CPEC is nothing short of a blessing for the impoverished segment of Balochistan. This economic corridor can change the fate of Pakistan in general and Baluchistan in particular which is the main hub of this mega project. Balochistan is rich in natural resources but owing to the extremely harsh geographical environment and under-developed civil infrastructure including roads, energy and water supplies, these natural resources could not have been tapped adequately in the past. With the launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), there are ample opportunities for the exploitation of these resources that are expected to pave the way for unprecedented economic activities in Balochistan. From the perspective of natural resources these activities include, but not limited to, development and management of water resource, mining of coal and minerals, exploration of unexplored hydrocarbons, exploitation of dimension stones and construction material, and the establishment of related and subsidiary industries. All these activities require human resource development, better health and educational facilities especially institutions for technical and skill development of masses and most importantly the sustainable development of water resources and reservoirs for drinking, municipal and industrial purposes.
In this paper key natural resources of Balochistan are identified in the context of their sustainable use under the CPEC induced development projects. A large number of mega projects including development of deep-sea Gwadar port, power generation plants, highway construction, and the establishment of special economic zones have been part of the CPEC and have already been undertaken. Ever since the inception of Pakistan, Baluchistan has remained a victim of uneven distribution of resources due to which it has witnessed abundant troubles and distress in the face of ethno-nationalism, separatism, extremism and terrorism. Its role in the mainstream political landscape has always been lopsided which has created a sense of privation and deprivation among the inhabitants of the province. Notwithstanding, the province contributes immensely to the national economy by producing natural gas, coal, minerals, fisheries, mining, manufacturing industries and other services rendered by public and private sectors. However, Baluch people benefit the least from these indicators of economy. Due to this increasing marginalization, deprivation and disenfranchisement, the indigenous people bear the brunt of untold grievances such as chronic poverty, unemployment, poor education and health facilities, and other socio-economic disparities. Moreover, since the arrival of multibillion-dollar project, CPEC, these forces of mercenaries have become more belligerent and involved in carrying out nefarious activities in line with external powers like India to thwart it. Within a span of few weeks, RAW funded BLA has martyred several valiant military personnel of Pakistan Army in Balochistan. Despite the wave of such timid attacks, Pakistan army and our law enforcement agencies are safeguarding Balochistan and CPEC, which depicts the steadfast commitment of state to accomplish the dream of prosperous and stable Balochistan.
But, the lack of development in the education sector in the province shows the manifestly criminal negligence at the helm; provincial and federal governments are not taking this issue seriously. Millions of children are deprived of quality education which is deplorable. Lack of universities in the province also creates a sense of disparity amongst the students. The elite class of the province goes to top quality educational institutions, but the lower class is compelled in front of this system. Therefore, the government must take concrete measures to establish universities in the province so that a layman’s kids can also achieve the blessing of education; merely paying lip service will not suffice rather a pragmatic approach is required to sort out this significant issue. The menace of unemployment is also being faced by the inhabitants of the province albeit this pivotal issue can be resolved by constructing special economic zones, which will be a major boost to those who are jobless. There is an utmost need of reviving industry in the province and Chinese investment can ultimately be fruitful in rejuvenation of the province’s industry. No country can reach its potential without ameliorating the industrial sector which is the backbone of a country’s economy.
The people of Balochistan have audaciously fought the hemorrhaging war on terror and made unparalleled sacrifices for the enduring peace of the country which depicts the resilience and the perseverance of our beloved, patriotic Baluch brothers and sisters. CPEC still has not brought a significant amount of change to the living standards of layman’s life in the province. Owing to the lack of interest of the provincial government, tourism is not thriving, promoting tourism in the province can bring prosperity and create innumerable opportunities to the locals to earn their livelihood. Therefore, the government must come up with substantial plans to uplift the main province of the country.
Narration
With the launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, there are ample opportunities for the exploitation of natural resources that are expected to pave the way for unprecedented economic activities in Balochistan.
