Ten years after the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the ambitious project continues to face significant setbacks, especially in Gwadar, its centerpiece. Despite holding 78 progress review meetings, the strategic port city still lacks adequate clean water and indigenous electricity, severely hampering its development.
The 78th CPEC review meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, highlighted familiar issues—delays in connecting Gwadar to the national grid and a desalination plant that remains non-operational. Iqbal expressed frustration over these ongoing challenges and directed the Quetta Electric Supply Company (Qesco) and the Power Division to submit progress reports within five days, a recurring instruction from previous meetings.
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Despite surplus electricity in Pakistan, Gwadar continues to rely on imports from Iran due to the absence of infrastructure to connect it to the national grid. Furthermore, the city’s water crisis remains unresolved, with a desalination plant still awaiting operation and distribution of solar panels and water filtration units provided by China yet to be completed.
The review meeting also focused on preparations for the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, scheduled for July 2025. China has confirmed its support for the upcoming session, with working group meetings set for March and April to ensure thorough preparation.
The CPEC, once seen as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic future, faces growing challenges as it enters its second decade. With delays and unresolved issues, particularly in Gwadar, the project’s success remains uncertain.
