Amid improved security of CPEC projects and workers, it is pertinent to understand the nexus between domestic natural resources, sustainable development and violent conflict. CPEC has been facing security challenges both at internal and external level. Apart from capacity building of CPEC linked special security forces and law enforcement agencies, government needs to address the concerns and grievances of locals, mainly in Gwadar, who believe that CPEC is exploitation of their natural resources merely favourable to China. Planning commission should constitute a dialogue team or Peace Committee particularly to look into local developments under the CPEC and further discuss it with the aggrieved persons because they are more likely to be exploited against the state by external forces.