Coastal Communities of Balochistan vis–à–vis CPEC: Mapping Perceptions and Socioeconomic Issues

This study explores the perceptions of the coastal communities of Balochistan vis-à-vis China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a mega-development project in Gwadar. Understanding the socioeconomic issues of the vulnerable coastal communities of the province is critical for the policymakers to ensure an inclusive approach towards development planning. The volatile political situation of this province underscores the need to proactively address the socioeconomic impact of CPEC projects on the local populace by including them in the development process instead of allowing them to be marginalized and exploited at the hands of the forces which are averse to the progress. It attempts to map the expectations and apprehensions of the subjects vis-à-vis changes brought about by CPEC in their region, especially how they perceive their habitat and livelihood being impacted—positively or negatively. Finally, the study charts out a set of recommendations based on the first-hand observations, and advocates devising an integrated strategy at all policy levels for ensuring inclusion of these coastal communities as important stakeholders not only in the mega development taking place in the form of CPEC-led development projects but also in the maritime economy and security of Pakistan.