How will CPEC help Baluchistan and other provinces of Pakistan

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative is the largest economic venture that the country has ever done. This project which has an estimated value of $47 billion is surely going to prove as a game changer for Pakistan. Many of CPEC related projects are focusing on improving the port facilities at Gwadar and are also focusing on optimizing the road network.

The central objective of the CPEC is building a long highway which will start from Gwadar and end at Kashgar, which will be a distance of 3000Km. The CPEC also has various projects to combat the energy crises of the country.

While it’s a common misconception that CPEC is only focusing on developing Baluchistan and Gwadar, but the truth is that the CPEC project has plans to develop each province of Pakistan. Each of these sub-projects plans to benefit the entire provinces of the country. As private companies are acquiring land for sale in Gwadar they will build up the city with various commercial projects and improve the value of Gwadar property.

SINDH:

At Keti Bundar a project that will benefit Sindh, is known has the Keti Bunder Sea Port Development Project is to be built under CPEC. For generating power in Sindh Engro Thar Block II 2×330MW Coal fired Power Plant is being constructed that will initially supply 660MW of energy.

PUNJAB:

In Punjab an iron ore mining project is being built to extract natural resources in the province and a Steel Mills and process factory is also being constructed at Chiniot, Punjab. Other than these, energy projects such as Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park is being developed which will provide 1000 MW of energy.

KPK:

At KPK a major energy project is being built at a cost of $1,802 million known as the Suki Kinari Hydropower Station which being built at Naran, once completed it will generate 870MW of power.  Other sub-projects include upgrading the road network and infrastructure of KPK.To improve road connectivity the Chitral CPEC link road is built that will connect the Chitral region to Chakdara.

BALUCHISTAN:

A much needed project to solve the water problem at Quetta is the Quetta Water Supply Scheme from Pat feeder Canal which will provide fresh water to the population. The Naukundi-Mashkhel-Panjgur Road Project will connect various regions within Baluchistan.

With around 17 projects planned for Baluchistan, no doubt Baluchistan will get a major share in CPEC but it doesn’t mean it will not benefit the other provinces of the country.