and development challenges faced by Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province. The key highlights of the second edition include:

• Population Disparity: Despite its vast land area, Balochistan represents only 6.2% of Pakistan's total population.
• Gross Regional Product (GRP) Gap: Balochistan's per capita Gross Regional Product (GRP) has fallen significantly behind the national per capita GDP over the past two decades. In 1999-2000, it was 75% of the national average, but by 2021-22, it had declined to only 44%.
• Comparative Performance: Balochistan's per capita GRP, which was higher than that of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in 1999-2000, has been surpassed by the latter, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa now boasting a per capita GDP nearly double that of Balochistan.
• Low Growth Rate: Balochistan has experienced a consistently low and declining growth rate, with a GDP growth rate of only 2.1% from 1999-2000 to 2018-19, significantly below its population growth rate of 3.2%. In contrast, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has emerged as the most dynamic economy during the same period.
• High Incidence of Poverty: Balochistan suffers from the highest incidence of poverty among the provinces, with over 71% of its population classified as poor in 2014-15, according to the Multidimensional Poverty Index.
• Underlying Factors: Several factors contribute to Balochistan's underdevelopment, including a severe shortage of water for agriculture, low population density, inadequate governance capacity and accountability, under-exploitation of mineral resources, and a relatively underdeveloped private sector.
• Development Strategy: The report emphasizes the need for a targeted development strategy for Balochistan, focusing on sectors where the province has a comparative advantage, such as agriculture and minor crops.

These highlights underscore the pressing economic challenges faced by Balochistan and emphasize the imperative for tailored development strategies to address them. "The Policy Beacon" series, with its multidisciplinary approach, continues to serve as a beacon of knowledge and expertise, illuminating the path toward informed policy decisions in Pakistan.

For more details and to access the full report, visit:
The Policy Beacon (2nd edition) - Balochistan Falls Far Behind

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BNU Center for Policy Research (BCPR)