It is evident beyond the shred of doubt and a well-established fact that China has emerged as a bigger economy in the arena of world stage. In the meantime, China has also fractured ascendancy of the USA among the comity of nations. According to the IMF, China shares 17% of total world’s GDP. So, it can easily be palpable that China is ready to step up into take the mantle and become an economic giant. CPEC is the key example of China’s bigger plan to revitalize the traditional Silk Road and to bring into vogue OBOR. On April20, 2015, the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Xi of China inked down and laid the foundation of this flagship project by giving birth to new era of friendship between the two countries. It is a 3,218 km network of roads, railways and pipelines that will connect Gwadar with the Xinjiang province of China. It is evident beyond the realm of doubt that this 62 billion USD project can not only bring peace and prosperity in the Pakistan but also in the entire region.
There is no denying the impression that Pakistan is energy deficient country due to which country is unable to take off both economically and socially. CPEC also includes the 30 billion USD worth of energy projects which after getting mature would add 10,400 MW of electricity in the national grid. So, for Pakistan, CPEC is of immense significance and it will enable country to redress the grievances of the country. The energy projects under CPEC include Gwadar power plant, HUBCO power plant, HUB BALOCHISTAN, RAHIM YAR KHAN coal power plant, Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, 50MW Dawood Wind Farm in Bhambore, 100MW wind farm in Jhimpir, 50MW wind farm in Sachal, Suki Kinari power plant (KPK), Karot Hydropower Project (AJK) and Kohala Power Project (AJK).
It is evident that CPEC can easily unleash the process of meaningful development in the country to disentangle it from the fabric of a plethora of quandaries
Similarly, roots and heart of the CPEC lies in Balochistan. As a matter of fact, this province has been neglected from many decades owing to multiple reasons. As a result, Baloch have plunged into the trap of extremism, insurgency, poverty, backwardness, and most importantly mutiny. It is a matter of deep sorrow and needs some serious attention and contemplation of policy makers to dismantle Baloch from the fold of above-mentioned stymies. Gwadar port is located in the region, so, it is a well-established fact that CPEC would create thousands of jobs and ancillary opportunities to overcome the resentments of Pakistani people.
It is evident that CPEC can easily unleash the process of meaningful development in the country to disentangle it from the fabric of a plethora of quandaries, and can smoothly steer the nation ship from the troubled waters to the safe shores.
However, it is a matter of deep concern that its ultimate fate will depend on whether Pakistani side is able to fulfil its side of the bargain. It is a well-documented fact that multiple constraints are obstructing the smooth sailing of the CPEC. Nonetheless, it is the need of the hour that Prime Minister Imran Khan has to chalk out holistic approach on war footing to remove the obstacles.
In the first place, India is a major threat to this project. Additionally, India has shown its concerns over the CPEC route and said that it is passing through an allegedly disputed territory. Similarly, US President Donald Trump is reiterating the same mantra of India. The prime minister holds a vanguard position as well as a torch bearer of this nation, so, he has to mend fences with the neighbours. In addition to this, uproot corruption from every domain of life since this menace has permeated to every nook and corner of the country as well as a major obstacle for foreign direct investment.
In a similar way, the PM must ensure the availability of efficient human resource by investing more on vocational training institutes.
In a nutshell, CPEC contains the seeds of transformation that can easily bring into vogue an era of prosperity in Pakistan for the prosperous future of our younger generations.
The writer is a Doctor of Pharmacy who has interests in socio- economic and international affairs