Abdullah Mustafvi
Ruling party, as usual, is in no mood to miss any chance of gaining political mileage through this project. Not surprising, as it is a true reflection of political culture prevailing in our society. Slogans matter more than the deeds. Mostly in a cut throat verbosity competition, our worthy decision makers often forego the essence of the matter. It is another interesting point worth analyzing that the essence is foregone or by default a wrong decision emerges due to serious capacity handicaps. Our past is witness that we are good in making bad decisions. Likewise, turning bad into worse or taking it further to the superlative mode is a much expected phenomenon. So, our fears ab CPEC out are genuine. Consernss about the future of this mega project are not baseless. Infact, our scary track record is the real source of anxiety. Undoubtedly, CPEC is a grand opportunity not only for Pakistan rather for the whole region. With all due respects for the ruling regime, it is now time to rise above the petty party politics and view the world with a larger national lens. As the CPEC is an opportunity so there remains a probability of failure and the success must not be taken for granted. Benefits of CPEC are simply conditioned with correct decision making in which we traditionally default and naturally suffer with capacity handicaps. CPEC offers a grand economic connectivity to major regional stake holders. Iran’s proposal is already on table to export gas through Gawadar port. Next major bid appeared from Russia for which Pakistan responded with a positive nod. A wider economic connectivity is taking place in the region. Though, it is a ray of hope for Pakistan but a wave of concerns is rising in the tide side by side too . . Sino-Pak cooperation is a point of greater concern for usa and a natural ally like India suits to her coercive designs. Ceasefire violations at loc, attacks on LEAs in areas along Afghan border and terrorist activities in Balochistan under indian patronage are indicators of a troublesome scenario .Indo-Pak tension is beyond bilateral scope. An indirect scuffle between USA and China poses a serious threat to regional peace. Informal regional military alliance between Russia, China and Pakistan may transform into a formal mechanism at any appropriate moment. Such developments are a serious challenge to American monopoly over global affairs as sole super power. It is an obvious reality that CPEC is a great source of distress for the sole super power. Superior wisdom must be applied by our decision makers to curtail the possibilities of violent coercive maneuvers at our soil . We cannot afford any more proxies. Prosperity through cpec is directly dependent upon the righteousness of our decisions and error free implementation of verbal claims on ground. Balochistan needs better governance and transparency in public projects. A quick fix approach must be adopted by government to get rid of major weaknesses. Education, health, police capacity building and water supply should be the top priority in Balochistan . Neither an operation can prove successful nor any verbal claim can change the ground reality unless the governance improves through joint input of political leadership and civil bureaucracy. At external front , Pakistan needs a vibrant multi directional diplomatic campaign with a fine blend of offensive and convincing strategy for foes and well wishers respectively. Grand opportunity may turn into an equivalent burden at neck unless we strengthen the foundation with concrete decisions. Dear rulers, it is time for quick fix!
