OUTLINE
2. Past and Present of CPEC
3. Phases of CPEC
4. Merits of CPEC
- Political merits.
- Economic merits.
- Social merits.
- Technological merits.
- Environmental demerits.
- Indian factor.
- Great power politics.
- Loss of the other creditors.
- Damage to the Local Markets.
- Promotion of tourism.
- Advancement of education.
- Flourishing pharmaceutical industries.
- Exploring sustainable methods.
8. Conclusion
According to the research paper “Employment outlook of CPEC a meta-analysis,” CPEC has already created 80,000 employment through various projects that have started since 2013 and has the potential to produce 1.2 million additional direct jobs through its currently approved projects. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the BRI’s flagship project, has come to represent Pakistan’s peaceful and prosperous progress. Being a close neighbour and having a cordial relationship with China, Pakistan is fortunate to have received the best cooperative agreement under BRI, which has laid the groundwork for the development of infrastructure, the construction of energy projects and industrial zones, the modernization of agricultural infrastructure, the development of Gwadar port, and many other noteworthy accomplishments. Furthermore, the significance of seaports and corridors has increased significantly as a result of the geoeconomics dominance in global politics. The significance of CPEC is in the regional context given the shifting geopolitical landscape. East Asia and South Asia will be connected via the corridor. Pakistan has the chance to connect with the economies of South, East, and Central Asia through CPEC. The workforce in Pakistan would be trained through the joint ventures with Chinese businesses. Pakistani businesspeople will be exposed to the international market thanks to Chinese products in local markets. This industrial competition will raise product standards and open up new markets for the regional sector. Unquestionably, this project has many benefits, but it also has some drawbacks that can be avoided if the proper precautions are carefully followed.
Before delving deep into the merits and demerits of CPEC, we need to know the past and present of this project.
The Karakoram Highway was built in 1959 thanks to a 1950s-era concept for a corridor connecting China with Pakistan’s ports. In 2002, China started to show interest in Gwadar Harbour. In 2006, it created Gwadar Port. However, due to political unrest in Pakistan with the overthrow of General Pervez Musharraf and clashes with Taliban insurgents, the port’s growth was put on hold.
Developed as a strategic and economic framework in the early 2010s, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was formally announced in 2013 and began operations in 2015. Building a vision, coordinating institutions, and aligning with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) were the main objectives of this phase. Asif Ali Zardari, the president of Pakistan at the time, and Premier Li Keqiang of China resolved to increase their mutual connectivity. Mamnoon Hussain, the president of Pakistan, travelled to China in February 2014 to talk about his country’s intentions for an economic corridor. The complete extent of the project was developed by Nawaz Sharif’s administration after he met with Premier Li Kequiang in China two months later to discuss additional ideas. With regard to its $45.6 billion energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan as part of CPEC, the Chinese government declared in November 2014 that it intended to provide financing to Chinese enterprises. China and Pakistan identified important priority areas during this time, including port development, transportation infrastructure, and energy production. To specify the extent, size, and funding sources of CPEC, a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and framework agreements were signed. This stage turned Pakistan's strategic location into a business opportunity by laying the project's intellectual and diplomatic groundwork.
In order to address Pakistan's severe energy crisis and infrastructure deficiencies, the early harvest projects phase was created to provide immediate and noticeable economic benefits. Along with important road infrastructure projects, the bulk of projects during this phase were energy-focused and included coal, hydropower, wind, and solar plants. These initiatives sought to improve investor confidence, lessen load shedding, and stabilise the supply of electricity. In addition to signalling China's long-term commitment and demonstrating the viability of CPEC, the Early Harvest Projects' quick execution also generated public support through observable results.
Large-scale connectivity projects were added to CPEC during the infrastructure development phase, which went beyond energy. In order to connect Gwadar with the rest of Pakistan and eventually China, this involved building and modernising highways along the eastern, western, and central routes. The Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, in particular, was designed to increase freight capacity and lower logistics costs. Additionally, fiber-optic links improved digital connectivity. The physical integration of Pakistan's regions and the establishment of the nation as a transit hub for regional and global trade were the goals of this phase.
