Advancing Balochistan’s Local Markets through Railway Projects within the Framework of CPEC for Enhanced International Integration

Authors

  • Tariq Saeed Yousafzai Research Scholar at the Department of International Relations, Coventry University Coventry, (UK) and former Research Scholar at the Changan University (Xian, China)
  • Junaid Ali PhD Research Scholar at the School of International and Public Affairs, Jilin University Changchun (China)
  • Dr. Muhammad Asim Project Head and Supervisor, Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, government Graduate College Asghar Mall, Rawalpindi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8873-5711

Keywords:

Rohri-Chaman Track, Spin Boldak, Khushka, Seestan-o-Balochistan, Chabahar Port, Carpet Industry

Abstract

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is not only connecting Pakistan and China, but it has also to connect numerous East Asian, Southeast Asian, Central Asian, Eurasian and Middle Eastern nations via road, railway and sea. For this purpose, Pakistan Railways has proposed several plans under CPEC scenario, such as;

  • Proposals for up-gradation of existing tracks including Pak-Iran Railway Track (ML-4)
  • Proposals for construction of new railway tracks within Pakistan
  • Proposal for railway connectivity with China and Afghanistan

This study exhibits the significance of Balochistan among all the railway projects under CPEC. As new railway tracks would connect Basima, Mastung, Kalat, Panjgur, Turbet, Khuzdar, Pasni, Ormara, Gwadar and Zhob to already existing railway network in Pakistan, study analyzes how respective connectivity will rapidly boomed local markets and industries within Balochistan. Moreover, upgradation of Pak-Iran railway track and extension of Rohri-Chaman track towards Kandahar (and then towards Turkmenistan) would convert each railway station as a new international market that would automatically affect the lifestyle and socio-cultural activities of local people. However, study finds a major flaw of “difference in gauge” in respective railway projects. Without tackling such mounted issue, Pakistan Railway would never be connected with Iranian, Afghan or Chinese Railway.

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01-09-2023

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Vol. 2 No. 8 (2023): September

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