Gwadar, a coastal city in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, stands at the intersection of economic ambition and enduring conflict. The long-standing Baloch insurgency, which began five decades ago, continues to cast a shadow over the region. Thousands have gone missing, with locals fearing detention if they speak against perceived exploitation or oppression. Despite the tensions, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has brought significant investment to Gwadar, creating approximately 2,000 local jobs. However, it remains unclear whether these positions benefit Baloch residents or Pakistanis from other regions. While officials claim CPEC has been transformational, evidence of change in Gwadar is scarce.
The New Gwadar International Airport, financed entirely by China at a cost of $240 million, exemplifies the disparity between economic projects and local realities. Despite its completion, the airport has yet to open for business, standing in stark contrast to the impoverished Balochistan province surrounding it. Meanwhile, Gwadar faces severe infrastructure challenges. The city lacks a connection to the national power grid, relying instead on electricity from neighboring Iran or solar panels. Clean water is scarce due to drought and unchecked exploitation, leaving many residents without basic necessities.
Security concerns compound these challenges. Attacks in Gwadar have increased since 2021, prompting the Pakistani government to intensify its military presence in the region. This heavy-handed approach has only deepened mistrust among locals. Separatist groups continue to fight for independence, targeting both Pakistani troops and Chinese workers. The situation creates an atmosphere of suspicion, with intelligence officers closely monitoring journalists visiting Gwadar.
Abdul Ghafoor Hoth questions the impact of CPEC on local employment opportunities, asking,
“Forget the other jobs, how many Baloch people are at this port that was built for CPEC.”
This sentiment reflects broader concerns about who truly benefits from these projects. Azeem Khalid, an international relations expert, suggests that,
“This airport is not for Pakistan or Gwadar.”
This statement underscores skepticism regarding the airport's role in local development.
Despite these challenges, some see potential in economic growth. An unnamed speaker highlights this perspective by stating,
“When someone has something to eat, then why would he choose to go on the wrong path.”
Yet, as Khalid points out,
“The Pakistani government is not willing to give anything to the Baloch people, and the Baloch are not willing to take anything from the government.”
This statement highlights the persistent disconnect between governmental initiatives and local needs.
