Exploring Potential Benefits of CPEC for Balochistan’s Mining Industry: An Urban Development Perspective

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential of CPEC for Balochistan’s Mining industry. The SEZs are considered backbone of economic development for countries and with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Pakistan is eying on capitalizing on the growth potential of different industries. However, the speed of development is pressing concern for many stakeholders. This paper presents findings from a longitudinal qualitative study. Primary fieldwork (Phase I) was conducted in 2016–2017 with 16 purposively selected informants. In late 2025 and early 2026, six to seven of the original informants were re-interviewed via telephone and video call (Phase II) to assess their current perspectives considering a decade of CPEC implementation. Statistical data and project references have been updated to reflect developments through 2025–2026. The responses clearly show that situations at SEZs are still stagnant and have not moved an inch. The respondents, while still hopeful with the potential, disregard the chances of growth associated with CPEC. The reasons for such slowness could be classified in political, economic and geographic issues of late.