CPEC through the Lens of Locals: A Study of Gwadar

Abstract

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was launched in 2015 as one of the flagship projects of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and it is expected to greatly boost economic development and connectivity in the region. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been billed as one of the flagship projects of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and is expected to have a significant impact on the economic development and connectivity of the region, particularly in the port of Gwadar. The project was anticipated to bring benefits in terms of infrastructure, jobs creation and socioeconomic development of the local communities. But many of those living in Gwadar and other areas of Balochistan are claiming that these expectations have not been met. Rather it is concerns regarding the lack of benefits from the project, lack of participation in development planning and the inequitable distribution of project benefits that have led to a growing discontent of the public. The grievances have played a part in the development of the Haq Do Tehreek movement, which is an articulation of larger demands for social justice and inclusive development. The same sentiments have been expressed in previous development projects in Balochistan such as Sui Gas, Saindak Copper-Gold and Reko Diq projects, where the local people believe that they are benefiting little from the use of their own resources. In this context, the present research study focuses on the local perceptions of CPEC using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach in Gwadar. The study is based on primary data gathered from members of the community, which helps to highlight the challenges and expectations of the project. The study suggests the need to enhance the involvement of the community, take care of local grievances, and make sure to spread the development benefits fairly. These measures can boost public confidence, minimise resistance, and aid both Gwadar and Pakistan in achieving sustainability and success for CPEC in the long term.