Implications of CPEC on Securitization of Pakistan

Abstract: -

China has made tremendous economic, social and technological progress since its “opening up” to the world. China has now embarked on a comprehensive “One Belt and One Road” (OBOR) initiative to link China with other countries of Eurasia, South Asia, South East Asia, and Africa through land and sea routes for trade. Pakistan lies at the center of the OBOR network, closer to the states of Central Asia and the Middle East rich in energy sources. “China Pakistan Economic Corridor” (CPEC) has a unique position in OBOR due to its location, and long history of co-operation between China and Pakistan in economic and military spheres. CPEC will further strengthen relations between two countries, bearing fruit for both countries and as well as whole region. CPEC will provide shorter routes for trade to China, Pakistan and many other countries of the region. It will integrate countries of the region for shared economic development. CPEC can provide needed infrastructure to Pakistan for development like roads, railway network, and communication networks. Pakistan faced energy shortage due to which industry of Pakistan had become crippled. CPEC has solved energy issues of Pakistan, which invigorated industrial sector of Pakistan and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) being developed under CPEC will further improve economy of Pakistan. Pakistan has huge potential of growth and become a big market and trade hub for the emerging and vibrant Asia. CPEC can also help Pakistan to solve many internal and external conflicts. CPEC is passing through disputed territory of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan claimed by India. CPEC can ensure development of these regions and people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) may also join their brothers. CPEC can uplift backward areas of Pakistan e.g. Baluchistan and KPK. Separatist and terrorist groups active in tribal and backward areas of Pakistan can be brought in mainstream due to economic development under CPEC. Implications of CPEC on economic, military, political, societal and environmental security of Pakistan have been discussed.

Key Words: CPEC, OBOR, Securitization, Economic Security, Military Security, Political Security, Societal Security, Environmental Security.

Literature Review: -

Security is taken to be about the pursuit of freedom from threat and the ability of states and societies to maintain their independent identity and their functional integrity against forces of change, which they see as hostile. The bottom line of security is survival, but it also reasonably includes a substantial range of concerns about the conditions of existence. Quite where this range of concerns ceases to merit the urgency of the “security” label (which identifies threats as significant enough to warrant emergency action and exceptional measures including the use of force) and becomes part of everyday uncertainties of life is one of the difficulties of the concept. (Buzan, 1991)

Barry Buzan has defined concept of securitization comprehensively in his work. In his book, “People, States and Fear”, he has defined security in terms of various levels and sectors. The three levels mentioned in his work are individuals, states and international system. Five sectors include Political, Military, Economic, Societal, and Environmental. He has also discussed about these five sectors in Security: A new framework for analysis and the article “New Patterns of Global Security in the Twenty-First Century”. All these levels and sectors are interlinked with each other in complex way to define whole concept of security (Buzan, 1991). In the study of “Implications of CPEC project on Securitization of Pakistan”, examining the five sectors defined by Barry Buzan is important. Military security is most important for any state as it can affect all other components of security. The basic duty of the state is protection of its citizens. Political security is also very important and it can be treated at par with Military security. Protecting ideology of the state is very important in keeping nation intact. Economic security has much significance as well in risky, aggressive and competitive environment due to market economy. There is also a strong link between military security and economic security. Military security is dependent on economic security due to constraints of budget. Societal security is about identity and culture of the state. For example people belonging to different culture and ethnicities live in Pakistan, and uniting them is a big problem. Environmental security is also important today, because world is facing problems of pollution, global warming and depletion of ozone layer. Pakistan has a very low carbon footprint, but impact of environmental degradation on Pakistan is huge.

