Either CPEC is a purely geo-economic project or has some future geo-political strategies behind the scenes, it is an undisputed fact that CPEC is the biggest opportunity for Pakistan to pursue the dream of being an Asian Tiger. Bigger dreams also require overcoming complex challenges. It is time for Pakistan to deal with its internal tensions and external resistance extraordinarily.
During a two-day international conference on CPEC (July 24 and 25, 2023), Chinese representatives continuously forced on their vision of an easy approach to international markets and innovation in Pakistan, as did the Pakistan minister of planning and development, Ahsan Iqbal. Surely, there should be no doubt that, in simple words, CPEC involves the use of Chinese technological and intellectual advancement in the disclosure of Pakistan’s potential in the fields of agriculture, information technology, industry, and the power sector. In the future, China can also be predicted to be the largest export market for Pakistan. Baluchistan, named as a basket of fruits, can also attract Chinese towards its minerals and delicious meat along with wonderful fruits. Perhaps it is low-cost imports from interconnected regions and enhanced exports to China that have compelled “The Spectator Index” to predict Pakistan as the 6th largest economy in the world by 2075.
It is Pakistan’s strategic location that attracts Chinese for the maximum investment and fulfillment of any urgent requirement of Pakistan. China can easily access low-cost oil and other export markets through regional connectivity. While this connectivity of South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa will also inspire the EU to enormously contribute to South Asian economic activities, It will surely prove to be a revolutionary project, and that is something that convinces China to bear any cost.
But the United States’ addiction to maintaining its hegemony in the world and India’s rivalry with both CPEC partners have caused Pakistan severe challenges. Pakistan’s Gawader Port may be the battle ground of rising powers in the future, as signaled by Robert K. Plan’s quotation, “WW1 and WW2 were fought in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and WW3 will be won by those who will have more influence on the Indian Ocean.” On the other side, the continuous support of the Afghan Taliban to the insurgent TTP is another big issue to be dealt with with steel hands.
Although the time for Pakistan is still not over, there are some urgent needs at the moment. There are immediate requirements for the end of endless political turmoil and the overcoming economic crises. We also need to adopt a balance of relations with the US and China while engaging both of them in a positive manner, in contrast with the previous two decades. If there is no possible peaceful engagement with India, Pakistan must support any effort for stability in Afghanistan. The immediate resilience and development of Pakistan are also essential for establishing a balance of power with China. If not, the British’s forced opium trade with China, Japan’s excuseless occupation of Manchuria, and American exploitative behavior with feeble states teach some historic lessons. It is now Pakistan’s leadership’s choice for the future, either to maintain a mutually collaborative relationship with China or to enter an era of foreign hegemony.
Writer is the student of IR and Politics in IIU Islamabad having deep interest in political, social and religious issues. A member of PYDIR.