CPEC has entered its second phase, in which mostly new industries will be set up in Pakistan. This will not only bring in new investment but also help businesses grow. As a result, employment opportunities for the Pakistani youth will significantly increase.
Undoubtedly, this project will bring prosperity and economic stability to Pakistan as a whole, but the question is: how much benefit will the citizens of Balochistan, especially youth, receive? Of course, the development of industries and infrastructures will change the very face of Balochistan, but people belonging to this impoverished province don’t have enough literacy to be a part of this revolutionary scheme with full potential and zeal. A glimpse at the depressing literacy figures reveals a disappointing picture. It is unfortunate to say that with the present numbers of skilled and qualified manpower, the Baloch people will mostly get low-paid and non-technical jobs, while the highly qualified trained professionals from other parts of the country will get the top spots, which may add to resentment among the youth in the province.
Therefore, the authorities should devise a plan to avoid such a scenario. Some steps that can be taken include: expediting educational projects in Balochistan and increasing the quota for Baloch students in public-sector educational institutions all over Pakistan, which should be maintained for a period of at least 10 years in order to produce enough professionals in the province that they are able to get a fair share of jobs in CPEC projects. This will also play a role in pacifying the sense of marginalisation and neglect among the youth of this province.
Awaisullah Khan Babar
Saudi Arabia
Published in The Express Tribune, September 4th, 2020.
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