Daily Times

Sir: After taking operational control of the strategically important deep-sea port of Gwadar, China is focusing on poverty and militancy-stricken province of Balochistan, which will get a major chunk of funds worth $ 31 billion pledged by Beijing for energy and port expansion projects.

Furthermore, the government is working on a plan to expand Gwadar Port, which is a part of an investment programme set by China for boosting economic activities in Balochistan. Moreover, the total investment of Lahore and Karachi motorway, Gwadar Port expansion and integrated development of Gwadar will attract an investment of $11 billion. More importantly, Gwadar Port has given western China access to the Arabian Sea, which has upset India and the US. Many western and Indian analysts believe that China has intentions to build naval bases there.

However, Chinese authorities insist that Gwadar Port will give western China an access to oil supplies from the Gulf and will boost economic activities in Pakistan. Under a long-term plan, China is expected to lay oil and gas pipelines through Gwadar Port to meet its energy needs. According to sources, the government has also handed over to Pakistan Army the task of providing foolproof security to Chinese officials in Balochistan in a bid to address Beijing’s concerns and execute the investment plan in the province, which will get 38 percent of the funds. So, the government must make more relationship with those countries which can even help us when our country is in trouble.

M HAYAT

Kech