Balochistan

Pakistan’s largest province, Balochistan constitutes about 43.6 percent of the total area. Its clustered population constitutes to the smallest in proportion, compared to that of other provinces. Because of the unique geographical location, the population census of 2017 census shows the number as 12.34 million, representing a low density per square kilometre. The physical speciality of Balochistan can be divided in to four distinct zones: Upper high lands, lower high lands, plains, and desert. The leading ethnic groups here are the Baloch people and the Pashtuns, who constitute about 52% and 36% of the population. Rest of the community came from different nations as well as tribes. The name of the province ‘Balochistan’ actually means “the land of the Baloch” in many regional languages.

Ancient history reveals that Balochistan has credible importance from the time of Stone Age. Recently an in depth research and archaeological excavations took place at Mehrgarh, which has exposed a long 9000 years old civilization. As per the findings, the human settlement pattern at Mehrgarh was incomparable and exceptional, which represents a progressive shift from a hunting & gathering to a settled life for the first time in human history. This shows the supremacy of human ownership of land and collective living.

Apart from that Balochistan has extensive potential of metallic and non-metallic minerals most of the mines are unexplored and untouched. At present, the minerals being explored are: Coal, Chromite, Barite, Sulphur, Marble, Iron Ore, Quartzite, Limestone, Copper, Lead, Zinc, Gold etc. Rest of the minerals still remain untouched. In short Balochistan can be considered as the paradise of minerals and the focus point of mining industry. There are many native as well as international companies invest into the mines over here. As per the demand, the agreements may be short term or long term. It is a location with high demand and opportunities for the new comers in the industry.