China Aims to Devour Baloch Resources with CPEC as an Excuse – Ambreen Baloch

Writer: Ambreen Baloch

Development refers to the enhancement of the quality of life for individuals within a society. If a person experiences prosperity economically and socially, they have access to essential life requirements such as education, employment, health care, and other domestic and social needs. However, this is not the case in Balochistan, despite it being the wealthiest region. Despite this, ninety percent of the population lives in abject poverty, lacking access to basic necessities and facing challenges such as hunger, disease, illiteracy, and social, political, and academic backwardness. Even the owners of Gwadar, CPEC, Reko-Diq, and Chamalang are living in extreme poverty. There is a notable absence of scientific and intellectual development, with books and studies often being banned. Merely constructing highways and large buildings cannot be equated with development and prosperity. True progress involves not only infrastructure but also advancements in education, science, technology, knowledge, and literature through innovation and modernization. Regrettably, Pakistan is facilitating the interests of other global powers, including China, in this region, labeling its occupation and exploitation of resources as development.

When CPEC was announced in 2015, $46 billion was allocated for its completion. Now, the cost of CPEC has increased from $46 billion to $60 billion, with an additional $900 billion designated for the Belt and Road project. The project was announced at a summit in Beijing in 2017, attended by heads of state from 29 countries, representatives of 130 countries, and delegates from 70 international organizations.

Alongside its economic significance, this project holds commercial and defense importance. It is crucial for China to gain access to global trade markets and revive the ancient Silk Route under the Belt and Road initiative. By reconstructing the Silk Road and investing in port, highway, and railway construction to link China with markets across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond, China aims to solidify its dominance over the region. This involves deploying capital to establish defense, commercial, and most importantly, ‘political influence’ indiscriminately.

The conflict between America and China has emerged in the region regarding Gwadar port and CPEC. China wants to gain its monopoly, economic and defense interests in the region through Gwadar port, while the United States wants to establish a unilateral monopoly in the region, curbing Chinese influence so that America’s political, economic and defense dominance over the region remains.

Pakistan is well aware of the geographical importance of Balochistan, particularly the abundance of minerals and natural resources it offers. The economic interests of Punjab are being fulfilled by the resources of Balochistan, as the natural gas extracted from Balochistan supports Pakistan’s economic needs. Consequently, Pakistan’s economy is heavily reliant on Balochistan’s resources.

Gwadar Port, Reko-Diq, Saindak, Chamalang, Sui Gas, etc., are preventing Pakistan’s sinking economic ship from going under and providing vital sustenance to Pakistan’s struggling existence. Additionally, Balochistan serves as an international air route, contributing billions of dollars in annual taxes to Pakistan. Furthermore, the marble industry relies on Balochistan, with hundreds of marble factories in Karachi providing employment for thousands. The coal industry also plays a significant role in Pakistan’s economy. Moreover, the abundant natural resources of Balochistan are crucial for Pakistan’s economic stability, yet Pakistan is accused of exploiting these resources.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) needs to be carefully evaluated within the context of this entire project. There is no provision in the plan for the Baloch nation that would lead to economic prosperity or provide employment opportunities in Balochistan. While universities, science and technology, and marine science institutions have been established, little attention has been given to agriculture, fishing, and farming sectors. Furthermore, it is not merely oversight; rather, there is suspicion that under the guise of this corridor, a conspiracy has been orchestrated to exploit Baloch resources and land.

The importance, effectiveness, and success of CPEC depend on Balochistan, especially Gwadar. However, in this modern era, the residents of Gwadar are suffering from hunger and poverty despite living on the coast; they yearn for even a drop of water. Balochistan is the focal point of CPEC, with Gwadar being its center. However, Punjab is reaping the benefits of its fruits, with significant investments being made in large-scale projects including energy, agriculture, health, trade, industry, transport, and road construction. Conversely, a road passing through Balochistan connects China to Gwadar port and Punjab. As a result, many villages and towns have been demolished, forcing local residents to migrate from their native areas. These displaced individuals are compelled to live as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in various regions of Sindh and Balochistan. Unfortunately, under the guise of development, Balochistan has experienced devastation and destruction.

The settlement of Chinese and Punjabis in areas like Gwadar will fundamentally alter the demography of Balochistan. This intrusion will erode the identity, culture, language, and civilization of the Baloch nation. China, in collaboration with Pakistan, is perpetuating imperialism. It interferes in Balochistan’s geographical, political, and economic affairs through illicit proposals, overstepping its national boundaries and authority. This expansion of imperialism transforms Balochistan into a colony, disregarding the rights of its indigenous inhabitants and flouting international laws. And along with the Punjabi occupiers, they have established their own colonies on the Baloch land, taking control of Balochistan, restoring land connections with Central Asian countries, plundering resources, and focusing their greedy eyes on their resources.

The Baloch nation harbors serious concerns and reservations regarding CPEC, viewing this imperialist project as China’s colonial domination and occupation of Baloch land. China, in collaboration with Pakistan, aims to secure control over the Baloch coast, thereby strengthening its economic and political monopoly in the region. Moreover, China’s construction of a naval base in the Arabian Sea exacerbates anxiety, tension, and instability in the area. For the Baloch nation, CPEC represents a bloodthirsty imperialist dragon poised to devour their land and culture.