CPEC Eastern Route: Key to Regional Connectivity and Economic Growth

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a significant project aimed at enhancing economic ties between China and Pakistan. It involves the construction of roads, railways, and other infrastructure to improve connectivity and trade. Recently, a consultative session led by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal revealed that the eastern route of CPEC is the most beneficial for regional connectivity. This route not only supports provincial representation but also boosts tourism and socio-economic benefits.

During the session, it was highlighted that Islamabad and Dera Ismail Khan are emerging as key economic and transport hubs due to their strategic locations. The eastern route connects several important cities, including Gwadar, Karachi, and Gilgit, and is considered the shortest travel time option. Waqas Anwar, a member of the infrastructure team, emphasized that this route is not only viable but also essential for enhancing interconnectivity across the provinces.

Interestingly, while the eastern route is the most efficient, it also raises concerns about the representation of provincial interests, particularly for Sindh. The central and western routes, which include cities like Quetta and Turbat, do not provide the same level of equitable infrastructure distribution. The eastern route, however, offers a fair allocation of resources, with 34% in Punjab, 17% in Sindh, 24% in Balochistan, 13% in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 12% in Gilgit-Baltistan. This distribution aligns well with the population across these provinces, which totals around 78.1 million.

Moreover, the session underscored the importance of transforming transport corridors into economic zones. Minister Iqbal stated, "Our vision is to harness the power of our transport networks to drive industrial growth, regional integration, and sustainable development." This vision highlights the need for transport corridors to serve as economic lifelines, fostering trade, investment, and collaboration among regions.

In addition to infrastructure, the session emphasized the necessity of comprehensive business planning. Participants were urged to develop detailed business plans that outline clear roadmaps for establishing economic zones along these corridors. The minister pointed out that thorough feasibility studies and financial models are crucial for attracting both domestic and international investments.

Furthermore, the meeting acknowledged the potential of integrating tourism, agriculture, and agri-processing activities along these routes. This integration could significantly enhance the value-added output of agricultural products, making them more competitive in global markets. The minister also stressed the importance of human capital development, stating that infrastructure alone is not enough. He called for vocational training centers and technical education programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills for emerging industries.

The findings from the consultative session on CPEC's eastern route highlight its potential to transform Pakistan's economic landscape. By focusing on equitable infrastructure distribution, comprehensive planning, and human capital development, Pakistan can leverage this corridor to create sustainable economic opportunities. The future of the nation hinges on effectively utilizing these transport networks to foster growth and development across all provinces.