Balochistan — a Powder Keg at a Geopolitical Crossroads

Balochistan should be oozing with optimism as Chinese and Saudi investment pours into the troubled Pakistani province. It is not. Instead, Balochistan, a key node in China's Belt and Road initiative that borders Iran, is gripped by anger, fear, and uncertainty.   Local residents are hardly waiting with bated breath Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan's visit this week for the Gwadar Expo 2019 and groundbreaking of several infrastructure and development projects, including an International airport, a power plant, a vocational training institute, and a hospital.   Against the backdrop of a history of neglect and underdevelopment, resource-rich Balochistan struggles with a failing health and education system, drought, and lack of basic infrastructure