Impacts of CPEC on Gilgit Baltistan

              Impacts of CPEC on Gilgit Baltistan

         By Muhammad Davood Sarwar

Gilgit Baltistan is an important strategic place for Pakistan which connects Pakistan to China. This is the reason that the Republic of China has been launching development projects for many years keeping in view the importance of this region. Pak-China trade relation is also grounded via Gilgit Baltistan. In other way due to the natural beauty and the highest mountain ranges this region is the center of attention around the world. The world's second-highest peak K-2 and four major high peaks (over 8000 meters) are also situated in the same area. The most beautiful and the highest plain of the world "Deosai" is also situated here. Many and different types of minerals are found here. The water resources of Gilgit Baltistan can supply electricity to the whole Pakistan.

From defense point of view, this region is the jugular for Pakistan. The Indus (Pakistan's largest river) also passes through the area. But so far, even after passing 69 years, this area is still deprived of the fundamental and constitutional rights. In the mean time, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor agreement was signed on 22th May 2013, then the Chinese Government made this agreement conditional with the constitutional status of this region. In this way, it has become compulsory for the current Government to determine the constitutional status.
It cannot be denied that the project of CPEC is a part of historical development of Pakistan. The project starts from Xinjiang province of China. Under the project, China will invest $ 46 billion for network of roads, railways and energy project linking Pakistan's deep sea Gawader port, on the Arabian Sea, with channels of western Xianjiang region, it is easy to infer that this package will prove a game changer impacts on Gilgit Baltistan as it is going through a picturesque and geo-politically important region of Pakistan by opening new vistas of opportunities in regional trade and investment. It will enhance micro enterprises development, specially focusing on transportation, tourism, energy conservation and service sector.
In this way this will make a fast and affordable access for China in global markets. Not only Pakistan and China but also the whole South Asia will enter a new economic era. This project of CPEC will undoubtedly affect Central Asia, Eastern Asia and it will develop economic conditions better of the whole world.
According to the point of view of China this project will benefit all the provinces equally.
In this connection the anti Pakistan elements can create upheavals and unrest raising the constitutional issue of Gilgit Baltistan particularly in this critical condition. The ruling party must keep an eye on these elements and create an atmosphere in the region to make the people of this region satisfied. Only in this way the conspiracies of these elements, behind the scene, can be crushed. Otherwise any sort of disorder in the region can cause a hurdle in the way of this great project, the game changer in the whole region of Asia. We pray to Allah to pave the way for Pakistan's development.