The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has become a contentious issue for the indigenous Baloch population in Balochistan, a province strategically positioned geopolitically. 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. This sentiment perceives CPEC not merely as an economic corridor but as a project designed to exploit Balochistan’s resources, contributing to regional poverty.
The association between CPEC and the oppression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang adds complexity to the Baloch perspective, framing the initiative as a geopolitical instrument entangled in broader regional dynamics. In this context, the intricate relationship between economic development and the preservation of local resources and ecological sustainability becomes a critical concern for the indigenous population.
Recent developments suggest a resurgence of activity, notably characterised 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 the auspices of 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, rendering independent verification challenging. This opacity is further strengthened 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. Panellists at the BYC session highlighted the increase in environmental vulnerabilities in Gwadar due to infrastructure development, with recent floods and rains leaving the city in a state of helplessness.
The unintended consequences of 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 concerning trend of forced displacement, primarily targeting indigenous populations, was underscored by the BYC panellists.
CPEC projects are increasingly perceived as a means to replace locals with foreigners, notably Chinese and Punjabis, 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 exceeding a trillion dollars, the province bears the lowest human development index in Pakistan. The absence of hospitals and educational institutions dedicated to the welfare of indigenous people exacerbates 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.
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 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 perceived 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 more 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, emphasising the imperative for a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to address the root causes of grievances in Balochistan. It is paramount to recognise that the people of Balochistan harbour 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 BLA views the CPEC as a mechanism facilitating Chinese colonialism within the Balochistan region. There is a genuine 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. This is bound to lead to an increase in attacks on the Pakistan Army and security apparatus. These attacks are manifestations of the resistance exhibited by BLA and other militant groups against the implementation of CPEC in Balochistan.
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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