As CPEC developed, industrial growth and productive capacity took precedence over infrastructure. In order to boost manufacturing, draw in foreign investment, and create jobs, this phase places a strong emphasis on the creation of Special Economic Zones throughout Pakistan. Facilitating industrial relocation from China to Pakistan, promoting value-added exports, and bolstering domestic industries are the objectives. However, due to coordination problems, skill shortages, energy pricing concerns, and regulatory obstacles, progress in this phase has been slower. Industrial cooperation is still essential to guaranteeing CPEC's long-term economic viability in spite of these obstacles.
As the CPEC's strategic anchor and maritime gateway, Gwadar plays a crucial role. The goal of this phase is to make Gwadar a fully operational deep-sea port and commercial centre. The Gwadar Free Zone, the building of a new international airport, power plants, and water supply projects are examples of development initiatives. Gwadar's strategic significance for both China and Pakistan is increased by its proximity to important international sea lanes. However, problems like inadequate urban services, security issues, and local underdevelopment have brought attention to the necessity of inclusive and people-centric development.
A move towards an all-encompassing, multi-sectoral development framework was signalled by the adoption of the CPEC Long-Term Plan. This stage broadens collaboration to include tourism, education, health, agriculture, livestock, and science and technology. The goal is to guarantee widespread development and diversify economic gains beyond infrastructure. One important aspect is the modernisation of agriculture through value addition, better supply chains, and technology transfer. This stage demonstrates an awareness that sectoral balance, human capital investment, and institutional reform are necessary for sustainable development.
CPEC 2.0 is a development that comes after changes in the economic and sustainability challenges faced globally. There is more focus on export-driven growth, industrial competitiveness, green development, and community involvement. There is a marked concern for sustainability and the environment. This stage will also work on improving the skill development and employment of the local people. It will enable Pakistan to shift from a country that receives infrastructure development to one that actively participates in the economic value chain of the region.
The planned future stage of CPEC foresees further regionalization and the application of information technology. This will involve the integration of Pakistan with Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Middle East with regard to trade links, logistics, and economic energy pipes. The Digital Silk Road initiative will work towards better e-commerce, information technology, smart logistics, and modernization of customs. Implementation of this stage could make Pakistan an artery between regions and an active member of the global digital world, increasing the value of CPEC greatly.
The project is currently moving along as planned, according to several official sources. According to the most recent data available, Pakistan’s exports to China surpassed $2.504 billion in the first five months of 2022, an increase of 6.84% over the same period last year. According to the Commercial Counsellor for Pakistan at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing in 2022, the China-Pakistan free trade agreement will expand the market for services. Within the next five years, bilateral trade between the two nations will surpass $50 billion.
Following the discussion of the origin and the current status of CPEC, it is relevant to understand the two phases of CPEC.
In Phase I of CPEC, major transportation infrastructure projects were initiated to enhance national/international connectivity within the region. The upgradation of the Karakoram Highway enhanced connectivity between Pakistan and China, while the development of highway and expressway networks enhanced domestic integration within Pakistan. The Eastbay Expressway project between Gwadar and national roads enhanced trade and logistics. Gwadar’s development during the Phase I initiative concentrated on basic infrastructure within the Gwadar Port and overall urban development plans. Initiatives such as Gwadar Port Free Zone Phase I, Smart Port City Master Plan, and basic infrastructure regarding power and water supply services were initiated to transform Gwadar from a far-off coastal town to a vibrant port city. Moreover, human capital initiatives, including vocations and technical institutes, were introduced to provide a basic-skilled workforce to materialize initial projects of CPEC. The overall initiative of Phase I could be termed a foundation phase, during which basic conditions and infrastructure were created to merit economic integration during later phases.
CPEC Phase II is a significant transformation not only from infrastructure-based development to industrialization and economic cooperation but also to a broader focus on socio-economic development. It is well understood that more roads and more power plants are not sufficient for ensuring sustainable socio-economic development. This is because Phase II of CPEC is based on the philosophy of 'value addition through production,' job creation, and participation in Regional/Global Value Chains. The anchor of this stage is to enable the development of Special Economic Zones across Pakistan, which include Rashakai (in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Dhabeji (in Sindh), Bostan (in Balochistan), and Allama Iqbal Industrial City (in Punjab). The aim of developing these SEZs is to lure investment through tax breaks, world-class infrastructure facilities, and simpler procedures for doing business. Their overriding ambition is to increase industrial production domestically, increase exports by Pakistani businesses, and achieve less dependence on imports.
