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The New Gwadar International Airport, a $240 million project funded and built by China as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), stands as a stark symbol of unfulfilled promises and complex geopolitical realities in Pakistan. Despite boasting modern facilities and a substantial annual passenger capacity, the airport currently operates without passengers or flights, raising critical questions about its purpose, viability, and impact on the local population. This situation underscores the challenges of implementing large-scale infrastructure projects in regions grappling with security concerns, resource scarcity, and socio-economic disparities. The airport's construction in Gwadar, a coastal city in the restive Balochistan province, was intended to transform the region into a key link between Central and Eastern Asia, West Asia, and the Gulf countries. However, the Baloch insurgency, which has persisted for decades, presents a significant obstacle to the airport's success. Separatist groups, citing state exploitation of Balochistan's rich resources, target both Pakistani troops and Chinese workers, creating a climate of insecurity that deters commercial activity and discourages potential passengers from using the airport. The perception of Gwadar as a dangerous or difficult location has further hampered the airport's prospects, with only one commercial route currently operating flights to Karachi. The absence of direct flights to Quetta, the provincial capital, highlights the limited connectivity and the challenges of integrating Gwadar into the broader transportation network. Beyond security concerns, Gwadar also faces a severe water scarcity issue, exacerbated by drought conditions. This lack of essential resources, combined with a shortage of jobs for the local population, has fueled resentment and skepticism towards the CPEC project and its potential benefits for the Baloch people. The government's claims of creating 2,000 local jobs through CPEC have been met with skepticism, as it remains unclear whether these jobs are primarily benefiting Baloch residents or Pakistanis from other parts of the country. The perception that the airport is primarily for China's benefit, rather than for the development of Gwadar and Balochistan, has further alienated the local population. Concerns have been raised about the lack of Baloch representation in the airport's workforce, with claims that no one from Gwadar was recruited, even for basic positions such as watchmen. This lack of inclusivity and the perceived preferential treatment of Chinese workers have fueled accusations of discrimination and marginalization. The absence of a stable power supply in Gwadar further compounds the challenges facing the city and the airport. The reliance on electricity from neighboring Iran or solar panels highlights the need for a reliable and sustainable energy source to support the airport's operations and the broader economic development of the region. The delayed approval of a 300-MW power plant to be built by the Chinese underscores the bureaucratic hurdles and the lack of coordination between the Pakistani and Chinese governments. The absence of reliable road and rail links connecting Gwadar with the rest of the country further hinders the city's potential as a commercial hub. The lack of adequate transportation infrastructure limits the flow of goods and people, making it difficult for businesses to operate efficiently and for the airport to attract passengers and cargo. The situation in Gwadar highlights the importance of addressing the underlying socio-economic and political grievances of the local population in order to ensure the success of infrastructure projects and promote sustainable development. Without addressing the security concerns, resource scarcity, and lack of job opportunities, the New Gwadar International Airport is likely to remain a costly symbol of unfulfilled potential. The Pakistani government needs to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Baloch community, address their concerns about exploitation and discrimination, and ensure that they benefit from the economic opportunities created by CPEC. This requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of the local population. The Chinese government also has a role to play in ensuring that CPEC projects are implemented in a manner that is sensitive to the local context and that benefits the Baloch people. This includes providing job training and employment opportunities for Baloch residents, investing in sustainable infrastructure development, and respecting the cultural and environmental heritage of the region. The success of the New Gwadar International Airport and the broader CPEC project depends on building trust and fostering cooperation between the Pakistani and Chinese governments, the Baloch community, and other stakeholders. Only through a collaborative and inclusive approach can Gwadar realize its potential as a key hub for regional connectivity and economic development.
