Conversation with Senator Kahuda Babar Baloch, Secretary Information and Broadcasting Balochistan Awami Party

Senator Kahuda Babar Baloch is a Pakistani politician from Gwadar, who has been a member of the Senate of Pakistan since 2018. He is the Chairperson of Senate Committee of Information Technology and Telecommunication, and Member of Select Committee on The Islamabad Capital Territory Trust, Petroleum, and Committee on Delegated Legislation, Defence, Economic Affairs and Maritime Affairs. Senator Kahuda Babar Baloch was also recently appointed as the Secretary Information and Broadcasting, Balochistan Awami Party (BAP). In an exclusive conversation with Huashang Weekly Senator Kahuda Babar Baloch discussed the range of issues including China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), China-Pakistan relations, Security, economic development of Balochistan especially Gwadar and vision of Balochistan Awami Party which are as follows.

Q: Balochistan Awami Party has been in power in Balochistan from the last five years; recently the party has elected its new president replacing former Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, what is the vision of party towards the development of Balochistan if the party again comes in power after the upcoming general elections?

Senator Kahuda Babar Baloch: Nawabzada Khalid Magsi has been elected as the president of the Balochistan Awami Party during the general council meeting of the party held recently. The former party president and Chief Minister of Balochistan, Abdul Quddus Bizenjo have voiced support for the newly elected president which means our party is united for the betterment of the province as well as the country.

Under the leadership of its new president, Khalid Magsi, the BAP is preparing to participate in the upcoming general elections with a clear and concise plan to uplift the province and its people. The BAP is committed to creating a vibrant and sustainable economy in Balochistan. This will be achieved by attracting investment in key sectors such as mining, energy, tourism, and agriculture. The party will also focus on improving infrastructure and developing human capital to create jobs and opportunities for the people of Balochistan.

The BAP believes that education and healthcare are essential for the development of any society. The party will invest in improving the quality of education and healthcare services in Balochistan. This will include building new schools and hospitals, training teachers and doctors, and providing free and subsidized education and healthcare to the poor. The BAP is committed to promoting social justice and equality in Balochistan. The party will work to empower women and marginalized communities, and to ensure that all citizens have access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. The BAP believes that peace and security are essential for the development of Balochistan. The party will work to establish peace and security in the province by addressing the root causes of conflict and by working with all stakeholders to build a peaceful and prosperous Balochistan. The BAP's vision for Balochistan is a bold and ambitious one, but it is achievable with the support of the people of Balochistan and the federal government. The party's manifesto provides a detailed roadmap for how it plans to achieve its vision. If the BAP is given a chance to lead Balochistan again, it has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of the people of the province.

Q: In Balochistan, terrorists’ organisations like Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), TTP and others are targeting our Security Forces frequently. How is your party going to eradicate terrorist activities in the province if BAP wins the election again?

Senator Kahuda Babar Baloch: Fourteen Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred just days ago after two vehicles belonging to security forces were ambushed by terrorists in Gwadar. I would like to tell you that the terrorists are not attacking our Security Forces only but they are also targeting our civilians as well. Such terrorist attacks are condemnable to its strongest terms. Such evil intentions of militants would not be allowed to succeed and the martyrs had sacrificed their lives for the safety of the country. The entire nation, including me, is proud of its martyrs and such cowardly attacks would never be able to deter the resolve of the Pakistani nation and its forces. Having said this, the Balochistan Awami Party has a comprehensive plan to eradicate terrorist activities in Balochistan if it wins the election again.

The BAP believes that intelligence gathering and sharing is essential to combating terrorism. The party will strengthen intelligence agencies and improve coordination between them. The BAP will also work closely with the federal government to share intelligence and coordinate counter-terrorism operations. The BAP will invest in law enforcement agencies and provide them with the training and resources they need to combat terrorism. The party will also work to improve the coordination between law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders, such as the military and intelligence agencies.

The BAP also believes that economic development is essential to combating terrorism. The party will create jobs, promote investment, and develop the province's natural resources in a sustainable and equitable manner. The BAP believes that economic development will provide young people with alternatives to terrorism and make it more difficult for terrorist organizations to recruit members. The BAP believes that education is essential to combating terrorism. The party will invest in education at all levels, from primary school to university. The BAP also aims to improve the quality of education and make it more accessible to all children, regardless of their background. The BAP believes that education will teach young people about the dangers of terrorism and promote tolerance and understanding.

In addition to these key areas, the BAP will also work to address the root causes of terrorism in Balochistan, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity. The BAP believes that a comprehensive approach is needed to eradicate terrorism in Balochistan, and that all stakeholders must work together to achieve this goal.

Q: How do you see China-Pakistan relations after the change of government in Pakistan after the upcoming general elections to be held in February 2024?

Senator Kahuda Babar Baloch: Everyone in Pakistan is of the view that irrespective of their political affiliation, leaders and workers of all the political parties in Pakistan support China-Pakistan friendship, no matter how the international situation and Pakistan's internal government change, China-Pakistan relations will remain unaffected. The Communist Party of China has established friendly relations with all political parties in Pakistan, regardless of their strength, power or ideological differences. In recent years, there have been many platforms and activities for exchanges between Chinese and Pakistani political parties, which is a sign of deepening relations between the two countries.

The Pakistani ruling and opposition parties with different political views put aside their differences and gathered together to reach a high-quality consensus on co-building the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The long-standing ties between Pakistan and China are built on a solid foundation of respect, trust, and win-win cooperation. Despite having different cultures, systems and beliefs Pakistan-China relations are quite unique, remarkable and unprecedented in the chronicles of modern history. No matter how things change in the region or the world, China and Pakistan firmly support each other.

