Economic viability of an autonomous Pashtun region

[Toramana]

Hi guys, my purpose in starting this thread is not to break or make states. It is just posing a hypothetical question i.e., whether an autonomous Pashtun region is economically viable or not.

The more I dwell into this matter, the more I get convinced there are sufficient resources on Pashtun land to make us a pretty prosperous people e.g. agricultural land, water(we need better water management), minerals, an immense hydroelectric generation potential, a good amount of hydrocarbon resources (natural gas in KP is 4 trillion cubic feet according to current estimates with high potential for more discovery---oil estimate is 1 billion barrels), a very high potential for solar energy generation (the areas around Queta, Zhob, Chaman, and I think upto Kandahar has the highest-intensity solar radiations in the region).

Tourism, vegetable and fruit production can be other areas.

The Pashtun region of Afghanistan is called Saudi Arabia of Lithuim (used in mobile phones etc...presently, the entire world is dependent on Chine for Lithium) a rare element. There are also other rare minerals in this area. Foremost iron ore and copper ore (used as electricity conductor) are possibly one of the biggest.

Is there any way we are in our respective states but collaborate to develop our potential and share resources?

[faye]

pashtun areas would have to gain independence first or the economic benefits from one region will be used for the whole country.

[Toramana]

pashtun areas would have to gain independence first or the economic benefits from one region will be used for the whole country.

I think it will be stupid thinking of sharing resources while being in separate states---I was thinking if there could be broader integration---What I foresee in future is less energy interdependence with the adaptation of renewable mode of energy e.g. Punjab has already allocated 5000 acres of land in Cholistan for producing solar energy ---Similarly, Sindh and Karachi can produce huge amount of energy from wind which is in abundant amount offshore Karachi and the whole Sindh Makran coast---I think that solved there will be more maturity and less aggressive nationalism ---may be then there arise chances of even greater autonomy and more voluntary regional integration---

But I may be immaturish in saying these things.

[Toramana]

See the excerpt below from wiki article.

"Projections vary, but scientists have advanced a plan to power 100% of the world's energy with wind, hydroelectric, and solar power by the year 2030.

According to a 2011 projection by the International Energy Agency, solar power generators may produce most of the world’s electricity within 50 years, dramatically reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases that harm the environment. Cedric Philibert, senior analyst in the renewable energy division at the IEA said: “Photovoltaic and solar-thermal plants may meet most of the world’s demand for electricity by 2060 -- and half of all energy needs -- with wind, hydropower and biomass plants supplying much of the remaining generation”. “Photovoltaic and concentrated solar power together can become the major source of electricity,” Philibert said.

"

[faye]

as far as i know, the economic benefits, via taxes i think, from mining in certain states in australia, are used by the government to benefit other states also. it is one of the things those mining states complain about. that they are the ones keeping the whole country afloat and want more for themselves.

[faye]

good idea but that prediction from the scientists, sounds too optimistic, to me.

[Toramana]

as far as i know, the economic benefits, via taxes i think, from mining in certain states in australia, are used by the government to benefit other states also. it is one of the things those mining states complain about. that they are the ones keeping the whole country afloat and want more for themselves.

Hahaha the same complain in Pakistan as well---But in constitution a resources is first provided to the region where it is produced then other areas. And returns/royalties are also given to the source province.

[faye]

that is good, then.
i live in an area that does fishing but the fishermen are not allowed to even keep a product they caught, for themselves nor sell to the local stores nor restaurants. it all is imprisoned in red tape and products have to be sent from an area, then imported back. ridiculous and very controlling system.

[Toramana]

good idea but that prediction from the scientists, sounds too optimistic, to me.

I don't think it is overly optimistic. A maturity level in using these technologies has already been achieved. Some countries are producing a big chunk of their total energy from renewable means. Also economy plays a role. As fuel cell becomes more expensive a stage is coming when renewable energy is more economical.

[Toramana]

that is good, then.
i live in an area that does fishing but the fishermen are not allowed to even keep a product they caught, for themselves nor sell to the local stores nor restaurants. it all is imprisoned in red tape and products have to be sent from an area, then imported back. ridiculous and very controlling system.

seem to be the handiwork of big companies to force farmers to sell their products to their industries.

[faye]

not sure. i thought it might be that each part of the complicated process, involves some tax upon it, so benefits the government. i'll find out from some friends, who are fishermen.

[Toramana]

No one has paid attention to this thread not even our outspoken members such as khushal, DZJ, etc.

[randolph85]

you forgot to mention what the borders of this "make believe" state is, is it landlocked? do we have balochistan?

[Toramana]

you forgot to mention what the borders of this "make believe" state is, is it landlocked? do we have balochistan?

May be we have good relations with Baluchistan---I am talking of a broader regional understanding type of thing.

[randolph85]

May be we have good relations with Baluchistan---I am talking of a broader regional understanding type of thing.

there is no broader regional understanding when it comes to money. access to the sea alleviates economic problems, while still being landlocked makes any pashtun state an economic slave to pakistan like it is today.