ISLAMABAD: A total of 45 projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have been completed at a combined cost of $25.61 billion, according to government documents.
The completed projects comprise 17 energy projects, 15 infrastructure projects and 13 economic and social development initiatives, reflecting progress across several key sectors of the CPEC programme.
Major completed projects include the Sahiwal and Port Qasim power plants, Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M-5) and the Lahore Orange Line Metro.
The energy projects have contributed significantly to Pakistan’s power generation capacity, while major road and transport projects have improved connectivity between key economic centres and regions.
The CPEC programme has also supported economic and social development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, connectivity and access to essential services.
Despite the progress, several major CPEC projects remain delayed due to challenges related to financing, regulatory approvals and implementation.
Among the prominent projects facing delays are the 1,733-kilometre Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade, Karachi Circular Railway, Dera Ismail Khan-Zhob Highway and several projects planned for Gwadar.
The delays have highlighted the financial and implementation challenges involved in executing large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly those requiring substantial external financing and coordination between multiple government agencies.
The government is continuing efforts to address these bottlenecks and advance the remaining projects under the CPEC framework.
The completion of 45 projects, however, represents significant progress in the development of Pakistan’s energy, transport and economic infrastructure under the flagship China-Pakistan cooperation programme.
