By; Tariq Khan Tareen
Balochistan, once considered a hotbed for political nationalism, regional prejudice, and negative propaganda, is rapidly transforming into a region that promotes national unity, peace, and prosperity. The celebrations of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s 148th birthday on December 25, 2024, alongside Christmas festivities, further reinforced this positive shift. These events, held across various districts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Ziarat, Sibi, Nok K, Loralai, and Khuzdar, played a significant role in fostering social harmony and national integration.
On the occasion of Quaid-e-Azam Day, a range of activities took place, including seminars, public speaking contests, tree plantation campaigns, sports competitions, and free medical camps. The primary goal of these events was not only to commemorate Quaid-e-Azam’s struggles and principles but also to remind the public, especially the youth, that his principles of “Unity, Faith, and Discipline” continue to offer solutions to our current problems.
These activities stand as a strong counter to the nationalist and separatist rhetoric that has attempted to undermine Balochistan’s unity. Separatist groups, such as the Baloch Unity Committee and other anti-state movements, have long sought to mislead the public. However, these events clearly demonstrated that the people of Balochistan love Pakistan and yearn for peace, progress, and prosperity. The ceremony at Quaid-e-Azam’s residence in Ziarat, attended by both civilian and military leadership, as well as families of martyrs, was solid proof that Balochistan’s people stand firm in support of the national narrative.
It is disheartening that the mainstream media has often overlooked the positive activities in Balochistan. The media’s focus on the province’s negative portrayal and its amplification of separatist propaganda reflects a lack of responsible journalism. However, these events served as a strong rebuttal to that neglect. The public’s enthusiastic participation, the harmony between different ethnic groups, and the youth’s engagement in positive activities highlighted that the people of Balochistan are progressive and committed to a bright future.
These events not only promoted brotherhood among Baloch, Pashtun, Punjabi, and other communities but also rejected sectarianism and prejudice within the country. Particularly, the Christmas celebrations showcased an exemplary display of religious harmony, as the Christian community prayed for the development and prosperity of Pakistan. These events stand as evidence that Balochistan, once seen as a soft target for separatists, has become an excellent model of national unity and social harmony.
Just like throughout the year, December continued to witness a surge in positive activities under the Project Pakistan initiative. On December 7, 2024, activities under this program strengthened this positive transformation. In Kharran, a literary seminar was held, while sports competitions were organized in Kech, Nasirabad, Qilla Abdullah, and Nushki, providing the youth with healthy entertainment and keeping them away from extremist ideologies. These events challenged the narratives of extremism, prejudice, and separatism, sending a clear message to the youth that their future lies with Pakistan.
On December 7, 2024, the province continued to witness positive activities under Project Pakistan, aiming to provide the youth with healthy entertainment and intellectual and cultural awareness. These events were a remarkable example of promoting increasing positive trends and social cohesion in the province. In Kharran district, a literary seminar was held, attracting approximately 550 participants. The purpose of the seminar was to encourage constructive thinking in society through literature and to inspire the younger generation toward knowledge and literature. Various scholarly papers were presented during the seminar, offering not only valuable information but also helping to broaden attendees’ perspectives. The overwhelming interest from participants was proof that Balochistan’s intellectual and cultural activities are gaining public attention.
Meanwhile, in the sports arena, Project Pakistan continued its activities. Various sports competitions were organized in four districts of the province—Kech, Nasirabad, Qilla Abdullah, and Nushki—engaging 3,650 participants. These events were highlighted by the All-District Kech Mohammad Ayub Knockout Cricket Tournament, which proved to be a perfect platform for the youth to showcase their talents. These sports not only contributed to the physical and mental well-being of the participants but also fostered discipline, teamwork, and a competitive spirit. These activities demonstrate that Project Pakistan is actively working toward peace, prosperity, and development in the province. Literary, intellectual, and sporting activities are channeling the youth’s energy in a positive direction, laying the foundation for a brighter future. These activities across Balochistan remind us that through positive initiatives, extremism, despair, and prejudice can be eradicated. Project Pakistan’s efforts are a guarantee for a better tomorrow for Balochistan, spreading a message of hope, peace, and prosperity.
The continuity of Quaid-e-Azam Day, Christmas celebrations, and the positive activities under Project Pakistan has firmly proven that the people of Balochistan have rejected the negative propaganda propagated by separatists. These events have served as a means to promote national unity, social harmony, and positive trends. By following the principles of Quaid-e-Azam and adopting a strategy of inclusiveness, we can transform Balochistan into a prosperous, peaceful, and flourishing region. The message from the people of Balochistan is clear: they stand with Pakistan, not separatism or nationalism, and their future is tied to national unity and development.
