Security and grass-root development

Pakistan’s relevance in regional and global theatres has often been construed from the prism of terrorism, Pak-Afghan relations, or the India-Pakistan equation. But with CPEC, a new narrative about Pakistan has emerged. The narrative is more focused towards regional connectivity, economic development and human security. These development initiatives are in fact an outcome of regional fallouts.

Pakistan’s fight against terrorism has led to the realisation that in order to defeat the miscreant mindset we require an all-encompassing strategy spearheaded by economic empowerment. In the evolving regional milieu, Pakistan has opportunities to connect with adjoining regions through CPEC and transform Gwadar into a trading hub. However, there are many hiccups as opening up to other regions and to the outside world will increase the chances for hostile elements to enter the country. In such a scenario, there is a need to exercise strong vigilance both at the internal and the external front. In particular, the grievances at grass-root level need an effective remedy. The National Security Policy (NSP) is the first document which recognises that human security is central to progress. Therefore, socio-economic inequalities in different areas of the country must be the real focus of development. People from developed regions should work in less developed areas of the country. Likewise, people from backward localities should be given an opportunity to work in urban cities. This intermingling between different areas will create strong communication links, which in turn will help in the building of a collective narrative towards development.

Lack of development has always been a problem in Balochistan and its socio-economic indicators remain deplorably low as compared to other parts of the country. The province’s natural resources have not been used for social uplift. In the past, development packages have been announced for the province. Aaghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan and the 10-year Equalization Package were formulated by the PPP and PML-N governments respectively. But these initiatives could not generate significant impact. At present, with CPEC and the Gwadar seaport, Balochistan has become the hub of development projects. Meanwhile, there is also a very real presence of insurgent groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army, the Baloch Republican Guard, the United Baloch Army, and the Balochistan Liberation Front. In March, three terrorist attacks struck Sibi. Earlier in the year, the districts of Panjgur, Nushki and Kech were also targeted. In February, a terrorist attack orchestrated by TTP took place in Quetta. The spate of terrorism is a clear indication that disgruntled factions are out to sabotage this phase of progress. There has to be a counter move. Engaging with the locals of the province and addressing the people’s socio-economic needs will definitely make them less vulnerable to inimical designs. But in order to truly empower the masses, development should start from the grassroots level. The locals of the area should be made active members in development projects. This will nurture a sense of growth in society and also give weightage to the local’s perspective.

The agreement with the Canadian company Barrick Gold to develop the Reko Diq mine in Balochistan is a positive development. The mine has the large deposits of copper and gold — with the capability of producing 200,000 tons of copper and 250,000 ounces of gold annually. The mine is likely to become the largest gold and copper mine in the world. A staggering $10 billion will be invested in project, which is likely to generate around 8,000 jobs for the locals. It is hoped that with the ongoing development of Balochistan, such investments would open up opportunities for the common man and economic incentives would improve the quality life of ordinary citizens. In such testing times, security should also entail economic security for vulnerable citizens.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 7^th, 2022.

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