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China has emerged as a great economic and military power in recent decades. Chinese president Xi Jinping announced “One Belt One Road” project in 2013 to restore ancient Silk road and develop 21st century Maritime silk road the with purpose of connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. The project aims to connect China with other countries for better trade opportunities and collective development. CPEC is a flagship project of OBOR, originally valued at 46 billion dollars has now reached 87 billion dollars. CPEC has four stages of development i.e. early harvest projects, short term projects, medium term project and long term projects. Early harvest projects from 2015 to 2019 helped Pakistan to overcome energy shortage problems by adding 10,000 MW electricity in national grid. Short term projects include development of Gwadar, Optic fiber network, and the Hydel, coal mining and power projects up to 2022. In medium term projects railways and industrial zones will be constructed up to 2025. Long term projects include Completion of Industrial Zones, Agriculture and Tourism projects up to 2030. Gwadar port is being operated by a Chinese company. China is also building naval base in Gwadar and military co-operation between both countries is also on rise. Pakistan army is responsible for security of CPEC projects, and China will help Pakistan army to secure its interests in Pakistan. Therefore, CPEC will have impact on all the sectors of security defined by Barry Buzan.

???????????Since announcement of CPEC, it is being discussed widely in print media and electronic media. Several articles and Op-ed were written in newspapers and are still being written. Researchers and Scholars have worked on implications of CPEC project on security and economic development of China and Pakistan, as well as other countries of the region. CPEC is an evolving project, as it has four stages described above, and it would be developed completely till 2030. Therefore, scholarly work on CPEC is still being produced and will continue to emerge in future. New projects are being added in CPEC and it is taking new shape every day. External environment of the world is also changing rapidly. This paper discusses Implications of CPEC project on securitization of Pakistan. There are mixed views about impact of CPEC for Pakistan, within and outside Pakistan. One of the major controversy is about funding of CPEC projects. Some writers have argued that CPEC would increase burden on Pakistan with high-interest rate lending. It will only serve purpose of transportation of Chinese goods. On the other side CPEC is compared with Marshall Plan undertaken by United States in Western Europe after World War-II. CPEC is termed as game changer not only for Pakistan, but also for other countries of the region with shared development. The purpose of this study is to examine implications of CPEC on economic development, military strength, political security, societal integrity and environment of Pakistan.

Introduction:-

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is framework of regional connectivity that will connect China, Pakistan and many other countries. It will connect China with Middle East and North Africa through port of Gwadar. Other regional states like Central Asian Republics, Afghanistan and South Asian states can also get benefit from it. CPEC would provide shorter route to China for trade of oil and other commodities with Middle East and Africa, bypassing Malacca Strait, which poses security threat to China in case of any rivalry with USA or India. CPEC will cut trade route of China from 12,000 kilometers to 2,000 kilometers. Pakistan has been in need of infrastructure development, modernization of industry and technology transfer since long. Western partners of Pakistan have not been able to do so in spite of long history of co-operation and collective security efforts under SEATO, CENTO, and recent Global War on Terrorism. Efforts to connect China and Pakistan are not new as both countries constructed massive Karakorum Highway in past to connect Kashgar with Islamabad, and China started work on construction of Gwadar port in 2002. CPEC was formally announced in 2015 and work on various projects of CPEC is in full swing. CPEC has now become a reality and trade through port of Gwadar has started. Long term projects under CPEC are expected to complete in 2030. CPEC will transform Pakistan with the help of technology transfer and increased trade and investment opportunities. CPEC can be called a ray of hope for Pakistan.

Is CPEC Really a game-changer for Pakistan?

?“China Pakistan Economic Corridor” (CPEC) is a game changer not only for Pakistan but for the whole region, based on the idea of shared development.?Economic corridors play a crucial in development of countries and regions by connecting economic hubs and economic zones. These networks include infrastructural services that link main production hubs, urban centers and international gateways. CPEC is such an economic corridor that will link Chinese oasis city of Kashgar and Pakistani seaport of Gwadar through various road and railway networks, energy productions hubs, special economic zones, optical fiber network and major urban centers of Pakistan. CPEC will connect more than sixty countries of the world through land and sea routes. CPEC will link Pakistan with 2nd largest economy of the world, and with Central Asia, Middle East, South Asia, Europe and Africa through extended “One Belt One Road” (OBOR) network under which CPEC also comes. CPEC is an ideal route for trade by China with Middle East and Africa due to short distance and less transit time. It is also beneficial for emerging economies of Central Asia for trade with other parts of world.?Integration of the whole region through CPEC will help other countries as well as Pakistan. Gwadar will become a hub for international trade and major urban center in few years. Dubai has become a major financial center of the world only due to international trade activity. Gwadar and Karachi can also become such centers after increased trade in the region and development of infrastructure under CPEC. 21st century belongs to Asia and major trade activities and development will happen in this region. CPEC can play a central role in integration of these emerging economies and make Pakistan a financial and trade hub.

