To What Extent Does The Mineral Wealth in Balochistan Dictate The Politics of Power and Control?

Abstract

Balochistan is one of Pakistan’s most geostrategic provinces, and a major global trade route. With its significance and worth rising with the China- Pakistan Economic Corridor and the growing need for prevalence of stability and security. The mountainous desert terrain, holds a wide array of minerals, and is home to many insurgent groups. These groups need to be controlled in order for the entire country to benefit from the development of Balochistan. Given the historical, political & social background of the region, the role of resources is put to question and the relationship between presence of minerals and the conflict in the province is analyzed