Encompassing CPEC

Pakistan and china has inked a landmark deal to build an economic corridor and china has pledged 46 billion dollars in different projects. This route will provide china with an alternate short passage to transport its goods to middle-east and the world in shortest time. Pakistan has announced to build a full army division to safeguard Chinese personnel who are working on the project. China also has 2 alternate routes i.e trans-Siberian rail network and Eurasian land bridge. But CPEC is the shortest route of all these. It will help china industrialize its western provinces as well as quash security concerns i.e Sinkiang province with economic prosperity. GB is a disputed region. Its geographical position is to the north and its constitutional status is contradictory. Pakistan has planned the only economic zone on Karakorum highway which in effect ignores most of GB region from benefits of CPEC. It also seems that Pakistan government is more keen to develop eastern alignment as oppose to western on priority basis albeit protests by two smaller provinces. Astore district and most of baltistan region is ignored in proposed project. It is suggested that road links and projects planned in the entire region. Another study by informed residents proposed alternate passage. It goes from thalachi at KKH to astore district leading up to rattu and conects to muzaffarabad leading to islamabad. Another bypass is from jaglot to skardu, where a non metaled road leads it to rattu. This arrangement will in effect save project from disruption of Landslides and harsh weather. People of the areas will be contented, which will guarantee the success of CPEC unlike the hastily planned projects only in 2 province i.e Punjab and sindh. It is imperative to look into grievances of the other concerned parties as well. Source: http://www.dawn.com/news/1257784/encompassing-cpec