CPEC has provided much needed infrastructure to Pakistan for socio-economic development. Majority of construction, infrastructure and energy projects under CPEC have been completed in the first phase. Thousands of kilometers of motorways and highways have been built across Pakistan, and Karakorum highway has been upgraded. It would increase trade within Pakistan as well as trade with other countries of region. ML-1 from Karachi to Peshawar is being upgraded, which would revolutionize railway system of Pakistan. ML-2 railway line from Kotri to Attock will also be upgraded under CPEC. ML-3 line for access to Afghanistan, and Khunjerab Railway to reach China through train will also be built under CPEC. Transportation network is backbone of any economy and CPEC has helped Pakistan to develop and modernize it. The problem of energy shortage, which was crippling economy of Pakistan has also been resolved. Energy projects under CPEC have become savior for economy of Pakistan. Many energy projects under CPEC are renewable energy projects, thus cheap and clean electricity is being produced by these projects.

Second phase of CPEC aims to bring industrial development to Pakistan. Inclusion of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under CPEC will bring real economic growth in Pakistan and would increase the employment opportunities for youth of Pakistan. Nine SEZs are being constructed or planned under CPEC in various parts of Pakistan. These economic zones will bring foreign direct investment, new technologies and skills from all parts of the world to Pakistan. Countries like United Kingdom, Germany and Saudi Arabia have shown interest for participation in CPEC and investment in SEZs being built under CPEC. China has also transformed from low income country to upper-middle income country through development of SEZs and opening up of economy to the world in late 1970’s. These SEZs of china have become major industrial centers of the world now. Joint ventures of Chinese companies with companies of developed countries helped to develop modern industries in China. Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model and foreign direct investments were other sources along with joint ventures for industrialization in China through SEZs. These SEZs accounted for 60 percent of exports of China. Pakistan can also get similar benefits from SEZs being built under CPEC with various financing modes. Tourism and Agriculture projects included in long term plan of CPEC can also bring lot of revenue to Pakistan. Gwadar is being constructed on Shenzhen model. Shenzhen was a Chinese town with 30,000 population in 1970s. Now it has population above 10 million and it is third busiest port of China and it has fourth busiest airport of China. Gwadar has capacity to develop in same way and boost economy of Pakistan

CPEC will increase prestige of Pakistan in international community. Several countries will do trade through Pakistan. They will become dependent on Pakistan. Regional connectivity will accelerate growth in all participating countries and Pakistan. CPEC is passing through disputed territory of Kashmir. It can also help to solve this long standing issue between two nuclear powers of South Asia. CPEC can also help to integrate ethnic and terrorist groups fighting with government of Pakistan in mainstream through economic development. CPEC also make Pakistan militarily strong due to economic development and co-operation with emerging Super-Power China.

How CPEC will improve the economy of Pakistan?

???????????CPEC will affect economic growth of Pakistan in multiple ways. Firstly, infrastructure for transportation will improve through construction of roads, railway network, ports and airports, which is backbone on any economy. Secondly, power projects will provide requisite energy for industrial development. Thirdly, Pakistan will connect to the second largest economy of the world and other countries of the regions like Central Asia, Middle East and Europe. Fourthly, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) built under CPEC would revolutionize manufacturing sector of Pakistan and Foreign Direct Investment will come from all parts of the world. Fifthly, tourism and agriculture sector will also transform after full implementation of CPEC projects. Sixthly, Gwadar will become a financial hub of the world and other major urban centers will also get re-hauling under CPEC. On the other hand some people have criticized CPEC project on the basis that it would become a debt-trap for Pakistan. China is trying to control other countries through heavy debts and if they fail to return debt, China will eventually command their policies and will have a greater say in their internal affairs. Such claims usually come from rivals of China like India, and USA and have no basis. China has also shown concerns for such propaganda being made against CPEC. Moreover, Pakistan has comprehensive relations with China spanning over six decades. CPEC has so much to offer Pakistan, so that initial debts incurred on early harvest and infrastructure projects will have no significance once fruits of development are borne in form of industrial development and transit fee. Most of the loans provided to China by Pakistan are grants or concessionary loans that will be repaid over long period of time.

