By Ata Ur Rahmen 
CPEC Balochistan Development Debate Heats Up in Provincial Assembly
The CPEC Balochistan Development Debate dominated Thursday’s session of the Balochistan Assembly, as lawmakers across the political spectrum expressed deep frustration over the province’s continued exclusion from major projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II.
Chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, the session began 30 minutes late but quickly turned intense when Opposition Leader Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman introduced a resolution demanding that large-scale development projects for Balochistan be integrated into the ongoing phase of CPEC.
Opposition Voices Anger Over Neglect in National Planning
Speaking on the Assembly floor, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman said that Gwadar Deep Sea Port, once hailed as the centerpiece of CPEC, has failed to deliver tangible benefits for the people of Balochistan.
“Despite spending billions of dollars, the people of Balochistan have not received any benefits,” he stated. “Not a single major provincial project has been included in CPEC Phase II.”
He questioned the development outcomes from CPEC’s first phase, asking, “Which projects of Balochistan were included in Phase I, and how many kilometers of roads were built here?” The opposition leader claimed that “not a single kilometer of road” has been constructed under CPEC in Balochistan.
Call for Fair Share in Infrastructure and Connectivity
Highlighting the region’s dire infrastructure, Hidayat-ur-Rehman lamented that road accidents claim more lives in Balochistan than terrorism or explosions, underscoring the urgent need for road safety and connectivity improvements.
“Our province does not have the right to even one kilometer of motorway,” he said. “The cost of Lahore’s Orange Train exceeds Balochistan’s entire annual development budget.”
Referring to an exchange with Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the opposition leader recounted, “He told me there are no vehicles in Balochistan. If that is the case, let me tell him—there are no roads either. That is exactly why we need a motorway.”
Resolution Passed Unanimously
After heated debate, the Assembly unanimously passed the resolution, urging the federal government to take practical steps to ensure that Balochistan’s major projects are included in CPEC Phase II.
The resolution called for equitable distribution of development opportunities, emphasizing that Balochistan’s inclusion is essential for national progress and regional stability.
Second Resolution: Tehsil Status for Murgha Kabzai
Earlier in the same session, Dr. Muhammad Nawaz Kabzai tabled a separate resolution seeking tehsil status for Murgha Kabzai, a large area in Zhob district spanning 5,000 square kilometers and home to over 110,000 residents.
The resolution highlighted severe deprivation in the area due to a lack of basic facilities, healthcare, education, and communication infrastructure. Lawmakers unanimously adopted the resolution, recognizing the community’s long-standing struggles for administrative recognition and resource allocation.
Lawmakers Unite in Frustration and Resolve
Thursday’s proceedings reflected an unusual sense of unity across party lines. Both government and opposition members agreed that Balochistan’s voice must be heard in Islamabad, and that the province’s development should no longer remain an afterthought in mega-projects like CPEC.
“Balochistan has always been oppressed,” Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman concluded passionately. “But this Assembly will no longer remain silent.”
CPEC Phase II: The Stakes for Balochistan
The CPEC Balochistan Development Debate underscores a growing demand for equitable participation in Pakistan’s flagship infrastructure initiative. Analysts note that CPEC’s success depends largely on inclusive growth, particularly in resource-rich yet underdeveloped regions like Balochistan.
Experts argue that ensuring Balochistan’s active involvement in CPEC Phase II could enhance regional connectivity, economic inclusion, and political stability, while bridging long-standing development gaps between provinces.
For now, Balochistan’s lawmakers appear determined to continue pressing their case — signaling that the province’s development is inseparable from Pakistan’s progress.