AN ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVE ROUTES FOR CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR AND BENEFITS TO PAKISTAN

Abstract

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a big push to economic development of Pakistan. CPEC is a long route passing probably from various backward areas of relatively less developed provinces of our country. Road connectivity, establishment of industries and concentration of economic activities in the concern regions will boost both production and trade, generate both employment and investment opportunities and facilitate regional and international trade. The expected routes for China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are in discussion both in print and visual media since long. There are three alternative routes available, the eastern, central and the western one. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of alternative routes and attempt to determine which route is more beneficial and feasible for Pakistan. For this analysis a comparison has made using available research and data from Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) survey. Given the link between human development and infrastructure this research evaluates the three routes in terms of economic, social and health indicators. The discussion, fact and figures presented in this research are mostly in favor of the western route.