China has promised to invest over 62 billion dollars till date in Pakistan under CPEC projects. It is the largest investment Pakistan has ever attracted from foreign country, and also the biggest investment promised by China to any other country. It is expected that CPEC would bring employment opportunities for more than two million Pakistanis directly or indirectly. 700,000 people will be directly employed under CPEC projects till 2030. Transportation network built under CPEC would help local farmers and manufacturers to transport their goods easily within the country as well as outside. Development of SEZs and power projects under CPEC would bring and industrial revolution in Pakistan. Four SEZs are under construction and five are in pipe-line. Rashakai Special Economic Zone, Dhabeji Special Economic Zone, Bostan Special Economic Zone and Allama Iqbal Industrial Zone is under construction. There will be exemption of tax in these industrial zones. State of the art facilities for development of new industries will be provided in these zones. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China and many other countries will come to Pakistan. These SEZs will have huge impact in improving economy of Pakistan. Pakistan will also be connected with China through Optical Fiber. Companies from telecommunication sector will also get an opportunity for investment in Pakistan. Economy today is directly linked with use of information technology. Such measures will increase use of information and communication technologies in Pakistan. ?

Upgradation of agriculture sector is also included in Long Term Plan (LTP) of CPEC which is expected to complete in 2030. Majority of Pakistani population is directly or indirectly associated with agriculture. Introduction of new technologies in agriculture sector of Pakistan can help to increase production of crops. Modern irrigation system can also help to turn barren land into arable land as well. Energy projects under CPEC will provide electricity to the farmers for use of modern irrigation technologies. China needs to import huge amount of food commodities from distant countries like Australia, USA and Brazil to feed its 1.4 billion population. Pakistan has a fertile land of Indus Valley and hardworking people to work in fields. Introduction of modern technology in fertile land of Pakistan will increase the production many times. With improvement of agriculture sector in Pakistan, china can easily import agricultural goods from Pakistan at low cost. It will increase the exports of Pakistan and contribute to the economy of Pakistan.

Tourism sector can also help to uplift economy of Pakistan. CPEC is passing through beautiful mountainous areas of Pakistan in north and untouched sandy beaches in south. Tourist spots and resorts can be developed along the CPEC route. China is interested in developing tourist resorts at the beaches of Pakistan and Northern Areas of Pakistan. These areas have the most beautiful and attractive scenes having no match with any other place in the world. CPEC related projects have already improved security conditions and investment opportunities in Pakistan. Improvement in infrastructure has further increased opportunities for tourism in Pakistan. International hotel chains like Hyatt Hotels Corporation have announced to develop hotels in Pakistan due to CPEC. Tourism sector can boost economy of Pakistan and can bring employment opportunities for many people.

Gwadar is jewel of CPEC project, and it is important for both China and Pakistan. Gwadar port complex is being constructed to handle huge amount of goods coming from all over the world. These goods will be transported between China and rest of the world through Pakistan. Gwadar has potential to become a major financial and trade hub of the world. Special Economic Zone is also being developed in extended area of Gwadar port complex on model of Chinese SEZs. It will be completed in three phases. Manufacturing is expected to start in 2025, and it will be further expanded till 2030. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will be attracted in trade free zone of Gwadar, and development of industries will help to increase exports of Pakistan. International airport is also being constructed in Gwadar with the help of China. China will grant 230 million dollars for its construction. Highways have already been constructed to connect Gwadar with other cities of Pakistan. Infrastructure is being built in the city to transform it into a modern city. Gwadar has potential to become next financial hub of country and whole region. It is expected that after completion Gwadar can boost economy of Pakistan by 60 percent.?

