January 28, 2025

Beyond the Headlines: Expert Insights on CPEC's Impact, Future Prospects, and Regional Implications

On January 24 2025, the Centre for Chinese Legal Studies (CCLS) at the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL) at LUMS organized a workshop as part of its Annual Working Paper Series based on the overarching theme: Observing the CPEC Trajectory: Legal, Socio-economic, and Environmental Impacts on Governance and Sustainable Development. The event brought together renowned academics, policymakers, and experts to discuss the multi-dimensional impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Pakistan’s future.

The workshop was part of the Centre's ongoing efforts to promote informed dialogue, critical discussion, and nuanced understanding of the CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a focus on their implications for Pakistan's development trajectory. By convening leading experts and scholars, the workshop aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding CPEC, including its transformative potential.

The workshop began with welcome remarks by Dr. Sheharyar Sikander Hamid, Assistant Professor at SAHSOL LUMS, who emphasized the importance of dialogue to address the challenges and maximize the opportunities presented by CPEC. He highlighted its transformative potential in governance, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Mr. Shahid Javed Burki, Chairman of the Burki Institute of Public Policy and former Finance Minister of Pakistan, delivered the keynote address on “Geoeconomic Significance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Pakistan’s Foreign Policy.” He discussed how CPEC plays a critical role in regional economic integration and infrastructure development, offering pathways for sustainable growth.

The session featured insightful presentations from distinguished speakers. Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the Institute of Regional Studies, presented on “Deconstructing the Skeptical Narrative: Is India and the West’s Critique of CPEC Strategic or Factual?” He explored the motivations behind global skepticism toward CPEC and highlighted its role in fostering regional connectivity.

Dr. Ahmed M. Khalid, Visiting Professor of Economics at LUMS & former World Bank Consultant, presented his findings on “Does Trade Openness Help Mitigate the Negative Effects of External Debt on Economic Growth?” Using data from BRI countries, he explained how trade liberalization can strengthen economic resilience and mitigate debt challenges, offering lessons for Pakistan.

Dr. Hassan Daud Butt, former CEO KP Provincial Board of Investment and Trade & Special Economic Zone Authority & Associate Professor Bahria University Islamabad, shared insights on “Policy Lessons for Improving Economic Agendas through CPEC.” He emphasized the importance of attracting investments, streamlining policies, and developing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to maximize CPEC’s economic potential.

Dr. Asif Amin, Assistant Professor of International Relations & Research Fellow at the Centre for Security, Strategy and Policy Research University of Lahore, spoke on “Regional Geopolitics and Challenges to CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative.” He addressed security issues and global power rivalries that impact the success of CPEC projects, urging stronger diplomatic and strategic frameworks.

Dr. Dost Muhammad Barrech, Faculty of International Relations at the University of Balochistan, discussed “Alleviating Balochistan’s Poverty under CPEC.” He highlighted the province’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, and opportunities in agriculture and tourism. Dr. Barrech stressed the need for equitable development to uplift marginalized communities.

Dr. Saima Khan, Assistant Professor & In-charge Global Studies, Government College University, explored “CPEC’s Impact on Women’s Empowerment in Gilgit-Baltistan.” Her presentation focused on the socio-economic opportunities that CPEC projects create for women, especially in education and employment, contributing to gender equality in the region.

The final presentation by Dr. Humayun Bashir, FRCP (UK), Consultant Nuclear Medicine, EKHUFT, and Canterbury UK, was on “Transformative Opportunities: The Health Silk Road and CPEC.” He discussed the potential of CPEC to enhance healthcare infrastructure in Pakistan, with projects like the China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital in Gwadar serving as a model for improved access and innovation.

To conclude, a token of appreciation were presented to the speakers by Mr. Ahmed Hasan Khan, Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan and former Additional Advocate General of Punjab, in recognition of their valuable contributions to the workshop.

The session received much appreciation for its engaging approach to varying themes, with experts from multiple disciplines providing insightful perspectives across the board. In an effort to inform the Centre's research agenda, participants delved into various key issues, examining CPEC Phase 2 through different lenses and sharing their unique understanding. The findings of these presentations will be consolidated into a comprehensive paper by the Centre and disseminated to key stakeholders in the coming months.