Debunking The Guardian’s Malicious Attack on CPEC: Exposing Propaganda Against Balochistan’s Development

The recent article published by The Guardian on January 26, 2025, titled “What went wrong with ‘Pakistan’s Dubai’? – Inside the Chinese initiative that is prompting terror attacks,” is a deeply flawed and misleading piece of propaganda against Balochistan’s Development. While it attempts to portray the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Chinese investment in Balochistan as sources of unrest, insecurity, and exploitation, it fails to present an accurate picture of the situation. Instead, the article resorts to inflammatory rhetoric designed to undermine Pakistan’s relationship with China and disrupt progress in the region.

At the heart of this narrative lies a series of false claims, accusations, and half-truths, many of which have already been refuted by credible sources, including Chinese diplomats. A direct response from Chinese diplomat Wang Shengjie on January 28, 2025, denied the validity of the claims presented in The Guardian article, highlighting the malicious intent behind such narratives and exposing them for what they truly are—propaganda aimed at sabotaging Pakistan-China relations and stoking unrest in Balochistan.

Distorted View of Security and Community Sentiment

The Guardian article begins by questioning the security situation in Gwadar, a city that has been at the forefront of CPEC’s development in Balochistan. It criticizes the security measures surrounding the newly opened Gwadar airport and paints a picture of a city under siege, with the local population allegedly feeling alienated and exploited by Chinese investments. The article also claims that CPEC has stirred up terror attacks from various militant groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA); in most of the cases found to have foreign connections and foreign funded by countries hostile to Pakistan and China.

However, this narrative is fundamentally flawed and fails to address the broader context. First, while security concerns are not without merit in any region experiencing rapid development, the article misrepresents the nature of the security measures in Gwadar. The deployment of security forces is a necessary measure to protect not just Chinese workers, but also local communities and infrastructure. CPEC is a major national project that holds immense potential for Pakistan’s future, and protecting its assets from terrorist groups and separatist elements is not an act of oppression, but a responsibility of the state to maintain order and ensure the safety of all citizens.

Furthermore, the article’s portrayal of Balochistan as a region hostile to CPEC and Chinese investment ignores the fact that the Baloch people, like many other Pakistanis, stand to benefit significantly from these projects. The claims of widespread local anger against the Chinese and the characterization of Gwadar as a “high-security prison” are exaggerated and unsubstantiated. The article fails to mention the substantial employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and economic growth that CPEC promises to bring to the province and even it’s small towns and localities as narrated recently by Mr. Aslam Baloch. It also overlooks the fact that the province’s impoverished population, long deprived of basic services and opportunities, is in dire need of the progress that CPEC offers.

CPEC: A Catalyst for Balochistan’s Economic Transformation

Rather than focusing on a handful of negative narratives, it is essential to recognize the broader and undeniable benefits that CPEC is bringing to Balochistan. The economic corridor has the potential to transform Balochistan from an underdeveloped region into an economic powerhouse. CPEC is not merely a collection of Chinese-funded projects—it is a gateway to national prosperity, one that connects Pakistan to global trade routes, facilitates industrial development, and generates massive opportunities for local communities.

The infrastructure developments, including the newly built Gwadar airport, the deepwater port, and road networks, are designed to integrate Balochistan into Pakistan’s economic framework. They will make it easier for local businesses to trade with the world, improve transportation and communication links, and create thousands of jobs for Balochistan’s youth. The regional economy will grow exponentially as a result of the projects under CPEC, which promise not just an immediate economic boost, but also long-term sustainability.

Moreover, the Pakistani government, in collaboration with the provincial government of Balochistan, has been making significant efforts to improve the living standards of the people in Balochistan. Beyond the infrastructure improvements brought by CPEC, local development initiatives have focused on healthcare, education, and rural development. These are aimed at empowering the local population and ensuring that they are part of the growing economic prosperity.

The provincial government has been working on building human capital through skill development programs, providing greater access to quality education, and improving healthcare infrastructure. These initiatives go hand-in-hand with CPEC’s objectives of long-term development and ensure that the local population is equipped to benefit from the economic opportunities that will arise from the region’s transformation.

