Balochistan’s political landscape has long been shaped by challenges—underdevelopment, security concerns, and a history of being overlooked in national discourse. Yet, amidst this, a new generation of leaders is emerging, determined to steer the province toward progress. Sardar Alam Khan, a young politician from the region, embodies this vision with his unwavering commitment to change. His journey into politics was not just a career move but a mission to address the systemic issues plaguing his homeland.
From a background deeply rooted in tribal traditions, Khan’s political awakening was driven by the stark realities of his community—lack of basic services, corruption, and political negligence. In this conversation, he reflects on his motivations, the region’s pressing concerns, and the path forward. With a focus on governance, infrastructure, youth engagement, and cultural preservation, he lays out his aspirations for a reformed and revitalized Balochistan.
Balochistan has been deprived of basic rights for too long—electricity, healthcare, education, even clean water. I entered politics because waiting for change wasn’t an option anymore
As a young politician from Balochistan, what motivated you to enter politics, and how do you envision contributing to the province’s development?
Coming from a region deprived of essential services—electricity, healthcare, education, and even basic infrastructure—I witnessed firsthand the struggles of my community. Despite our pleas, successive governments failed to address these issues. This drove me to seek change, initially through tribal leadership, but I soon realized that meaningful transformation required a political platform.
Corruption within politics disillusioned me, but it also strengthened my resolve. I researched leadership figures and ultimately aligned with Jam Kamal Khan in 2018, whose vision for Balochistan resonated with mine. Our coalition government with Imran Khan from 2018-2021 led to significant advancements: 2,500 km of roads were built, a ₹600 billion South Package was secured, fraudulent domiciles were canceled, and key infrastructure projects—including a master plan for Quetta—were initiated. Security improved, grid stations were set up, dams constructed, and a cancer hospital was established. Education and tourism also saw growth, proving that with the right leadership, progress is achievable.
Corruption has eroded every institution in Balochistan. Nearly 60% of PSDP funds vanish into the pockets of politicians and bureaucrats. If we don't fight this, our future is doomed
In your recent press conference, you discussed regional issues. What are the key challenges facing Balochistan, and what solutions do you propose?
Peace is the foundation of development, but Balochistan faces terrorism, corruption, enforced disappearances, and failing education and healthcare systems. Public trust in the government is eroding, and the only way to restore it is through free and fair elections.
Corruption is a major issue, with 60% of the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) funds being misused. We need a robust framework to combat this rather than facilitating it. The missing persons crisis is also critical—some are taken by the state, while others fall prey to anti-state elements. Without addressing these fundamental issues—education, healthcare, and employment—sustainable peace will remain elusive.
People have lost trust in the system. The only way to restore it is through free and fair elections—not political maneuvering that silences the will of the people
You recently met with the Provincial Minister. What insights did you gain, and how do you plan to implement them?
I have consistently raised key issues—terrorism, corruption, enforced disappearances, education, healthcare, and infrastructure—on various platforms. In meetings with key government officials, including the Prime Minister and federal ministers, I have pushed for concrete action.
Our discussions reinforced the need for accountability. Leadership must prioritize public welfare over personal gain. My advocacy focuses on ensuring that government initiatives align with the needs of the people, creating long-term solutions instead of temporary relief.
For too long, Balochistan has been defined by conflict. But we are more than a crisis—we are culture, resilience, and a region with untapped potential waiting to be recognized
What role does media play in shaping public opinion and policy in Balochistan?
Media is a powerful tool in shaping narratives, but Balochistan has long suffered from negative portrayals. The province is rich in culture, hospitality, and resilience, yet these aspects are overshadowed by conflict-driven narratives.
Unfortunately, media presence in Balochistan is minimal, making it difficult to highlight ground realities. However, journalists who cover the region deserve recognition for exposing issues like terrorism, unemployment, and enforced disappearances. A balanced media approach—one that showcases both progress and challenges—can foster a deeper understanding and encourage positive change.