The challenges facing the New Gwadar International Airport are not unique to Pakistan. Similar issues have arisen in other countries where large-scale infrastructure projects have been implemented without adequate consideration for the social, economic, and environmental impacts on local communities. These projects often face resistance from local populations who feel marginalized, exploited, or displaced by the development. In many cases, the benefits of these projects accrue primarily to foreign investors and government elites, while the local communities bear the brunt of the negative consequences, such as environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods, and cultural disruption. To avoid these pitfalls, it is essential to conduct thorough social and environmental impact assessments before undertaking infrastructure projects, engage in meaningful consultation with local communities, and ensure that they benefit from the economic opportunities created by the development. This requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of the local population. It also requires a willingness to address the underlying socio-economic and political grievances that may fuel resistance to the project. In the case of Gwadar, the Pakistani government needs to address the root causes of the Baloch insurgency, such as the perceived exploitation of Balochistan's resources and the lack of political representation for the Baloch people. This requires a comprehensive approach that includes political dialogue, economic development, and social justice. The Chinese government also has a responsibility to ensure that CPEC projects are implemented in a manner that is sustainable and equitable. This includes providing technical assistance and financial support for local communities, promoting sustainable development practices, and respecting the cultural and environmental heritage of the region. The success of CPEC depends on building trust and fostering cooperation between the Pakistani and Chinese governments, the Baloch community, and other stakeholders. Only through a collaborative and inclusive approach can Gwadar realize its potential as a key hub for regional connectivity and economic development. The failure to address the challenges facing the New Gwadar International Airport could have broader implications for the future of CPEC and the relationship between Pakistan and China. It could also undermine the credibility of other infrastructure projects being planned in developing countries around the world. Therefore, it is essential for the Pakistani and Chinese governments to take a proactive and responsible approach to addressing the challenges facing Gwadar and ensuring that the benefits of CPEC are shared equitably with the local population. This requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of the Baloch people. Only through a collaborative and inclusive approach can Gwadar realize its potential as a key hub for regional connectivity and economic development.
The situation surrounding the Gwadar International Airport presents a crucial case study for international development and the complexities of geopolitical partnerships. The narrative extends beyond mere economic investment, delving into issues of social justice, local autonomy, and the potential for unintended consequences when large-scale projects are imposed upon communities without genuine consultation and equitable benefit-sharing. The airport's underutilization serves as a potent symbol of the disconnect between grand development schemes and the lived realities of the local population. It highlights the crucial importance of understanding and addressing the historical grievances, cultural sensitivities, and socio-economic needs of communities impacted by such projects. The Baloch insurgency, rooted in decades of perceived exploitation and marginalization, poses a significant obstacle to the airport's functionality. The perception that the airport primarily serves Chinese interests, rather than contributing to the well-being of the Baloch people, has further fueled resentment and mistrust. This underscores the necessity of ensuring that infrastructure projects are designed and implemented in a way that promotes local ownership, empowers communities, and provides tangible benefits to the residents. The lack of basic amenities, such as water and electricity, further compounds the challenges facing Gwadar. These deficiencies not only hinder the airport's operations but also highlight the broader neglect of the local population's fundamental needs. Addressing these issues is essential for building trust and creating a conducive environment for sustainable development. The Pakistani government needs to prioritize the provision of basic services to Gwadar, ensure that the Baloch people have access to education and healthcare, and create employment opportunities that benefit the local community. The Chinese government, as a key partner in CPEC, also has a responsibility to support these efforts and ensure that the project contributes to the overall development and well-being of the Baloch people. The future of the Gwadar International Airport and the broader CPEC project hinges on the ability of the Pakistani and Chinese governments to address the underlying issues of social justice, economic inequality, and political marginalization. This requires a shift away from a top-down, project-driven approach towards a more participatory and community-led model of development. It also requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. By prioritizing the needs and aspirations of the Baloch people, the Pakistani and Chinese governments can transform the Gwadar International Airport from a symbol of unfulfilled promises into a catalyst for sustainable and equitable development. This will not only benefit the local community but also contribute to the long-term stability and prosperity of the region. The lessons learned from the Gwadar experience can inform future development projects around the world, ensuring that they are designed and implemented in a way that promotes social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic inclusivity.
Source: Why Pakistan’s largest international airport has no passengers or flights