Is CPEC Beneficial for Balochistan?
What is CPEC?
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the collection of mega projects in Pakistan as four types of China-led CPEC projects are in Balochistan with the construction of numerous energy projects, modern transportation, Gwadar port, and Special Economic Zone. The first convey from China arrived in Gwadar on 13th, November 2016 and the first cargo train launched the rail route, and sea freight served between China and Pakistan departed from Yunan.
CPEC Projects
According to certain data, there is a total of 21 energy projects programs held by CPEC across Pakistan. Approximately 26.37 billion have been given for power creation of 13810 megawatts. There is a total 1,620 MW capacity for Balochistan in two projects with approximately 2.54 billion and these projects accommodate 3000MW imported coal power projects at Gwadar. Along with (CPHGC) China Power Project Hub Generation Company produces 1,320MW. The power project will bring “nine billion Kilowatt-hours electricity for four million households in Pakistan.
Among the five major road projects listed under CPEC one is exclusively for Balochistan which is a 110 km long road from Khuzdar to Basima and another route from DG Khan to Zhob. Furthermore, there are three railway networks planned for Balochistan under CPEC by financial and potential departments. The new track is from Gwadar to Basima and to Jacobabad along with Gwader to Karachi and rail-based on the Quetta Mass transit project.
Importance of Gwadar Port in CPEC
Gwadar port is located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and the districts cover a Coastal Zone which are Pasni, Gwadar, and Jiwani. In February 2013, only two berths have been completed the goal is to authorize 120 jetties. The trade-in port is conventional to generate 13 million tonnes by 2022. Furthermore, Balochistan has a quantity of water but not in quality. A desalination plant was generated at Gwadar port on 15th May that provided 54,000 gallons of drinking water. Apart from this, there are twelve projects which are planned for Gwadar port. Besides these projects, there is another project which is the name of Mega oil city in Gwadar under CPEC and via this project, China could reach within seven days to transport oil.
Balochistan Economic Zone in CPEC
Among the nine Special Economic Zones, one in Balochistan. The Boston Industrial Zone is to be established in Balochistan. This Zone will be elaborated over 1,000 acres of which 200 acres have been developing. Several industries will be assembled such as fruit processing, agricultural Machinery, motorbikes congregation, cooking oil, ceramics industries, ice, and cold depository, electric appliances, and pharmaceutical. This Boston zone will conjugate Quetta airport 23 km, Quetta dry port at 32 km, Gwadar 976 km, Karachi Seaport at 713 km and, N-50 highway at 0km.
CPEC Benefits and Opportunities For Balochistan:
CPEC is an opportunity for Balochistan as 70% of people live in the poverty line and Balochistan has 0.13 million unemployed population which is the highest rate in Pakistan. The CPEC will generate a total of 71,959 jobs from two energy projects in Balochistan for Pakistan and from road projects, it will create about 7,500 direct jobs opportunities. Moreover, Balochistan had an acute water shortage because of CPEC the water will be converted into hygienic water. In addition, CPEC will generate electricity for the province and almost every one of us in Balochistan is suffering from it. Additionally, with the project infrastructure, the roads of the province will be built, Last but not the least it will also be building the economy of Balochistan.
In conclusion, The China Pakistan Economic Corridor with different projects will compose the economy in Balochistan. CPEC has appeared as hope for Balochistan. These projects will generate jobs, electricity, roads, and industrial projects along with these, it will also develop the unprogressive areas.
Aqsa Haider
Awaran Balochistan