A False Narrative of Chinese Exploitation of Balochistan’s Resources

Another key claim in The Guardian article is the assertion that China is exploiting Balochistan’s resources for its own gain, with minimal benefit to the local population. The article suggests that Chinese investments in Gwadar’s port and other infrastructure projects are primarily driven by Beijing’s desire to gain control of Pakistan’s natural resources, particularly to enhance its strategic military presence.

However, this accusation fails to acknowledge the significant investments that China has made in the region, which are intended to help Pakistan unlock the potential of its natural resources and develop them for the long-term benefit of the country and its people. While China has been involved in large-scale infrastructure development, it has done so at the invitation of Pakistan’s government, which views CPEC as a means to boost its economy and elevate Balochistan from poverty.

The deepwater port in Gwadar, which is one of the key CPEC projects, has been developed with the aim of transforming Balochistan into a global trade hub. The port has the potential to generate significant revenue for Pakistan and create numerous job opportunities for local communities. The idea that this is purely an exploitative move by China completely ignores the economic benefits that are set to flow to Pakistan and Balochistan in the long run.

Furthermore, the provincial government of Balochistan has been vocal about ensuring that local communities benefit from these projects. In recent years, there have been numerous initiatives to involve the local population in the workforce, provide skills training, and offer business opportunities. This is part of a broader effort by both the central and provincial governments to ensure that the benefits of CPEC are equitably distributed and that the people of Balochistan are integral to the development process.

The Myth of Gwadar’s Underutilized Infrastructure

The Guardian article also raises concerns over Gwadar’s infrastructure, specifically the claim that the deepwater port is underutilized and that it is operating at a loss. It suggests that China’s control over the port is a strategic maneuver with little economic benefit to Pakistan.

This claim fails to consider the fact that Gwadar’s infrastructure, including the port and airport, is still in its early stages of development. The full potential of the port has yet to be realized. The port is poised to become a major trade gateway for Pakistan, and as CPEC projects progress, it is expected that the port will see an increase in traffic and commercial activity. The current underutilization is a result of the gradual nature of the development process, not a failure of the infrastructure.

Additionally, the Pakistani government has made significant strides in improving the commercial viability of Gwadar’s infrastructure. The development of free trade zones, improvements in logistics and transport networks, and the creation of favorable business environments for local and international investors all point to the long-term vision for the port. The current period of low activity should be viewed as a transitional phase, and the future growth prospects for Gwadar remain highly promising.

A Deliberate Move to Disrupt Investments and Relations

The timing of The Guardian’s article, published on January 26, 2025, is highly significant in light of recent developments in Balochistan. On January 25, 2025, Mahrang Baloch, organized a gathering in Dalbandin. Just one day later, an article by the guardian appeared, spreading negative and misleading narratives about CPEC and Chinese investment in the region. This is no coincidence.

The deliberate publication of the article immediately following Mahrang’s gathering points to a coordinated effort to stir up tensions and sabotage the positive momentum surrounding projects like CPEC, which are vital for the region’s economic growth. The Guardian piece serves to undermine Pakistan’s relationship with China and stoke resentment within Balochistan, further feeding the separatist agenda that seeks to prevent development and progress in the province.

Such deliberate misinformation campaigns align with the interests of external forces who have long tried to derail CPEC and prevent Pakistan from reaping the full benefits of its economic partnership with China. The timing and tone of the article make it clear that the intent behind it is not to inform, but to inflame, destabilize, and undermine the hard-won progress in Balochistan.

Standing Firm Against Propaganda

The Guardian article on CPEC is a prime example of how propaganda can be used to mislead the public and sow discord in important international relationships. The claims made in the article are not grounded in reality and fail to reflect the broader benefits of CPEC for Pakistan and Balochistan. Rather than fostering division, it is crucial to focus on the economic opportunities that CPEC presents for local communities, the development of critical infrastructure, and the integration of Balochistan into Pakistan’s national fabric.

Balochistan deserves the chance to benefit from the opportunities presented by CPEC and the development projects. It is crucial that Pakistan and its allies stand firm against such malicious narratives and continue to work toward a future of prosperity, peace, and cooperation. The people of Balochistan, and indeed the entire nation, will ultimately benefit from the continued partnership between Pakistan and China, with CPEC serving as the cornerstone of a brighter, more secure future for all.