CPEC is not designed to empower
local people
Dr Shabir Choudhry 09 October 2017
Gilgit Baltistan was disputed before the China Pakistan Economic
Corridor was initiated. However, I am pleased that now the Trump administration
has also realised this fact. It will be pertinent to assert that according to
the UN Resolutions, the entire former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir is
disputed since late 1940s.
Different countries change their stand on this matter in accordance with
their interests. The US Defence Secretary James
Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee that “The One Belt, One Road
also goes through disputed territory, and I think that in itself shows the
vulnerability of trying to establish that sort of a dictate.” 1
Both the Defence Secretary James Matis and Chairman Joint
Chiefs of Staff Gen Joseph Dunford appeared before the Senate and House
Armed Services Committee to brief US lawmakers on the current situation in the
Pak-Afghan region. What Secretary Matis said is a clear signal that America has
decided to oppose the CPEC; and in this regard Washington will find more than
one country willing to provide helping hand. Trump Administration strongly
feels that in a globalised world, where instability, international terrorism,
and threat of nuclear use is serious matter no one country should be in a
position to dictate world economic agenda.
It is believed that if the CPEC becomes functional as
planned by Beijing and Islamabad, then it will seriously threaten interests of
many countries, especially America, Iran, UAE and India. This will enormously
increase power and influence of Beijing, as that will enable China to control
and influence Gilgit Baltistan, Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean.
In other words, the CPEC has potential to aggravate
Washington’s relationship with Islamabad and Beijing because of the conflicting
interests and shifting alliances. This could also lead to confrontation in the
region, possibly involving other countries in the fray.
The CPEC, in view of some commentators, instead of being a
source prosperity and economic stability could well instigate a disaster and
calamity unseen in contemporary history of the region. It is sad to note that
the Pakistani elite, in line with their past practice, have been very economical
with truth. They continue to hide facts from the people. Anyone who dare to
present a counter narrative is perceived as anti - state and agent of foreign
powers.
It is possible that some of those spearheading the CPEC
projects have little or no knowledge on the subject; and they do not fully
comprehend implications of this mega project which has hidden objectives as
well. Interestingly those people and the elite connected with the CPEC projects
have no business interests in Pakistan, and any negative impact on the economy
of Pakistan will not directly hurt them.
Furthermore, hitherto relationship on the CPEC indicate that
most of the benefits are going towards China; and Pakistan will get very little
out of it. There is hardly any transfer of skills from the Chinese to the
Pakistani professionals. Additionally, question arises, if there is any valuable
transfer of technology, which will enrich knowledge and understanding of the
Pakistani professionals.
A Pakistani columnist, Nusrat Mirza in his article writes
that China is also seriously concerned about security of the CPEC. In order to
protect its huge investment and strategic interests China has taken certain pre-emptive
military steps.
Chinese apprehension is that passage of Wakhan could also be
used to target the CPEC projects with intention of stopping the progress or
creating serious obstacles. It is believed that America has installed very
sensitive instruments to monitor various activities. To counter this, China has
also stationed thousands of soldiers and has built Helipad and military
airport. 2
I want people of
Pakistan to enjoy their liberty and fundamental human rights. I want them to
have economic stability and prosperity, as that will help them to control
extremism, intolerance and terrorism. However, they should not get economic
stability and prosperity at the cost of our freedom, our resources and our
future. No matter what critics say, interests of citizens of our people is
paramount to me.
I oppose the CPEC because
it will be counterproductive to long term Pakistani interests and its sovereignty.
It is against the interests of the region; and above all, it is against the
interests of citizens of Gilgit Baltistan and so called Azad Kashmir.
As a loyal son of the former Princely State of Jammu and
Kashmir, I have every right to write and oppose this mega project which, like
East India Company of the past centuries, will usurp our rights and loot and
plunder our resources. I have to see what is there for our people; and how it
will affect the status of Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Gilgit Baltistan?
I strongly feel that because of the CPEC, and clear
violation of the State Subject Laws, there will be very serious demographic
changes, as more Pakistanis and Chinese will settle here. This and presence of
more army and secret agencies will consequently increase in human rights abuses
and intimidation and harassment of the local people. Furthermore, this will strengthen
role of non - local people who will control local economy and politics. Ultimately
this will lead to more loot and plunder of our resources.
The CPEC will result in change of status of the Jammu and
Kashmir dispute; and will enhance power and influence of China. Furthermore,
the CPEC will seriously disturb the eco system of the region with enormous
environment problems.
In view of the above, it is imperative that loyal sons of
the soil should speak against negative impacts of the CPEC, as it is not
designed to empower people or promote economic stability and prosperity in
Pakistan and areas of Jammu and Kashmir State under Pakistan.
Writer is a political analyst, and author of many
books and booklets. Also, he is Chairman South Asia Watch, London and Director
Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
References:
1.
Dawn, October 7th, 2017
2.
Nusrat Mirza, CPEC Kay Khilaf Sazish,
Daily Jangm 09/10 2017
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