CSS Current Affairs | Suggestions to Improve Security of Baluchistan with Respect to CPEC
The following question of CSS Current Affairs is solved by Maryam Aqsa under the supervision of Howfiv’s Pakistan Affairs and Current Affairs Coaches. She learnt how to attempt 20 marks question and essay writing from Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. This solved past paper question is attempted on the pattern taught by Sir to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years, and uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- A Bird’s Eye View on the Fragile Situation in Baluchistan
3- What Problem Do the People of Balochistan Face Due to CPEC
4- What Pragmatic Measures to Improve the Security Condition of Balochistan with Respect to CPEC
- ✓To Negotiate with Afghan Taliban
- ✓To Give Equal Weightage to Baloch to Mitigate Indian Factor
- ✓To Enhance International Relations for Strengthening CPEC
- ✓To Behave as a Mediator Between China and Iran
5- How To Counter Regional Attempts to Sabotage CPEC in Balochistan
- ✓To Negotiate with Afghan Taliban
- ✓To Give Equal Weightage to Baloch to Mitigate Indian Factor
- ✓To Enhance International Relations for Strengthening CPEC
- ✓To Behave as a Mediator Between China and Iran
6- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Baluchistan, Pakistan’s largest province, is situated in the southwestern part of the country and serves as a nexus for trade routes connecting Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East. It is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, gold, copper, and iron. However, ethnic tensions prevail in the region. Initially, the separatist Baluchistan did not want to join Pakistan and still desired independence. The state’s neglect of this province has resulted in a lack of water resources, unequal distribution of natural wealth, human rights violations, limited educational opportunities leading to poverty, and strained relations among its inhabitants. In this context, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which is being carried out through Gwadar, is exacerbating tensions, posing a threat to its implementation, touting as a game-changer for both Pakistan and China. As stated in the Friday Times, “The insecurity in Baluchistan threatens not only regional stability but also has profound implications for Pakistan’s security, neighbouring countries’ relations, and economic endeavours, notably the CPEC project.”
A bird’s Eye View of the Fragile Situation in Baluchistan
At the time of Pakistan’s independence, Baluchistan’s three princely states – Las Bela, Kharan, and Makran – agreed to join Pakistan, while Kalat joined later. Despite this, there have been ongoing demands for separate representation, particularly from the Balochi ethnic group, which constitutes a significant portion of Baluchistan’s approximately 6 million population. Due to perceived neglect from the Pakistani state, tensions have arisen reminiscent of those in East Pakistan. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has further exacerbated these tensions, with groups like the Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) opposing the deal. Consequently, insecurity has increased in Baluchistan, leading to attacks on Gwadar Port, where China aims to develop infrastructure for international trade, including the creation of 50 berths by 2030.
What Problems Do the People of Balochistan Face Due to CPEC
In Balochistan, people have a strong sense of superiority towards their ethnic group, while China’s culture differs significantly from ours. Additionally, native Baloch fear that CPEC’s economic development might marginalize them within their own land. Baloch rely on fisheries and mineral mining for their livelihood, while China employs advanced methods for marine products and utilizes the deep sea Gwadar port for trade. Despite promises of infrastructure development, Balochistan has seen little progress, fueling resentment and leading to insecurity and attacks on the Gwadar port.
What Pragmatic Measures to Improve the Security Condition of Balochistan with Respect to CPEC
There is no doubt that CPEC is vital for Pakistan’s development, and its main root is Gwadar, Balochistan. So, it’s the responsibility of the state to protect this deal. The government should take sagacious steps to promote the development of Balochistan to save their region before the Balochi unite for rebellion as in East Pakistan in the past. Some suggestions are as follows;
- ✓To Establish Strong Security System
Numerous attacks have been noticed over the last 4 to 5 years on Chinese engineers working in mines and teachers teaching at Karachi University. These attacks are attributed to the BLA group. The government should improve the security system in Balochistan, especially in the regions where the CPEC route is observed.
