CPEC and Balochistan: Prospects of Socio-political Stability

Abstract

In the age of economic integrity and changing geopolitical environment, Pakistan is keen to strengthen itself domestically and bring much needed change in Balochistan. The Government of Pakistan has made a number of efforts to reach out to the people of Balochistan. Especially, after the launch of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2015, socio-political stability of Balochistan has become crucial for political leadership and policy makers. The historically neglected province of Balochistan, lacks socio-economic development, communication infrastructure and employment, which have impeded social, political and economic progress of the province. In order to overcome its challenges, economic development, social and political stability is necessary. The paper, by focusing on the challenges being faced by Balochistan, will attempt to analyse that how the CPEC would be a ‘game changer’ for the province. It explains that how the implementation of the CPEC projects in the province will help to address the challenges being faced by the local population and how they would be able to overcome future challenges by ensuring stability.