Policy experts and researchers have called for a comprehensive reassessment of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to ensure it contributes more effectively to long-term peace, inclusive development, and social stability across Pakistan.
Speaking at an international roundtable titled “Strategic Corridors: CPEC and the Quest for Peace and Stability in Pakistan and the Region,” participants emphasized that the next phase of the initiative should focus on addressing governance gaps, regional disparities, and community-level engagement rather than relying solely on large-scale infrastructure projects.
The conference, organized in Islamabad by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) in collaboration with the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), brought together diplomats, academics, lawmakers, and experts from Pakistan, China, and Norway. The discussion centered on how to align CPEC’s economic ambitions with Pakistan’s social and institutional realities.
Participants noted that while CPEC has delivered significant progress in connectivity and energy infrastructure, challenges such as transparency, local participation, and security risks continue to affect its overall impact. They said the initiative could achieve broader legitimacy and resilience by incorporating governance reforms and giving more attention to human development and local capacity-building.
Dr. Arne Strand of Norway’s Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) opened the dialogue by underscoring the strong link between peace and sustainable development. He said that to realize its full potential, CPEC must prioritize people-centered projects that directly benefit local communities and reduce the structural inequalities that often drive social unrest.
Several speakers also stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration between universities, research institutions, and civil society to ensure that CPEC projects are guided by evidence-based policymaking. They argued that this approach could help strengthen institutional oversight and ensure that economic investments translate into tangible social benefits.
Experts further observed that a recalibrated CPEC must integrate digital transformation, renewable energy, and education-based initiatives, ensuring that its progress contributes to the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. This would align with Pakistan’s broader goal of inclusive development and with China’s global vision of shared prosperity under the Belt and Road framework.
The conference concluded with calls for transparent communication between stakeholders, consistent monitoring mechanisms, and participatory planning processes to prevent mismanagement and foster public trust. Participants agreed that CPEC’s success in the coming decade will depend not only on financial investment but also on its ability to strengthen governance, promote equality, and serve as a foundation for durable peace.