How CPEC will make Pakistan militarily strong?

Pakistan and China have long history of strategic relations. Geopolitics of 1960s brought China and Pakistan closer. After Sino-Indian conflict of 1962 relation between two countries became stronger. China supported Pakistan in war with India in 1965. After that defense?co-operation between two countries increased rapidly. In spite of ideological differences China helped Pakistan militarily, which Western Partners and USA could not do. China helped Pakistan in development of missile technology in 1980s. China has helped Pakistan to develop multirole JF-17 thunder fighter aircraft as well. Role of USA in strengthening India in the region has further brought China and Pakistan closer after Indo-US nuclear deal and US “Pivot of Asia” policy. CPEC has made China and Pakistan indispensable for each other. It will further increase defense co-operation between both countries. CPEC can help Pakistan to become a dominant naval power in Arabian Sea. CPEC will bring economic growth in Baluchistan and Tribal areas and hence separatist movements will die down there. CPEC can help Pakistan to make Durand line safe and defeat terrorism with the help of China. CPEC is passing through disputed region of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, therefore it can be hoped that long-standing issue may also resolve. CPEC can make Pakistan militarily strong by resolving many security issues it is facing with the help of economic development.??????????????????????????????????????????

Gwadar has central role in CPEC and OBOR project. Gwadar will link 21st century maritime Silk Road with the OBOR network through CPEC. Gwadar is important for both China and Pakistan to project naval power and trade as well. Dominance in maritime routes is key to becoming economic and military power. Development of Gwadar port can give edge to Pakistan by development of alternate port to existing busy port of Karachi. China and Pakistan can become key players in Arabian Sea and India Ocean, which are very important for maritime trade. They connect South Asian and South-East Asian countries with Middle East and North Africa. Indian hegemony in the Indian Ocean can be challenged. China has provided help to Pakistan in building submarines and naval warships. Indian naval threat can easily be averted by strengthening Pakistan navy, and presence of China in the region.

Various terrorist and secessionist groups are fighting for political interests or for secession from Pakistan in Baluchistan and Tribal Areas of Pakistan. They are small groups with unjust demands and have very low support from common people. Enemies of Pakistan like India support and fund these groups. Due to poverty, few people sympathize them for small benefits. CPEC can bring economic development in the region and common people will be included in the development process. They will get jobs and investment opportunities due to the changed environment and development of infrastructure. These people will no longer support terrorist and separatist groups. After having no support from common people such separatist and terrorist movements will die down. Pakistan has to spend billions of rupees on security of these regions and innocent people die due to terrorist activities of malicious groups. CPEC will bring peace in the region.

Durand line has always remained bone of contention between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Terrorists easily cross it and enter Pakistan and carry out terrorist activities in Pakistan. In order to make CPEC successful securing border with Afghanistan is very important. Afghanistan can actively participate in CPEC and get economic benefit from this opportunity. Afghanistan is a land-locked country and through Gwadar it can easily get access to sea. Economic development in the region can help to reduce support of extremism by people in border areas. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan with the help of China can easily defeat terrorists on both sides of the border. China can help Pakistan to make Durand line safe for security of CPEC project.

Kashmir is a disputed territory between China, India and Pakistan. Large portion of disputed territory is under control of India and Pakistan. Both countries have fought three wars on issue of Kashmir but it is still unresolved. CPEC is passing through Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir regions of Pakistan, which are claimed by India. China has remained neutral on issue of Kashmir and urged both countries to solve issue bilaterally and peacefully. However, China is now emerging as great power and it has played role in resolution of conflicts like Rohingya issue between Bangladesh and Myanmar. China can also play role in resolution of this long-standing issue between India and Pakistan due to importance of this region for CPEC. Pakistan and India have to spend billions of dollars for security in Kashmir. People of Kashmir on both sides of border have suffered due to conflict since seven decades. Innocent Kashmiris are killed and the region is less developed in spite of having natural beauty and many resources. Kashmir can also become autonomous and free trade area and help to integrate economies of China, India and Pakistan.

