Opinion
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), once hailed as a game-changing strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, today stands at a crossroads. Once the cornerstone of regional connectivity, economic rejuvenation, and strategic collaboration, CPEC has suffered a series of unfortunate disruptions in recent years. These setbacks, many stemming from political decisions during the PTI government under Prime Minister Imran Khan, have left numerous projects suspended and cast an unfortunate shadow of suspicion over one of the most promising bilateral ventures in South Asia.
As of now, several critical infrastructure and energy projects under the CPEC framework remain incomplete or have slowed to a crawl. Pakistan cannot afford to let CPEC — the symbol of Pakistan-China friendship — become a casualty of mistrust, mismanagement, or political point-scoring. It is imperative for the current government to take bold yet pragmatic steps to restore the confidence of our Chinese partners, revive the stalled projects, and reaffirm our commitment to a friendship that has stood the test of time.
It is true that the PTI government had legitimate concerns regarding transparency and accountability in some of the early CPEC agreements. Ordering a comprehensive audit of all CPEC projects was presented as a move in the national interest, aimed at unearthing alleged corruption, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereign economic interests. There were indeed reports and indicators suggesting financial irregularities, mismanagement, and favoritism in contract awarding processes. In that context, calls for greater scrutiny were not entirely misplaced.
However, what the PTI government underestimated — or failed to manage diplomatically — was the sensitivity of the matter for the Chinese side. The abruptness of the audit announcement, without proper prior consultation or confidence-building, led to a freeze in progress. The Chinese perceived the move not just as a bureaucratic exercise, but as a lack of trust in their intent and commitment. It disturbed the mutual respect that had characterized Pakistan-China relations for decades.
To make matters worse, the political noise surrounding the allegations amplified the damage. The very narrative that CPEC was a hotbed of corruption spread across media channels and political platforms, creating an environment of suspicion and skepticism. Today, even the most well-intentioned project under the CPEC umbrella is viewed with a cautious, often mistrustful eye. This shift in public perception must be reversed — and urgently.
Let us not forget that CPEC is not merely a portfolio of roads, energy plants, and special economic zones. It represents the deep strategic convergence between China and Pakistan. For China, it provides a crucial land-based route to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar, helping it diversify its trade routes and reduce dependency on the Strait of Malacca. For Pakistan, it offers critical investment, infrastructure development, energy security, and job creation — all vital for a struggling economy.
In times of war and peace, China has proven to be a friend of Pakistan. Be it diplomatic support at global forums, generous COVID-19 vaccine assistance, or unequivocal support during periods of heightened tensions with India, China has stood by Pakistan. The spirit of “iron brotherhood” is not a mere slogan — it is a lived reality. It is only appropriate that we now reciprocate with equal sensitivity and understanding, especially when it comes to preserving the long-term vision behind CPEC.
While the damage from the PTI era cannot be undone entirely, it can certainly be managed with renewed political will and diplomacy. The current government must take the lead in engaging with the Chinese authorities to sort out the outstanding issues. Wherever irregularities were found, transparency should be restored through quiet diplomacy and corrective mechanisms — not through public scapegoating or political grandstanding.
At the same time, Pakistan must ensure that new and ongoing CPEC projects are governed by improved transparency and accountability standards. This will not only reassure the Chinese investors but also regain public confidence in Pakistan. Institutions like the CPEC Authority need to be empowered, depoliticized, and staffed with capable professionals who understand both the Chinese perspective and Pakistan’s development needs. China, too, must adapt to evolving ground realities in Pakistan.
One of the persistent criticisms of Chinese involvement in Pakistan is the narrowness of their outreach. Chinese companies and institutions tend to work with the same group of local contractors, consultants, and intermediaries they partnered with during the initial phase of CPEC. While this may offer comfort and continuity, it risks alienating emerging players, particularly in an ever-evolving political and media landscape.
It is also a concern that Chinese representatives avoid mainstream media or civil society engagement, possibly fearing that these forums may not echo their narrative. But this approach is counterproductive. Open engagement, rather than selective interaction, is the key to soft power. Chinese diplomats and companies must become more accessible — not just to government functionaries and handpicked stakeholders — but to business chambers, media professionals, academia, and the general public.
China must realize that public perception matters. People need to see and hear from those who are working on the ground. Not only will this help dispel myths and counter anti-CPEC propaganda, but it will also forge deeper and more diverse friendships across Pakistani society. China has always been seen as a reliable friend by the people of Pakistan; it must now invest in engaging with them more proactively.
The fear that mainstream media will not “toe the line” is based on a misunderstanding. Responsible journalism is not about blind allegiance, but about honest storytelling. By sharing accurate information, granting access to project sites, and offering regular briefings, the Chinese stakeholders can help the media report facts — which in turn, will strengthen CPEC’s credibility.
It is time for the Chinese mission in Pakistan and their business partners to consider a communications overhaul. Employing trained public relations professionals, expanding media outreach, and holding periodic briefings with journalists and civil society will only work in their favor.
The path forward lies not in reliving the mistakes of the past, but in paving the way for a new chapter of collaboration. Pakistan must reassure China that it remains fully committed to the original vision of CPEC. This includes addressing legacy issues in a mature manner, re-prioritizing stalled projects, and ensuring the security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan.
China, in return, must recognize that Pakistan’s democratic and economic landscape has evolved. Partnering with a broader set of stakeholders, listening to local voices, and working through institutional channels rather than closed-door arrangements will make CPEC more resilient and widely accepted.
Above all, the trust that was momentarily shaken must be rebuilt — not just between two governments, but between two peoples.
CPEC is too important to be derailed by suspicion or shortsightedness. It is a symbol of a time-tested friendship, a blueprint for shared prosperity, and a foundation for regional peace. Both Pakistan and China must rise above the noise of past controversies and recommit themselves to the ideals that inspired CPEC in the first place.
