Experts discuss challenges to CPEC
The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) hosted a seminar titled "Assessment of Renewed Security Challenges to CPEC Post-Indo-Pak Escalation."
The event brought together prominent practitioners, diplomats, policymakers, experts, academics and intelligentsia who collectively advocated for strategic regional alliances, robust internal reforms, economic resilience, advanced security infrastructure and proactive diplomatic engagements to overcome current and emerging challenges to China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Pakistan's former envoy to China, Naghmana Hashmi, linked increased terrorism with broader geopolitical tensions, particularly western apprehensions towards China's rise. Analysing how recent Indo-Pak escalations dispelled myths surrounding India's military dominance, prompting Western powers to reconsider their strategic reliance on India, she urged comprehensive internal reforms, particularly addressing socio-economic grievances in Balochistan.
Major General (retd) Dr Samrez Salik, with a PhD on CPEC, emphasised Pakistan's critical transformation from a security-centric to an economically driven state, dependent significantly on CPEC's success.
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