CPEC AND THE CHALLENGES FOR THE ENERGY SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, with the broad objective of connecting over 65 nations in Asia, Europe, and Africa through infrastructural investment and economic development. The development of energy infrastructures is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a centerpiece of the BRI. It has been said that CPEC will "alter the game" for Pakistan. The present energy situation is a severe problem for Pakistan. This study examines the difficulties that Pakistan's energy industry must overcome and how CPEC might aid in overcoming those difficulties. The analysis in this study discusses several energy projects launched

under CPEC. In light of the energy industry challenges, this article finds that CPEC appears beneficial. However, because progress on these initiatives is being made slowly, Pakistani authorities must alter their approach if they want to profit fully from CPEC.