Industrial relocation, especially of the labour-intensive Chinese industries to Pakistan, is very crucial in Phase II. This was made possible as labour costs were on the rise in China, paving a facilitating environment for the country's manufacturing units to take their goods to the Pakistani market in sectors such as textiles, electronics, light engineering, and chemicals. The shift will create jobs, enhance technological capabilities, and raise industrial productivity through technology transfer and managerial capability. Besides industrial development, agricultural cooperation has emerged as a key priority. Joint initiatives are being pursued to enhance crop yields, mechanization, seed development, efficiency in irrigation, and agro-processing. Modernizing agriculture will lead to increased food security, higher rural incomes, and greater agricultural exports in Phase II.
Technological transfer and trade facilitation remain other core areas under Phase II as well. There is a concerted effort being undertaken to facilitate bilateral trade and enhance supply chains that involve Pakistan. Information and communications technology and industrial innovation remain critical for facilitating higher value addition as well. Furthermore, socio-economic development receives increased emphasis under Phase II, especially in Gwadar, which involves the expansion of projects related to water supply, sanitation facilities, medical services, and education facilities for the local population. Even environmental aspects related to water resource management remain integrated at this stage.
Following the discussion of the phases of CPEC, we see discuss in the detail the merits of this project. First, we will see the political merits of CPEC that include dispelling an image of a terrorist state and deeper alliance with of the great world power.
After China’s participation with Pakistan through CPEC, Pakistan’s early 2000s reputation as a terrorist state was effectively destroyed. The author of the book Pakistan’s Enduring Challenges claims that Pakistan is dealing with an uptick in terrorism and militancy, which is made worse by US drone programme that violate Pakistan’s sovereignty. The world received the much-needed message that Pakistan is worthy of global investment with the announcement of CPEC in 2013.
In addition, Pakistan sees great strategic value in CPEC. The author Moonis Ahmar claims in a research paper from the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad titled “Strategic Meaning of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor” that the CPEC will strategically connect the two nations by supplying millions of tonnes of goods via the Gwadar port from China to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The development of oil and gas pipelines via that corridor will aid in supplying China’s energy requirements. Being able to export its commodities more quickly and across shorter distances to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe will benefit China both strategically and economically.
After having discussed the political merits of CPEC, we will move on to explaining the economic merits of the project. Economic merits include, trade boost, energy security, and industrial and agricultural development.
The CPEC will greatly benefit Pakistan’s trade. According to data made public by China’s General Administration of Customs, Pakistan’s exports to China reached $67 million in the first two months of 2022, an increase of over 23% from the same period last year. Shorter and viable roots are crucial for simple trade. CPEC successfully fulfills this need as well. Furthermore, Cheng Xizhong, Visiting Professor at Southwest University of Political Science and Law, asserted that Pakistan is likely to eventually replace India as China’s primary trading partner in South Asia if bilateral trade between the two countries grows at the current rate of 20–30% annually.
In addition to boosting trade, CPEC offers Pakistan a reliable source of energy security. Energy security is crucial for the expansion and development of the economy. To support industrial activity, power businesses, and promote economic progress, stable energy supplies are required. Safdar Mehmood claims that around $35 billion has been invested in the energy sector, which will generate 10,500 MW of electricity. In addition, during CPEC’s Phase I, 5320 MW of electricity was delivered to the national grid, and seven projects are almost finished.
CPEC also plays a significant role in Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural sectors. Numerous agricultural initiatives are now in progress. For instance, one soil enhancement project uses the addition of organic manure to increase soil fertility and crop productivity. Agribusiness cannot operate without water, therefore dam projects like the Diamer Bhasha Dam and Gomal Zam Dam will serve as water reservoirs. In terms of industrial development, it can be said that the following economic zones, Rashakai in KPK, Dhabeji in Sindh, M-3 Allama Iqbal in Punjab, and Bostan in Baluchistan, are in an advanced level of development.
In addition to political merits, CPEC has social benefits for Pakistan in the form of jobs creation and various social welfare projects.
