THE paradox of Dera Bugti, a district blessed with an abundance of natural gas resources, is striking. Despite being home to five gas fields, the majority of the local population remains deprived of this basic necessity. As such, the irony is further compounded by the fact that even the hometown of the current chief minister of Balochistan lacks access to natural gas.

This glaring disparity raises serious questions about the state`s commitment to addressing the fundamental issues of Balochistan. The absence of a gas supply project in the near future only exacerbates the situation.

How can we claim that the state is genuinely interested in resolving the basic problems of Balochistan when its own citizens are denied access to the resources that could improve their lives? This issue has been highlighted time and again, yet it seems to fall on deaf ears. The Sui gas field, discovered in the 1950s, has been the backbone of the national economy, but the local population has not benefited from it. Instead, the locals are forced to live without access to this essentialresource.

The people of Dera Bugti, and, indeed, Balochistan as a whole, deserve better.

It is imperative that the state takes concrete steps to ensure that the local population benefits from the region`s natural resources. The lack of access to piped gas is just one symptom of a broader issue that requires immediate attention.

Komal Bugti Dera Bugti