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 Pakistan Affairs

Mr. Salahuddin
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Phase I: Inception and Early Projects (2013-
2017): During this phase, several
CPEC was officially early harvest projects
launched in April 2015 were initiated, including
during Chinese President power plants, road and
Xi Jinping's visit to railway projects, and the
Pakistan. The corridor development of the
aimed to connect Gwadar Port. Notable
Gwadar Port in projects included the
southwestern Pakistan to construction of the
China's northwestern region Gwadar Port, the Karakoram
of Xinjiang, through a network of Highway upgrade, and the establishment of
transportation, energy, and infrastructure energy projects like Sahiwal and Port Qasim
projects. The primary focus of the initial phase coal-fired power plants.
was on energy and infrastructure projects.

The second phase of agriculture, and trade

CPEC marked an promotion, in addition to
expansion and continuing energy and
diversification of the infrastructure projects.
projects under the
corridor. This phase The second phase saw the
aimed to focus on inclusion of projects related
broader socioeconomic to Special Economic Zones
development, (SEZs), agriculture,
industrialization, education, and cultural
exchange. These SEZs were intended to attract text you provided also indicates the ongoing
foreign investment and promote progress, challenges, and potential future
industrialization in Pakistan. The Rashakai SEZ, developments of CPEC's second phase.
for example, was considered a significant
project under Phase II. ……………………………………………………………………….

The expansion of CPEC's scope also involved a

deeper emphasis on people-to-people
connectivity, academic cooperation, and
cultural exchange between China and Pakistan.
Investments in human capital development,
education, and technical training were
recognized as important components of the
second phase.

Additionally, Phase II aimed to enhance

connectivity within Pakistan, focusing on
improving local road and transportation
networks to ensure that the benefits of CPEC
reached a broader population.

Overall, the evolution of CPEC from its first

phase to the second phase involved a transition
from a focus on energy and infrastructure
projects to a more diversified approach that
encompassed various sectors such as
industrialization, agriculture, trade, education,
and cultural exchange. The expansion of the
corridor's scope aimed to contribute to
Pakistan's socioeconomic growth and
development while strengthening the bilateral
relationship between China and Pakistan. The
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a massive infrastructure and development project that
aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth. While the provided text acknowledges
challenges and delays, it does not delve into the specific reasons for these setbacks. Delays in projects of
this scale can result from a variety of factors, each with its unique implications. Here are key factors that
could contribute to delays in the implementation of the CPEC:

1. Political and Administrative Challenges:

 Shifts in government priorities and policies can impact project planning and
execution.
 Bureaucratic hurdles and administrative inefficiencies may slow down decision-
making processes.

2. Security Concerns:
 Threats from extremist groups and security risks along the project route can
disrupt construction activities.
 Increased security measures and unforeseen security incidents may lead to
delays.

3. Land Acquisition and Disputes:

 Complex land acquisition processes, legal disputes, and ownership conflicts can
lead to protracted delays.
 Resettlement and compensation issues with affected communities can further
complicate land acquisition.

4. Funding and Financial Issues:

 Delays in securing necessary funds or changes in financing arrangements can
impede project progress.
  Economic challenges in either China or Pakistan may affect the availability of
funding.

5. Technical and Engineering Challenges:

 Unexpected geological conditions, technical difficulties, and engineering
complexities can extend project timelines.
 Overcoming technical obstacles and ensuring quality standards can contribute
to delays.

6. Environmental and Regulatory Clearances:

 Compliance with environmental regulations and obtaining required permits can
lead to delays.
 Environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures may need to be
revised, extending project timelines.

7. Coordination and Cooperation:

 Ensuring effective coordination and alignment of priorities between China and
Pakistan can be challenging.
 Communication gaps and differing approaches to project management may
result in delays.

8. Local Opposition and Protests:

 Local communities or stakeholders raising concerns about social and
environmental impacts can lead to protests and legal challenges.
 Addressing these concerns and obtaining social acceptance can cause project
delays.

