CPEC’S SOCIOECONOMIC EFFECTS ON PAKISTAN: THE DRAWBACKS OF THE PROJECT’S

Abstract

One of the main initiatives of the China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which includes substantial investments in infrastructure development, special economic zones, and energy projects. Despite being heralded as a game-changer for Pakistan, CPEC’s detrimental socioeconomic effects have drawn Serio us criticism. In order to determine these effects and pinpoint any research gaps that have not yet been addresses, this study sheds light on an extensive literature evaluation. This research reveals that CPEC exacerbates already existing socioeconomic disparities, uproots local communities, degrades the environment, and raises question about debt sustainability of Pakistan. In this research I have evaluated the exacerbated by the lack of transparency in project execution. I have explored labor rights and waged conditions, environmental implications, and the experiences of Aboriginal communities and gendered repercussions in this article. Given that the research is still ongoing, as time goes on, more problems may arise over time. Policymakers may better grasp the possible effects on CPEC and create plans to mitigate any adverse effects that might endanger Pakistan’s economy, environment, and society by carrying out more thorough study.