Raja Sheroz Azhar
‘Pakistan’s natural geographical location due to Balochistan is so important that it could become a bridge between world’s oil, gas, agriculture, industrial and mineral products markets. Considering importance and utility of this natural location, Pakistan and China decided to jointly formulate CPEC which would start from Kashgar and end at Gwadar. And there is an integrated system of ports that is eager to bring about revolutionary change in Balochistan by tearing apart mountains, rivers, fields, orchards and deserts’
In the age of economic integrity and changing geopolitical environment, Pakistan is keen to strengthen itself domestically and bring much-needed change in Balochistan. After the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), socio-political stability of Balochistan has become crucial for political leadership and policymakers.
The ‘neglected’ province lacks socio-economic development, communication infrastructure and employment, which have impeded social, political and economic progress of the province. Balochistan was a land of opportunities and Gwadar Port was the heart of provincial development, therefore, the prosperity and progress of this province would ensure economic stability of Pakistan.
Early completion of the CPEC related projects would ensure mass welfare for the common people of the province as well as it can bring positive changes in the life of people. It was a game changer and would bring development in the province.
The CPEC is being worked on in different phases. At present, work is underway on Phase-II and in Phase-II, work is underway to establish economic zones in different parts of Pakistan, especially in Gwadar. Pakistan’s natural geographical location due to Balochistan is so important that it could become a bridge between the world’s oil, gas, agriculture, industrial and mineral products markets.
Considering the importance and utility of this natural location, Pakistan and China decided to jointly formulate the CPEC which would start from Kashgar and end at Gwadar. And there is an integrated system of ports that is eager to bring about revolutionary change in Balochistan by tearing apart the rocky mountains and the rivers, fields, orchards and deserts. Work on various projects under CPEC is in full swing.
Statistics show that the volume of CPEC has exceeded $50 billion. Of this, $7 billion has been allocated for 12 different projects in Balochistan and work has also started on the Gwadar Free Trade Zone with an investment of $150 million. Due to this mega project, institutes have been opened in Gwadar to impart skills to the youth. Schools have been set up where they are being taught Chinese language.
Gwadar’s emerging image in the future makes one believe that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project will create innumerable opportunities for development and prosperity for fishermen.
The city will become a major business hub in the future, attracting people from other countries for shipping and tourism. Additionally, within a few days in office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his party – the Pakistan Muslim League-N – are highly aligned with China-backed economic corridor. During his first speech to the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif categorically stated that his government will work with China to get rid of all obstacles impinging the CPEC’s progress. Beijing, through its Foreign Ministry, expressed readiness to work with the new government in Islamabad to strengthen practical cooperation, accelerate CPEC-related projects, and to work towards realization of a new era and well-being of the people on both the sides.
With such assurance from the second largest economy in the world, coupled with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s strong standpoint on CPEC, the people of Pakistan should support the initiative in all the mapped zones of BRI. The general public’s good will is an essential precondition for the maximization of CPEC benefits. Additionally, the government workers and private sector enterprises, involved or related to CPEC, must embrace it wholeheartedly and not try to create hurdles on the path of progress. There is need for pragmatism and enthusiasm from all the stakeholders. With a plenty of experience in infrastructure projects in Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif’s government is likely to move a long way in the realization of CPEC goals.
Meanwhile, terrorism is badly affecting all walks of life in Balochistan because there are various nefarious elements who have always opposed development in Balochistan. They are also opposing and targeting CPEC with false propaganda and creating a sense of negativity in Balochis about CPEC. These vested interests and selfish elements want to continue deciding the fate of Balochi people by keeping them under-developed, uneducated and economically dependent.
In a span of just one month, the city witnessed three bombing incidents — a suicide attack on Chinese teachers at the University of Karachi’s Confucius Institute, and bicycle and motorbike improvised explosive device (IED) blasts in the densely populated Saddar and Kharadar areas targeting Pakistan Coast Guards and police vehicles, respectively. The university and Saddar blasts were claimed by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA), respectively. However, no group has so far claimed responsibility for the Kharadar attack.
Along with the conventional security for CPEC projects, there is also a need for deep introspection and a review of approaches. For this purpose, the civil society organizations from both Pakistan and China can also be a part of the sensitization initiatives about CPEC. The anti-CPEC elements need to be addressed peacefully and through dialogue and adult literacy. Religious and cultural leaders need to be engaged to clarify the goals of the initiative.
The local communities in the host province must be involved in decision-making process and it should be demonstrated to them that the developments in the region are for their own prosperity. All participatory approaches and development communication theories ought to be employed to allay ‘fears’ – if exists – of the local communities.
— The writer is a well known Journalist associated with GNN. He can be reached at [email protected]