- ✓To Promote Equal Distribution of Resources
Balochistan is the second-largest gas producer, but unfortunately, only 14 towns out of 34 Balochistan districts have access to natural gas. Similarly, it is rich in natural resources such as gold, copper, iron, and coal, which are vital for Pakistan’s economy. Therefore, both the federal and provincial governments should take serious steps towards the development of Balochistan and ensure equal rights for all provinces.
- ✓To Make the Balochi People of CPEC Plan
The people of Balochistan stand against the CPEC and reject symbolic relations. Currently, there is no development in Gwadar. The progress of Gwadar is a part of CPEC Phase 3, scheduled from 2025 to 2030. In the heart of Balochistan, there is resentment over broken promises. The government should hold meetings with Baloch party leaders to raise awareness about the CPEC plan.
- ✓To Assure the Baloch Community to CPEC is Solely Economic Deal
The Baloch people prioritize their ethnicity and fear losing their identity to CPEC. The government should reassure the Baloch community that CPEC is solely an economic initiative and does not target their ethnic group. It is imperative to engage in dialogue with Baloch leaders to address their concerns and foster understanding about the true nature of the CPEC project. By building trust and promoting awareness, mutual cooperation and development can be achieved for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.
- ✓To Include Baloch Leader in CPEC Meeting
Gwadar is the key to the CPEC project. Numerous attacks in Gwadar are attributed to the BLA due to misunderstandings. The government should include Baloch leaders in CPEC meetings to raise awareness about the project and foster collaboration between the Balochi and Chinese communities.
How to Counter Regional Attempts to Sabotage CPEC in Balochistan
Pakistan shares a long border with India and Afghanistan, while Afghanistan and Iran are neighbours in Balochistan. Given the historically hostile relationship with India and the complex dynamics with Afghanistan and Iran, exacerbated by external factors such as the involvement of the USA, the CPEC presents a significant challenge for Pakistan. Therefore, the Pakistani government should take prudent measures to improve relations with its neighbouring countries. Some are as follows;
- ✓To Negotiate with Afghan Taliban
Pakistan shares a long border with Afghanistan, and following the events of 9/11, the relationship between the two countries became strained. Cross-border terrorism, historical tensions, and regional power dynamics from Afghanistan have posed significant challenges to completing the CPEC project. Pakistan should engage in negotiations with the Afghan Taliban to promote peace and stability in the region, which would help create a conducive environment for the successful implementation of CPEC.
- ✓To Give Equal Weightage to Baloch to Mitigate Indian Factor
India’s hostile relations with Pakistan since its inception have led to suspicions regarding its involvement in supporting insurgent groups in Balochistan to destabilize the region and undermine the CPEC project. Pakistan should hold meetings with Baloch leaders to foster collaboration, ensuring not only equal representation but also taking a stand for their development. By addressing internal grievances and promoting development in Balochistan, external hostile factors can be effectively mitigated.
- ✓To Enhance International Relations for Strengthening CPEC
China chose Pakistan for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) instead of India. In response, India initiated the IMEC (India-Middle East Economic Corridor). Pakistan should improve its international ties to garner support for the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor). However, when the external hostile power ploys to destroy CPEC, international allies fully support it.
- ✓To Behave as Mediator Between China and Iran
Iran and China were trading partners and signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement in 2021. Later, China broke this agreement. Consequently, tensions arose between the two countries, leading to a strained relationship. In response, India invested in the Chabahar port of Iran to balance China’s trading activities through Gwadar. Pakistan should arrange a meeting and act as a mediator to alleviate the strained relations between Iran and China, thereby safeguarding their Pak-China deal.
Conclusion
CPEC is indeed a game changer for Pakistan, but ensuring its security is essential to complete its phases successfully. This security is crucial to alleviate both internal and external tensions. Pakistan should collaborate with the people of Balochistan, giving them equal importance in all aspects, akin to other provinces. Additionally, Pakistan should conduct meetings with regional powers to dispel misunderstandings. Such mediation can significantly boost the economy and pave the way for greater prosperity.
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