ISLAMABAD: The eastern route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been identified as the most advantageous pathway, benefiting provincial representation, enhancing regional and trans-border connectivity, and promoting tourism and socio-economic growth. During a recent consultative meeting chaired by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, it was revealed that Islamabad and Dera Ismail Khan stand out as pivotal economic and transport hubs, thanks to their strategic locations and excellent interconnectivity.
Waqas Anwar, a member of the infrastructure team, highlighted the eastern route as the quickest and most viable option. This route links key cities such as Gwadar, Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Multan, Islamabad, Haripur, Mansehra, Chilas, and Gilgit, culminating at Khunjerab on the border with China. However, while this route offers the shortest travel times, it does not sufficiently represent the interests of all provinces, particularly neglecting Sindh.
The meeting also discussed the other routes. The central route includes cities like Turbat, Quetta, and D.G. Khan, while the western route traverses similar areas with additional connections. In contrast, the eastern route demonstrates a fairer distribution of infrastructure, with significant allocations across all provinces, aligning with the population distribution of 78.1 million.
Moreover, the potential for special economic zones in Islamabad and D.I. Khan was acknowledged, with both cities positioned as logistics hubs for warehousing and trade. The minister reiterated the government’s dedication to leveraging existing transport infrastructure to catalyze economic growth.
He emphasized that transport corridors must serve as economic lifelines that promote trade and regional cooperation. Comprehensive planning is essential to maximize the value of these corridors, integrating sectors like tourism, agriculture, and industry. By equipping the workforce with necessary skills through vocational training and educational programs, local communities can reap the benefits of economic development.
