Abstract
This study explores the perceptions of the coastal communities of Balochistan vis–à–vis China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a mega–development project in Gwadar. Understanding the socioeconomic issues of the vulnerable coastal communities of the province is critical for the policymakers to ensure an inclusive approach towards development planning. The volatile political situation of this province underscores the need to proactively address the socioeconomic impact of CPEC projects on the local populace by including them in the development process instead of allowing them to be marginalized and exploited at the hands of the forces which are averse to the progress. It attempts to map the expectations and apprehensions of the subjects vis–à–vis changes brought about by CPEC in their region, especially how they perceive their habitat and livelihood being impacted–positively or negatively. Finally, the study charts out a set of recommendations based on the first–hand observations, and advocates devising an integrated strategy at all policy levels for ensuring inclusion of these coastal communities as important stakeholders not only in the mega development taking place in the form of CPEC–led development projects but also in the maritime economy and security of Pakistan.
Highlights
The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is based on major collaborative projects for infrastructure construction, industrial development and livelihood improvement, aimed at socioeconomic development, prosperity and security in the regions along it
28 Besides all the apparent developmental enthusiasm, Gwadar project is the epicenter of the sub-nationalist narrative resisting the CPEC as part of the ongoing militancy in the province brewing on the grounds of marginalization of fisherfolk and coastal communities of Balochistan
There are different sets of people on the coastal belt with regard to the level of awareness about CPEC: the first group is only aware of the name of the project but does not have considerable information about it; the second group consists of those who can relate to the Gwadar project and have concerns and demands
Summary
The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is based on major collaborative projects for infrastructure construction, industrial development and livelihood improvement, aimed at socioeconomic development, prosperity and security in the regions along it. Coastal Communities of Balochistan vis-à-vis CPEC: Mapping Perceptions and Socioeconomic Issues sub-nationalist political demands and reservations on the project were not addressed, it further accelerated the resentment which led to different ways of agitation: the slogan to defend ‘Sahil o Wasail’ of Balochistan (coastal and land resources of Balochistan) was raised by the political forces,[3] while the militants targeted Chinese workers in the province.[4] The militancy in the coastal belt is brewing on the grounds of marginalization of the coastal communities of Balochistan, especially the fisherfolk It could escalate into further hatred if their hopes and aspirations are not taken into account, while addressing their apprehensions regarding CPEC-led development.
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