Impact of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Human Security and the Role of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB)
Recent history of international relations suggests that economic interdependence largely contributes to the mitigation of the major political conflicts in the world. CPEC, a flagship mega development project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has not only initiated massive development projects in Pakistan, which will eventually help in socio-economic development of Pakistan but it will also ensure regional integration. Development of Pakistan through CPEC is desirably focused on a people centric growth model that primarily seeks to resolve the issues of human security. This paper seeks to establish the relationship between economic interdependence and regional integration with human security. Furthermore, this study looks into the role of Gilgit-Baltistan, a geographical lynchpin region, in making CPEC a successful developmental project. Findings of the study suggest that the viability and success of this mega project is highly dependent on the inclusiveness of projects in terms of engaging all stakeholders. The fruits of this mega project are expected to be positive. This is only possible if all the different dimensions of national security, i.e. social cohesion, economic development, and political stability are ensured by the state.
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CPEC, Economic Interdependence, Regional Integration, Human Security, Gilgit-Baltistan
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(1) Saadia Beg
PhD Scholar, Centre for International Peace and Stability, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
(2) Tasawar Baig
Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Karakoram International University, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
(3) Asif Khan
Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Development, Karakoram International University, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
Pattu: The Dying Fabric Making Art of Baltistan
The traditional Balti dresses were made with a beautiful material, "Pattu". We conducted a survey regarding the procedure of pattu making in Baltistan. The data was collected through in-depth interviews of 30 personnel who were associated with pattu making art. Thematic analysis has been adopted to examine the responses. Pattu fibre was obtained from sheep next convert into yarn and then into the fabric. Pattu was dyed with the help of leaves and fruits. Pattu was used in garments, caps, shawls and carpets. It is the need of time to work on the revival of this dying art of making pattu with new innovations to improve the procedure and speed of making fabric. This study will provide knowledge to our new generations about traditional fabric which helps them build a strong bond with the culture. Bringing the skilled persons from Baltistan on the front line and create economic opportunities for them.
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Baltistan, Culture, Fabric, Heritage, Pakistan, Pattu, Traditional Dress
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(1) Sarwat Halima Haider
Assistant Professor, Government College for Women, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
(2) Afsheen Masood
Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
(3) Samia Kalsoom
Professor, College of H. Economics, Gulberg, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.