9. Logistical and Supply Chain Issues:

 Delays in the supply of materials, equipment, or skilled labor can hinder
construction progress.
 Ensuring a smooth flow of resources across borders is essential for timely
project execution.
10. Economic and Political Instability:
 Economic downturns, currency fluctuations, and political instability in either
country can impact project financing and implementation.
 Uncertainty in economic conditions can lead to cautious investment decisions
and delays.

These factors are not exhaustive and may interact in complex ways, further amplifying delays. Successful
project management involves addressing these challenges proactively and collaboratively to ensure the
realization of the CPEC's intended benefits. Delays, though a common aspect of large-scale
infrastructure projects, underline the importance of adaptive strategies and effective risk management
to navigate through uncertainties.

1. Infrastructure Development:
 Construction of over 2,000 kilometers of highways and motorways, including
the M-2 and M-4 motorways.
 Upgrading of Gwadar Port, making it capable of handling larger vessels and
boosting maritime trade.
 Development of Gwadar Free Zone to promote industrialization and trade
activities.

2. Energy Projects:
 Sahiwal Coal Power Plant with a capacity of 1,320 megawatts (MW) became
operational in 2017.
 Karot Hydropower Project, with a planned capacity of 720 MW, is under
construction.
  Port Qasim Coal-fired Power Plant with a capacity of 1,320 MW has been
established.

3. Investment and Funding:

 Total planned investments under CPEC are estimated to be around $62 billion.
 China has invested approximately $25 billion in various projects within Pakistan
as part of CPEC.
4. Trade and Connectivity:
 Gwadar Port's connectivity to China's western region, Xinjiang, aims to reduce
transportation time for goods.
 Gwadar Port is positioned to become a key transit and transshipment hub in the
region.

5. Job Creation and Economic Growth:

 CPEC projects are estimated to have created tens of thousands of direct and
indirect jobs in Pakistan.
 CPEC has contributed to Pakistan's annual GDP growth, with estimates ranging
from 1% to 2%.
 Improved infrastructure has led to enhanced trade and economic activity along
the corridor.

6. Power Generation and Electricity Supply:

 CPEC energy projects have added thousands of megawatts to Pakistan's
electricity generation capacity.
 These projects have significantly reduced power shortages and improved the
reliability of electricity supply.

7. Transportation and Connectivity:

 Completion of the Hazara Motorway has reduced travel time between
Islamabad and Mansehra.
 Development of modern road and rail networks has improved regional
connectivity.
8. Regional Development and Industrial Zones:
 Establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract foreign investment
and promote industrialization.
 Development of industrial zones is expected to create jobs, increase exports,
and boost economic activity.

9. Strategic Significance:
 CPEC strengthens China's access to the Arabian Sea and provides Pakistan with
an alternate trade route.
 Gwadar Port's location holds geostrategic significance for China's trade routes
and energy security.

10. Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges:

 CPEC has facilitated cultural exchange programs, academic collaborations, and
other people-to-people initiatives between China and Pakistan.

Provided Discussion gives a snapshot of the concrete achievements and contributions that the China-
Pakistan Economic Corridor has made to Pakistan's infrastructure, energy sector, economy, and regional
connectivity over the past decade. It's important to note that ongoing developments and potential
challenges also play a role in shaping the overall impact of the initiative.

1. Project Delays and Bureaucratic Hurdles:

 Several CPEC projects have faced delays due to bureaucratic inefficiencies. For
example, the Mainline-1 (ML-1) railway project, initially planned to be
completed by 2022, has faced delays and is still under study.
 Bureaucratic bottlenecks have led to uncertainty and hindered the smooth
progress of certain projects.
2. Security Concerns and Regional Instability:
  Security challenges have impacted the pace of development. Incidents of
attacks on workers and infrastructure have slowed down projects in Balochistan
and other sensitive areas.
 Balochistan, a key province for CPEC, has experienced security concerns that
have affected project implementation.

