Islamabad: Gwadar has become a significant challenge for the Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistan government. Authorities are now faced with a dilemma: whether to relocate the starting point of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) or fully hand over the area to China. According to the reports, the Pakistani government is reluctant to allow the presence of Chinese military forces in a region like Gwadar, as it could anger the United States and spark domestic opposition. Meanwhile, the people of Gwadar have risen against the Pakistani government, making Gwadar a significant challenge for the country.
Pakistan Authorities and Gwadar Airport:
A few days ago, the first flight landed on the new runway of the Gwadar Airport. Upon landing, the Pakistani government hailed it as a “step towards progress and prosperity.” Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that the newly inaugurated airport in Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan province is a symbol of cooperation between Pakistan and China. However, the visuals of the event seemed to tell a different story.
Lockdown in Gwadar Over Fear of Attack, China Pulls Out
On January 20, the area around Gwadar was placed under strict security measures. The event was attended by several senior officials from the Pakistan government and military. However, their Chinese counterparts were notably absent, despite China having paid the USD 230 million bill for the airport.
Chinese Investment at Risk in Pakistan
According to the reports, China developed a deep-water port along with the airport in Gwadar. The Shehbaz Sharif government has promoted Gwadar as a crown jewel of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Under this initiative, China has committed to constructing infrastructure “megaprojects” worth approximately USD 62 billion for cash-strapped Pakistan, including airports, highways, railways, ports, and power plants.
Pakistan’s Attempt to Turn Gwadar into Dubai
There has been a massive anguish against China among the local residents after the Xi Jinping government failed to transform Gwadar into “Pakistan’s Dubai.” They accuse China of turning the city into a high-security prison with tall fences, segregated areas for Chinese workers, security checkpoints, and a heavy presence of police and military on the streets.
Among the projects that have faced local disapproval in Gwadar is a donkey meat processing factory, which has yet to become operational. This factory plans to slaughter one million donkeys imported from Africa to produce meat and other products used in traditional Chinese medicine.
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