Islamabad (Khyber Mail): The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) hosted a talk on “Security Challenges to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)” by Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. Samrez Salik. The event brought together policymakers, academicians, and security experts to discuss the evolving strategic environment surrounding CPEC and its critical importance to regional and global economic and security dynamics.
Maj. Gen. Dr. Salik, a renowned defense expert, provided a detailed overview of the strategic regional and global environment. He highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a beacon of hope for developing nations, emphasizing how China’s rise is poised to bring about a new wave of prosperity and development. He elaborated on the significance of CPEC within this broader framework of BRI, noting its potential to serve as a cornerstone for enhancing connectivity between China and the rest of the world.
Dr. Salik offered an insightful analysis of the evolving regional security dynamics, linking it with the concept of the “Thucydides Trap.” He explained how the rise of new powers often leads to friction with established powers, and how the development of CPEC may have broader implications for global power shifts. He underscored that the full operationalization of Gwadar Port, which he described as the linchpin of CPEC, could be a game-changer for China’s global connectivity.
Addressing the security challenges, Dr. Salik pointed to both internal and external threats to CPEC’s smooth progression, including regional instability, terrorism, and external geopolitical maneuvers that could hinder the project’s success.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the Institute of Regional Studies, also spoke at the event, underscoring the significance of CPEC’s next phase. He highlighted how the project could serve as a path to socio-economic development and offer a geopolitical opportunity to help build peace in South Asia. Ambassador Saleem stressed the role of the media in shaping narratives around CPEC, emphasizing the importance of countering misperceptions created by the Indian media.