3. Socioeconomic Imbalances:
 While CPEC has created jobs, there are concerns about regional disparities. The
Gwadar Port, for instance, has not yet significantly transformed the local
economy as expected.
 Socioeconomic disparities persist, particularly in less developed regions of
Pakistan.

4. Environmental Impact:
 Coal-fired power plants, such as the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant, have contributed
to air pollution. In 2020, Pakistan ranked 2nd in the world for air quality-related
deaths.
 Environmental concerns have been raised due to the carbon emissions and
pollution associated with certain energy projects.

5. Debt and Financial Sustainability:

 As of 2020, Pakistan's external debt stood at around $115 billion, leading to
concerns about debt sustainability.
 Concerns have been raised about the terms of some CPEC loans and the
potential long-term impact on Pakistan's economy.

6. Transparency and Accountability:

 Lack of transparency in disclosing the terms of agreements has led to
speculation and criticism. Details of loan agreements for certain projects have
not been fully disclosed.
  Transparency issues have fueled concerns about the financial terms and
implications of CPEC projects.

7. Local Workforce and Skill Development:

 Despite the creation of jobs, there have been criticisms that the local workforce
has not always been prioritized. Chinese workers have often been preferred for
certain roles.
 Limited emphasis on skill development and training for Pakistani workers has
been noted.

8. Socio-Cultural Impacts:
 Reports of cultural clashes and conflicts between Chinese workers and local
communities have surfaced in some areas.
 Concerns have been raised about the potential marginalization of local cultures
and traditions in areas hosting CPEC projects.

9. Regional Disparities and Inclusivity:

 While certain regions have seen significant development, concerns persist about
the equitable distribution of benefits across all provinces of Pakistan.
 Some regions have not experienced the anticipated level of economic
upliftment despite CPEC's presence.

10. Geopolitical and Diplomatic Challenges:

 The CPEC passing through territories claimed by India has led to diplomatic
tensions between Pakistan and India.
 India's non-participation in the initiative and its concerns about the corridor's
geopolitical implications have posed challenges.

These facts and figures provide additional context to the challenges and shortcomings associated with
the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, helping to highlight specific instances and issues that have been
observed over the past decade.
 The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has
entered an exciting new phase, Phase II, characterized by a
series of dynamic projects and initiatives aimed at catalyzing
industrialization, enhancing agricultural development,
promoting trade, fostering education, and encouraging
technological advancement. This study material delves into
the significant projects and initiatives introduced under Phase
II of CPEC, providing insights into their implications and
potential impact on both China and Pakistan.

1. Energy Sector Projects:

 Additional energy projects with a total investment of $12 billion are
under implementation.
 These projects are expected to contribute to the power supply,
transmission, and distribution network in Pakistan.

2. Infrastructure Projects:
 Multiple infrastructure projects, including those related to roads,
highways, and transportation networks, are in progress.
 A total of 12 projects with an investment of $10.4 billion are anticipated
to be completed within the specified timeline from 2023 to 2030.

3. Gwadar Development Projects:

 Several projects are underway in Gwadar, including those related to
port development and infrastructure.
  Gwadar is being developed as a logistical powerhouse, and projects
worth millions of dollars are being carried out to enhance its
capabilities.

4. Special Economic Zones (SEZs):

 Five SEZs are expected to make significant progress in 2023, with an
investment of $1 billion.
 Four of the nine identified SEZs are projected to be completed in the
coming years, with an expenditure of $500 million.

5. CPEC-Collaborative Research Grant (CPEC-CRG):

 The CPEC-CRG initiative focuses on collaborative research partnerships between
Pakistan and China.
 This initiative aims to address problems and issues related to Pakistan's socio-
economic development and CPEC through joint research by universities in both
countries.

