CPEC & Its Impact on Gilgit-Baltistan: An Economic Boom Over Cultural Subdue?
THE China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been long considered as that ‘dream project’, which struck many as being intangible in terms of formation and complete realization.
Yet, since 2016, this regional framework of connectivity has been paving the way to provide major geographical linkages which is causing the sheer transformation specifically to the remote regions of the very scenic region of Gilgit-Baltistan.
A haven that is home to rich culture and even richer history, Gilgit-Baltistan is extremely sacred to the tourism sector for it is home to five of the famed ‘eight-thousanders’.
Home to some of the highest mountain ranges, it is how CPEC is branching out its functionality in this region which is creating all the hype.
CPEC has already laid groundwork towards understanding regional knowledge as it aims to increase the flow of trade and create extensive business opportunities for various lands passing through this gigantic project – a Pakistan-China mega collaboration.
Experts suggest it to be a major win-win model, providing an enhancement of development possibilities from which locals can gain heavy incentives.
However the question arises – at what price does it aim to provide a complete makeover to the heavenly lands of Gilgit-Baltistan? And do locals even consider the pre-stated incentives to be something desirable?
Gilgit-Baltistan, a land of wonders and mystery, is prone to transfer you into a state of complete awe. For many years, nationals have been paying visits to what can only be considered as a fascinating work of nature.
This cultural gem reflects its complete identity with its distinctive apparel, food, language and abode – you are easily transferred into another world. Besides its famed dried apricots, hospitable folks of the wondrous valley of Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan are the ultimate destination for mountain explorers.
As of recent times, there has been a surge in foreign visits too; this is in line with security assurance and commute made visibly easy by what is considered as the eighth wonder of the world – the Karakoram Highway.
Also known as N-35 or even the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, it very well extends from Hasan Abdal in the Punjab province to the Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, where it crosses into China. The highway is definitely a popular tourist attraction, being one of the highest paved roads in the world, with its maximum elevation recorded at 714 m (15,466 ft) near Khunjerab Pass.
As you drive through the breathtaking sights, with lush green valleys complimenting the tall, mountainous structures of magnitude and prominence, the improved roads are already giving a major boost to the tourism sector – something which is destined to put Pakistan onto the map once its spectacular strip of Northern Areas is also promoted along the tagline of being ‘safe and accessible’.
Due to international travelling restrictions imposed by the Corona Pandemic, nationals including the likes of high profile residents, finally marvelled and began to explore the greatness within our own boundaries.
The picturesque Northern Areas are finally getting the spotlight they rightfully deserve. But yet again the question arises as how are the locals to gain from such a strong economical foothold?
Miniscule to non-existent, suggests one local resident. Abdul Akdeem – a Masters graduate in Business Administration is currently back home in Upper Hunza looking over his family owned apricot orchards; he feels that when the rich investors come in, the local community will be drastically impacted.
Voicing concerns over how their simple livelihood will get heavily impacted from the kind of displacement many of the locals will be facing as CPEC continues to progress, Akdeem is pessimistic at what CPEC promises to provide on grassroots level.
Voicing similar concerns, much of the Hunza community remains dubious about how their stance will get any kind of boost when in correlation with the inner workings of CPEC in the region. This may not even be a farfetched thought.
When we look into how CPEC has been impacting the landscape with its operations, there is still certain secrecy on how Gilgit-Baltistan fits into the whole equation. Many of the regions falling under this province’s belt are not aware of how they will be getting an economic boom, if any from this monstrous mega project.
Locals have been left out of any concrete campaigns or discussions which may suggest their solid role. Much of the elderly community is also worried as to how this will negatively impact their strong cultural stance.
Hunza is one place which is loved for its people as much as it is appreciated for its peaks. The sheer warmth and one-on-one conversations makes it a land of love. You are welcomed with wide, open arms.
But when we look into the kind of economic security CPEC is giving, the insecurity it will inflict on the traditions and simplistic way of living is a matter of concern. In this fast changing world, holding onto the reins of what defines our existence, our history and ancestry richness is becoming hard .
And for those communities and families which have that tightly secured in the palms of their hands, they would feel vulnerable towards any initiative which threatens the basis of their core identity.
While some faces of the youth are optimistic towards the kind of business opportunities CPEC is going to bring forth, allowing them to progress and gain financial stability- something their forefathers couldn’t even dream of- the way this revolutionary project is going to impact the region’s sheer cultural strength and cherished traditions is something only time will tell.
