China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been “dubbed” as one of the “biggest” projects of socio-economic development, catering even to “human security” in the country.

Despite the Chinese “immortal” policies of humanity, humanism, human security, economic socialism and love with nature, non-state and state actors of human security in terms of deteriorating environment, looming threats of climate change, bio-diversity, poverty, unemployment, terrorism and last but not the least social injustice and imbalanced development patterns/preferences are harming the pace of its mega projects. Therefore, these state and non-state factors affecting the canvass of human security should be curtailed to achieve the desired goals of socio-economic prosperity and peace in the BRI and CPEC projects.

Human security has become one of the main concerns of modern economic theories in development. Increasing rise to internationalization and economic globalization has also highlighted strategic importance and combination of multiculturalism and human security. Moreover, the CPEC has created a new narrative in the country which has geared up regional connectivity, fostered economic development and provided human security.

Time and again, security has been identified as a key barrier to CPEC’s success. CPEC is critical to Pakistan’s safety and stability. Internal security is a serious issue because it is hit worse by extremism and terrorism. Unfortunately, from Xinjiang to Gwadar, numerous terrorist groups are being sponsored and active including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Tehrik Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Daesh, the Baluchistan Liberation Front and even the militant wings of various regional political parties working against CPEC projects in the country.

Lack of development has always been a problem in Balochistan and its socio-economic indicators remain shockingly low as compared to other parts of the country. The province’s natural resources have not been used for social uplift. In the past, development packages were announced for the province. Aaghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan and the 10-year Equalization Package were formulated by the successive governments, but these initiatives failed to yield substantial impact.

It is feared that the CPEC may be delayed due to internal security and political turmoil in the country. The security situation in Gwadar has deteriorated which is not a good omen for the CPEC. Baloch separatist organizations view the Chinese investment as an exploitation of local resources. The constant attacks on the Chinese workers should be a wake-up call for all the governments and the Establishment in the country. A separate security division (SSD) comprising 9,000 individuals from the Pakistan Army and 6,000 paramilitary forces has been formed to protect Chinese workers and projects under CPEC but still safety and security of the Chinese workers and projects is a serious issue.

At present, with CPEC and the Gwadar seaport, Balochistan has become the hub of development projects. Meanwhile, there is also a very real presence of insurgent groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army, the Baloch Republican Guard, the United Baloch Army and the Balochistan Liberation Front delaying its utility.

The spate of terrorism is a clear indication that disgruntled factions are out to sabotage the CPEC phase-II. Engaging with the locals of the province and addressing the people’s socio-economic needs will definitely make them less vulnerable to inimical designs. But in order to truly empower the masses, development should start from the grassroots level.

The CPEC-related infrastructure development in Northern Areas may increase deforestation, a subsequent loss of biodiversity and a surge in carbon emissions due to movement of heavy vehicular traffic. A recent report by the International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS) highlighted the socio-economic impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project on the residents of Gilgit Baltistan. The report claims that the economic and political rights of the local people have been grabbed and they are being deprived of their basic human rights like employment, electricity and education etc., particularly affecting the vulnerable population.

The ecological costs of the project also cannot be neglected as road infrastructure development always disturbs local biodiversity. Integrated efforts should be initiated as soon as possible to minimize the incidents of global warming, natural disasters and well-being in general in Gilgit & Baltistan.

The National Security Policy (NSP) is the first document which recognizes that human security is central to progress. Therefore, socio-economic inequalities in different areas of the country must be the real focus of CPEC development.

In summary, the current COP28 has once again showcased massive devastating effects in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan has been pleading to receive some Climate Justice funds in this regard.

Irregular rainfall/monsoon season, unbearable heat waves, severe droughts and increasing incidents of glacier-melting are clearly indicating that nature, environment, bio-diversity and climate change will pose bad effects on economic development and human security will also be in the line of fire.

There is an urgent need to work for green transformation in all the CPEC projects through inclusion of more and more green energy stakes in shape of wind, solar, geo-thermal, hydro-power, hydrogen power generation, sand-batteries, lithium batteries, EVs, water conservation, hybrid agriculture, massive plantation drive especially long with the routes of the CPEC projects and, notably, conversion of deserts and sandy lands into green fields may be a paradigm shift in the country and resultantly, human security may also be secured.

Decline in fossil fuel financing within CPEC and a simultaneous increase in investment in renewable energies particularly hydropower, with a total capacity exceeding 3,600 Megawatts augurs well for the CPEC and human security.

In this regard, China’s global status of renewable energy developments, projects and investments could be instrumental in gearing CPEC and human security towards more environmentally sustainable zones.

It is suggested that the building of Renewables (wind & solar) Special Economic Zones (RSEZs), building of Hydrogen Power Generation Special Economic Zones (HPGSEZs), building of Lithium & Sand Batteries Special Economic Zones (LSBSEZs) and building of Hybrid Agriculture & Plantation Green Houses Special Economic Zones (HAPGHSEZs) must be started as soon as possible which would be a giant step towards greening of CPEC and also rectify no-state factors affecting human security in the country. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) should also be aligned with the CPEC Phase-II in the country.

With special reference to safety & security of the Chinese workers and projects and tackle the incidents of terrorism a Joint Hybrid Security Apparatus (JHSAs) should be pursued and followed. With the combined efforts of both nations, CPEC has the potential to be a positive force for change, leading the way towards a greener, more resilient future for Pakistan. “Social Re-Branding” of the CPEC is the way forward.

views expressed are writer’s own.