6. Cultural Exchange and Tourism:

 2023 is being marked as a year of "China-Pakistan Tourism and Exchanges."
 Efforts are being made to showcase Chinese history, culture, and tourism in
Pakistan, and vice versa, through various cultural exchange programs and
exhibitions.

7. Currency Agreement and Financial Cooperation:

 A currency agreement has been signed between the central banks of Pakistan
and China to establish a yuan clearing mechanism.
 This agreement is expected to reduce Pakistan's dependence on the dollar and
enhance financial cooperation.

8. Socioeconomic Development and Employment:

  CPEC has already created jobs in various sectors, including power supply,
highway construction, and transmission lines.
 As many as 700,000 new job opportunities are estimated to be created by 2030
under CPEC's presently agreed projects.

These projects underscore the breadth and depth of Phase II of the CPEC, encompassing various sectors
to promote economic growth, trade, and cooperation between China and Pakistan. The focus on energy,
infrastructure, SEZs, research, culture, and tourism reflects the comprehensive nature of CPEC's second
phase and its potential to drive socio-economic development in Pakistan.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
1) CPEC, Decade And The New Phases. ……………………….…………………………..49
a) Factors Contributing To Delays In The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
b) Achievements
c) Failures Of Ten Yeas
d) New Projects And Initiatives In Phase II
e) Challenges In Implementing Phase II Of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
f) Extension of CPEC ,to CARs and Afghanistan
g) Potential Challenges to Extension
2) New Economic Corridors IMEC And Its Role In Countering The (BRI)….……1
a) Counteracting The BRI
b) Potential Challenges India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

3) New Developments In Middle East, The Gaza War…………………..………………8

a) China's Mediation In Saudi-Iran Relations: Redefining Regional Dynamics
b) A New Era Of Peace And Stability In The Middle East
c) Pakistan, Advantages From This New Regional Dynamic
d) Saudi-Iran Normalization A Setback to Israel Foreign Policy.

4) Repatriation Of Afghan Refugee……………………………………………………………16

a) Causes Of Pakistan's Decision To Rule Out Repatriation
b) International Reaction On Afghan Repatriation
c) Implications On Pak-Afghan Relations

5) Transformative Shift In Saudi-Iran Relations…………………………………….……21

a) China's Mediation In Saudi-Iran Relations: Redefining Regional Dynamics
 b) A New Era Of Peace And Stability In The Middle East
c) Pakistan, Advantages From This New Regional Dynamic
d) Saudi-Iran Normalization A Setback To Israel Foreign Policy

6) Inflation, Unveiling The Dynamics Of Rising Prices…………………………………29

a) Internal Factors Causing In Inflation In Pakistan
b) Geo-Political Factors Causing In Inflation In Pakistan
c) General Impacts Of Inflation
d) Impact Of Inflation On Businesses
e) Impact Of Inflation On Governments
f) Way Forward, Controlling The Inflation
g) Impact Of Climate Change On Inflation

7) The Emergence Of Synthetic Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence……..………38

a) Advantages Of Artificial Intelligence
b) Negative Aspects Of Artificial Intelligence
c) Regulation Of AI
d) THE Use Of AI In Modern Warfare
e) JOBS That Are Risk Due Advancement In AI
f) Jobs That Are Not At Immediate Risk
g) NEW Opportunity
h) The Use of AI in Controlling Climate Change.
i) Ways Of Regulation AI

8) The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC)…………………………….……57

a) The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC)
b) Inclusion Of The Military In SIFC
9) Mass Export Human Resource, Brain Drain…………………………………59
a) Magnitude Of Brain Drain
b) Causes Of Brain Drain
c) Impacts Of Brain Drain On Pakistan
d) Proposed Solutions

10) The Crisis Food Insecurity In Pakistan…………………….……………………64

A. Cause Of Food Insecurity In Pakistan
B. Potential Impacts Of Food Insecurity In Pakistan
C. Way Forward

11) Resurgence Of Terrorism In Pakistan……………………………………………67

a) The Current situation
b) Causes Of Terror Resurgence
c) Impacts
d) Way Forward, Countering The Terrorism
e) What Is NACTA

