Beijing: Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal stated that the phase 2 of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC-2) will usher in a new era of progress, particularly benefiting the youth of Pakistan.
On Friday Balochistan news updates, the 14th meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee under the CPEC framework began in Beijing, attended by ministers, officials from line ministries, and experts from both countries.
The session is being co-chaired by the planning ministers of Pakistan and China.
Balochistan News Updates
Addressing the opening ceremony, Ahsan Iqbal described Pakistan and China as “iron brothers,” bound together by trust and a shared destiny.
He emphasized that CPEC Phase Two would open new opportunities for the people, especially the younger generation.
Highlighting achievements of Phase One, he noted that 8,000 megawatts of electricity projects, 888 kilometers of highways, and key development works in Gwadar have been completed. Gwadar, once a small fishing town, has now become Pakistan’s maritime gateway.
Modernization of the ML-1 railway line, he added, will breathe new life into the national rail network.
The minister announced plans to provide 10,000 PhD scholarships and establish innovation centers for Pakistani youth.
He said Pakistan would draw lessons from China’s poverty-alleviation model to introduce reforms in underdeveloped districts.
Proposals have also been made to set up export-oriented special economic zones in Karachi and Islamabad.
According to Ahsan Iqbal, CPEC Phase Two will feature agricultural reforms, electric vehicle projects, a mining corridor, and border markets.
A 300-megawatt solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan will help eliminate load-shedding.
He further outlined five key CPEC corridors—Growth, Innovation, Green, Livelihood, and Regional Connectivity—which will give fresh momentum to Pakistan’s economy.
He announced Pakistan’s goal of generating 60 percent of its energy from clean sources by 2030.
Under the Digital Silk Road initiative, 5G networks, fiber-optic infrastructure, and data centers will be developed, alongside joint AI and quantum laboratories.
ALSO READ: 14th Pakistan-China JCC meeting: Launching CPEC Phase II
The minister reiterated that Pakistan attaches the highest priority to the security of all CPEC projects and Chinese personnel working in the country.
