Socio economics impacts of CPEC on Pakistan; the dark side of the project

Abstract

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with significant investments in energy projects, infrastructure development, and special economic zones. While CPEC has been praised as a game-changer for Pakistan but major concerns have been raised about its negative socio-economic impacts. This research article spreads light on a comprehensive literature review to find out these impacts and identify research gaps that the researchers have not filled yet. This paper reveals that CPEC intensifies existing socio-economic inequalities, displaces local communities, causes environmental degradation, and raises concerns about debt sustainability of Pakistan. The lack of transparency in project execution has further boosted these issues. In this paper I have examined the experiences of aboriginal communities and gendered repercussions, investigated labor rights and waged conditions, and environmental impacts. As the project is still not fully completed, new issues may arise with the completion and passage of time. By conducting the research further deep, policymakers can gain a better understanding of the potential outcomes of CPEC and develop strategies accordingly to eliminate any negative impact that can be hazardous for Pakistan's economy, environment, and society.