12) Responsible Factors Of Over Population……………………………….……..71

a) Factors Contributing To Overpopulation
b) Population Impacts
c) Policies And Recommendation
d) Making The Population As Opportunity In Pakistan
13) Rising Islamophobia ………………………………………………………….……….75
a) Rising Islamophobia In India
b) Islamophobia in India: Impact on the Lives of Indian Muslims.
c) Role of the Global Community in Combating Rising Islamophobia in India.
d) Role Of The Muslim Community In Combating Rising Islamophobia In
India
 e) The Exploitation Of Islamophobia By Politicians For Political Gain
f) The Impact Of Politicians' Islamophobic Strategies
g) Countering Islamophobia In Politic

14) NATO Expansion And New Dimensions In Ukraine Crisis………………80

a) Why NATO Wants Expansion.
b) Russia Opposes NATO Expansion, Reasons
c) Ukraine War Made States To Join NATO Faster
d) Consequences Of NATO Expansion

15) Sectorial Impacts Of The Devastating Climate Crisis……………………86

a) International Support And Challenges In Pakistan's Flood Recovery
b) Extreme Weather Events: Disproportionate Impact On Developing Nations
c) Developed Nations: Responsibility For Climate Change And Its
Consequences

16) Climate Injustice……………………………………………………………….…………96

a) Introduction And Concept
b) Climate Change And Food Insecurity
c) The Demand For The Topic "Climate Change And International Politics

17) Economic Survey, Budget FY 2023-24…………………………………..………99

a) Details And Facts And Figures
b) Budget As Populist

18) US-India Growing Relations, And Concern For Pakistan…………..…101

a) Background And Previous US-India Relations Agreements
b) Modi's Recent State Visit, New Deals
c) Concern For Pakistan
d) Countering The China
 e) Lowering Indian Dependence On Russia

19) Sudan Crisis, The Fall Of Democracy In Africa……………………………109

a) Background Of The Recent Sudan Crisis
b) Conflicting Factions In The Recent Sudan Crisis
c) Conflicting Factions In The Recent Sudan Crisis
d) Geopolitical Interests Of Regional And Global Major Players In The Recent
Sudan Crisis
e) Political Turmoil In Niger: Unraveling A Coup, Anti-France Sentiment, And
Shifting Alliances

20) Economic Rivalry: USA And China's in Indo-Pacific………………….....115

a) USA's Economic Countermeasures
b) China's Economic Responses
c) Areas Where China Has Taken USA Position
d) Defense Matters
e) US-China Competition In Europe And Africa: Shaping Global Dynamics

21) US-China Competition In Rest Of World………………………………….…119

a) US-China Competition In Europe And Africa
b) US-China Competition In South America

22) Trade, Economic Rivalry Between The US And China………………….122

a) Understanding Of Trade Rivalry
b) Trade War
c) US Measures And Alliances
d) Chinese Counter Measure

23) US-China, Technological War, Chip War………………………………….…174

a) Understanding Of Trade Rivalry
 b) TRADE WAR
c) USA Measures and Alliances
d) Chinese Counter Measure
24) China –USA Rivalry, Global Consequences …………………………………181
a) What Does China –USA Rivalry Mean For Pakistan?
b) What Does China –USA Rivalry Mean For WORLD

25) Regional Organization, The New Development In SCO………………183

a) Significant Benefits To Pakistan On Various Fronts:
b) Pakistan And India In Latest SCO Summit

26) G20 Meetings In Disputed Kashmir: Diplomatic Strategies…….….185

a) Objectives Behind Holding G20 Summit In Kashmir: Portrayal Of Stability
b) Controversy Surrounding G20 Summit In Kashmir: Boycott And Diplomatic
Implications

27) Recent IWT Controversy Between Pakistan And India………………188

a) Introduction
b) Background Of The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
c) India's Hydroelectric Projects And Controversy

