Daily Times

It has been five years since an aggressive development plan was initiated in Pakistan. What I am talking about is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The ambitious road network is scheduled to be completed by 2030.

The first five years are gone. The first phase is successfully accomplished with the completion of several infrastructure and energy projects. Everybody knows that no development project can be completed without considering these two sectors.

Today, Pakistan is on its way to accelerated economic growth. This is a splendid achievement for the government. Just a few years ago, such progress would have sounded ludicrous to Pakistanis.

The second phase of the project is expected to focus on special economic zones (SEZs) in Pakistan. The Pakistan Army played a pivotal role in ensuring security for this mega development project. Every single person in the country is trying to relate themselves to the benefits and outcomes of CPEC. But there is a dire need to understand the nature of collective benefit for the country.

Today, Pakistan is on its way to accelerated economic growth. This is a splendid achievement. Just a few years ago, such progress would have sounded ludicrous to Pakistanis

Unfortunately, nationalism has been lacking most of the times whenever it is needed. Nationalism has always been seen only during war times. But when it comes to peacetime and development processes, it becomes irrelevant to the nation. People from all walks of life focus only on their particular vested interests.

CPEC has come up with multiple opportunities and diversified goals. Therefore, the nation needs to be united until the end of this project to get most out of it.

Some of the SEZs planned for the country include, Rashakai Economic Zone (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), China Special Economic Zone (Dhabeji, Sindh), Bostan Industrial Zone (Balochistan), Allama Iqbal Industrial City (Faisalabad, Punjab), ICT Model Industrial Zone (Islamabad), Industrial Park on Pakistan Steel Mills Land at Port Qasim (Karachi), Special Economic Zone (Mirpur, AJK), Mohmand Marble City (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and Moqpondass SEZ (Gilgit-Baltistan). The project will add a lot more to the economy of Pakistan, including several industries that are sure to boost our economic stability, rate of employment, GDP, and more. CPEC includes a plethora of industrial projects – many of which are needed for a transitional economy to succeed.

Some of the projects have already started, and some need more planning and will be completed later on. The amount of foreign investment coming into the country had been on the rise since 2010.However, since CPEC began in 2014, it has been increasing at a faster rate. This change can be seen below:

It is very important to spread word among the masses about the importance of CPEC. We must come together as a nation now so that we can build a stronger Pakistan.

The writer is a freelance journalist

Published in Daily Times, June 16^th 2018.