Yesterday, on October 8, 2024, a devastating attack on a Chinese convoy near Karachi’s airport shook the nation. In response to this senseless act of violence, the people of Quetta united in protest to strongly condemn the attack.
Led by Allaudin Khilji and Babar Khajak, civil society members, youth leaders, and concerned citizens marched along Adalat Road, chanting slogans in support of Chinese nationals and against the perpetrators.
The rally culminated in front of the Quetta Press Club, where the speakers delivered powerful messages of condemnation and resilience, asserting that the people of Balochistan stand in solidarity with China.
This protest was not merely a reaction to an isolated event; it was a testament to the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and China. The demonstrators emphasized the importance of peace, development, and cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to the Pakistan-China relationship.
The Attack: A Cowardly Act Against Prosperity
The attack on the Chinese convoy in Karachi is not just an attack on foreign nationals; it is an assault on the very fabric of Pakistan’s development and progress.
As the protesters in Quetta rightly pointed out, this attack targeted not only Chinese citizens but also the long-term prosperity and partnership that Pakistan and China have built over decades.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multibillion-dollar initiative, has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic development, and the involvement of China in major infrastructure and industrial projects has transformed the nation’s economic landscape.
The speakers at the Quetta protest were unequivocal in their condemnation, attributing the attack to anti-national elements backed by hostile forces, particularly India. While these claims require a thorough investigation, it is important to recognize the broader geopolitical context in which this attack occurred.
The CPEC and the growing influence of China in the region have long been a target for destabilizing forces. Any disruption in the Pakistan-China relationship, particularly in Balochistan, threatens not only local prosperity but also regional stability.
Balochistan: A Region of Strategic Importance
Balochistan’s strategic location and vast natural resources have long been a point of interest for global powers. It is home to the Gwadar port, a crucial hub for CPEC and a key point in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The development of Gwadar has been a game-changer for the region, offering unprecedented opportunities for trade, infrastructure development, and industrialization. Yet, this strategic importance has also made Balochistan a target for insurgency and violence.
The protestors in Quetta were vocal in highlighting the significance of Balochistan’s partnership with China. They stressed that the region’s prosperity is intrinsically linked to its cooperation with China, which has not only invested in infrastructure but also in uplifting the local population.
Through CPEC, China has helped create jobs, improve education, and provide modern skills training to the youth of Balochistan. This partnership goes beyond the construction of roads and ports; it is about building a future where the people of Balochistan can thrive.
Civil Society’s Role in Promoting Peace and Development
The protest in Quetta was a powerful display of civil society’s role in promoting peace, unity, and development. The protesters, many of whom were youth leaders, made it clear that they stand for progress and reject violence.
Their message was one of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. They expressed their unwavering support for Pakistan-China relations and emphasized that no conspiracy or act of terror could undermine this partnership.
The youth representatives at the protest played a particularly important role in voicing the aspirations of the younger generation. They pledged to work for the development of their region, to promote unity, and to end the cycle of violence and terrorism that has plagued Balochistan for far too long.
Their rejection of terrorism was not just a reaction to the attack on the Chinese convoy; it was a rejection of the forces that have sought to divide their community and stunt their growth.
As the speakers rightly pointed out, terrorism has only brought pain and suffering to the people of Balochistan, damaging their reputation and isolating them from the global community.
The Pakistan-China Partnership: An Unshakable Bond
The Pakistan-China relationship, often described as “iron brothers,” has withstood numerous challenges over the years. From political cooperation to economic collaboration, the bond between these two nations is one of mutual respect and shared interests.
The protesters in Quetta highlighted this partnership’s importance, especially in the context of CPEC, which has brought transformative development to Pakistan, particularly to Balochistan.
The speakers made it clear that the cooperation between Pakistan and China is not limited to building infrastructure but extends to uplifting the local population.
CPEC has provided opportunities for employment, education, and skill development, helping to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for many in Balochistan. The protesters reaffirmed their commitment to this partnership, stressing that no external force could derail the progress that has been made.
The attack on the Chinese convoy is an attempt to undermine this progress, but as the protestors in Quetta demonstrated, the people of Balochistan will not allow terrorism to dictate their future.
They stand shoulder to shoulder with China, recognizing the opportunities that this partnership has created and the benefits it will continue to bring.
A Call to Action: Rejecting Terrorism, Embracing Development
One of the most powerful messages from the Quetta protest was the call to reject terrorism and embrace development. The speakers urged the local community, leaders, and civil society to invest in the youth, to build stronger ties with those who support progress, and to reject the elements that seek to divide the nation.
This message is particularly relevant in the context of Balochistan, where insurgency and violence have long been a challenge.
The youth of Balochistan, who are the future of the region, made it clear that they will not be swayed by the forces of violence and fear. They are ready to lead their province into a new era of prosperity, one that is defined by opportunity, education, and progress.
The youth representatives extended their hands of friendship to all who stand with them in their vision of a peaceful and prosperous Balochistan. They urged their fellow citizens to recognize the opportunities that the Pakistan-China partnership has created and to work together to build a better future.
Conclusion: A Future of Peace and Progress
The attack on the Chinese convoy in Karachi was a tragic and cowardly act, but the response from civil society in Quetta was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the people of Balochistan. The protestors made it clear that they stand for peace, development, and unity.
They rejected terrorism and embraced the opportunities that the Pakistan-China partnership has created. The strategic importance of Balochistan, coupled with its rich natural resources and the transformative power of CPEC, offers a path to prosperity for the region.
As the speakers at the protest emphasized, no conspiracy or act of terror can undermine the bond between Pakistan and China. This partnership is built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to development.
The people of Balochistan, particularly its youth, have pledged to work for a brighter future, one that is free from the shadows of violence and division.
The attack on the Chinese convoy is a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead, but the response from civil society in Quetta offers hope.
It is a reminder that the people of Balochistan are ready to take control of their future, to reject the forces of terror, and to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
As the protestors chanted, “Long live Balochistan, long live Pakistan, and long live Pak-China friendship.”