CPEC can give boost to economic ties as well as defense co-operation between China and Pakistan. Economic development is key to military expansion now-a-days. China has remained neutral since decades to develop economically first. Pakistan has many internal and external security issues. There are terrorists groups, separatist movements as well as border issues with India. On one hand, CPEC can make Pakistan economically strong and, hence, bring enemies of Pakistan at table of negotiations. On the other hand, various groups inside Pakistan and external enemies like India can benefit from CPEC by becoming active members and reap benefit from this opportunity as well. Economic development and regional integration have played great role in resolution of conflicts in modern world for example European integration after World-War-II.

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How CPEC will ensure the political security of Pakistan?

Pakistan has faced many issues of political security since independence. India has always remained an ideological enemy of Pakistan. India tried everything to stop creation of Pakistan on the idea of Secularism. On the other hand Pakistan has ideology that Muslims are separate nation and they have distinct identity from Hindus. After 9/11 Pakistan faced challenges of terrorism and extremism. It is a question what kind of Impact CPEC will have on solving political issues of Pakistan?

Pakistan was carved out from British India in 1947 at the time of independence. British India was divided into two separate dominions i.e. India and Pakistan. Biggest political party of United India i.e. Congress was against creation of Pakistan. Pakistan was made on basis of two nation theory i.e. Hindus and Muslims are two separate nations and they cannot live together in united India. There were many incidents of riots by Hindus which targeted Muslims, and tension between two communities existed for domination of their cultures. Therefore, founders of Pakistan thought that it is wise to get a separate homeland for Muslims in India in areas where they are in majority. Congress was against this idea and did everything to stop creation of Pakistan. When creation of Pakistan became inevitable, Congress tried to do everything to keep new state weak and make it a failed state. India tried to keep Pakistan as small as possible by using bribes, pressure and force on various states and compelled them to join India. Issue of Kashmir is still unresolved, and India has kept large forces for occupation of Kashmir. CPEC has given new strength and vigor to Pakistan and it will make Pakistan economically viable. Moreover CPEC is passing through disputed region of Kashmir claimed by India. CPEC can help to resolve this issue with economic development.

Pakistan helped United States to fight Soviet Union in Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989. For this purpose Mujahedeen were trained in Pakistan and sent to Afghanistan for fighting. Later these Mujahedeen got power in Afghanistan in form of Taliban. Pakistan earlier supported Taliban government in Afghanistan. Taliban had kept leader of Al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan. After incident of 9/11 United States determined to end extremism by attacking Afghanistan. Pakistan helped United States and Taliban became fierce enemies of Pakistan. Extremism further increased in Pakistan and many terrorists groups emerged in Pakistan. They carried out many terrorist activities in Pakistan and killed over 85,000 Pakistanis. Pakistan Army had to carry out many operations to wipe terrorists. Terrorist groups are still active in many areas of Pakistan especially in areas along border of Afghanistan. These areas are less developed, therefore poor people in these areas are easily recruited by terrorists. CPEC will bring economic development in these areas, hence extremism will reduce.

United States has always left Pakistan alone after using for its interests. Pakistan helped United States to contain Communism in South Asia. Pakistan helped United States to defeat USSR in Afghanistan with the help of Mujahedeen. However, after end of the war Pakistan was kept alone and no attention was given by USA for economic development of Pakistan and control of extremism. In return, sanctions were imposed on Pakistan due to nuclear program and military aid was held. It further increased problems of Pakistan and extremism in Pakistan. United States again required Pakistan after 9/11 incident to attack Pakistan. This time again no help was given by United States to Pakistan in return of heavy sacrifices. Pakistan had to suffer economic loss as well as loss of many lives.?United States left Pakistan with allegations of supporting extremists. On the other hand China has always helped Pakistan. In form of CPEC china has made biggest investment in Pakistan for development of infrastructure. This infrastructure will bring real economic growth in Pakistan and political stability.

