Naveed Aman khan
Pakistan Armed Forces have raised a division-size special force to protect Chinese nationals and projects under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Protection of the US $ 64 billion CPEC as a living example of the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China is the dire need of the time. Pak Army is fully determined to ensure security of the project. Pakistan military had raised a whole division-size force to protect the project and is planning to deploy another division for this purpose. A Special Security Division (SSD) comprising 9,000 Pakistan Army soldiers and 6,000 para-military forces personnel has been set up for the security of the CPEC project as wekk as the Chinese nationals working on it. Pakistan has faced a very challenging war against terrorism during the last two decades, and now the security situation has improved to a large extent.
The economic prosperity brought about by the mega projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will defeat the motives of terrorists as, with the success of the project, more employment and business opportunities will be unlocked and people’s livelihood will get improved.
Many Chinese projects are in progress under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The security, development and investment situation will improve significantly if tried to address core matters of concern. Deployment of additional troops along the CPEC in the entire country will definitely enhance protection level. The decision came in May days after militants attacked the Pearl Continental luxury hotel in the port city of Gwadar in the restive Balochistan province, killing at least eight people, including four civilians and a Pakistan Navy soldier. The attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army. The group was also involved in the attack at the Chinese Consulate in Karachi last year. Today’s Gwadar is not what it used to be two years ago. In future it will be on par with the ports of developed countries. Gwadar port is one of the focal points of CPEC, with many Chinese workers as well as Pakistanis from other provinces, working at the port.
China is investing heavily in Balochistan under CPEC. Launched in 2015, CPEC is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China’s resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan’s strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.
Pakistan is doing its best to create an environment where investors could come and carry out their business in peace, as the security situation has greatly improved. The security situation in Balochistan had improved since the launch of the CPEC and now there is better infrastructure within the province. Pakistan needs to learn lessons from China the way terrorism in Xinjiang is controlled. Recently on the invitation of government of China I have visited Urumqi, Akesu and Kashgar where I have observed that China has controlled terrorism with positive, rational and objective policies. Central and Xinjiang provincial governments have decided to address reasons and factors of enhanced and widespread terrorism in Xinjiang. After keen study and deep observation, China has decided to focus on the development of common people. Standard of living of common deprived Chinese is being improved and uplifted. Basic civic facilities and needs of common Chinese are being ensured. Education with stipends is being provided to the people of the country, particularly Xinjiang. Government of China is focusing on the logical and psychological grooming of mental level of the deprived and disturbed Chinese. Government of China has set up vocational institutes in Xinjiang province for misled and misguided ones. Mislead Chinese are offered two options either to face court trial or to go to vocational institutes for learning and grooming. In the institutes misled ones are offered different professional courses in the best of friendly atmosphere for a year. These Chinese opt to learn refrigeration, wood works, painting, baking, teaching, music and dancing etc. During this time these Chinese are provided best level of sports activities for their mental and physical grooming. Interference in others’ life is considered a crime in China. Those who force or influence others are treated by the government of China. After year-long training when these misguided ones become the part of society, they are welcomed positively. They find jobs in the field of their choice. Government plays its role and takes care of each Chinese national.
Government of Pakistan needs to open a large number of high standard and most modern schools and vocational institutes across the country, especially in the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan. In the past, these two regions have been ignored and deprived of basic fundamental rights. The powerful lords and tribal leaders had always been against education in their areas. But now time has passed. Pakistan can overcome on the monster of terrorism by opening more and more schools, vocational institutes, colleges and research-based varsities. Free education in the deprived regions will encourage the education seekers to hold books in place of weapons. Free books, breakfast and lunch and stipends for the students should also be made mandatory. This is how we can attract poor Pakistanis to reach institutions for education. We need to groom and brighten brains of young energetic potential Pakistanis. We need to declare health and education emergency. In these institutions free health facilities should be provided. State of Pakistan will have to play its role. State of Pakistan will have to take care of each and every Pakistani. Bearer of slogan of Riasat-e-Madina, Premier Imran Khan, will have to make Pakistan a welfare society to secure future of the country and the nation. Otherwise, other powerful nations will swallow us. It is the obligation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led government to address these core issues of the country and the nation on a priority basis.
