Islamabad, Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal stressed the importance of stability, peace, and ongoing reforms for maximizing the benefits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at the National Workshop Balochistan held at the National Defence University. The event highlighted CPEC’s role in the socioeconomic development and security of Balochistan, featuring high-level participation from both Pakistani and Chinese officials.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Iqbal acknowledged China’s pivotal role since 2013 in shifting Pakistan’s perception from a security-focused state to a fertile ground for foreign investment through CPEC. He pointed out the adverse effects of misinformation and polarization on significant projects like CPEC and called for a shift from geopolitics to geo-economics, emphasizing that economic strength is key to global influence.

Notably, CPEC has already contributed 7,000 MW of electricity and substantial infrastructural developments. Despite facing propaganda and challenges, projects such as Gwadar Port and Gwadar University have seen progress, with Minister Iqbal affirming CPEC’s essential role in achieving Pakistan’s goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2030 through the 5Es Framework centered on export-led growth.