Balochistan’s youth are politically mature because they’ve endured hardship, but many hesitate to enter politics. If good people stay out, corruption will always win
Balochistan has a significant youth population. How do you plan to engage young people in politics?
The youth of Balochistan, shaped by adversity, exhibit remarkable political maturity. However, many feel disillusioned by corruption and avoid politics. I encourage them to actively participate in elections rather than disengage.
Pakistan has a population of 250 million, yet only 60 million vote. Higher voter turnout reduces the risk of electoral manipulation. The youth must realize that transformative change requires principled individuals to step into leadership roles. Avoiding politics out of fear of corruption only allows the status quo to persist.
Media must change the narrative about Balochistan. We are not just a province of unrest—we are a province of strength, history, and a people who refuse to be ignored.
What economic policies do you advocate for to boost employment and infrastructure development in Balochistan?
Balochistan’s unemployment crisis is severe, and the government must stop selling jobs for personal gain. The first step is revoking fraudulent domiciles, ensuring that jobs go to local residents. In 2020, then-Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan canceled 3,000 such fake domiciles—a move that needs to be expanded.
Major projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and gold mining initiatives should prioritize local employment. Additionally, industrial development along the coastal belt must be promoted, ensuring that Balochistan’s economic growth benefits its own people.
The jobs meant for Balochistan’s people are being sold to outsiders with fraudulent domiciles. Until we fix this, unemployment will continue to push our youth toward hopelessness and extremism
Given the challenges in education and healthcare, what reforms would you implement?
Establishing schools and hospitals is one thing, but ensuring they function effectively is another. Many teachers and doctors receive salaries without fulfilling their duties, turning these institutions into mere job providers rather than service centers.
To address this, teachers must be required to educate their own children in the schools where they are assigned, and doctors should seek treatment at the hospitals where they work. Additionally, residential schools should be established in every tehsil, replacing multiple non-functional institutions with a single well-managed facility for both boys and girls.
Security doesn’t come from military operations alone. Give people jobs, education, and healthcare—and watch how extremism loses its grip on Balochistan
How do you propose balancing modernization with the preservation of Balochi culture?
Balochistan’s cultural sector has been historically ignored, mainly because it offers little financial gain to politicians. However, Nawabzada Zarrain Khan Magsi, the current Culture Minister, is making commendable efforts to promote Balochi traditions.
I have urged him to take Balochi culture beyond the province, gaining recognition at national and international levels. While modernization is inevitable, it must not come at the cost of erasing our identity. Tribal societies have a strong cultural foundation, and our focus should be on preserving that heritage while embracing progress.
If we want a functioning education system, teachers must be required to educate their own children in the schools where they are assigned. Accountability must start from within
Security remains a pressing issue. What measures are essential for peace in Balochistan?
Balochistan has endured centuries of conflict, from Mongol invasions to British colonization and modern geopolitical tensions. The root cause of unrest today is the public’s loss of faith in the state due to political corruption.
Restoring trust requires more than military operations—it demands meritocracy, job creation, education, and healthcare improvements. Addressing these basic needs will weaken extremist narratives and pave the way for lasting peace.
Balochistan's culture is not just something to preserve—it’s something to be celebrated. It’s time we take our traditions to the national and international stage
Where do you see yourself in the next decade, and what legacy do you hope to establish?
For me, personal ambition is secondary to Pakistan’s future. My goal is to empower the youth to take on leadership roles, ensuring that politics is guided by justice, morality, and faith.
It is essential for the younger generation to study the teachings of Islam and the Holy Quran, which remains the ultimate guide to governance and ethical leadership. Unlike subjective historical accounts, the Quran provides an unwavering foundation for justice and fairness. My legacy will be defined by how much I can contribute to a just and equitable society.
I don’t think about where I’ll be in ten years—I think about where Pakistan will be. My only goal is to push the youth toward leadership, where real change begins
Interview: Sundus Unsar Raja
Photos: Basit Ali
Location: Movenpick Islamabad