Unlocking Pakistan’s True Potential: Empowering Talent from Neglected Regions
Ikramullah Kakar’s journey from a remote district of Balochistan to academic excellence exemplifies the transformative impact of opportunity and support for talented youth from Pakistan’s neglected regions. During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the flood-affected areas of Qilla Saifullah in August 2022, Ikramullah’s exceptional intelligence and determination caught the Prime Minister’s attention, prompting the announcement of a full scholarship for him at the prestigious Lawrence College Murree. Ikramullah has reciprocated the state’s kind gesture with his remarkable achievement, demonstrating that when given the opportunity, students from backward areas not only compete but often outsmart their peers and rise to the top.
Pakistan’s strength lies not only in its geography or natural resources but fundamentally in the talents and potential of its people. Yet, decades of uneven development and neglect have left vast regions—particularly in Balochistan, Saraikistan, northern areas, and other backward districts—lagging behind in educational and economic opportunities. This persistent imbalance is a critical barrier to Pakistan’s progress and must be urgently addressed.
The recent remarkable achievement of Ikramullah Kakar from Qilla Saifullah, Balochistan, who secured an outstanding 97% marks and ranked third in the Rawalpindi Board exams, exemplifies the untapped potential lying dormant in our neglected regions. Ikramullah’s success, supported by a scholarship initiated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is a testament to what can be achieved when bright young minds are nurtured and given equal opportunities irrespective of their origins.
Ikramullah’s story is more than an individual triumph; it is a clarion call for Pakistan to adopt an inclusive development approach that transcends ethnic, provincial, and regional divides. The youth from backward areas possess immense talent, determination, and resilience. What they need is access—access to quality education, scholarships, infrastructure, and platforms where they can compete and excel on a national and global stage.
Promoting talent from these areas is not charity; it is a national imperative. It will not only uplift marginalized communities but also catalyze social cohesion, reduce disparities, and fuel Pakistan’s economic and intellectual growth. When every Pakistani, whether from urban centers or remote valleys, is empowered to contribute their best, the entire nation rises.
Pakistan must institutionalize policies that prioritize education and skill development in neglected regions, allocate dedicated resources, and build bridges connecting these areas with mainstream opportunities. Success stories like Ikramullah’s should be celebrated widely and serve as a beacon for policymakers, educators, and society at large.
In doing so, Pakistan will not only honor the promise of equality enshrined in its constitution but also harness the full spectrum of its human capital to create a prosperous, inclusive future for all.
