Pakistan and China have agreed to publish an updated CPEC long term plan within 90 days, aligning Pakistan’s 5Es with the Five Corridors of CPEC 2.0. The agreement was reached during the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting held in Beijing, marking the beginning of Phase-II of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, in his closing remarks, highlighted the shared vision and renewed determination between the two nations. He said the 14th JCC was not only a review of progress but also a reaffirmation of commitment to build a future of shared prosperity.
The minister noted that CPEC Phase-II will focus on five key areas: Growth, Innovation, Green Development, Livelihood, and Regional Connectivity. These priorities will be aligned with Pakistan’s 5Es framework, covering Exports, E-Pakistan, Energy and Environment, and Equity and Empowerment.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that the CPEC long term strategy would transform the corridor into a hub of industrialisation, technology, sustainability, and economic cooperation. The action plan includes Special Economic Zones, agriculture modernization, mining, maritime development, and major connectivity projects such as the ML-1 Railway and Karakoram Highway realignment.
He emphasised that early execution of ML-1 and KKH realignment would ensure uninterrupted connectivity between Pakistan and China, delivering significant economic benefits to the region. To keep momentum, he proposed holding JCC meetings every six months and Joint Working Groups every quarter during the initial three years of Phase-II.
Iqbal also urged swift agreement on the JCC minutes to send a strong signal of unity. He assured Chinese partners of Pakistan’s full commitment to the security of all projects and Chinese nationals.
The minister described CPEC as more than just an infrastructure programme, calling it a symbol of deep friendship built on trust and mutual respect. He added that the updated CPEC long term plan would guide the next decade of cooperation, bringing greater transformation than the first phase.
The 15th JCC meeting is expected to take place in Islamabad in May 2026, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
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