By Uzma Ehtasham
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has long been touted as Pakistan’s ticket to a brighter future—a monumental project that would not only overhaul the country’s infrastructure but also solidify its strategic partnership with China. For a nation beleaguered by economic challenges, CPEC offers a vision of hope. Yet, as this ambitious initiative moves forward, it finds itself under siege from adversaries both within and beyond Pakistan’s borders. The most recent terrorist attack targeting Chinese nationals in Karachi underscores the scale of opposition facing CPEC. A suicide bombing near Jinnah International Airport, which claimed the lives of three Chinese workers and injured many others, was a chilling reminder of the lengths to which these adversaries will go to disrupt the project. Such attacks, though devastating, are unfortunately not rare. They are part of a sustained campaign to undermine Pakistan’s economic development and sow discord between Islamabad and Beijing.
For its detractors, CPEC is not just an economic partnership but a geopolitical nightmare. Chief among these are foreign actors, particularly India, which has openly expressed concerns about the project’s implications for regional power dynamics. India’s fear is rooted in the belief that CPEC strengthens Pakistan both economically and strategically, particularly with its infrastructure linking to China—a global heavyweight. It has long been suspected that India, through its support of separatist movements in Balochistan, aims to destabilize the project. The United States, while not as overt, has also shown ambivalence toward CPEC, concerned about China’s expanding influence in South Asia and beyond. But the threat to CPEC is not just external. Pakistan faces enemies from within—those who are either ideologically opposed to China’s involvement or have personal stakes in the failure of national progress. These actors, whether religious extremists, separatists, or political opportunists, share a common goal: prevent Pakistan from breaking free of its economic shackles. In response to the Karachi attack, Pakistan’s leadership has displayed swift condemnation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement following the incident, was unequivocal: “Those responsible for this heinous act are enemies of Pakistan.” His words reflect a growing frustration with the repeated targeting of Chinese workers, who have become symbolic of the larger attempt to derail Pakistan’s economic renaissance. His visit to the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, where he met with Ambassador Jiang Zaidong to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to the safety of its Chinese partners, was a clear signal of solidarity. However, words alone will not suffice. The Pakistani government must go beyond condemnation and address the root causes of these security lapses. There is an urgent need for heightened security measures, particularly in regions like Balochistan and Karachi, where separatist movements and extremist groups have historically thrived.
Ensuring the safety of Chinese workers is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. CPEC’s survival hinges on Pakistan’s ability to protect its foreign investors, whose confidence in the project is key to its long-term success. The attack in Karachi also brings to the fore the larger question of Pakistan’s internal stability. CPEC cannot flourish in a vacuum. The country must address the underlying issues that fuel unrest—from political disenfranchisement to economic disparity. Local communities, particularly in regions like Balochistan, must see tangible benefits from the project. Otherwise, they will continue to be fertile ground for those who seek to exploit their grievances for nefarious purposes. Despite these challenges, there is a deep resilience in the Pakistan-China partnership. Beijing, too, recognizes the strategic importance of CPEC and has consistently stood by Pakistan, even in the face of repeated attacks.
Both nations understand that CPEC is not just an economic endeavour; it is a statement of mutual trust and long-term vision for the region. As the Karachi incident demonstrates, there will always be forces attempting to drive a wedge between these two allies. But the strength of their relationship lies in their shared determination to see the project through to its completion. As Pakistan grapples with these external and internal threats, it is clear that CPEC is about much more than roads and railways. It is about the country’s future. The enemies of CPEC are the enemies of progress—forces that seek to drag Pakistan back into instability and isolation. But they underestimate the will of a nation that knows all too well the cost of such a fate. In the face of adversity, Pakistan must rise to the challenge. Protecting CPEC is not just about safeguarding an infrastructure project; it is about defending the promise of a prosperous, independent future. It is about ensuring that the sacrifices made by Chinese and Pakistani workers alike are not in vain. And most importantly, it is about standing firm against those who would see the country fail.
(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)
