Muhammad Rayyan
National security and state interests are two important parameters of the partnership between any two countries of the world. Pakistan always tried to establish friendly relations with all of its neighboring states. Regional connectivity is one of the most important aspect of Pakistan’s foreign policy and that’s why Pakistan is trying to cultivate affable relations with neighboring states. Maintaining worthy and good relationship with China has been an integral part of Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives, as China is considered the most important regional collaborator and Pakistan’s strategic partner which helps Pakistan in maintaining balance of power in the region.
To further reinforce bondage of friendship between the two countries, China and Pakistan have agreed to build China – Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under “One Belt One Road (OBOR)” project, which is expected to bring peace and prosperity in the region. The OBOR concept has international strategic importance. It covers countries and regions with a total population of 4.4 billion and a total economic volume of US$ 21 trillion, 63 percent (population) and 29 percent (economic volume) respectively of the World’s total. OBOR consists of three routes, southern (Connects Kashgar with Pakistan at Kunjarab – a point from where China wants to link to Gwadar port in the Arabian Sea), central (from Shanghai and links China to Tashkent, Tehran and onwards to Bandar Imam Khomeini Port of Iran on the Persian Gulf. One of its branches goes up towards Europe) and northern route (from Beijing, passes through Russia, and links it to European cities).
The CPEC (under OBOR) is aimed at enhancing the regional cooperation, improving economic growth, offering trade diversifications, investing in transportation, energy sector and creating political flexibility. Political and economic objectives are targeted to be achieved through trade and development via CPEC which will also strengthen the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. After completion of the corridor it will function as a primary gateway for trade between China, Africa and Middle East.
Implementation of the projects under CPEC has been divided into three phases. The short term phase is estimated to be completed in 2017, Mid-term phase by 2025 and long-term phase by 2030. The first phase comprises development at Gwadar port which will be completed by 2017. Widening of Karakoram highway, upgrading a rail network between Peshawar in the north and Karachi in southern Pakistan is considered to be completed in second and third phases. Meanwhile a plan of fiber-optic communication link is also progressing rapidly.
However, there are many internal as well as external challenges for Pakistan to implement that multi- billion dollar project. Although construction of the corridor has been defined by many as a strategic moment such that Pakistan has assumed the position of economic pivot for the whole region, yet this paradigm shift in circumstances is a cause of great worry for the enemies of Pakistan both within and outside. External challenges mainly include India and U.S as they are unhappy with the project and are very loudly expressing their feelings. For India, CPEC is a thorn in its paws. In this context, India has opened a special office in Delhi under command of Rajindar Khana (directly answerable to PM Modi) and has been allocated $300 million to disrupt CPEC. Sudden upsurge in the acts of terror in GB, AJK and Balochistan in addition to the activation of certain NGOs and think tanks all trying to air misgivings and create fear psychosis are all extensions of Indian policy of sabotaging the CPEC.
Internally, some disgruntled elements who are angry with the state on one pretext or the other, have also raised unwarranted objections to CPEC. A few notable incidents including Asfand Yar Wali’s statement regarding Pakhtoons, MQM’s anti Pakistan slogans and Achakzai’s anti-state speech on the floor of National Assembly, are all giving an impression of unrest in the country, ultimately disrupting the CPEC project. Without a dint of doubts, lack of political harmony in the country, objection on change in the routes, disturbance in GB/ Balochistan and security situation in these provinces carry the potential to delay the implementations.
At this crucial juncture, it must be realized that CPEC is a game changer project which will help transform the fate of Pakistan and will help Pakistan to modernization. It will improve the economy and trade, enhance regional connectivity, overcome energy crisis and will develop infrastructure in the country. So the state should not allow any internal or external forces to sabotage this financial life line of Pakistan. Failure to address the irritants will continue to affect the project. So it is very important to address all those irritants to join the race of economic development.
