Pakistan has made significant efforts to uplift the regional connectivity and contribute to its development. These efforts are of great significance in fostering regional unity and cooperation, promoting economic growth, and improving the standard of living for the people of South Asia.
Pakistan’s active participation in regional organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is an evidence of Pakistan’s desire for regional connectivity. These organizations provide a platform for regional countries to collaborate and work together on regional issues such as trade, agriculture, and energy.
Pakistan has also taken the lead in promoting regional integration by advocating for the creation of a South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), which would enhance economic cooperation and integration among the countries of the region.
Furthermore, Pakistan has been working towards the development of infrastructure projects that are critical for regional integration and economic growth. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), for example, is aimed at improving the infrastructure of Pakistan and connecting it to other South Asian countries. The project includes the construction of highways, rail links, and ports that would provide a boost to regional trade and commerce. Similarly, the construction of dams and power projects in Pakistan has the potential to improve energy security and reduce the energy deficit in the region.
Pakistan’s efforts to uplift South Asia are also reflected in its foreign policy, which has been centered on promoting regional peace and stability. Pakistan has been making efforts to resolve long-standing disputes with its neighboring countries, particularly India, and has been advocating for the resolution of regional conflicts through peaceful means. This has helped to reduce tensions in the region and create a more conducive environment for regional cooperation and integration.
In addition to the efforts made by the government, the private sector of Pakistan has also been playing a significant role in uplifting South Asia. Pakistani companies have been investing in various sectors in the region, such as telecommunications, infrastructure, and energy, creating jobs and boosting economic growth. Furthermore, Pakistan has a thriving civil society and media, which has been advocating for regional cooperation and integration and spreading awareness about the importance of regional development.
Pakistan’s efforts to uplift South Asia are of great significance for regional development as not every regional power has exhibited responsible behavior. India has again and again opted to hamper regional cohesion instead of playing a meaningful and positive role. India’s refusal to participate in regional multilateral forums is a stark reminder of its destabilizing policies.
However, India has created hurdles for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the growth of South Asia in several ways. It has expressed concerns over the geopolitical implications of CPEC, as it passes through Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This has created political tensions between the two countries and has resulted in India opposing CPEC.
India has attempted to create security concerns for CPEC through its hostile activates. The purpose is to raise security concerns about the project, particularly in relation to the presence of extremist groups in the region and make it unattractive investment for foreign investors. They worry that the construction of the infrastructure could make it easier for these groups to carry out attacks, thereby increasing the risk to security of the project and regional security at large.
India view CPEC as a threat to its own economic interests in the region, as it could potentially divert trade and investment away from India. They have expressed concerns that the project could lead to an imbalanced development of the region, with benefits accruing primarily to Pakistan and China.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has the potential to uplift South Asia in several ways. It will boost regional trade and commerce: CPEC will improve the infrastructure of Pakistan and connect it to other South Asian countries through highways, rail links, and ports. This will enhance regional trade and commerce, as goods and services can be transported more easily and efficiently.
It will improve energy security: CPEC includes the construction of dams and power projects in Pakistan, which will help to improve energy security in the region and reduce the energy deficit. Thirdly, creating jobs and economic growth: The implementation of CPEC will lead to the creation of jobs in various sectors, including construction, energy, and transportation, which will have a positive impact on economic growth in the region.
The successful implementation of CPEC will serve as a model for regional cooperation and integration, encouraging other South Asian countries to collaborate on similar projects while providing access to new markets CPEC will open up new markets for South Asian countries providing them with greater access to trade and investment opportunities.
In conclusion, India has created hurdles for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the growth of South Asia due to political tensions, security concerns, and economic competition. These hurdles need to be addressed through dialogue and cooperation among the countries of the region in order to promote regional integration and development.
