Exploring the perceived concerns of people of Baluchstan province related to Pakistan’s signature project, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor

Abstract

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a US$46 million mega-project connecting China's Kahsger province with Pakistan. The key project site in Pakistan is a coastal city, Gawadar, in Pakistan's Baluchistan province. Both countries are taking this project as a game changer in the region; Pakistan in particular sees it as an opportunity to change the landscape of the country's social and economic development. However, the local population of Baluchistan in general and the people of Gawadar in particular have serious concerns, including political and administrative domination by foreigners and people from other provinces and the loss of their identity. This study aims to explore and examine the concerns of the people of the Baluchistan province regarding the project. We used quantitative methods, using a closed questionnaire designed on a Likert scale. A random sample of 61 respondents from Baluchistan completed the questionnaire. Regression analysis, correlation matrix, and frequency investigation were used to examine the composed data. Empirical evidence shows that Baloch concerns have positive relationships with CPEC. In addition, this work also helps the authorities better understand Baloch's concerns and address them. Thus, the finding establishes that concerns such as political dominance, administration dominance, socio-economic impacts, and deprivation are related to the “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor”.