Nuggets from the Quetta trip
The PM made some apt observations in Quetta. Balochistan, the largest province, is being held back because of corruption, poverty and terrorism. And while the security machinery will now restore law and order, corruption too will come under check once institutions are strengthened. Soon enough, everybody will do their respective jobs, because of checks and balances all the way from the top, and the province will be back on its feet. “Progress of the country is linked with development of Balochistan,” in Imran Khan’s own words.
And that, of course, is why CPEC projects are apparently being “reviewed” to safeguard rights of people of the Pakistan. True, Balochistan has been riddled with poverty, corruption and terrorism for far too long, holding back not just natural linear progress but also normal life for many of its citizens. There is also the question of targetted sectarian killings that the prime minister preferred not to delve into on his maiden trip to the province. But perhaps it is better to tackle these problems one by one before going public about CPEC. Already the government has caused a degree of anxiety among the Chinese because of its remarks about the ‘game-changer’.
The government should consider a few things before making remarks about sensitive bi- and multi-lateral projects. One, Pakistan is at the brink of default just when our chief financial patron, America, has effectively cut off our aid lifeline. So there will be no more free money. Two, Pakistan faces a crippling lack of infrastructure necessary for value added production and, subsequently, exports. And three, China is investing here when our mix of internal factors makes much of the world turn away from us. CPEC is one part of China’s landmark Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). But it’s the most crucial part. So long as the Chinese are making long term investments, we will get quality infrastructure and they will likely keep us from going belly up. That, no matter how patriotic a government has finally graced Islamabad, is the reality of the matter. If there are legitimate concerns that the government wishes addressed, like Malaysia’s new government, it is advised to take the matter up with the Chinese before going public, also like Malaysia’s new government.
