CPEC - The Dream Project and Hurdles on its Way!

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor runs along the most important and central geo-strategic locations in South Asia. CPEC being part of One-Belt-One- Road (OBOR) initiative, will help materializing China’s ambitions and make it an economic superpower.

As a general perception, Pakistan’s relations with the U.S. will deteriorate due to the CPEC. U.S has pulled out $71.9 million in the last 11 months, as compared to its investment amounted to $197.1 million in the previous year. Although, U.S has never openly opposed the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, but traditionally it has always tried to contain China in the South China Sea, its allies in this endeavor have been India, Japan, Indonesia and Singapore.

Being part of American China containment policy, India has been keenly watching the progress of CPEC. The fact that the CPEC gives China access to the Indian Ocean is India’s biggest fear, it feels Pakistan and China have become a joint threat and their aim is to encircle and contain India.

The US interest alliance with India is natural to counter Chinese influence globally. A shift in balance of power is taking place. This evolution has its own pros and cons. How we benefit from this evolution depends upon the vision of our leadership which unfortunately is myopic and focuses around local conventional power politics.

India has always harbored its existential hatred for Pakistan, it does not want to see it assume its rightful place as a major regional power. It has tried its best to deny Pakistan the advantages of its geographical location, it has been involved in proxy terror attacks in Baluchistan since several years. India is also supporting terrorist organizations in Pakistan to prove that it is an unstable country.

The CPEC is anticipated to boost Pakistan's economy, where the GDP is expected to grow by more than five percent by 2020, according to an IMF growth forecast. Indian Prime Minister Modi openly backed a ‘Free Baluchistan’ movement, which proves India’s entire anti-CPEC strategy.

Here the question is how to tackle these threats from the enemies?  For this, we have to look after our interests before anyone else. What we need more is that govt. should also engage the local dissidents in a dialogue process, and bring them back into the national mainstream. Baluchistan is the key to the success of the CPEC and the strategic goals associated with it.

Pakistan has recently taken significant steps to develop and deploy, both on land and sea. The government of Pakistan is also planning to establish a ‘Special Security Division’ for Chinese workers. If our politicians keep their focus on our national interest, instead of their personal interest, than we can say that no power can stop.