A major terror attack by Baloch Liberation Army in Gwadar, the main feature of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, triggered a fresh debate on the security of the multi-billion project that involves massive Chinese investment.
Pakistan’s Iron friend pumped billions of dollars into the region to support Islamabad’s deteriorating infrastructure, linking the port city of Gwadar to western China.
Despite the massive funding, Pakistan’s sparsely populated region continues to be hit by terror attacks and fresh ambush on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex reignited debate on better security in the region. The province has witnessed a number of terrorist attacks in the last two years, some of which were directed against the Chinese installations.
The targeted attacks on CPEC by Baloch armed groups are part of a broader propaganda peddled by foreign backed characters who misled youth by justify these attacks citing injustice and deprivation.
For world, Balochistan is considered risky for this massive investment, but for Beijing, it appear to have had no qualms so far as Chinese funneling money into the province, and even reiterated to boost the second phase of the development project.
Time to save CPEC more than ever
China’s development model has lifted over 700 million people out of poverty in couple of decade, and Pakistan should take inspiration from this, especially in the development sector.
CPEC was launched to boost Pakistan’s economy by attracting foreign investment, creating job opportunities, and stimulating economic growth. The project enhances Pakistan’s strategic position by strengthening its relationship with China, provides Pakistan with access to China’s markets and enhances its role in regional trade and connectivity.
The security of such project should be of paramount importance for Pakistan, as it holds the potential to significantly boost its economy and improve its infrastructure and connectivity.
Gwadar Attack
On March 20, eight armed men of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) were killed while attempting to enter the Gwadar Port Authority complex. The attack highlights the challenges of expanding the Belt and Road Initiative in Pakistan, with Chinese firms becoming vulnerable to foreign-backed propaganda.
Militants targeted key areas crucial for enhancing connectivity between Xinjiang and the port of Gwadar. The security forces successfully repulsed the attack, but there were casualties among the forces. claimed responsibility for the assault,
The attack is not the first time Chinese interests have been targeted by Baloch separatist groups. The country’s mineral rich region Balochistan has been facing terrorism, with officials alleging involvement of hostile agencies to destabilize CPEC.