The Pakistani people now have several work options because to CPEC. The project is a huge comfort in this sense, especially given the 4.5% unemployment rate that is now prevalent. Dr Wang Xu, Executive Deputy Director of the Centre for South Asian Studies at Peking University, claims that by 2022, CPEC would have directly or indirectly created 500,000 new employment in Pakistan, in addition to the more than 70,000 jobs it has already generated.
Additionally, CPEC’s social welfare initiatives are assisting Pakistan’s underprivileged populations. Such initiatives are urgently needed in Pakistan right now, where the poverty rate is over 38%. Dr. Wang Xu claims that a number of social welfare projects have been finished that directly benefit the local community’s needs for water, healthcare, education, and professional skill development. Furthermore, even during the Covid-19 outbreak, these projects continued.
Apart from social merits, many technological developmental projects are underway through CPEC manifested in the form of modern infrastructure and digitization.
Pakistan is undergoing a digital transition thanks in large part to CPEC. The adoption of digital technology by a company to digitise non-digital operations, products, or services is known as “digital transformation.” Fibre optics technology is advantageous in this regard. Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and K-P are connected via an 820-km cross-border optical fibre cable that was already operational in 2018. The Digital Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcast (DTMB) pilot experiment is now complete. The DTMB standard would convert the PTV terrestrial network from analogue to digital transmission (it has already been accepted by China, Hong Kong, and Cuba). The Murree Rebroadcast Station (RBS) is finished.
In addition, a lot of effort has been done in the area of contemporary infrastructure. For instance, the dry port project has been expedited because the feasibility study is complete. The metro bus system in Rawalpindi and BRT Peshawar are both operational inner-city mass transport programmes. The Lahore Orange Metro Train is almost finished, and Quetta Mass transport and the Karachi Circular Railway are past the feasibility stage. The four provincial CPEC projects are as follows: a) the development of the Keti Bunder seaport; b) the road connecting highways M-8 and N-85; c) the Chitral CPEC link road from Gilgit-Shandur and Chitral-Chakdara; and d) the road connecting Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, and Mansehra with the CPEC route. Every project is currently in PC-1.
In fine, it can be stated that CPEC has turned out to be a very fruitful project for the overall development of Pakistan. However, this does not mean everything is hunky dory. There are certain demerits of this astronomical project too.
Environment and ecosystems are threatened by CPEC projects. Although CPEC projects have assisted in addressing power shortages and outages throughout Pakistan, much of this was done using coal power, according to an article by South Asian Voices, CPEC & Environmental Sustainability. China has emerged as a significant investor in the global coal power business, contributing up to $21-38 billion in foreign investments that may not be subject to strict environmental regulations. There are currently a many of legal national and international frameworks in place for CPEC projects, including land use plans, resettlement policy frameworks, and environmental and social impact evaluations. However, the CPEC agreement does not explicitly include any frameworks for addressing climate change, environmental protection, or other aspects of sustainability in growth. As one of the nations most susceptible to climate change, Pakistan must address these problems through appropriate environmental and mitigation legislation as well as regulations that establish a foundation for the country’s long-term sustainable growth.
In addition to negative environmental effects, CPEC is fostering regional animosity. This kind of unhappiness develops when people feel abandoned or marginalized. The ‘Haq Do Tehreek’ movement in Gwadar was started by Maulana Hidayatur Rehman. The Maulana sought security for fishing communities, the right to fish in their waters, and a restriction on large trawlers in Gwadar. The local unemployed were represented by the clergyman. Demand for little to no use of security forces in day-to-day operations was generally met. Gwadar attracts exceptional attention since it is hailed as the “crown jewel” of the CPEC. The upcoming airport, which will be the biggest in the nation when finished, is 60% built. In a few months, test runs are most likely to be conducted. It is not surprising that Gwadar has come up in discussions in the area as a deep sea port with great potential for connectivity between East and West via the Arabian Sea. However, maintaining peace on the ground is necessary to realize this potential.
CPEC has also increased Indian animosity towards Pakistan. It is argued in a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) titled “Silk Road Economic Belt – considering security implications and the EU-China cooperation prospects” that there is significant concern in India that China, which has maintained its neutrality on Kashmir since 1963, can no longer do so given the growing importance of its economic and security interests in these territories. India does not want China to act as a mediator in these disputes. In addition, India opposes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) because to its concerns over the possible globalisation of the Kashmir conflict and the rise of China’s influence in the Indian Ocean.
