CPEC and Balochistan: Challenges to Security

Abstract

CPEC is integral to the development, prosperity and security of Pakistan, the Geo-politics and Geo-economics of the region and the vision of the Belt and Road Initiative connecting three continents. Balochistan province is the most important for the realization and perpetuation of this project. The internal security of Balochistan and the involvement of various regional actors complicate the security matrix posing the biggest challenge to the project. However, the project can ensure the security of Balochistan. If neighboring countries are involved in the development and prosperity of the project it can revolutionize the future of the project. Therole of Iran is the most important as it was the major competing country having a role in Afghanistan and close ties with India. Iran joining the project can neutralize major threats to the CPEC. This study is aimed at analyzing the security of CPEC in Balochistan through the matrix of regional actors' interests.