The Diplomat | Author
Mariyam Suleman Anees
Mariyam is a development specialist and a freelance writer from Gwadar. She tweets at @mariyamsuleman
Mariyam Suleman Anees is a development specialist, freelance writer, and researcher from Gwadar. She completed her masters in Gender and Development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex. Her main focus is Gwadar and the Balochistan region, and she writes on politics, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and gender and development issues. Her work has appeared in Dawn, Herald, and Global Editors’ Network Den. She is also a scholar of the British High Commission’s Chevening program.
Follow her on Twitter @mariyamsuleman.
October 24, 2024
New Gwadar International Airport: An Asset for Pakistan or Another Economic Burden for China?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Located in the sparsely populated Gwadar district of Pakistan’s insurgency-wracked Balochistan province, the airport’s economic viability is doubtful.
September 30, 2024
Turkmenistan Eyes Pakistan’s Gwadar Port for Trade Expansion
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
But Ashgabat could hesitate to fully commit to the project, given the dire security situation in Balochistan and regional security challenges.
August 29, 2024
Can Gwadar Port Handle Half of Pakistan’s Cargo Shipments?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Currently, if functional, the port can manage only 11 million tons of bulk cargo annually, just 17 percent of Karachi Port’s cargo.
July 31, 2024
Pakistan Expands Surveillance Powers Yet Again in the Name of ‘National Security’
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The pervasive atmosphere of being surveilled is likely to increase.
July 17, 2024
From Activism to Provincial Assembly: A Conversation With Gwadar’s Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The leader of a major protest movement in Gwadar is now a member of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly.
June 24, 2024
Why Barrick Gold Remains Interested in Pakistan’s Reko Diq Reserves
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Beneath the rugged terrain, sandy expanses, and arid deserts of Chagai lies one of the world’s largest undeveloped gold and copper reserves.
May 23, 2024
Why Are People Protesting Against a Fence in Gwadar?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The government says the fence is to enhance security. But will it? The fence along the Durand Line has not reduced terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
April 30, 2024
Balochistan as a Major Departure Point for Human Smuggling
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
An estimated 80,000-100,000 Pakistanis – those smuggled as well as the trafficked – cross international borders illegally annually.
March 07, 2024
How Many Times Must Gwadar Suffer Flooding for Authorities to Wake Up?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Its port and connectivity infrastructure are impressive. However, drainage systems are unable to withstand even a few days of heavy rain.
February 19, 2024
Public Trust in Ballot Box Politics Could Weaken Further in Balochistan
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The poor performance of Baloch nationalist parties in the recent elections is surprising, as is the victory of candidates who were barely known in their constituencies.
January 24, 2024
Pakistan-Iran Airstrikes: Who is Paying the Price?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
While much of the discussion of the crisis has been about geopolitics, militant groups, and proxy wars, the people living in the border areas are bearing the brunt.
December 26, 2023
Why Do Half of Pakistan’s Voters Stay Away From the Polls?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The country’s youth, women, transgender community and people with disabilities either stay away from voting or their access to the process is restricted.
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