China-Pakistan relations will remain strong after the change of government in Pakistan in February 2024. Both countries have a strong strategic partnership and a shared interest in maintaining stability and security in the region. Pakistan is a key partner in China's BRI. China has invested heavily in BRI projects in Pakistan, such as the CPEC project which is also a major factor that is binding the two countries together. Pakistan is also an important strategic partner for China. Pakistan is located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Pakistan is also a gateway to the Indian Ocean and China sees Pakistan as a valuable ally.

Additionally, China and Pakistan have a strong interest in maintaining regional peace and stability. Both countries are facing common security challenges, such as terrorism and extremism. China and Pakistan cooperate closely on security issues, and this cooperation is likely to continue even after the change of government in Pakistan.

Q: What are your views on the development progress of CPEC, specifically the projects in Gwadar?

Senator Kahuda Babar Baloch: The overall progress of CPEC projects in Gwadar has been slower than expected. This is due to a number of factors, including Covid19, financial constraints, bureaucratic delays, and security concerns. However, the Pakistani government has recently committed to accelerating the development of Gwadar and CPEC projects in the region.

In the previous government led by PM Shehbaz Sharif, the ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives under the supervision of its minister Ahsan Iqbal has resumed the activity and started interacting with the Chinese concerned authorities to expedite work especially on the stalled projects and include new avenues in the mega project. I would also like to appreciate then Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who undertook three official visits to Gwadar to see the progress of projects which indicates his seriousness and passion.

There are multiple projects under CPEC in Gwadar that are completed and some are currently underway that includes Gwadar Port,  Gwadar Eastbay Expressway, Gwadar Power Plant, Gwadar Free Zone, New Gwadar International Airport, China-Pak Friendship Hospital, China-Pak Technical and Vocational Institute in Gwadar, Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan and others.

These projects are expected to have a major impact on the development of Gwadar and the surrounding region. The Gwadar Port is expected to become a major hub for trade and commerce. The Gwadar Free Zone is expected to attract foreign investment and create jobs. The Gwadar Eastbay Expressway will improve connectivity to other parts of Pakistan. The New Gwadar International Airport will improve air connectivity to the region. The China-Pak Friendship Hospital and the China-Pak Technical and Vocational Institute in Gwadar will improve healthcare and education in the region. The Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan is a blueprint for the future development of Gwadar as a smart and sustainable city. The Chinese have also established a Research and Development project on plants and flowers that could grow well in Gwadar.

I would also like to thank President Xi Jinping and the government of the China on behalf of Balochistan Awami Party, People of Balochistan especially Gwadar for their contribution in the development of Gwadar through CPEC projects because there have been more funding and investments in Gwadar from China than governments of Pakistan and Balochistan combined.

Q: What are the challenges and hurdles in the development projects of CPEC in Gwadar and what are your recommendations to overcome these challenges?

Senator Kahuda Babar Baloch: Despite the development progress in Gwadar there are still some issues which need to be addressed. The government of Pakistan needs to take steps to improve the security situation in Gwadar. This could include improving intelligence gathering, and working with local communities to build trust.

The approval process for CPEC projects is often complex and time-consuming. This has led to delays in the implementation of projects. The government of Pakistan also needs to streamline the approval process for CPEC projects. This could include reducing the number of steps required for approval and making the process more transparent. The newly formed Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) which has representation of all the stakeholders of country can overcome this challenge.

Additionally, the government of Pakistan should encourage private sector participation in the CPEC projects. This will help to attract investment and expertise. The government should provide incentives to investors in the CPEC projects. This could include tax breaks, subsidies, and other financial assistance. The government should also invest in developing the skills and capacities of local people. This will help to ensure that local people benefit from the CPEC projects. By taking these measures, the government can overcome the challenges and hurdles in the development projects of CPEC in Gwadar and ensure that the region benefits from these projects.

If Gwadar can be developed for the local people as a model city with reasonable amenities of life available to the people of the area, this could serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all cities hosting CPEC projects. Let the residents of Gwadar be the lead beneficiaries of CPEC. It is important to accelerate the construction of supporting infrastructure for Gwadar Port to unleash its role in driving interconnected development in the region.

Q: What are your views about the 3rd Belt and Road Forum which was held in Beijing recently, and how do you see the forum contributing to the future development of CPEC and China-Pakistan economic relations?

Senator Kahuda Babar Baloch: The 3rd Belt and Road Forum, which was held in Beijing recently, was a significant event for CPEC and China-Pakistan economic relations. The forum provided a platform for leaders from around the world to discuss the BRI and to explore ways to deepen cooperation on BRI projects.

One of the key outcomes of the forum was the signing of a number of new agreements between China and Pakistan. These agreements cover a wide range of areas, including infrastructure, energy, trade, and investment. The signing of these agreements demonstrates the strong commitment of both China and Pakistan to CPEC and to deepening their economic ties.

The forum is likely to lead to increased Chinese investment in Pakistan. This investment will help to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of ordinary Pakistanis. The forum is also likely to lead to increased trade between China and Pakistan. This will benefit both countries by expanding their markets and giving them access to a wider range of goods and services.

The forum is also likely to lead to enhanced cooperation between China and Pakistan in other areas, such as science and technology, education, and culture. This cooperation will help to strengthen the overall relationship between the two countries and promote mutual understanding and respect.

By Tahir Murtaza