The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a real example of the special and long-term relationship between Pakistan and China. The two countries have always stood by each other in good times and bad and have been termed “all-weather strategic partners.” CPEC, one of China’s flagship projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), not only deepened the bilateral relationship but also set the stage for economic transformation in Pakistan. But as CPEC advances, the opportunities and challenges it offers, especially to Gwadar, have created hope and skepticism among the people.
The Pillars of China-Pakistan Relations
The peculiarity of China-Pakistan relations is their unshakeable solidarity in support of one another, be it during times of prosperity or adversity. The three pillars of this cooperation are:
Practical Cooperation: The pillar of this cooperation is CPEC, with 47 projects completed or under implementation, and over $25 billion worth of investments and 150,000 jobs created.
Mutual Solidarity and Trust: From China’s aid during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake to Pakistan’s help during China’s COVID-19 outbreak, the two countries have always supported one another.
People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges: Efforts such as the China-Pakistan Year of Tourism and the Gandhara Art Exhibition in Beijing indicate the strong cultural connection between the two countries.
CPEC: A Driver for Pakistan’s Economic Transformation
CPEC has taken the lead in Pakistan’s economic growth, specifically in infrastructure development, energy sector, and industrialization. Highlights include:
ML-1 Railway Project: The game-changer for Pakistan’s transport sector, this project looks to upgrade Pakistan’s railway network.
Karachi Circular Railway: Reviving mass transit in Pakistan’s largest metropolitan area.
Renewable Energy Projects: China’s investment in developing solar and other renewable energy projects is also in line with international sustainability standards.
Agricultural Exports: The agriculture trade surplus of Pakistan with China came to $640 million in 2022, with exports of cherries being a recent success story.
The second phase of CPEC will be centered around industrial, agricultural, and technological cooperation, with the vision of increasing Pakistan’s export competitiveness and industrialization. New ideas such as the Health Corridor, Digital Corridor, and Green Corridor will further promote high-quality growth under CPEC.
Gwadar: A City of Potential and Challenges
Gwadar, or the “crown jewel” of CPEC as it is called, is a place of immense strategic and economic importance. Its conversion into an economic hub on the world stage has not, however, found equal support from locals.
The Promise of Gwadar
Strategic Location: The deep-sea port of Gwadar provides direct connectivity with international shipping routes, and it thus plays a major role in regional trade.
Infrastructure Development: Gwadar International Airport and plans to link the city to the national grid are in progress.
Economic Opportunities: Gwadar can bring the whole province of Balochistan out of poverty by making investments in retail, transportation, and fish farming.
Challenges Confronting Gwadar
There are several challenges that Gwadar has encountered, which have contributed to the mistrust among the locals:
Marginalization of Local People: Most locals feel they are being excluded from the gains of CPEC, with foreigners and big business benefiting.
Joblessness: Outsiders get high-paying jobs, leaving the native Baloch people economically displaced.
Threat to the Fishing Industry: The influx of foreign trawlers has raised concerns of overfishing and depleting marine resources.
Basic Amenities: Gwadar still does not have clean drinking water, consistent electricity, and healthcare facilities, which raises doubts about the priorities of development.
Security Concerns: Excessive military deployment and movement restrictions have generated resentment among the locals.
Lessons for Sustainable Development of Gwadar
To unlock the potential of Gwadar, the following measures are essential:
Inclusive Development: Empower local institutions and make residents part of the development process.
Investment in Public Services: Invest in basic requirements such as water, electricity, and healthcare to establish trust and enhance the standard of living.
Protection of Livelihoods: Protect the fishing sector and introduce alternative sources of employment for residents.
Transparency and Accountability: Encourage transparent communication among authorities and residents to ensure development reaches everyone.
Environmental Sustainability: Enact green practices to conform to international emissions standards and preserve the natural resources of Gwadar.
The Road Ahead: Building a Closer China-Pakistan Community
As Pakistan and China embark on a new relationship, the goal should be to create a closer community with a shared future.
This entails:
Full and timely completion of CPEC projects: Ensuring all mutually agreed projects are finished on schedule and yield concrete dividends.
Fostering People-to-People Exchanges: Facilitating cultural, tourism, and educational exchanges to promote mutual understanding.
Resolution of Local Grievances: Hearing out the complaints of the people of Gwadar and taking tangible measures to respond to them.
Conclusion: A Vision of Shared Prosperity
The China-Pakistan relationship is the best example of how two countries can collaborate to realize common prosperity. CPEC, with its revolutionary potential, is not infrastructure and economic growth alone—it’s about enhancing the lives of people. By meeting the needs of Gwadar and making sure development is inclusive, Pakistan and China can make this dream a reality.
As the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan rightly put it, “We will cooperate closely with the Pakistani side to fully implement the results of PM Shehbaz’s visit to China, demonstrating the opportunities and implications of the 20th CPC National Congress for China, Pakistan, and the world.”
The future of Gwadar and CPEC is bright, but it needs joint effort, openness, and a determination to leave no one behind.
