Economists point out that reliance on foreign currencies for many CPEC projects clashed with Pakistan’s domestic exchange policies. Currently, Pakistan owes $7.5 billion for power plants and another $2 billion in unpaid energy bills to Chinese producers. The delay in CPEC 2.0 has prevented the creation of an industrial base necessary to drive exports and service debts.

Political infighting has further complicated matters. The PML-N-led government in 2015 faced corruption accusations, while the PTI government in 2018 sought to renegotiate contracts, slowing project execution. Pakistan also had to share CPEC details with the IMF to secure a bailout, agreeing to fiscal measures that further delayed the corridor and frustrated Chinese authorities.

Security threats have added to CPEC’s woes. Between 2021 and 2024, attacks by the Balochistan Liberation Army and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan killed 20 Chinese workers and injured 34. Ethnic tensions and insurgent violence in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continue to threaten project completion and investor confidence.

The post CPEC Turns Costly for Pakistan Amid Debt, Delays appeared first on India Podcast.

Channi said the state government wasn’t serious about flood relief. He argued that political infighting, not the CM’s health, caused the delay in aid. He made these comments while accompanying Bhupesh Baghel, Congress’ Punjab in-charge, on a visit to six flood-hit districts.

Baghel, a former Chhattisgarh CM, flagged off relief material for victims. He pointed out that both the state and central governments had failed in their response. He accused the authorities of withholding key data on flood damages. He also criticized PM Modi for not addressing the crisis on social media.

Channi added that Congress workers were active in relief efforts. He suggested that senior party leaders might soon visit the affected areas.

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