Written by Chakar Chirag
Introduction: The Pareto Principle and Its Role in Economic Inequality
Vilfredo Pareto (1848–1923) was an Italian economist, sociologist, and political thinker whose ideas have shaped modern economics and political science.
1. The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)
A small percentage of people (20%) control the majority of wealth, power, and resources (80%).
2. Pareto Efficiency
A state where resources are allocated in a way that no one can be made better off without making someone else worse off.
Pareto’s theories explain why wealth, power, and influence are often concentrated in the hands of a small elite, while the majority struggle. These principles have historically been used to maintain inequality—by colonizers, ruling classes, and authoritarian states.
Today, these ideas help us understand how the Pakistani state controls and exploits Balochistan. Despite being Pakistan’s largest province and rich in natural resources, it remains the poorest and most underdeveloped region. The state’s deliberate misallocation of resources, suppression of education, and exploitation of Baloch wealth ensure that the benefits remain concentrated in the hands of a small elite, while the majority suffer.
Historical Context: How Colonizers Used the Pareto Principle to Oppress Nations
Throughout history, colonial rulers have used economic principles to justify and maintain control over colonies.
1. British Rule in India
The British controlled India’s cotton, spices, and trade routes, ensuring Indian industries were destroyed so they would depend on British goods.
80% of Indians lived in poverty, while British traders and Indian elites (zamindars) controlled the economy.
2. Apartheid South Africa
The white minority (about 20%) controlled 80% of the land, wealth, and political power, while Black South Africans were denied education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Black workers were forced into mines and farms owned by white elites, ensuring continued economic dependency.
These colonial models of wealth and power concentration can be seen in Balochistan, where the Pakistani state follows a similar pattern of control.
Balochistan: A Rich Land with a Starving People
Balochistan covers 44% of Pakistan’s land area and holds vast natural resources:
✔ Oil & Gas – Providing 40% of Pakistan’s natural gas supply.
✔ Gold & Copper – Reko Diq has one of the world’s largest gold and copper reserves.
✔ Strategic Trade Routes – Gwadar Port is a key part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
However, despite this wealth, Balochistan remains the most underdeveloped province. The state deliberately ensures that resources benefit the elite while the local population suffers.
1. Census Manipulation: The Lie About Balochistan’s Population
The Pakistani state deliberately undercounts the Baloch population in national censuses.
This results in less political representation, reduced development funds, and limited influence in national affairs.
2. Education Crisis: Keeping Balochistan in Darkness
Balochistan has the lowest literacy rate in Pakistan—only 41%, compared to Punjab (66%), Sindh (62%), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (53%).
Many rural areas have almost no schools, colleges, or universities.
Educated Baloch youth are often targeted by state agencies.
Example: Many Baloch students who move to cities like Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad for education have been kidnapped, tortured, or murdered, simply for trying to improve their lives.
3. Resource Extraction with No Local Benefits
Balochistan’s resources generate billions for Pakistan, yet locals see none of this wealth.
The profits go to state agencies, army-backed businesses, and corrupt elites, while ordinary Baloch suffer from:
No electricity in many areas (despite producing Pakistan’s gas).
No clean water despite being near the Arabian Sea.
No hospitals or healthcare, leading to high maternal and child death rates.
4. Control by State Agencies and Death Squads
The Pakistani military and intelligence agencies control all political and economic affairs in Balochistan.
They use tribal Sardars, death squads, and state-backed militants to:
✔ Suppress Baloch nationalism.
✔ Keep the population under constant fear.
✔ Eliminate educated youth who could challenge the system.
Thousands of Baloch families live without food, medical aid, or economic opportunities, while the elite enjoy luxury.
Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle of Oppression
Balochistan’s suffering is not accidental—it is a deliberate strategy based on the Pareto Principle. The state ensures that a small elite (military, state-backed politicians, and tribal Sardars) control all resources, while the remaining population remains powerless, uneducated, and starving.
If Balochistan is to break free, its people must resist the system that keeps them in poverty and reclaim control over their resources. History has shown that oppressed nations can achieve justice only through struggle and sacrifice.
Balochistan’s story mirrors India under British rule and South Africa under Apartheid. The Pareto Principle has always been used to maintain colonial control, but history shows that when people fight back for their rights, change becomes possible. The Baloch people must be ready to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve independence, self-governance, and prosperity.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.