China-Pakistan Economic Corridor In Balochistan: Views, Challenges And Prospects

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC)is one of the most important constituents of One-Belt One-Road initiatives(OBOR)of Chinese Government.CPEC is being deemed as a game changer for the whole region because of the way it will enhance trade related activities and open doors for foreign investment.Because Balochistan province which is located in Pakistan has a key role in CPEC due to its Gawadar port and its strategic location in the mouth of Gulf States,it is of critical importance to have a closer look on the pros and cons of this project.With this in mind,the aim of this thesis is to examine the role of Balochistan in CPEC and the views of the Baloch people about this $54 billion project.A major issue is the province is lacking basic facilities,which people from other parts of Pakistan are already enjoying in terms of development,industrialization and job opportunities.The goal of this study is to have a critical analysis of the effects of CPEC on different sectors of Balochistan including the economic,industrial sector,and employment.In addition,this paper will discuss how this project will be effective in boosting the lives of the people of Balochistan.Other international political actors like India,US,Iran and Afghanistan have been considered as well and whether they will contribute to positive developments in the region or if their involvement will lead to more problems.In this context,a detailed study has been conducted regarding the voices and concerns of the inhabitants of Balochistan about CPEC.It is observed that the concerns of the people of Balochistan are genuine to a large extent because of the long history of neglect in past.The positive and negative views of the inhabitants belonging to different segments of life have given this project a unique scope.Some people,which are involved in business sector consider CPEC as a game changer and believe CPEC is bringing better future business opportunities for the inhabitants.While some people such as educated youth still have mixed opinions and have yet to be convinced.The youth of Balochistan mainly want their involvement on a priority basis in CPEC projects in the form of jobs and employment opportunities.This work will also examine which challenges CPEC is currently facing or could face in the province in the future.One of the existing challenges is the security situation of Balochistan.Although the government of Pakistan is taking measures to overcome the insurgency in the province,the security situation of Balochistan is still a big challenge and will require extraordinary measures to ensure absolute peace and stability in Balochistan.Obviously,the instability in Balochistan can pose direct threat to CPEC,so the political stability is imperative for the success of CPEC.However,the special focus of GOP and the Chinese government on CPEC will provide Balochistan integrity,better connectivity,better health facilities and long term geostrategic benefits to both countries.Overall,CPEC will ideally have long lasting impacts interms of developing regional peace and stability and creating many job opportunities;not only for the inhabitants of Balochistan but for the people belonging to other parts of the country as well.The success of CPEC is directly linked with the people of Balochistan.Therefore,local people's involvement in CPEC is necessary so that their sense of being neglected and ignored can be reversed,hopefully leading to overall more compliance.However,the fruits of CPEC can only be harvested if both the Pakistani and Chinese governments can successfully overcome the existing and possible future challenges in Balochistan.