The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a significant infrastructure project launched in 2015 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It aims to enhance regional connectivity by linking Gwadar Port in Pakistan’s Balochistan province to China’s Xinjiang region through a network of roads, railways, and pipelines. The project is designed to boost trade, investment, and development by facilitating the transportation of goods between China, Pakistan, and other countries. CPEC includes multiple infrastructure ventures such as energy projects, highways, special economic zones, and modern port facilities, which are expected to contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth and create jobs.
Despite these ambitious goals, CPEC has faced opposition, particularly from the people of Balochistan. The Baloch community has expressed concerns and insecurities, mainly because they feel marginalised and fear the project could lead to their further exploitation without significant benefits to their region. BaBalochistan, the largest province of Pakistan in terms of area, has historically been underdeveloped and neglected. Its economy largely relies on natural resources, and the people have long struggled with issues such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate health facilities. For many Baloch people, the advent of CPEC has brought apprehensions rather than hope. The Baloch (separatist) leaders do not see that CPEC would be any different than the development projects brought by the British regime. It is assumed that CPEC would only favour the bigger provinces and as always Baloch people would be left behind unemployed underdeveloped and uneducated.
One of the primary reasons for the opposition is the lack of consultation and inclusion of local voices in the planning and implementation of CPEC projects. Many Baloch people believe that decisions regarding CPEC were made without their consultation, reinforcing a sense of alienation. This feeling of exclusion is not new; it stems from a historical pattern where major decisions about the region’s resources and development had been taken without the active involvement of its residents. The central government’s approach towards Balochistan has often been perceived as top-down, with little regard for the aspirations and rights of the local population. CPEC, for many, seems to be another instance where promises of prosperity overshadow the voices and needs of the people directly affected.
Another critical concern is the potential displacement of local communities. Many CPEC projects, particularly the development of Gwadar Port, have led to the acquisition of land and the relocation of residents. There is a fear that large-scale infrastructure projects could displace many Baloch families without adequate compensation or alternative arrangements. Gwadar, envisioned as the centerpiece of CPEC, holds strategic and economic importance. However, the local population feels that the benefits of the port development will be reaped by investors and stakeholders outside of Balochistan, while the local community will bear the cost of displacement and environmental degradation.
The fear of becoming a minority in their own land is another significant issue. With the influx of workers, businessmen, and investors from other parts of Pakistan and China, there is a concern among the Baloch that they will be outnumbered, leading to cultural dilution and loss of their identity. This anxiety is not just about the demographic changes but also about the social and economic impact of these changes. The fear is that the new infrastructure and business opportunities will primarily benefit outsiders, leaving the local population marginalised. This sense of insecurity has deepened over the years, as the Baloch people have historically struggled for recognition and autonomy within Pakistan.
The issue of resource exploitation also fuels the opposition. Balochistan is rich in natural resources, including gas, minerals and fisheries, but the local population has not significantly benefited from the extraction and sale of these resources. The region’s resources have often been controlled by entities outside Balochistan, leading to grievances over unfair revenue sharing and lack of local development. With CPEC, there is a concern that this pattern of exploitation will continue, and the province’s resources will be used to benefit others without contributing substantially to local development. The lack of transparency regarding agreements and contracts has further fueled these fears, as many believe that deals are made to serve external interests rather than local needs.
Security concerns are another major factor behind the opposition to CPEC. The Baloch region has a history of insurgency and conflict, with various groups expressing demands for greater autonomy or even independence. The deployment of security forces to protect CPEC projects has led to a heavy military presence in the region, which many locals view as oppressive. There are reports of increased surveillance, checkpoints, and restrictions on movement, which have added to the locals’ sense of being under siege. While security is essential for the success of CPEC, the militarisation of the region has heightened fears and created a sense of alienation among the local population. Instead of addressing the root causes of their grievances, the increased security measures have been seen as attempts to suppress dissent and ensure the project’s smooth execution without addressing local concerns.
Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity regarding the employment opportunities that CPEC is expected to generate. While the project has been promoted as a job creator, many in Balochistan feel that the jobs will not go to locals. There is a perception that the skilled and semi-skilled jobs created by CPEC will be filled by workers from other parts of Pakistan or China, leaving the local population with limited opportunities. This concern is exacerbated by the lack of technical training and education facilities in Balochistan, which puts the local workforce at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts from other regions. The promise of economic development seems hollow if the people of Balochistan are not equipped to participate in and benefit from the opportunities that CPEC is supposed to create.
The opposition to CPEC in Balochistan is not merely about the project itself but reflects broader issues of governance, autonomy, and development. The people of Balochistan have long felt neglected by the central government, and CPEC has brought these grievances to the forefront. They are not against development but seek an inclusive approach that respects their rights, acknowledges their contributions, and ensures that they are the primary beneficiaries of the resources and projects in their region. For CPEC to be successful, it is crucial to address these insecurities through meaningful dialogue, transparency, and a commitment to inclusive development.
For these reasons, some separatist groups in Balochistan carry out attacks on CPEC project. A recent explosion near Karachi airport tragically killed three people, including two Chinese nationals, and injured over a dozen. The attack was claimed by the Majid Brigade of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). The incident was a vehicle-borne IED suicide blast using approximately 70-80 kg of explosives, causing significant damage and setting seven vehicles on fire. The bomber, identified as Shah Fahad from Naushki, Balochistan, had arrived in Karachi earlier this month.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice. He emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to the safety of Chinese citizens, stating that security measures for foreign nationals would be strengthened.
However, only by building trust and ensuring that the local population is actively involved in the decision-making process can CPEC achieve its full potential and be seen as a symbol of prosperity rather than a source of division.
The writer is our Editorial Assistant and a journalist based in Peshawar.
