"If we can fully implement the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), people's living standards will improve, and I am confident this will enhance the security situation in Pakistan," said Zafar Uddin Mahmood, former special envoy for CPEC, in an interview with GDToday on February 7.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari recently concluded a five-day state visit to China, starting on February 4. During his discussions with Chinese leaders, the advancement of CPEC—one of the flagship projects under China's Belt and Road Initiative—was a key topic of conversation.
As CPEC enters its second phase, Mahmood emphasized the need to focus on people-centric development. "The Pakistani side must work harder to improve security so that Chinese companies and individuals can visit more freely and frequently. This will allow projects to be implemented at a much faster pace," he said.
This photo, taken on September 13, 2024, shows a terminal at the New Gwadar International Airport in Gwadar, Pakistan. (Photo: Xinhua)
"The first phase of CPEC was a major success"
Launched in 2013, CPEC connects Gwadar Port in southwest Pakistan's Balochistan province with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. While the first phase focused on energy, transport, and industrial cooperation, the second phase shifts toward agriculture, science and technology, vocational training, innovation, healthcare, and education to enhance Pakistan's soft power, according to official documents.
"The first phase was completed very successfully," said Mahmood, who played a key role in its execution. He highlighted that it resolved fundamental issues in Pakistan, particularly energy shortages and infrastructure bottlenecks.
Over the past decade, more than $30 billion worth of infrastructure projects have been completed under CPEC. This includes critical transportation infrastructure, such as roads and ports, as well as the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train. Thirteen power projects have also been completed, with a 4,000-megawatt electricity transmission line now supporting nearly one-third of Pakistan's power grid.
A study by the Asian Institute of Eco-Civilization Research and Development found that without CPEC energy projects, Pakistan would lose $15-20 billion in GDP growth annually.
Looking ahead, Mahmood underscored that the next phase of CPEC will bring significant people-centric development, which he believes "could bring immediate changes to the lives of ordinary Pakistanis."
He emphasized the importance of vocational training to build local capacity and create job opportunities, as well as improving agricultural productivity.
"More than 60 percent of our population relies on agriculture. In Pakistan, land holdings are very small. If we can improve crop yields, living standards will rise," Mahmood noted.
CPEC: A potential solution to Pakistan's security challenges
Security has long been a critical issue in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, where key CPEC projects are located. Despite heightened security measures, attacks on Chinese nationals and infrastructure projects persist, stalling progress and discouraging investment.
"This issue has been ongoing for decades, especially in western Pakistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran," Mahmood said. However, he believes that improving living standards will stabilize the region and that CPEC is central to achieving this goal.
"The Chinese and Pakistani sides are regularly consulting on how to fast-track people-centric projects so that benefits reach the common people as soon as possible," he said.
Mahmood pointed to ‘small yet smart' livelihood projects and the relocation of Chinese companies to Pakistan as potential solutions. He cited a China-Pakistan joint venture in tire manufacturing in Karachi as a success story, noting that it has created over 1,000 jobs and exports 60 percent of its products.
"I hope to see more projects like this in Pakistan, which will generate employment, meet domestic demand, and boost exports," Mahmood said.
He further emphasized that the benefits of China-Pakistan cooperation will extend beyond both nations, benefiting neighboring countries as well.
Using Gwadar Port as an example, he explained that if its full potential is realized with enhanced connectivity to other parts of Pakistan and surrounding countries, it could serve as a vital trade link between Central Asia and global markets, improving regional economies and promoting stability.
A friendship that stands the test of time
The year 2026 will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan. "The relationship has been consistently solidified over the past seven decades," Mahmood said.
Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China. From the construction of the Karakoram Highway in the 1970s—the only land route linking Pakistan with China—to the launch of CPEC in 2013 and mutual assistance during natural disasters, both nations have continually supported each other, Mahmood noted.
"We share strong commonalities on regional and global issues. China has also been a steadfast supporter of Pakistan's territorial integrity, peace, and security," he added.
Having spent nearly half a century in China, Mahmood told GDToday that the China-Pakistan relationship is not just a diplomatic bond but a deeply rooted friendship between their peoples.
"If you ask anyone in Pakistan, they will tell you that China is our number one best friend. The same sentiment exists in China. I frequently travel to China, and whenever I tell people I am from Pakistan, I receive the same warmth and friendship," Mahmood remarked. "This is why we call ourselves ironclad friends."
Reporter | Liu Xiaodi
Poster designer | Cai Junru
Editor | Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
