Muhammad Asad Tahir Bhawana

The establishment of the Gwadar seaport within the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has brought attention to its substantial significance for Balochistan and the wider region. Gwadar is positioned to serve as a vital hub for regional connectivity, facilitating trade corridors connecting Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Kashgar. Furthermore, Gwadar is expected to function as an international port for trans-shipment to Persian Gulf countries and the North Arabian Sea littorals, according to a report prepared by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) and available with WealthPK.

It said that the enhanced trade connectivity facilitated by Gwadar is anticipated to stimulate economic activity in Balochistan, leading to industrialisation and urbanisation in this previously underdeveloped province. Notably, the mining industry in Balochistan is poised to thrive as a result. The progress of Balochistan and the success of CPEC are closely intertwined. However, it is essential to reflect upon certain factors before commencing the project. The poor socioeconomic indicators in Balochistan may impede the pace of development. Additionally, there is a risk of targeting Gwadar, a pivotal component of CPEC, due to competitive tendencies within the region.

Therefore, it is crucial for the local population to recognise that the opening up of Balochistan to external industries presents an opportunity to catch up with China's industrial development. In this context, the involvement of think-tanks and media as well as educational exchanges can play a significant role in alleviating ‘concerns’ regarding CPEC projects in Balochistan. The Baloch people should play a leading role in the development initiatives of CPEC. Further, achieving greater representation of locals in employment opportunities, particularly in coal power projects in Hub and Gwadar, is crucial. The perception that locals lack education and might not fit well into CPEC projects needs to be rectified. To bridge this gap, capacity building at the grassroots level is necessary to ensure the inclusion of locals in the workforce.

Moreover, efficient communication between the central government and Balochistan is essential to streamlining the process of industrialisation and ensure the timely execution of projects. Encouraging government-private partnerships in research can also yield positive outcomes. By promoting in-depth knowledge and research, the quality of outputs can be significantly improved. To transform Gwadar into a thriving trading seaport for the region and actualise Central-South connectivity, efforts should be directed toward fostering a stable economy. Engaging with regional countries such as Iran, India, Afghanistan, and the Central Asian states for bilateral projects will enhance the interest of both foreign and local investors in CPEC.

Credit: INP-WealthPk