Pakistan has become partner of the second largest economy in the world through CPEC. China is an emerging global power ready to challenge hegemony of United States. CPEC will strengthen Pakistan economically and strategic partnership between two countries will further strengthen. Efforts of India to make Pakistan weak and unviable state will never become fruitful after success of CPEC. China can help Pakistan in resolving issues like terrorism and conflict in Kashmir with the help of economic development. Prestige of Pakistan in international community is improving and many countries are willing to participate in CPEC for economic growth and trade. CPEC has ability to make Pakistan politically strong.

How CPEC will help Pakistan for the integration of ethnic groups?

Pakistan was created in name of religion on the basis of two-nation theory. Muslims of India gathered and were amalgamated into single nation. However, there was difference of ethnicities, culture and languages across the country. Pakistan was comprised of five provinces namely Punjab, Bengal, Sindh, Baluchistan and NWFP (Now KPK). Bengal was a large province having population more than other four provinces. It was separated from rest of Pakistan by India through thousands of kilometers. Bengal was also known as East Pakistan and rest of Pakistan was called West Pakistan. Bengal or East Pakistan had different culture and Bengalis had different language. Capital of Pakistan was in West Pakistan (First Karachi and later Islamabad). Moreover, democratic system was interrupted in Pakistan in 1958 and there was no proper constitution which could make both East Pakistan and West Pakistan happy. Bengalis thought that their rights are being usurped by West Pakistan. Finally, Bengalis got freedom from Pakistan and made their own country known as Bangladesh. Bengal was geographically separated from rest of Pakistan. There is need to unite rest of Pakistani provinces in one identity or society. Urdu is national language of Pakistan but provinces have their own languages. There are many ethnic groups living in various areas of Pakistan like Punjabis, Sindhis, Pakhtoons and Baluchs are main groups and several sub-groups. Due to repetitive martial laws and lack of democracy, economic development and integration of various groups could not happen. Some areas are more developed and others are less developed like Baluchistan and tribal areas of KPK. It further increased rift between various groups. CPEC is an infrastructure development project and it targets all the areas of Pakistan especially less developed areas like Gwadar are also integrated in it. It is also a first of its kind development project in Pakistan. It has ability to unite various ethnicities and groups of Pakistan in to a unified nation.

CPEC has two routes; Eastern route and Western route. Western route of CPEC is passing through underdeveloped areas of Baluchistan and KPK. There are various nationalist movements in Baluchistan, which want freedom from Pakistan. They have very low support from common people, but they carry out terrorist activities with the help of India to intimidate people. Similarly, in some districts of KPK terrorist and extremist groups exists. These areas are underdeveloped and have very low economic development. People of these areas are easily lured by terrorist and separatist groups. CPEC can bring economic development in these areas and include people of these areas in mainstream of nation. Gwadar is also a backward city having lot of poverty. Mostly, fishermen reside in Gwadar and have very low income. Now, under CPEC state-of-the-art city with lot of world-class facilities is being developed there. A huge port is being developed through which trade of Second largest economy of the world and many countries of Central Asia, Middle East and Europe will be done. It will transform it into a major financial hub of the world. Through it the deprivations of people of Gwadar and Baluchistan will come to an end. They will identify themselves with the rest of the Pakistan and become completely merged with Pakistani nation.

CPEC is also passing through disputed territory of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. These areas are claimed by India. Rest of Kashmir is occupied by India through force. People living in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) are not happy. India has to keep heavy troops to control situation in IOK. On the other hand, people living in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are quite satisfied with Pakistan. These areas have Muslim majority and they identify themselves with Pakistani nation. CPEC will further develop these areas and integrate them with Second largest economy of the world. CPEC does not only create opportunity for people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir to further integrate with Pakistan, it will also bring people of IOK closer to the rest of Kashmir. People IOK will also strive to become part of vibrant China-Pakistan economic community.