Pakistan is susceptible to becoming entangled in the great power conflict in addition to Indian enmity. For instance, Alice Wells, the top US diplomat, criticised CPEC in 2019 for what she called burdening Pakistan with debt while favouring Chinese state-owned firms disproportionately. She criticised the project’s lack of openness and notably brought up the ‘expensive’ cost of the planned ML-1 upgrade. Additionally, she asserted that the US strategy of fostering commerce and FDI provided a “better” option to the Chinese strategy of investment through state-run firms. This precedent now emphasises how serious the situation is. Since Pakistan needs the IMF and World Bank, two institutions where the USA has the most influence, it cannot jeopardize its relations with the USA in favour of China.
Pakistan is losing other creditors as a result of its over-reliance on CPEC in addition to great power politics. Japan is one of these creditors. In 2018, Japan intended to invest heavily in a tunnel being constructed as part of CPEC, but China objected, causing Pakistan to decline the proposal. A wide variety of creditors is advantageous. As Covid-19 has effectively demonstrated in the context of supply-chain mechanisms, if a country depends on the money of a single country, then any interruption in that country will have a significant impact on the debtor country.
Additionally, CPEC is proven to be quite detrimental to the regional industries. Local firms are concerned that SEZs will harm Pakistani sectors by lowering their competitiveness, despite the government’s promises that they will boost the economy. Local businesses, chambers of commerce, and business associations appear to be very worried about the future. For instance, the textile sector is concerned that the surplus of Xinjiang-produced textiles may lead to future intense rivalry. Following the previous cotton crisis, the local sector already had to rely on costly imports of raw materials, and any increase in demand for raw materials from the neighbouring China will drive up costs and restrict supply. Similar concerns are held by other industries, which fear that massive Chinese businesses with huge economies of scale may eat them up. Environmental experts worry that Pakistan’s open-gate policy towards China may encourage the importation of filthy businesses and lead to environmental degradation.
In summary, although CPEC is a game-changer for Pakistan, it has also some negative facets that require attention. Apart from that there are certain areas in the project that are either completely neglected or require greater share of focus. These areas include, promotion of Tourism, advancement of education, flourishing healthcare sector, working on eco-friendly techniques.
Firstly, the Pakistani tourism industry might benefit greatly from the CPEC. As a result of CPEC, tourism will experience a major uptick. Many of the world’s tallest mountains, including K2, as well as a diversified landscape of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and valleys can be found in Pakistan. Along with more than 50 other peaks over 7,000 metres, it also has five summits above 8,000 metres. Mountain climbers from all over the world will come to Pakistan as soon as the CPEC is operational. CPEC, which would present new investment opportunities after the building of roads and railroads to connect the two nations, has increased Chinese investment in Pakistan’s tourism industry. The former defence attaché for China in South Asian nations, Cheng Xizhong, thinks there are other approaches to boost the tourism industry.
Secondly, under the auspices of CPEC, certain specific partnership for education should be carried out. The gender difference in the percentage of students that enroll in school, both boys and girls, as well as the availability and use of funding for operating various schools, colleges, and universities are just a few of the issues that the education system in Pakistan is dealing with. With Pakistan’s youth bulge in mind, there is a need to prioritise the building of new schools, technical and vocational training facilities, and higher education institutions while also renovating the existing ones. If it is in line with SDG 4, CPEC can aid in raising education standards all across Pakistan. The federal government has attempted to assist provincial governments in boosting teacher recruitment and student enrollment ratios, particularly with regard to girls, in order to increase the nation’s overall literacy rate while trying to achieve SDG 4. However, CPEC has also made progress in the same direction, realising the importance of improving technical education facilities in far-off places like Gwadar and FATA. 25 solar schools have already been established to support the neighbourhood communities.
Thirdly, the healthcare industry can greatly benefit from CPEC. Building healthcare facilities is one way CPEC may support the health sector. People’s medical requirements can be satisfied by building BHUs, trauma centres, burn centres and medicine stores close to CPEC projects. The issue of a shortage of safe drinking water facilities in rural places can be solved by installing tube-wells and water filtration plants as part of CPEC, notably in Sindh and K-P.
