“Learning from China: A Roadmap to Poverty Alleviation in Pakistan” (PART 2 – RELOCATION)

China’s poverty alleviation relocation strategy has played a crucial role in lifting millions out of extreme poverty. This ambitious initiative involved moving people from inhospitable and disaster-prone areas—such as regions with harsh climates, fragile ecosystems, frequent natural disaster, remote mountains and deserts—to well-developed locations with proper housing, education, healthcare, and essential facilities and amenities to ensuring a higher standard of living.

China’s relocation policies and practices, particularly under its Targeted Poverty Alleviation (TPA) program, rank among the most ambitious and successful poverty eradication initiatives in the history are incomprehensible and unfathomable. The relocation program began in 1983, with 6.8 million (68 lakh) people relocated between 1983 and 2015. However, the most extensive phase occurred between 2016 and 2020, when 9.6 million (96 lakh) people were moved from remote, impoverished areas to regions with better economic opportunities, infrastructure, and social services. This large-scale initiative became a cornerstone of China’s mission to eliminate extreme poverty by 2020. The Chinese government demonstrated remarkable determination and commitment by targeting such a vast population for relocation. Every stage of the process—from identifying suitable relocation sites and constructing new communities to ensuring sustainable economic development, industry growth, and effective management of resettlement areas—was meticulously planned and executed. Additionally, efforts were made to re-farm and re-plant former settlements, ensuring that no aspect of the program was overlooked.

China has 34 provincial-level administrative regions, which include 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions (Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia & Guangxi), 4 municipalities (Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin & Chongqing) and 2 Special Administrative Regions (SARs) (Hong Kong & Macau). During the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016–2020), as part of China’s extensive poverty alleviation campaign, 22 provinces, municipalities and regions were tasked with implementing targeted relocation policies. These efforts were particularly focused on western and central China, where large-scale relocation initiatives were carried out to move populations from impoverished and inhospitable areas to regions with better economic opportunities and living conditions. This strategic approach was a key component of China’s broader mission to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development. During the relocation process, detailed surveys and data analysis were conducted to ensure that the efforts were both targeted and efficient. However, the initiative faced significant challenges, as many Chinese citizens were initially reluctant to leave their ancestral homes. There was widespread hesitation and fear about whether the government would deliver on its promises of improved facilities and amenities. People were apprehensive about embracing the new opportunities and dreams presented to them through the relocation program. To address these concerns, the program prioritized voluntary participation, ensuring that families were not forced to move. Instead, they were encouraged through incentives and awareness campaigns that highlighted the long-term benefits of relocation. This approach aimed to build trust and motivate communities to willingly embrace the changes, ensuring the program’s success while respecting the emotional and cultural ties of the people.

The most critical and central aspect of the initiative was to ensure the “Two Assurances and Three Guarantees” policy for 1.29 million people during their relocation, which formed a key pillar of China’s poverty alleviation efforts. The two assurances focused on meeting the basic needs of food and clothing, as well as ensuring stable and self-sufficient income for the relocated population. The three guarantees included providing access to compulsory education, basic medical services, and safe housing with a proper shelter system, ensuring their long-term well-being and stability.

Securing funds for the relocation program was a significant challenge for the government, as the initiative required RMB 60,000 per capita, totaling RMB 600 billion. To meet this financial demand, the National Development and Reform Commission provided substantial investment support within the central budget. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance, the People’s Bank of China, China Agricultural Development Bank, and China Development Bank reinforced financial backing through local government bonds, special funds, low-cost long-term loans, and other funding mechanisms. One of the biggest challenges was managing these extensive funds effectively. The government took proactive measures to empower local communities, ensuring that the allocated resources were utilized efficiently and directed toward the right projects, maximizing the impact of the relocation program.

This big scale relocation program which once seemed impossible became a reality as the Chinese government, with the strong support of its people, turned an unachievable dream into success. Driven by a deep sense of nationalism, this achievement was made possible through collective efforts, ensuring sustainable economic development by creating jobs, improving education and building modern infrastructure—an accomplishment difficult to replicate without such unity and national dedication.

Can Pakistan alleviate poverty through relocation?

Yes, Pakistan can indeed undertake relocation initiatives on a similar scale, taking inspiration from successful examples like the construction of New Balakot following the 2005 earthquake. New Balakot serves as a testament to Pakistan’s capacity to plan and execute relocation projects, offering safe housing and modern infrastructure for those impacted by natural disasters. However, to replicate such efforts on a larger scale, Pakistan must address several critical factors. Strong and efficient government commitment and planning are the most essential components, supported by clear policies and long-term strategies. One of the most significant challenges for the government is securing adequate funding for such initiatives. For instance, while the planning for New Balakot was a crucial step, the government faced difficulties due to insufficient funding, which hindered its ability to provide guarantees for basic education, housing, and other essential amenities to the affected population.

To overcome these challenges, the Pakistani government, in collaboration with local & provincial government, must engage local communities and the institutions especially National Disaster Management Authority, Pakistan in the planning and implementation process. This approach ensures transparency, builds trust and ensures that the relocated populations are satisfied with the outcomes. Additionally, building modern infrastructure, including housing, schools, healthcare facilities and transportation networks—is vital for the long-term sustainability of relocation projects. Equally important is creating livelihood opportunities through job creation, vocational training and support for small businesses, which are crucial for ensuring the economic stability and self-sufficiency of relocated communities.

By addressing these key areas, Pakistan can successfully implement large-scale relocation programs that improve living standards and promote sustainable development. Cont…..

Column written by Abdul Wahid (a_waheed789@yahoo.com)

‑     Balakot, particularly these of commercial and social. The new Balakot town has very prospect future in the region as a modern green town. The high level of utilities and services; incomparable non-basic activities infrastructure; favourable environment for hoteling; and high potential for manufacturing sector will support the growth and development of this new town. REFERENCES 1. Watson, H. D. (1907) Gazetteer of

Pakistan has areas where relocation could be beneficial:

1. Disaster-Prone Regions: Flood-prone areas (Sindh, South Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and earthquake-prone areas (Northern Pakistan, Balakot, AJK).
2. Remote and Underdeveloped Regions: Balochistan and interior Sindh, where people struggle with access to education, healthcare, and jobs.
3. Urban Slums: Major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have slums with poor living conditions.

However, challenges include:

• Lack of follow-up measures (job creation, schools, and healthcare in relocated areas).
• Resistance from communities due to social and cultural ties to ancestral lands.
• Limited government funds for large-scale relocation projects.

New Balakot: Was It a Successful Relocation?

New Balakot was planned to relocate survivors of the 2005 earthquake in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (old Balakot was destroyed). However, it has not been fully successful due to:

• Delays and incomplete development: The project faced bureaucratic hurdles, land disputes, and lack of infrastructure.
• Resistance from residents: Many refused to move due to emotional ties to their old homes and inadequate facilities in the new town.
• Political and administrative issues: Changing governments and inconsistent policies stalled progress.

Lessons for Pakistan

To successfully implement relocation-based poverty alleviation:

• The government must ensure complete infrastructure before relocation (hospitals, schools, jobs).
• Economic zones should be created in new towns to provide sustainable employment.
• Community involvement and trust-building are necessary for acceptance.

If done right, relocation can help alleviate poverty in Pakistan, just as China did, but it requires long-term commitment and efficient execution.

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