28) Current Developments And Persistent Issue Of IMF Funding………191

a) Current Developments And Persistent Issue Of IMF Funding
b) Averting Default: Pakistan's Recent IMF Stand-By Arrangement
c) Drawbacks Of IMF Funding For Pakistan
d) Way Forward, Recommendations:

29) Pakistan's Foreign Policy Landscape……………………………………..……198

 a) Introduction To Pakistan's Foreign Policy Challenges And Strategic Way
Forward:
b) Contemporary Geo-Politics And Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
c) Multipolar Global Order And Challenges Od Pakistan Foreign Policy
d) Opportunities For Pakistan's Foreign Policy
e) Pakistan's Foreign Policy Challenges And The Quest For Independence:
f) The Way Forward: Enhancing Pakistan's Foreign Policy Independence

30) Current Global Developments, New World Order…………….…………207

a) Background And Introduction
b) China Is Challenging The Existing World Order
c) War In Ukraine And New World Order
d) Challenges And Opportunities For Pakistan In The New World Order
e) Opportunities For Pakistan In The New World Order

31) Emergence Of BRICS And New World Order…………………….…………212

a) Introduction
b) Key Aspects, How BRICS Is Shaping The New World Order

32) The Decline Of US- Dollar…………………………………………………………215

a) The Historical Background Of Global Currencies
b) Challenging Dollar Hegemony: Geopolitical Shifts And Emerging
Alternatives
c) Gradual Erosion Of Dollar Dominance: Growing Push For Local Currency
Trade
d) USA, EU Sanctions And Decline Of Dollar
e) The De-Dollarization Phenomenon And The Emergence Of A New World
Order
33) The Current Status Of Globalization……………………………………………219
a) Tracing The Historical Tapestry
b) A Kaleidoscope Of Globalization
c) Introduction To Globalization
d) Navigating The Challenges Of Globalization: Adapting To A Changing
World Order
e) Globalization In Flux: Adapting To Shifting Realities And Challenges"
f) Globalization's Impact On Income Inequality
g) The Way Forward: Addressing Globalization-Induced Inequality
h) The USA-China Trade War, What It Mean For Globalization
i) Globalization in Covid-19.
j) War In Ukraine: And Globalization

34) The New Cold War: Superpower Rivalry In The 21st Century…….230
a) Introduction And Key Aspects
b) The Threat Of World War III
c) Unraveling The Tensions: Analyzing The Risk Of World War III Amidst The
New Cold War
d) Rethinking Global Dynamics: Russian-Ukraine Conflict And The Specter Of
A New Cold War
e) War In UKRAINE AND The Nuclear Threat
f) Russian-Ukraine War And The Ominous Specter Of Nuclear Escalation
35) The Crisis In Taiwan Strait……………………………………………………….…236
a) Taiwan's Identity And Domestic Politics
b) Taiwan's Relationship With The United States
c) Ukraine War And Lessons
d) Taiwan's Approach
e) Similarities Between Ukraine And Taiwan
 36) Taiwan's Chip Dominance And US-China Tensions……………………240
a) Taiwan's Chip Dominance: A Catalyst For Escalating US-China Tensions
b) Taiwan As A Flashpoint In US-China Rivalry
c) The Crisis In The Taiwan Strait: Effects On Globalization
d) The Economic Cost Of Taiwan

37) Pakistan Under The Launched Hybrid Warfare………………………245

a) Key Aspects
b) Short History Of Generations Of Warfare And The Fifth Generation Hybrid
Warfare
c) Why India Has Switched To Hybrid Warfare Against Pakistan
d) Tools And Methods India Is Using
e) Social Media As A Tool Of Hybrid Warfare And Ways To Counter It
f) Social Media As A Tool Of Hybrid Warfare
g) Hybrid Warfare's Impact On Pakistan
h) Pakistan Could Consider To Counter Hybrid Warfare

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