CPEC has provided a new direction and vision to the nation of Pakistan. Pakistan can directly learn from experience of the country which became second largest economy of the world in few decades. Millions of people were taken out of poverty by China. China transformed from low income country into upper-middle income country. China in now leader in manufacturing technology and many other new technologies. With spirit of development, Pakistani nation can also unite for one purpose. Economic development will change the landscape of Pakistan, and various ethnic groups will become part of single mission for prosperity.

CPEC is in early phases of development. There has been lot of discussion about impact of CPEC on future of Pakistan. Some people argue that CPEC will serve purpose of China only and it will have very little impact on economy of Pakistan. Others say that CPEC is game-changer for Pakistan and compare it with Marshal Plan of USA for Western Europe after World-War-II. Moreover, most of the writers have only seen economic Impact of CPEC. There is need to look this project holistically in light of China-Pakistan relations and changing geo-political environment of the whole world. Various dimensions of Impact of CPEC on Pakistan like economic, military, societal, political and environmental need to be explored and discussed.

CPEC is game changer for Pakistan. It will provide infrastructure for development like roads, railway networks, power generation projects and communication networks. Many new industries will develop in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and FDI will be attracted from many countries. Trade within Pakistan and trade from Pakistan to other countries will increase. Many countries including China will use Pakistan for trade, which will bring income to Pakistan. Every sector including Agriculture, Tourism, Industry, Transportation and Communication will be revolutionized.

Will CPEC further increase the pollution in Pakistan?

?????????????????CPEC has promised economic growth to Pakistan and has solved energy shortage issues. However, Pakistan is already facing issues of climate change crisis like pollution in cities, soil erosion, melting of glaciers, flash floods etc. Most of the energy projects under CPEC in initial phase are powered by Coal. Burning of coal results in acid rain, smog and respiratory illnesses. A coal-powered plant is also being installed in Gwadar, which can destroy beaches of Baluchistan. Many trees will be cut for construction of new roads and industries. More than 7,000 trucks will pass through Karakorum Highway daily, which is expected to release 36.5 million tons of Carbon dioxide. Due to CPEC economic activity and consumption will also increase in the country. New industries will be developed under CPEC in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Carbon emission from these industries and increased consumption will lead to environmental degradation. If the trend goes unchecked, Pakistan can become major contributor of Carbon dioxide emission and fragile of environment of country will further deteriorate.

?????????????????Picture in not completely dark as many energy projects under CPEC are also based on renewable energy resources. Quad-i-Azam Solar Park developed in Bahawalpur is largest of its kind and produces 1,000 MW electricity. Several wind powered energy projects have also been installed in various cities of Pakistan. Pakistan has lot of potential to generate energy through renewable resources. Pakistan aims to increase share of renewable energy resources to 30 percent under CPEC by 2030. Government needs to make plans for sustainable growth and save environment for our future. Comprehensive policy in this regard needs to made and applied strictly.

Conclusion: -

???????????????CPEC will have wide ranging impact on securitization of Pakistan. It will improve economic security of Pakistan with development of infrastructure, solution of energy crisis and opportunity for development of new industries. Construction of Gwadar port and road and railway network in Pakistan will help to increase trade of Pakistan as well as trade of other countries through Pakistan. It will transform Pakistan in to a trade and financial hub and help to integrate countries of the region in wider OBOR network. CPEC can help to solve conflicts of Pakistan like Kashmir conflict due to economic development under CPEC in areas claimed by India like Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. People of Indian Occupied Kashmir can also participate in development after getting independence from India. Separatist and terrorists groups based in under-developed areas of Pakistan like Baluchistan and tribal areas of KPK may leave anti-state activities and join national mainstream due to opportunities of development. CPEC will improve image of Pakistan in world community. However, CPEC can increase environmental crisis by emission of Carbon Dioxide from industries and increased traffic. Projects of renewable energy resources are also included in CPEC to reverse this trend. Government of Pakistan needs to make comprehensive policy for sustainable development.

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