Potential benefits of CPEC to Gilgit Baltistan
By : Naveed Aman Khan
Although the China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) is evolving rapidly, there is a need to address the issues and
concerns of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Initially the CPEC plan does not really
benefit GB in the short-term, since no direct industrial projects are being
established. However, if we take a look at the long term perspective, with the
establishment of businesses, telecommunication networks and infrastructure
projects, GB will start to benefit economically. Therefore, there's a dire need
for the policy makers in the government to develop plans in GB of think-tanks
to focus on the core issues directly.
China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
is a part of One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative of the Chinese government to
expand its economic horizon around the globe. CPEC is famously coined as a
“Game Changer” for Pakistan, as it is expected to enhance economic development
in the country. However, some have also argued that it is “the end of the
game”, basing their arguments on the challenges associated with this gigantic
project. CPEC aims to develop Special Economic Zones in Pakistan through a
combination of infrastructure projects including transportation, energy and
port development. It will connect western China with Gwadar port in
Baluchistan. China transports 80% of its oil, through Strait of Malacca to
Shanghai on ships and covers a distance of16000 km which takes around two
months, whereas via CPEC it will cover 3218 km, shrinking down the shipment
time to a few days.
The initial budget for CPEC was
projected nearly $45 billion. However, the portfolio is grown to $110 billion.
It is important to note that CPEC is not just a road rather a network of
connectivity, industrialization, energy generation, promotion of trade and
tourism. The importance of Gilgit-Baltistan cannot be neglected because it is
the gateway for CPEC and also the proverbial Chicken Neck. The mighty Karakorum
Highway, known as the 8th wonder of the world, was built in 1968-78 to connect
China to the Western World by giving access to Arabian Sea. CPEC will continue
to build on the existing Karakorum Highway, passing through the mountains of
Gilgit-Baltistan. The Karakorum Highway will be improved and a few new roads
will be constructed for smooth travel, moreover new bridges, tunnels and
railway track is expected to construct to connect Kashgar city of China to
Havelian in Pakistan. As Gilgit-Baltistan shares its border with China
therefore the business terms have remained friendly between this region and
China for past many years, although the Free Trade Agreement was signed between
the two countries in 2006.
The distribution of CPE- related
projects of Pakistan show that Gilgit Baltistan is going to gain little from
this project initially, as so far no hydropower or industrial project is
included for this region, other than the Magpoondas Special Economic Zone and
the Optic Fibre connection. If we look at indirect impact of the project, it is
apparent that Gilgit-Baltistan is likely to benefit in terms of business
development, energy generation, infrastructure development and telecommunication.
The connectivity through road and train plus intra-city roads will aid to
increased social and economic integration. Additionally, resource development
is expected in the region as people are getting trainings, learning Chinese
language and business skills. I propose some of the steps hereunder that should
be taken:-
There is a dire need for more than one
think tanks where development practitioners, researchers, business experts,
political leaders and even students will come together to engage in research,
advocacy and planning with regard to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This
platform could serve as the evidence based research group with a primary
mandate to guide and advocate policy makers, members of Gilgit-Baltistan
Legislative Assembly to formulate policies that will protect indigenous people,
its economy and culture. Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly should have the
ability to bargain with the government of Pakistan as well as the government of
China to promote and protect the rights of local people. This entity will also
engage academia especially Karakorum International University to conduct
research, offer specialized courses to help prepare young minds for CPEC and
equip young people with marketable skills. Gilgit-Baltistan has already
experienced dramatic economic transformation primarily stimulated by Aga Khan
Rural Support Programme through community mobilization and social action.
Almost every village in the area has a grass root platform known as Village
Organizations, Women Organizations and Local Support Organizations.
These institutions need to be
strengthened and empowered through intensive training, sensitization and
capacity building. When Karakoram Highway was constructed, those communities
took maximum benefit from it than those areas where people were not organized.
Organized people will get maximum benefit of CPEC. Otherwise, it would be like
the Indus River, we see its rise and fall but can’t get benefit of it. Similar
thing will happen with CPEC; we will see trucks going and coming but won’t get
any benefit. One very important aspect which is part of this movement, we call
it Human Capital. Investment has been done initially and now we need to expand
it more relevant to all these opportunities then we ca, I think, get maximum
benefit from mega investment which are for people’s benefit so it’s about how
we organize ourselves to get maximum benefit. Various training programmes
should be introduced across Gilgit-Baltistan to tap the opportunities. This may
include high level technical skills such as information technology, information
management, international trade laws and marketing as well as other technical
skills like cargo management, transport management, hotel management and
tourism promotion. Introduction of Chinese language in school curriculum could
be another important milestone to be better equipped to handle effects of
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Specialized programmes should be
introduced preparing youth for the future. This may include awareness-raising
sessions, mobilization and training. Different youth forums and platform should
be made to engage youth in discussion related to CPEC and its impact on socio-
economic dynamics of Gilgit-Baltistan. Student politics at school, college and
university levels in Gilgit-Baltistan should be introduced as this will help
them understand and take interest in politics of the region as well. Teachers
should support students in carrying out different researches on CPEC.
Pakistan Observer
Date : 28-06-2018
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