The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stands as a contentious issue for the indigenous Baloch population in Balochistan, a province strategically positioned at the crossroads of geopolitical significance. Central to this debate is the Gwadar deep-water port, strategically connecting China’s Xinjiang region with the Arabian Sea.
Despite the purported economic integration goals of CPEC, the Baloch people express profound concerns regarding potential repercussions on their natural resources and the delicate ecological balance of the region. The local population of Balochistan perceive CPEC not merely as an economic corridor but as a project designed to exploit Balochistan’s resources, contributing to regional poverty. The intricate relationship between economic development and the preservation of local resources and ecological sustainability becomes a critical concern for the indigenous population in Balochistan.
Recent developments suggest a resurgence of activity, notably characterized by the prominent role assumed by the influential military establishment. The military’s pronounced inclination toward fostering stronger relations with China is underscored by its perception of China as a robust ally in countering India. Reports indicate collaborative efforts between the Pakistani and Chinese governments to expand Pakistan’s manufacturing capacity for Chinese military aircraft, weaponry, and related infrastructure under a discreetly formulated plan.
Concurrently, a nascent institutional entity, the CPEC Authority (CPECA), spearheaded by a retired lieutenant general, actively promotes and defends the corridor. However, the disclosure of substantive details regarding the corridor remains limited. Official documentation on the cpec.gov.pk website provides only cursory information, making independent verification a challenging task. This opacity is exacerbated by the Chairman’s restrained interaction with the media, contributing to a discernible lacuna in publicly accessible project specifics.
A recent public awareness session organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) in Gwadar provided a platform for political and social activists, BYC leaders, and local residents to voice their concerns. This session unveiled a collective worry over the adverse consequences of CPEC, contending that the development in Gwadar presented a misleading façade, concealing the detrimental effects of Pakistani and Chinese interests in the region. Panelists at the BYC session highlighted the environmental vulnerabilities in Gwadar due to infrastructure development, with recent floods and rains leaving the province in a state of helplessness.
The infrastructure projects linked to CPEC have contributed to the degradation of the very region that is expected to play a key role in the economic corridor. A worrying trend of forced displacement, primarily targeting indigenous populations, was highlighted by the BYC panelists. CPEC projects are increasingly perceived as a means to replace locals with foreigners, notably Chinese and Punjabi Muslims, posing a significant threat to the socio-economic fabric of Balochistan, as indigenous communities lose ancestral lands and livelihoods. The collective portrayal of CPEC as a threat to Balochistan encompasses concerns of environmental degradation, displacement of local populations, and undermining the region’s socio-economic stability.
Despite Balochistan’s abundance of natural resources viz, Gold, Copper, Black Pearls, Oil, Coal, Natural Gas, and various reserves having a worth of more than trillion dollars, the province has the lowest human development index in Pakistan. The absence of hospitals and educational institutions dedicated to the welfare of indigenous people aggravates the situation. Balochistan, with only one university for the entire province, stands in stark contrast to Punjab, where a single city houses seven to eight universities. Faced with a bleak future within Pakistan, the Baloch youth have initiated a movement for freedom, prompting the implementation of a ‘kill and dump policy’ by Pakistani authorities in response to their mobilisation. Female Baloch students, recognising the precariousness of their prospects in Pakistan, have also joined the call for independence.
It is evident that Pakistan’s aggressive pursuit of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has been marked by forceful displacements of local inhabitants and the suppression of dissenting voices. Paramilitary forces and state agencies have systematically violated human rights, with instances of enforced disappearances, abductions, and extrajudicial killings persisting for years. While the Pakistani authorities suppress dissent, local concerns intensify due to the substantial presence of the Chinese military, initially justified as protection for Chinese personnel on the ground. Contrary to official portrayals of CPEC as a project benefiting the local population, the reality reveals that the project is firmly under the control of authorities in Beijing and Islamabad, lacking any form of local governance.
If the ongoing situations persist, the security establishment of Pakistan may find itself grappling with significant challenges posed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other militant groups. The nuanced security landscape in the region suggests potential escalations of conflict and unrest, emphasizing the imperative for a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to address the root cause of grievances in Balochistan. It is paramount to recognise that the people of Balochistan harbor a collective desire for peaceful coexistence, underscoring the importance of diplomatic and inclusive approaches to foster stability and harmony in the region.
Addressing the socio-political concerns and grievances of the Baloch population is crucial for establishing a foundation that prioritises peace over violence and paves the way for a more secure and prosperous future for Balochistan. However, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) views the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a mechanism facilitating Chinese colonialism within the Balochistan region. This perception underlines the concern that the Pakistan army, in collaboration with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is utilising CPEC as an opportunity to exploit the rich natural resources of Balochistan.
The ongoing attacks on the Pakistan army serve as testament to the resistance exhibited by BLA and other militant groups against the implementation of CPEC in Balochistan. It is imperative for Pakistan to promptly acknowledge this dynamic. However, the possibility of this realisation is remote as the establishment in Pakistan is concerned about subjugating the democratic voices and any form of dissent against its exploitative approach robbing Balochistan of its precious resources benefitting the unholy Pak-China nexus.
The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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