Awarded Grant for Exploration into Infrastructure, Violence, and Resistance Movements in Pakistan to Aspirant Doctor
In the heart of South Asia, the region of Balochistan, Pakistan, is undergoing significant changes due to state-led infrastructural development. One researcher, Bramsh Khan, a Ph.D. candidate at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, is dedicated to understanding the impact of these changes on the Baloch people, with a specific focus on Baloch women.
Khan's research questions who defines "development," who is served by it, and who pays the price. Her work centres on the stories of Baloch women, exploring how the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and its M-8 motorway project have affected their lives, particularly their experiences of violence, endurance, and resistance.
One of the most notable projects under Khan's study is the M-8 motorway, which cuts through land sacred to the Baloch people and essential to their seasonal migration patterns. This project has displaced shepherds, farmers, and fishermen, disrupting their way of life.
However, amidst the challenges, Khan has found stories of resilience. Grassroots initiatives, such as women from farming communities teaching embroidery and craftwork to displaced shepherd women, are helping them reclaim autonomy and sustain their families.
Khan's research extends beyond academic circles. She is collaborating with emerging Baloch filmmakers to create a film project documenting the experiences of Baloch women. The film aims to convey their stories in a visceral way through multimodal storytelling.
Khan's dedication and commitment to her research have not gone unnoticed. She has been awarded prestigious grants, including the Wenner-Gren Foundation Dissertation Fieldwork Grant and the 2021 Fulbright Scholarship. Dan Olson-Bang, director of professional and career development in the Graduate School, believes the Wenner-Gren grant is a great fit for Khan's research and has enjoyed working with her to craft her proposal.
Khan's work exposes how the rhetoric of development and modernity can obscure violence and destruction. She believes that nation-state building can lead to cultural erasure, and teaching one another and sharing cultural knowledge is resistance. Khan emphasizes the resilience of the Baloch community, particularly in how women are adapting and resisting through grassroots initiatives.
In sum, Bramsh Khan’s research is part of a broader scholarly focus on the intersection of infrastructural development, state policies, and sociocultural dynamics in Balochistan. Her work serves as a testament to the power of research and storytelling in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and promoting understanding and empathy.
[1] For more directly comparable studies or projects, it would be useful to look for academic work on gender and development in Balochistan, state-driven projects and their social effects, and feminist political ecology in conflict zones, which are commonly explored topics in South Asian development studies.
- Science, particularly environmental science, offers insights into the effects of climate change on Balochistan's unique ecosystems, due to the infrastructural development.
- The renewable-energy industry could potentially provide sustainable solutions for Balochistan, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
- Financial institutions play a crucial role in funding large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, shaping the region's development trajectory significantly.
- Energy consumption patterns, influenced by lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty choices, contribute to the overall energy demands in Balochistan, affecting its resources and the environment.
- The food-and-drink sector, especially local food production and distribution, may be affected by infrastructural changes, potentially impacting the availability of staple items like dates and wheat in the region.
- Family dynamics in Balochistan might be affected by displacement and resettlement due to infrastructural projects, leading to changes in social structures and customs.
- Home-and-garden initiatives can help displaced communities in Balochistan become more self-sufficient, offering alternatives to conventional farming methods affected by infrastructural development.
- Global cuisines could become more diverse in Balochistan as people interact across borders due to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, encouraging cultural exchange and blending of culinary traditions.
- Data and cloud computing can provide valuable insights into the social and economic impacts of infrastructural projects, assisting policymakers in making informed decisions to improve living conditions in Balochistan.
- Sustainable living practices, such as rainwater harvesting and composting, can help balance the environmental effects of rapid development in Balochistan.
- Technology and innovation can empower Baloch women by providing access to education, healthcare, and communication services, fostering more equal opportunities.
- Relationships within Baloch communities, both personal and professional, may be strained due to the conflict that sometimes arises from infrastructural development.
- Pets, including livestock, play an essential role in the Baloch way of life, especially among pastoralists, contributing to family cohesion and identity.
- Travel and tourism can bring economic benefits to Balochistan, but it may also inadvertently contribute to the erosion of traditional Baloch culture, especially if activities are not managed sustainably.
- Cars, and more recently electric vehicles, have transformed transport in Balochistan, creating new opportunities for economic growth and mobility but also exacerbating issues related to traffic congestion and air pollution.
- Books on Balochistan's history, culture, and socio-political issues can help promote understanding and empathy among readers, inspiring them to support efforts aimed at preserving the region's unique identity.
- Education in various forms, online and offline, can equip Baloch youth with the skills needed to adapt to and benefit from the economic changes brought by infrastructural development.
- Car maintenance and repair businesses can support the local economy in Balochistan, ensuring that vehicles function optimally and minimizing waste.
- Social media platforms facilitate communication, collaboration, and information sharing among Baloch activists and researchers, both locally and globally, fostering solidarity and collective action.
- War and conflicts affect the development trajectory of Balochistan, often stalling progress and leading to violence against civilians, especially women and children.
- Electric vehicles contribute to the fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, making them an attractive option for urban areas experiencing rapid growth.
- Entertainment, including films and television shows, can help raise awareness about issues affecting Balochistan and generate empathy among audiences from around the world.
- Celebrities with a voice and platform can use their influence to highlight the challenges faced by Balochistan and support sustainable development initiatives in the region.
- Policy and legislation, particularly regarding land use, resource extraction, and labor rights, can significantly impact the lives of Baloch people and the outcomes of infrastructural projects in the region.
- Adventure travel offers unique opportunities for tourists to explore Balochistan's diverse landscapes and cultures, while promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
- Politics and governance play a crucial role in shaping the future of Balochistan, influencing the allocation of resources, decision-making processes, and the overall direction of development.
- Online education empowers Baloch students to access quality education despite geographical constraints, fostering lifelong learning and personal growth.
