Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan by area but has a small population. The region is blessed with an abundance of natural resources including natural gas, coal, and minerals like copper and gold. Despite its resources and wealth, the province faces significant economic challenges and lacking in infrastructure development.

The Pakistan administration has taken various steps to uplift the living standard of Baluchistan people including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) the flagship project of China’s BRI initiative. It was announced in 2013 and aims to enhance bilateral economic cooperation by developing infrastructure, energy projects, and industrial zones. The corridor is intended to connect Gwadar Port in Pakistan to China’s Xinjiang region, facilitating trade and economic integration. The corridor will not only enhance the connectivity between China, Pakistan, and other regions but also serve as a gateway for trade with South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

CPEC’s remarkable effect in Balochistan can be seen through the extensive investment in infrastructure. The development of Gwadar Port is a cornerstone of CPEC, transforming this once-sleepy fishing town into a bustling hub of economic activity. The port is proposed to be a main deep-sea port that serves as a crucial node in international trade routes. This development along with the construction of highways like the Makran Coastal Highway and the Gwadar-Quetta Highway will increase connectivity not only within the province but also with the rest of Pakistan.

Gwadar will emerge as an international city which will facilitate multiple communities. Moreover, the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Gwadar and other parts of Balochistan is expected to attract both local and foreign investment. These SEZs aim to create industrial clusters that will generate employment opportunities and spur economic growth. The development of the manufacturing, logistics, and energy........

© Eurasia Review