Ground Reality of CPEC: A Continuum of Opportunities or Compelling Puzzle for Pakistan

Abstract

The powerful nuclear states Pakistan and China are evolving double-axis in the face of intensifying US-Indo relation. China takes advantages of Pakistan's geostrategic location through project CPEC estimated investment of $46 billion with timeframe of 2015-2030. Both countries are mutually agreed on “1+4” cooperation, explicitly CPEC as the core and Gwadar, Energy, Transport and Industrial cooperation are prioritized accordingly. The project is a basket of development and brings myriad development opportunities for Pakistan however the associated challenges are not deniable at any cost. What CPEC means for Pakistan is still a compelling puzzle. This study aims to evaluate the grounds reality of CPEC in Pakistan's prospective. Scenario analysis was conducted to evaluate the published stuff on CPEC. Study found that Pakistan encounter trade deficit followed by energy crisis, unemployment, and industrial sector is near to be closed due to energy shortfall. This project boosts Pakistan’s economy, address energy shortfall in the country, and generate about 700,000 to 800,000 employment opportunities. Study further found that Pakistan's primary concern about CPEC includes the availability of large-scale Chinese workers, hefty loans, sabotage activities, and provincial reservations. For this purpose study recommended that GoP must develop national-level consensus through All Parties Conference (APC) and address the opposing views by onboard all stakeholders for project success. HEC also revamp education system according to future CPEC skills requirement to overcome the issue of mismatch qualification/skills to reap the fruits of CPEC.