China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Socio-Economic Impact on Gilgit-Baltistan

Abstract

Gilgit-Baltistan is a disputed state in South Asia and one of the least well-known areas of the region. But suddenly, due to China Pakistan Economic Corridor, an international interest in Gilgit Baltistan has increased, because GB is now a gateway between China and Pakistan. It is the only corridor between China and Pakistan and the world that connects through Gilgit Baltistan. The BRI is a multi-faceted project that is supposed to bring about peace and development in China and Pakistan and will connective with trading routes around the world in 2013, when Xi Jinping, the Chinese President, paid a visit to Pakistan. The establishment of a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was officially declared and agreed by China and Pakistan. This development project has not only launched major development projects in Pakistan that ultimately contribute to Pakistan's socioeconomic growth would contribute to regional integration as well. This paper seeks to establish the impacts of CPEC on the socio-economic development of Gilgit Baltistan region the corridor includes a transport route of 2,000-kilometer between Kashgar in China via roads, railways and pipelines and to Pakistan's Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea. For the implementation of this multibillion-dollar project, the Pakistani government faces numerous internal and external challenges. The CPEC project will expand the countries: economic activities, trade, regional connectivity improvements, energy crisis management, infrastructure development and peopleto- people contacts in both Chinese and Pakistan countries. As regards to GB, the economy will automatically be improved, as the tourism industry in GB grows annually; Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and local people's standards will be increased. This study will assist in assessing the difficulties and benefits of the CPEC related with the implementation in Gilgit-Baltistan. Furthermore, this study considers the role of the iii geographical location of the region Gilgit-Baltistan, in making the CPEC a successful development project.