Washington, Dec 23 (NationPress) Tara Chand, the President of the Baloch American Congress, criticized the Chief Minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, on Tuesday for her claims regarding regional development, asserting that they are founded on the blood and sacrifices of the Balochistan populace.

In a statement on X, Chand remarked, "Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, you boast about the advancements in Punjab, highlighting projects like the Green Line and the Orange Line. However, you are fully aware that this purported progress is built on the blood of Balochistan. Every success you promote in Punjab has been achieved at the expense of Baloch lives."

The Baloch leader pointed out that since 1952, the natural gas from Balochistan has been redirected to Punjab, fueling its industries, illuminating homes, and fostering its growth, while the Baloch people remain in darkness.

"You have extracted Balochistan's gas, minerals, gold, land, coastline, as well as its marine and natural resources to benefit Punjab," he continued.

Chand emphasized that while Punjab has thrived, Balochistan has been left to languish, stating, "Our communities lack food, potable water, schools, electricity, healthcare, and opportunities. Instead, what persists is unemployment, devastation, despair, and resistance. This is the stark reality of Balochistan."

He accused the Pakistani authorities of systematically exploiting the Baloch people.

"The Baloch nation will persist in its fight against this injustice until the very end. You have caused great suffering in Balochistan. You have silenced our voices. Even those Baloch residing in Punjab endure humiliation, discrimination, and marginalization," Chand asserted.

He maintained that the so-called development in Punjab has been funded by China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

"You have compromised Balochistan's integrity to China, borrowing and investing from various sources, funneling them solely into Punjab. While Punjab progresses, Balochistan sinks deeper into hunger, poverty, ignorance, and devastation," the Baloch leader emphasized.

Chand expressed dismay, stating that there is nothing left for the Baloch people, and the province is in ruins.

"The Punjabi-dominated state of Pakistan has perpetrated genocide against the Baloch nation, driven solely by greed for our resources. You are ready to sell these resources to China, Europe, America, Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East as long as Punjab thrives," he declared.

He concluded by emphasizing that the Punjab government has provided nothing to the Baloch people except suffering, stating, "We will not forgive you. The Baloch nation will never forget those who committed atrocities against us. We remember the times you shed false tears with the families of Baloch individuals who were forcibly disappeared in Quetta."