Major CPEC Projects Set for Discussion at Upcoming Beijing Summit
Pakistan is finalising preparations for the upcoming China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, scheduled for 26 September in Beijing. At the centre of discussions are several large-scale infrastructure projects, including the Rs502 billion Karakoram Highway (KKH) Phase-II realignment, the Mainline-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade, and the Eastbay Expressway in Gwadar. Officials confirmed that Pakistan will seek substantial Chinese financing to push these initiatives forward.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal noted that the cost of the Karakoram Highway Phase-II has increased due to a newly proposed 100-kilometre alignment. Pakistan also intends to request an additional $500 million for the ML-1 railway’s Rohri-Multan section. The Asian Development Bank has already pledged $1.2 billion towards the Karachi-Rohri section, a critical link for transporting minerals from the Reko Diq project. In Gwadar, the Eastbay Expressway, designed to connect Reko Diq with Gwadar International Airport, is also expected to receive 85% of its funding from China.
The agenda is not limited to transport projects alone. Broader cooperation in economic growth, agriculture, livestock, green development, and regional connectivity will also be reviewed. Pakistan is considering multilateral financing to ease the financial strain of the ML-1 upgrade. Despite political and security challenges, China remains committed to advancing the second phase of CPEC, emphasising its strategic importance in connecting Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea and wider Middle Eastern markets.
Chinese officials have reiterated the importance of security and consistent policies from Pakistan. A senior diplomat highlighted progress but underscored that “security remains our primary concern.” Protecting Chinese personnel and investments has become central to avoiding the delays and disruptions experienced during CPEC’s first phase.
Phase-II of CPEC signals a broader shift towards industrial collaboration, special economic zones, and technology partnerships. Chinese companies are expressing interest in ventures related to waste-to-energy, urban mass transit, and a proposed high-speed rail link between Lahore and Islamabad. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on Pakistan’s ability to deliver stronger security measures and ensure timely execution to attract long-term foreign investment.