By
Tariq Rizwan
China
Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is considered by the analysts as a game
changer for the region in general and Pakistan in particular. Both China and
Pakistan, the two friendly neighbors, are committed to complete the project
according to the plan. The basic CPEC route is passing through Gilgit-Biltistan
(GB), Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) and Baluchistan. Gwadar and Kashghar, China will
be connected through road infrastructure, railway line, air trafficking and is
likely to usher a new era of development and prosperity in the area. CPEC has
enhanced biased the geostrategic importance of Pakistan manifold. China is keen
to have a direct and shortest access link to Middle East, Europe and Africa
through its One Border One Road (OBOR) strategy. The strategically located
Baluchistan due to its peripheral Gwadar Port has, therefore, become a gateway.
It is a linking point for China, South Asia, Central Asian Republic (CARs),
Russia to reach out to the Warm Water, Middle East and beyond. Out of the huge
financial, economic and social benefits, the provinces of Baluchistan and KP
will be the top beneficiaries. These two provinces will be flocked with local
and foreign investors and will create huge opportunities for its people.
Despite
its unprecedented benefits, the hostile powers are not ready to digest the
project and deprive the region from its benefits. Arch rival India is bent upon
undermining the project. By following a destructive agenda against CPEC, Modi
regime is trying to deprive the poor masses of the region of the fruits of the
project in the long run. After initial failures to exploit GB issue and Baluch
militancy, the strategy and tactics have been changed to destabilize
Baluchistan with the aim to hinder the timely completion of the project. This time,
the focus is on minorities living peacefully in Baluchistan since ages. Zikri
community is their prime target who are inhibiting parts of Baluchistan and
Sindh provinces; Gwadar, Turbat, Lasbela and Karachi. The enemy is propagating
the theme in religious circles that Zikris are not Muslims and should be
treated like Ahmadis or Qadianis. Moreover, that ethnic Baluch have been
deprived, enslaved and will never get any benefit from the project. Rather,
they will be converted into a minority in their own homeland and their mineral
resources will be exploited for the Punjabis.
The
Zikiris inhibited areas in Makran Division of Baluchistan are strategic both in
terms of geographic location and natural resources. Like Ismaili community,
Zikris also consider Gwadar as their holly place where their religion had
originated. The enemy’s nefarious aim is to create communal and religious rifts
in these areas and ultimately slow down the progress on CPEC in these areas.
Therefore, ridiculous and disturbing literature and video clips are being
circulated on net to invite the wrath of religious communities. Disgruntled
elements among Zikris are also being used to generate anger in the community
for making their traditions and beliefs controversial.
But
the fact is that CPEC is destined to be completed in time. Baluch are for the
first time in the history, bound to reap maximum benefits. In case if the enemy
succeeds, there will be a dangerous situation where a brother will be pitched
up with another brother and one Baloch tribe will be pitched against another
one. People of Baluchistan will suffer the most. Indeed, Baluch are aware of
such designs and have already dispelled the nefarious design of self – exiled
Baluch disgruntled elements on several occasions who are playing in the hands
of foreign hostile forces.
Though
in the initial stage, the $ 46 billion CPEC is a huge one, never experienced in
the region. The project is attracting a huge investment from inside Pakistan
and from abroad. Several extra regional countries from far abroad like Norway,
Germany, France, Russia.etc are keen to become part of the upcoming economic
boom. They are investing their money in CPEC because of its huge potentials.
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