CPEC becomes crucial pillar of Pak's economic transformation; says Muhammad Zameer

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th May, 2026) Research Fellow at the China International Press Communication Center, Muhammad Zameer Asadi, has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had emerged as a fundamental pillar of Pakistan’s long-term economic transformation and a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Talking to APP on Saturday, he stated that over the past decade, CPEC has evolved beyond a mere infrastructure initiative into a multidimensional partnership encompassing energy, industrial development, agricultural innovation, and people-to-people connectivity. According to him, the project has so far attracted over $25 billion in investment and created more than 261,000 job opportunities.

Muhammad Zameer Asadi said that CPEC has played a crucial role in addressing Pakistan’s energy crisis, adding over 8,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid and significantly reducing load shedding.

Energy projects based on coal, hydropower, wind and solar energy in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan have further strengthened the country’s energy system.

He added that transport and road infrastructure projects under CPEC, particularly the Lahore Orange Line Metro and various highway networks, have improved travel facilities and reduced logistics costs while connecting underdeveloped regions with national and regional markets.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

He noted that Gwadar Port was steadily emerging as a major regional hub for trade and maritime activities, with work continuing on an international airport, port infrastructure, hospitals, and other basic facilities.

According to him, the second phase of CPEC is focused on industrial cooperation and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including the Rashakai Special Economic Zone and Allama Iqbal Industrial City. These projects are expected to further boost exports, investment, and employment opportunities.

Muhammad Zameer Asadi also highlighted the positive outcomes of Pakistan-China cooperation in the agricultural sector, particularly the increased exports of Pakistani agricultural products, especially sesame seeds and chilies, to China.

He further stated that collaboration in education, cultural exchanges and humanitarian sectors had strengthened Pakistan-China friendship, while China’s support to Pakistan during natural disasters reflects the deep ties between the two countries.

He added that in the future, green technology, digital connectivity and advanced industrial development could make CPEC more effective and sustainable, while the project continues to open new avenues for Pakistan’s industrial growth, global trade, and regional connectivity.