A strenuous two-way test called CPEC
By Ayaz Rana
A weathered friend is what Pakistanis have found in the Chinese. Strong bilateral relations, economic ties and cooperation have marked their friendship which has now come to a head with the CPEC underway. Both the countries appear avidly committed about the corridor, though for different reasons. Where China places CPEC as their star project in their grander scheme of One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, for Pakistan, it is a game changer in the region, and a pillar for much needed economic growth with the potential to change the strategic and geo-economic dynamics across the whole of Eurasia.
Keeping in mind how virtually all developmental eggs have been placed in the CPEC basket, many sections of community have come forward to support and raise general consensus over the promised progress it claims to offer. One such measure was taken this week by the Baluchistan Economic Forum, headed by Sardar Shoukat Popalzai, in Karachi. The speakers also included representatives of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, China Oversees Ports Holding Company Ltd, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and from Railway, supported by Consulate Gen of China in Karachi, Advisor to Baluchistan CM for Industries and China Pakistan Business & Investment Promotion Council (CPBIPC).
CPEC offers an economic boost to the underdeveloped province of Baluchistan, and the much needed infrastructure to capitalize its resources for improved economic growth and regional connectivity. Railways, airport, roads and ports will aid the Free Trade Zone at Gwadar and other such projects like Fiber Optic Link and Pipeline etc. will link Kashgar with Gwadar Port City. With the recent signing of agreements worth $46 billion between the two, renewed commitment has been demonstrated by these nations.
CPEC offers an economic boost to the underdeveloped province of Baluchistan, and the much needed infrastructure to capitalize its resources for improved economic growth and regional connectivity. Railways, airport, roads and ports will aid the Free Trade Zone at Gwadar and other such projects like Fiber Optic Link and Pipeline etc. will link Kashgar with Gwadar Port City. With the recent signing of agreements worth $46 billion between the two, renewed commitment has been demonstrated by these nations.
China, however, anticipated a smooth implementation of CPEC-linked projects, but according to sources the slow pace and patchy consensus on the project within Pakistan have annoyed Beijing. But while Pakistan is learning to simultaneously manage and balance internal pressures and compulsions with its foreign policy orientation, China is also experiencing a new partnership; different from its African experiences, but very useful for its OBOR engagements in the region.
Sources say that over the past few weeks, the Chinese have repeatedly tried to prevail upon both Pakistani civilian and military leaderships in this regard. They appreciate the measures taken by Pakistan like the Karachi Operation and Zarb e Azb, however persistent terrorist activities like the targeting of Chinese engineers recently is a serious cause of concern for them. Despite the increased demands from the Chinese for increased military participation the incumbent government of PML-N has refused. It apparently wishes to tout CPEC as one of its major achievements during its campaign for the next general election and would like to keep it firmly within its control.
The smooth execution of CPEC-linked projects requires that all our constitutional and legal safeguards are functional and free of bureaucratic hurdles. According to recommendations from security analysts, if needed, a special oversight committee on CPEC can be formed, made up of representatives from political parties, chambers of commerce, technocrats, and experts. Considering that security is a critical issue for the project, representatives of the security establishment can also be included.
CPEC is an experiment for both China and Pakistan. From it, China can learn how to execute OBOR in other parts of the region with similar political and social credentials. For Pakistan, it presents a test: to hold its nerves and implement CPEC without any major political and security turbulence.
Ayaz Rana is a Correspondent with Business Plus News channel.