Fourthly, with CPEC, Pakistan can develop a number of sustainable methods. As the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) develops, it may significantly contribute to the nation’s efforts to lessen the effects of climate change. “The cooperation between Pakistan and China under CPEC in the fields of energy, transport, agriculture, and industrial production has helped Pakistan boost green, low-carbon sustainable development,” said Romina Khurshid Alam, convener of the National Parliamentary Task Force on SDG, in a 2023 interview with Xinhua.
After having fully understood both the merits and demerits, and unexplored areas of CPEC that can be beneficial for Pakistan immensely, it pertinent to discuss some reservations that the west pose regarding it. These reservations include, CPEC and BRI a debt trap and an attempt at colonizing the developing countries like Pakistan.
The US and several other Western nations appear to be scared of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and are thus attempting to fabricate a story to undermine it. Rex Tillerson, a former US secretary of state, drew a stark comparison between US aid and loans in Africa and that of China on the eve of his first (and only) official visit to the continent. According to Tillerson, “The United States pursues, develops sustainable growth that strengthens rule of law, institutions, and increases the capacity of African countries to stand on their own two feet.” Contrast this with China’s strategy, which promotes dependency through opaque contracts, exploitative lending practises, and shady business dealings that ensnare nations in debt and undermine their sovereignty.
Before continuing, let’s define debt-trap diplomacy. Debt-trap diplomacy refers to the practise of a creditor country purposefully providing a smaller debtor country with excessive credit with the aim of obtaining economic or political concessions when the smaller country is unable to pay back the loan. The Western ruling class continue to make such claims notwithstanding the reports from numerous Western institutions stating that Beijing is not involved in this terrible game. For instance, evidence reveals that China has not, at least to now, engaged in questionable financial practises in the Pacific that would support claims of debt trap diplomacy, according to a Lowy Institute paper titled “Ocean of Debt?”
China is a rising global force that recently surpassed the United States as the second-largest economy. The BRI is also not a recent project, which has been accused of increasing the indebtedness of poor countries. But the world’s less developed nations have been plagued by the debt problem for years. For instance, even before than the ambitious BRI was introduced, the total amount of external debt for all developing nations was estimated to exceed $4 trillion in 2010.
Additionally, the external debt burdens of the nations influenced by the United States have increased dramatically. For instance, in September of this year, Brazil’s external debt reached $567.1 billion, Mexico’s national debt was approximately $661.25 billion, and Argentina’s debt was approximately $280.62 billion.
Following the discussion of all the important facets of CPEC, it is time to conclude the analysis of the subject.
It can be stated that as a link between East Asia and South Asia, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a representation of Pakistan’s peaceful and prosperous progress. The rest of the world receives a message from CPEC that Pakistan is strategically important and deserving of investment. The CPEC has a significant positive impact on Pakistan’s commerce, energy security, industrial and agricultural sectors, job creation, social welfare programmes, modern infrastructure, and digitization. However, it is also associated with some detrimental effects. The CPEC’s projects are putting the region’s ecology and ecosystem in peril, deficient in environmental protections, and escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan is losing other creditors as a result of its excessive reliance on CPEC, and local businesses are concerned about increased competitiveness and environmental harm. There are also some locations that have been overlooked or uncharted. CPEC has the potential to advance tourism, increase Chinese investment in the nation’s tourism sector, and collaborate on educational initiatives. CPEC can help to improve healthcare, education, and climate change mitigation through the construction of healthcare facilities and the adoption of sustainable practices. Other than that, other major world powers are working to make this endeavour pointless and ineffective. The US, along with other Western countries, is attempting to make up a narrative to discredit China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has long been charged with raising the debts of developing countries. Pakistan’s socioeconomic struggles will not magically disappear like a genie in a bottle. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and address the issues related with CPEC. If this project goes out of hands, then what other option does Pakistan have?
LINKS AND RESOURCES TO READ MORE ABOUT CPEC
- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
- CPEC is More Than a Corridor.
- The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: A View from the Ground.
The official website of the Ehsaas 8171 Program, accessible at https://ehsaas8171.bisp.org.pk/, serves as a comprehensive portal for information and updates related to the Ehsaas Program, an initiative by the Government of Pakistan aimed at providing financial assistance to low-income families.
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