Utilization of Natural Resources of Pakistan

Abstract

The existence of natural resources on earth is a universal phenomenon. The nature has blessed all the living beings with hundreds and thousands of hidden and visible amounts of natural resources. This natural distribution apparently seems uneven as some of the areas of the earth have been gifted with vast and remarkable number of natural resources while some pieces of land with less blessings in this respect. But at the same time the human beings have been blessed by the nature with the power of intellect that may ensure an equilibrium while getting benefits from all these natural resources. With the application of rational and intellectual approaches, some of the knowledgeable individuals have come up with their respective theoretical models to present a justifiable mechanism for the distribution of these natural resources. Armstrong with his Global Egalitarian Theory and Sarkar with his Progressive Utilization Theory are unprecedented and unique in this respect. A thorough elaboration of both the theories have been embodied in the first instance of the present academic discourse as a theoretical foundation. The exemplary geographical location of Pakistan in general and district Mianwali of the Punjab province in particular has increased the socio-economic value of the region. The abundance of natural resources in the locality such as minerals including rock salt, iron ore, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, coal, oil and gas, and medicinal plants including cynodon dactylon, imperata cylindrica, acacia modesta, olea ferruginea, salvadora oleoides etc. are precious natural resources which glorifies the significance of the area. The features of these natural resources, tangible infrastructure, demography, topography and climatic zigzags are parts of the profile of the area concerned. xxiii Unlike the developed societies, the developing societies like Pakistan has definitely so many problems such as economic and political instability, lack of technical knowledge and skill in modern technology, perpetual short-term and long-term administrative policies, lukewarm attitude towards reforms and social taboos of our society, are the major problems by virtue of which the evolutionary process of change is either remained static or proceeded very slowly. All these issues eventually affect the three folded process i.e. the process of identification, exploration and utilization of natural resources. In this context, a holistic account of the socio-economic and politico-administrative issues have been presented in order to perceive the all-inclusive problems of Pakistan and district Mianwali of the Punjab province as well. The strengthening of a relationship amid the utilization of natural reserves and economic development is deemed as precondition for the socio-economic uplift, progress and prosperity of any society because the gulf between the two perpetuates status quo. The breaking up of this status quo is the cry of the day. For the sake of getting maximum benefits from the available indigenous natural resources of district Mianwali, a thoughtful set of strategies regarding the pinpointing, extraction and exploitation of these resources have been discussed. These strategies have been classified into three categories i.e. identification strategy, exploration strategy and utilization strategy. Besides, a workable and feasible plan of action and proper mechanism for the rational utilization of natural resources of the region is also an integral portion of this research undertaking. It goes without saying that the proper implementation of the proposed strategies, firm administrative surveillance and constant support of the native people on the one hand and major stakeholders on the other during all the relevant processes of identification, exploration and utilization of natural resources might lead to positive repercussions for the country, province and the locality concerned. The three-pronged implications present a beautiful picture of socioxxiv economic unification of our society. The aftermath of the implications might proceed towards the ultimate goals and desires i.e. the achievement of social cohesion and unification, economic wellbeing, progress and prosperity at society level and politico-administrative coordination at state’s institutional level.