Origin and Developmental Projects of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Abstract

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project begins in 2013 under the broad framework of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Project. CPEC includes infrastructural and energy projects. These projects were constructed during the time period of 2015-2022. Some these projects are still under construction. However, CPEC operationalization are facing issue in shape of terrorism and extremism. Regional Connectivity is also a part of the CPEC but due to deteriorated relations with Afghanistan, regional connectivity has also not been operationalized yet. Under the CPEC, inter-regional connectivity projects initiate such as Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project and Central Asia-South Asia (CASA)-1000 inter-regional electricity projects. However, all the energy projects initiated but the deteriorated relations with Afghanistan is an obstacle in the completion and operationalization of TAPI and CASA-1000 energy projects. However, this research work is qualitative with descriptive research designs and secondary sources have been utilized for it.