Learning Session on “Unpacking China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Concept, Constituents and Regional Prospects” for the China Fellowship Program at the University of Sargodha

On 24th February, 2026, a learning session on “Unpacking China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Concept, Constituents and Regional Prospects” was conducted under the joint China Fellowship Program at the University of Sargodha (UoS). The session was led by Dr. Gohar Ali Iftikhar, Lecturer at Ali Trust College, Islamabad, and Member of Board of Experts at Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad.
Dr. Iftikhar began by tracing the historical roots of regional connectivity to the Old Silk Route, which originated during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). He stated that the ancient route connected East China to Central Asia, Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East, establishing Central Asia as a vibrant hub of trade, commerce, and cultural exchange. Modern-day Pakistan and India were also integral parts of this historic network.
He also emphasized that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) serves as the pilot project of BRI. At the core of CPEC is the strategic connectivity between Gwadar Port and China’s Xinjiang region. Gwadar Port holds central importance for China, providing a shorter and more cost-effective trade route compared to traditional maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Malacca, on which China has long depended.
Shedding light upon the perspectives of both China and Pakistan regarding CPEC, he mentioned that from China’s perspective, CPEC promotes economic integration, regional connectivity, and trans-border cooperation between Xinjiang and Pakistan while from Pakistan’s viewpoint, CPEC is seen as a transformative opportunity aligned with Vision 2025, particularly its pillar of “Modernizing Transportation Infrastructure and Greater Regional Connectivity.”
Dr. Iftikhar clarified that CPEC is not an aid package but a strategic investment by China, reflecting potential economic returns alongside geopolitical and geostrategic objectives. He further highlighted the importance of provincial inclusion and national consensus in Pakistan to effectively harness CPEC’s full potential. Strengthening a cohesive National Economic Policy remains essential to maximizing long-term benefits.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, where students actively participated by raising thoughtful queries and sharing their perspectives on CPEC, regional connectivity, and Pakistan’s strategic role in the Belt and Road framework.
The session was moderated by Ms. Yusra Binte Nisar, Research Assistant at Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) and Ms. Alishba Aslam, Research Officer at Pakistan Institute of China Studies (PICS), University of Sargodha (UoS).