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HRCP fact-finding missions’ report 39
Indicators Balochistan Pakistan
Literacy 26.6% 47%
(Female) (15%) (33%)
Primary School Enrolment 49% 68.3%
(Female Participation) (21%) (49.2%)
Access to Sanitation 7% 18%
Infant Mortality Rate
(Per 000’LB) 108 100
Village Electrification 25% 75%
Access to Safe Drinking Water 20% 86%
Source: Report of the Parliamentary Committee on Balochistan (Nov. 2005).
(SPDC) in 2005, the incidence of poverty is much higher in Balochistan than any other province. On average
48 percent people are living below poverty line. The condition in rural areas is worse as 51 percent population
does not have proper food, clothing and shelter. Moreover they do not have access to pure water, health and
education.
According to the 1988 census Balochistan had a population of 6,511 million in an area of 347,190 km.
The population density is 19 persons/km making development, particularly of building infrastructure, more
difficult and expensive. The table below shows some of the social indicators:
Federal structure of Pakistan
Since its inception, and particularly on the basis of the 1973 constitution, Pakistan has been a federal
state with a parliamentary system. Due to numerous disruptions during democratic transitions, by way of
military coups, a number of distortions have crept in, making its system very centralized and practically unitary
in nature. The military has held most power in this set-up.
In such systems, the principles of separation of powers and a structure of federalism remain seriously
undermined. Despite a feeble attempt at creating a parliamentary system, there remains little doubt that
decisionmaking is in the hands of the military. The expression ‘unity of command’ is often used by military
leaders. Punjabis dominate the population of Pakistan and the ethnic composition of the military, and thus the
overwhelming impression in Balochistan is that the military and Punjab’s establishment run the country to fulfill
their stakes. Baloch nationalists also argue that Balochistan was given a step-motherly treatment even during
the brief periods of transitional democracy. They lament that even the Constitutional guarantees,(though
inadequate), have not been respected by the Federal government.
The Constitution of Pakistan distributes powers between the Federation and the Provinces. The federal
parliament has an upper and a lower House. In the latter there is representation on the lines of population while
the composition of the former is based on the principle of provincial parity. 15 In addition to this, the Constitution
gives two lists of subjects, the Federal and Concurrent. The Federal Parliament has powers over matters