CPEC Empowers Lives Across Pakistan

Ghulam Khatoon, a poor housewife from Pakistan's Sindh region, has emerged as a symbol of empowerment, thanks to the massive improvements brought about by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

CPEC, a pillar of the Belt and Road Initiative, has unleashed a tsunami of growth from Pakistan's Gwadar port to China's Xinjiang province. Ghulam’s story exemplifies the initiative's transforming impact.

She has progressed from a beginner to driving massive trucks at the Thar Coal Block-II Coal Electricity Integration project, brightening not only her life but also that of her family, radiating higher living conditions, education, and contentment.

"I never imagined I'd be able to drive professionally. Nobody believed in me except the Chinese corporation," Ghulam confessed.

This project, enabled by China Machinery Engineering Corporation, represents a watershed moment in Pakistan's energy environment, utilizing local coal to satisfy electricity demands. Notably, Ghulam is not alone; scores more women have found work, reflecting the wealth and joy provided by CPEC.

Education in Gwadar has experienced a transformation. Previously hampered by limited infrastructure, the neighbourhood now boasts enhanced educational facilities, due to Chinese assistance, elevating hundreds of pupils from a primary school to a comprehensive college.

Technical colleges providing a variety of disciplines such as port management and technology have sprouted up, ushering in a new era for the erstwhile fishing town.

Furthermore, a cutting-edge hospital and a desalination plant are under construction, providing improved healthcare and clean water access while solving long-standing scarcity.

Travel restrictions in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have been lifted, accelerating economic growth. Muhammad Ashfaque, a merchant, claimed that his business had risen due to shorter travel times and increased market access.

The Rashakai Special Economic Zone, which is part of CPEC, is set to be a game changer, drawing investments and facilitating technology transfer, a possibility that the local business community welcomes with open arms.

CPEC continues to shape a progress narrative, affecting lives and landscapes and demonstrating the significant influence of infrastructure and economic growth.