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CPEC 2.0, Pakistan’s Robust Engine for Economic Revival: Prof Cheng

BEIJING: As global economic headwinds continue to weigh on South Asian economies, Pakistan is stepping onto a steadier growth trajectory – largely supported by the steady advancement of high-quality bilateral cooperation under upgraded frameworks.

At the core of this positive turnaround lies the accelerated implementation of CPEC 2.0, which has emerged as the most reliable anchor for the country’s economic stability and long-term industrial upgrading amid complex regional uncertainties.

This was stated by Prof Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, a non-governmental Chinese think-tank on diplomacy and international studies based in Beijing.

He remarked that as of April 2026, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has achieved remarkable tangible economic results. According to the fact sheet released by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad in late April 2026, which has been verified by Pakistani authoritative media, CPEC has accumulated a total investment of $25.93 billion, directly creating 261,000 stable local jobs for ordinary families and adding 8,000 megawatts of stable power supply to the national grid. This milestone contribution has completely eradicated the chronic power shortage that once severely hindered industrial production, daily livelihoods and urban operations across Pakistan for decades.

Unlike its early phase, which focused solely on infrastructure construction, CPEC 2.0 is fully pivoting toward real economic sectors—including modern industrial supporting projects, high-efficiency agricultural upgrading, rational mineral resource development, and low-carbon green energy layouts. These targeted adjustments have effectively boosted industrial vitality, optimized Pakistan’s domestic economic structure, and laid solid foundations for endogenous economic circulation, he added.

Prof Cheng said that moreover, all biased and groundless “debt trap” accusations have been thoroughly disproven by practical development outcomes. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has officially raised Pakistan’s annual GDP growth forecast to 3.5% for the 2026 fiscal year, providing authoritative recognition of CPEC’s strong driving role. Meanwhile, the maturing Gwadar-Central Asia-Middle East cross-border trade route is taking steady shape, transforming Pakistan into a key regional logistics hub and significantly elevating its overall geopolitical value.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.