By Uzma Ehtasham
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), once hailed as a transformative beacon of hope for Pakistan’s economic future, has entered its much-anticipated second phase. With a new set of agreements focused on bolstering agriculture and industry, there is an unmistakable optimism surrounding this next chapter. From the signing of a $400 million deal to boost agricultural exports, to promises of digital transformation in the textile sector, CPEC seems poised to inject vitality into some of Pakistan’s most critical industries. Yet, as the fanfare grows, so too must the scrutiny. After a decade of China’s vast investment, it’s worth asking: where are the tangible benefits for ordinary Pakistanis? For all its grand ambitions, CPEC’s transformative potential remains largely theoretical, with the lives of many citizens still mired in poverty, unemployment, and an unrelenting energy crisis. Can this second phase of CPEC finally deliver on its promises, or will it, like so many development projects before it, remain a missed opportunity for real, substantive progress?
There is no denying the scale of the agreements being forged in this latest phase of CPEC. The agricultural deal, which promises Pakistani products duty-free access to global markets, offers the tantalising possibility of expanding Pakistan’s trade partnerships with major economies like the European Union, the United Kingdom, and of course, China itself. Similarly, the efforts to digitally transform Pakistan’s textile sector—an industry long seen as the backbone of the country’s economy—signal a step towards much-needed modernisation. But these agreements, while significant, beg the question: will they finally translate into meaningful economic gains for Pakistan’s struggling population? For too long, CPEC has been touted as a regional game-changer, yet the lived experience of millions of Pakistanis paints a more sobering picture. The country’s economic woes are well-documented—soaring inflation, crippling energy shortages, and a workforce that remains underemployed and undervalued.
Despite the billions of dollars poured into infrastructure and energy projects, Pakistan continues to wrestle with poverty and unemployment on a massive scale. This dichotomy, between the grandiose vision of CPEC and the harsh realities on the ground, must be addressed if Pakistan is to fully capitalise on the potential of its partnership with China. One cannot deny the progress made in certain areas. The energy sector, in particular, has seen substantial investment, with China helping to build critical infrastructure, including power plants and roads. These projects have undoubtedly provided a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s energy capacity. But for a country where energy shortages are still a crippling reality—forcing businesses to shut down and citizens to go without power—this progress feels insufficient. The question that lingers is why these issues, despite such significant investment, remain unresolved.
Is the problem, then, not the scale of China’s investment, but Pakistan’s own internal challenges? It is tempting to view CPEC through the lens of foreign aid, as a generous lifeline extended by China to its long-standing ally. But the real issue may lie closer to home. Pakistan’s chronic mismanagement and bureaucratic inefficiencies have long been an obstacle to meaningful development, and CPEC is no exception. Corruption, political instability, and a bloated administrative structure have stifled progress, preventing the country from fully realising the benefits of China’s investment. This is not to suggest that CPEC is without merit. It remains a critical component of Pakistan’s economic strategy, and its potential to reshape the country’s industrial and agricultural sectors is undeniable. But the gap between potential and reality must be bridged with far more urgency.
The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and other government bodies have a monumental task ahead: to ensure that the benefits of CPEC are not limited to the political elite or the already-wealthy business class, but reach the farmers, factory workers, and citizens whose futures depend on the success of these projects. Moreover, the geopolitical ambitions tied to CPEC should not overshadow its real purpose: to improve the lives of ordinary Pakistanis. While the initiative is undoubtedly a strategic asset for China, giving it greater access to the Arabian Sea and strengthening its foothold in South Asia, for Pakistan, the stakes are far more personal. CPEC represents not just an economic opportunity, but a lifeline for a country struggling to lift itself out of poverty and unemployment. If this second phase is to be truly successful, it must deliver more than just roads and power plants; it must deliver hope, opportunity, and a better quality of life for Pakistan’s citizens. The way forward is clear.
Pakistan’s leadership must take ownership of CPEC, ensuring that its benefits are not siphoned off by corrupt officials or mismanaged by inefficient institutions. There must be a concerted effort to address the country’s structural issues, from energy shortages to unemployment, so that the fruits of CPEC’s investment can be felt across the nation. This will require political will, transparency, and a commitment to good governance—qualities that have too often been in short supply in Pakistan’s history. Ultimately, CPEC’s success will not be measured by the number of agreements signed or the billions of dollars invested. It will be measured by the extent to which it improves the lives of ordinary people. Pakistan’s future depends on its ability to turn this ambitious initiative into a vehicle for real, lasting change. The second phase of CPEC offers an opportunity to do just that. But the clock is ticking, and the people of Pakistan cannot afford to wait much longer for the promises of CPEC to be fulfilled.
(The writer is a public health professional and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
