Ten Years of CPEC Brightness in the Form of Development from 2013-2023
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a large scale infrastructure development project that aims to strengthen economic cooperation between China and Pakistan. CPEC has led to a substantial improvement in Pakistan infrastructure. CPEC has played a vital role in addressing the shortages of energy crisis. The construction and operation of development project have generated employment opportunities for local workers. It has attracted foreign direct investment. CPEC has broader geopolitical implications for Pakistan. It strengthens the strategic partnership between two friend and enhances Pakistan position in the region. The China-Pakistan comprise a range of infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity and promoting economic development in Pakistan. infrastructure development is main focuses of 69 Million Project and role of KKH is very important, Karakoram Highway also known as the China-Pak friendship highway, and lifeline Highway for China-Pakistan economic cooperation is a major road artery connecting China Xinjiang region with Pakistan. As part of CPEC, the KKH has undergone upgrades and expansion to facilitate smoother transportation of goods and people. Several motorway projects have been initiated under CPEC including the Lahore-Karachi Motorway (M-9) Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M-6). These motorways aim to improve transportation efficiency and connectivity between different region of Pakistan. The ML-1 Railway track which is the main Railway artery in Pakistan being upgraded and modernized under CPEC. CPEC also includes the development of railway links to connect Gwadar port with the existing railway network in Pakistan. This investment from China facilitate the transportation of Goods and enhance connecting between GDCP and other parts of the country. Gwadar port is a crucial component of CPEC. Several infrastructure projects are aimed at transforming Gwadar into a modern deep-sea port and a regional trade hub. Industrial and special Economic Zones CPEC aims to established several special Economic Zones in different part of Pakistan to attract foreign investment and promote industrialization. Gwadar Port and Free Zone located in Baluchistan province this is strategically important as it serves as the endpoint of the CPEC route and offers direct access to the Arabian Sea. The Gwadar port and Free Zone is envisioned as a major trading point for goods and energy supplies. It aims to attract investment in industries such as textiles manufacturing, logistics and fisheries. Another important Economic Zone is Rashakai Zone situated near Nowshera in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province aims to promote industrialization and economic activities in the region. It focuses on industries such as textiles, garments, food processing and engineering. Allama Iqbal Industrial Zone located near Faisalabad in Punjab Province AIIC is being developed as a modern industrial zone. Fourth Zone Dhabeji situated near Karachi in Sindh Province Special Economic Zone focuses on industries such as steel petrochemicals, automotive and construction materials. Several thermal power projects have been initiated to address Pakistan energy needs and promote the development of the country power sector. Sahiwal is a major thermal power project under CPEC. The plant was completed and began commercial operations in 2017. It has a capacity of 1,320 megawatts and consists of two units, each with a capacity of 660MW. The port Qasim Coal power plant is situated near port Qasim in Sindh. The plant utilizes supercritical technology to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. Construction began in 2015 and it was completed and commissioned in 2017 while unit 2 was completed in 2018. Thar Coal plant uses indigenous Thar Coal as a fuel source making it a significant milestone in Pakistan. Construction work commenced in 2016, and the first unit of the Power Plant began commercial operations in 2019. Many hydropower potential of Pakistan river. The Karot Hydropower project is located on the Jhelum river it has a planned capacity of 720 megawatts and involves the construction of a dam and a powerhouse. The project is being developed by China three Gorges South Asia investment limited and is expected to fulfill Pakistan energy requirements. The Suki Kinari project is situated in Mansehra district. It is an 870 M run of the river project that involves the construction of a dam and a power house. The project is being developed by China Gezhouba Group corporation. Kohala project is significant project under CPEC. The project involves the construction of a dam and a powerhouse and is being developed by Kohala Hydropower company limited. Here are some potential areas of success for CPEC over the course of ten years’ infrastructure development Energy project economic Growth job creation regional connectivity are the success of this project. These are just a few example of the project under the CPEC umbrella. Ten Years of CPEC has expanded China economic reach and influence. CPEC has facilitated China efforts to expand its economic footprint in South Asia and beyond. CPEC serves as a vital link in China ambitious Belt and Road initiative. It strengthens China regional connectivity and trade network, facilitating the flow of goods, capital and people. Project has bolstered China Geopolitical influence in the region and it raises China profile as a major player in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region CPEC enhance China standing as a global power. Another advantage China maritime presence in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Writer
Ayesha Alam
Head Department of Pakistan Studies Hazara University Mansehra
