Why Balochistan Attacks Will Not Deter Its Progress – OpEd
The homeland has been facing the threat of terrorism for a long time, these attacks by separatists in Balochistan were the most widespread and deadly militancy in the province in recent years. The attacks on Chinese engineers in the province in the past are part of this trend.
Secessionist efforts by a few groups have been ongoing for decades in the resource-rich province of Balochistan, where several projects are underway under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Gold and copper mining projects are being worked on in this province. The purpose of spreading fear and panic through Indian false media campaigns is nothing but to hinder the pace of development and investment in the province, which is the real agenda of these terrorists and their foreign masters.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) emerged as a flagship project of cooperation between China and Pakistan and promised transformative economic growth and infrastructural development across the region. Despite the significant progress made in various sectors under CPEC, the project has faced challenges, particularly in the form of sporadic attacks in Balochistan. These attacks, orchestrated by a group of insurgents, are aimed at undermining the development and stability of the region. However, it is crucial to understand that these isolated incidents will not derail the progress of CPEC. The resilience of the project, coupled with the strategic importance it holds for both Pakistan and China, ensures that CPEC will continue to move forward, bringing prosperity to Balochistan and beyond.
CPEC is not merely an economic initiative; it is a strategic project that strengthens the bilateral relationship between China and Pakistan while offering economic benefits to the entire region. The corridor, which includes a network of roads, railways, and pipelines, is designed to connect Gwadar Port in Balochistan to China's Xinjiang region, facilitating trade and energy transport. The successful completion of CPEC is expected to boost Pakistan's GDP, create jobs and improve infrastructure, particularly in underdeveloped areas like Balochistan. For China, CPEC is an important component of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at enhancing global trade and connectivity. The strategic importance of CPEC for China means that Beijing is fully committed to ensuring its success, regardless of the challenges faced. This commitment is mirrored by Pakistan, which views CPEC as a cornerstone of its economic future.
Balochistan, with its vast natural resources and strategic location, is central to the success of CPEC. The development of Gwadar Port, which is the linchpin of CPEC, is a testament to the importance of the region. Gwadar is poised to become a major hub for international trade, with the potential to transform Balochistan into a thriving economic center. The development projects under CPEC in Balochistan are not limited to infrastructure alone. Significant investments are being made in education, healthcare, and social welfare to uplift the local population. These initiatives are designed to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the people of Balochistan, thereby fostering a sense of inclusion and shared prosperity.
Despite the importance of Balochistan to CPEC, the region has been a target of insurgent attacks aimed at destabilizing the project. These attacks, while concerning, have not succeeded in halting the progress of CPEC. The resilience of the project can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the security of CPEC is a top priority for both Pakistan and China. The Pakistani government has deployed a dedicated security force, the Special Security Division (SSD), to protect CPEC projects and personnel. This force, comprising thousands of troops, works in close coordination with local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the corridor. Secondly, the people of Balochistan, who stand to benefit the most from CPEC, are increasingly supportive of the project. The insurgents, who represent a small minority, do not have the backing of the local population. Instead, the majority of Baloch citizens recognize the potential of CPEC to bring development and prosperity to the region. Finally, the international community, particularly China, remains committed to CPEC. The strategic importance of the corridor ensures that it will continue to receive the necessary investment and support to overcome any challenges.
CPEC is a transformative project that holds the promise of economic prosperity for Pakistan, particularly for the underdeveloped region of Balochistan. While the insurgent attacks in Balochistan are a cause for concern, they will not deter the progress of CPEC. The strategic importance of the project, coupled with the resilience of the Pakistani state and the support of the local population, ensures that CPEC will continue to move forward. As CPEC progresses, it will not only bring economic benefits to Pakistan but also foster greater regional connectivity and cooperation.