By: Sangat Zakria Shahwani
Balochistan is blessed with wealth and abundant resources. The remarkable geostrategic importance of this region, combined with the discoveries of large quantities of natural gas, oil, and other valuable minerals, has significantly contributed to its renowned status. Furthermore, Balochistan, despite being less populated, is the largest province of Pakistan, covering approximately 34.7 million acres, or 44% of the total area of the country. It shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran.
Additionally, Gwadar, a crucial point controlling the entry to the Strait of Hormuz, shares a vital section of its southern border with the Arabian Sea along Makran. Its strategic significance is further emphasized by its southern border with Gwadar on the Makran coast, which dominates the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.
Throughout history, various conquerors, travelers, settlers, and traders have been drawn to the region of Balochistan. Despite the passage of time, the geostrategic significance of this land has never waned. Its connectivity to the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Indian Ocean is of paramount importance.
Being strategically located as one of the main base stations to Afghanistan and a gateway to the natural resources of other Central Asian countries, Balochistan has attracted the attention of major international and regional players, including China, which seeks to advance its geopolitical and geostrategic objectives in the region.
The ongoing construction of massive projects, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), holds significant geopolitical implications, particularly with regards to China’s access to the Indian Ocean. Balochistan is of paramount importance in this political maneuvering, especially concerning CPEC and China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative. Once the corridor is completed, it will serve as the primary trade route between China, Africa, and the Middle East, potentially enhancing regional stability in South Asia.
Additionally, CPEC aims to shorten the current 12,000-kilometer journey for Middle Eastern oil shipments to Chinese ports, a move that aligns with China’s strategic interests in location and resources. Furthermore, Balochistan’s strategic placement attracts attention from neighbouring Iran and Afghanistan due to Pakistan’s border proximity. The development of Gwadar port, facilitating access to the Indian Ocean, is pivotal for energy exports from Central Asia. Hence, it is reasonable to infer that Balochistan holds geopolitical significance for Western powers, dating back to ancient times, as it has been considered Asia’s center.
Additionally, Balochistan is renowned for its abundant natural resources, including marble, chromite, fluorite, barite, asbestos, garnet, vermiculite, gold, coal, and iron. Notably, Rickodek in Chaghi District stands out as the fourth-largest copper-gold deposit globally. It has been estimated that approximately $260 billion worth of gold and copper reserves are located beneath Rickodek.
Indeed, Balochistan’s abundance of natural resources and strategic location significantly enhance Pakistan’s geopolitical importance on the global stage. Any attempt by China to expand its presence in Gwadar could prompt a response from the United States, potentially leading to increased interest in Balochistan.
The Europe-Asia highway, connecting Zahidan in Iran to Taftan in Balochistan and then to Quetta, underscores the region’s importance due to its prospective resources and potential for future operations by world powers.
Additionally, alternative routes from Kandahar in Afghanistan to Chaman in Balochistan further highlight the strategic significance of the area. As China aims to assert itself regionally and globally through various trade agreements and zones, Balochistan becomes a focal point.
Its geostrategic position, natural resources, and deep seaports make it a crucial player in the unfolding global dynamics. Therefore, Balochistan’s importance is poised to greatly impact the progress of human society in the near future.
Sangath Zakria Shawani is a political Science Students and writer. He writes on different social and political aspects of Balochistan and regularly publish his material with Balochistan Affairs.
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