Pakistan

CPEC model of two nations adherence to joint construction, sharing of high-quality resources: Chinese scholar

Published

1 year ago

July 30, 2023

EDITOR

BEIJING, Jul 30 (APP): The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a model of the two nations’ adherence to joint construction and sharing of high-quality resources, which has promoted the socioeconomic progress of Pakistan, Li Yong, a senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade said on Sunday.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, acting as the special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping, kicked off an official visit to Pakistan on Sunday to attend the Decade of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) celebrations.

The two countries, all-weather strategic cooperation partners, have enhanced comprehensive cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during the past 10 years.

The CPEC is a flagship of the BRI, which has helped improve Pakistani people’s livelihood, and created many jobs for locals, experts said, noting that Western countries disparaging CPEC won conceal Chinese enterprises’ contribution to Pakistan nor hurt the iron-clad friendship of the two neighbours.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that China hopes that He Lifeng’s visit will be an opportunity to implement the important consensus reached between leaders of the two countries, continue to build on past achievements and upgrade the development of the CPEC.

The country also hopes that the visit will consolidate and deepen the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership, advance the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and contribute to the development and prosperity of the region.

Before the launch of the CPEC, a signature project of the BRI envisaged by China, Pakistan was striving for economic survival, languishing in an energy crisis, with poor infrastructure and financial challenges. As a silver lining, the CPEC came to the rescue.

Within 10 years, the initiative was transforming Pakistan and bringing prosperity, Yasir Habib Khan, president of the Institute of International Relations and Media Research, told the Global Times.

As of 2022, the CPEC had brought $25.4 billion in direct investment to Pakistan and created about 236,000 jobs there. It helped Pakistan generate 8,000 megawatts of electricity and build 886 kilometres of national core transmission grid, according to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan.

While China and Pakistan have kept on promoting high-quality development of the CPEC, Western media use debt traps and unqualified projects to smear the BRI project.

Facts speak louder than the smearing rhetoric. The achievements over the past 10 years in the construction of the CPEC are the best response to the ‘debt trap’ and other discrediting smears, Li told the Global Times.

One of the watershed developments during the 10 years was the high-octane operation of Gwadar Port, the crown jewel of the CPEC.

Gwadar was once an old fishing town, and now it is on a high tide of success with tangible socioeconomic progress, including the establishment of free trade zones there, the Eastbay Express Way, and the inauguration of the New International Gwadar Airport, according to Yasir.

Zhang Baozhong, chairman of China Overseas Ports Holding Co, told the Global Times that with the improvement of local ports and infrastructure including hospitals, airports and schools, Gwadar has now been transformed into a modern seaside city with a permanent resident population that grew from 80,000 in 2013 to 220,000 in 2023.

Zhang said that his company aims to build Gwadar into a smart port city by 2050 with a total population of more than 1.7 million and an annual GDP of $30 billion.

The Peshawar-Karachi Motorway (PKM), the largest transportation project under the CPEC, was completed in 2019. The project gave priority to hiring Pakistani employees, providing more than 23,000 local jobs, according to a statement China State Construction sent to the Global Times.

The PKM project has also helped propel the development of services industries such as catering, retailing and transportation, indirectly creating more than 45,000 jobs.

Danish, a manager of Power-China’s construction project group in Pakistan, told the Global Times that in the field of green energy, Pakistanis are impressed by the technology accumulation and construction efficiency of Chinese companies.

Power-China has completed the construction of 22 wind power projects in Pakistan, with a total installed capacity of 1.14 million kilowatts.

In connection with the 10th anniversary of CPEC, the CPEC Industry Chain Cooperation Platform was launched to kick-start a comprehensive services system covering key industrial cooperation in new energy, smart manufacturing, and the digital economy between China and Pakistan.

Pakistan

Why Can’t We Make PIA Soar Again? It’s Time for Accountability and Vision

Published

3 days ago

November 4, 2024

EDITOR

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), once a symbol of national pride and a beacon of excellence in aviation, is now a struggling entity, facing severe operational and financial challenges. Over the decades, PIA has seen its reputation erode due to mismanagement, political interference, corruption, and a lack of long-term strategic vision. The question that looms over the nation is: Why can’t we make PIA soar again, and what will it take to restore its lost glory?

A Glorious Past, A Struggling Present

PIA was once at the forefront of innovation in the global aviation industry. It was the first airline in Asia to induct a jet aircraft and played a crucial role in launching other major airlines. The organization was known for its exemplary service, skilled workforce, and state-of-the-art fleet. Unfortunately, this prestigious image has been overshadowed by a series of setbacks that have brought the national carrier to its knees.

Root Causes of PIA’s Decline

Political Interference: One of the major factors contributing to PIA’s decline has been excessive political meddling. Successive governments have treated PIA as a tool for political patronage, often making appointments based on loyalty rather than merit. This has led to inefficiency and a bloated workforce that burdens the airline’s financial stability.
Lack of Accountability: Corruption and mismanagement have plagued PIA for years. From questionable procurement practices to poor financial management, the lack of accountability has allowed inefficiencies to thrive. The absence of a culture that holds officials responsible for their actions has exacerbated the situation.
Operational Inefficiencies: Overstaffing, outdated technology, and aging aircraft have made PIA one of the least efficient airlines in the region. High maintenance costs, poor scheduling, and frequent delays have diminished the trust of passengers, leading to a decline in customer loyalty.
Financial Mismanagement: The financial woes of PIA are no secret. Mounting debts and continuous losses have made it difficult for the airline to invest in fleet modernization or improve service quality. Despite government bailouts, the airline continues to struggle financially, raising concerns about the sustainability of its operations.

The Need for Accountability and Vision

To revive PIA, a comprehensive reform plan focused on accountability, transparency, and a clear vision for the future is necessary. Here are some strategies that can help turn PIA around:

Professional Management: The airline needs to be run by aviation experts and industry professionals, free from political interference. Appointing competent leadership with a proven track record in the aviation sector is crucial for steering the airline in the right direction.
Streamlining Operations: Reducing operational inefficiencies, right-sizing the workforce, and investing in modern technology can significantly improve the airline’s performance. A data-driven approach to managing routes and optimizing flight schedules will help enhance profitability.
Fleet Modernization: An aging fleet not only incurs high maintenance costs but also impacts passenger safety and comfort. Investing in new, fuel-efficient aircraft will not only improve service quality but also reduce operational costs in the long run.
Customer-Centric Approach: Restoring passenger trust is paramount. This can be achieved by improving on-time performance, enhancing in-flight services, and ensuring a seamless travel experience. Listening to customer feedback and adapting to their needs will go a long way in rebuilding PIA’s reputation.
Transparency and Governance: Implementing strict measures to ensure transparency in financial and operational dealings is essential. Independent audits and stringent anti-corruption policies must be enforced to root out corruption and mismanagement.

A National Responsibility

Reviving PIA is not just about saving an airline; it’s about restoring national pride. As a national carrier, PIA represents Pakistan on the global stage. A well-functioning PIA can boost tourism, create jobs, and contribute significantly to the country’s economy. It is time for all stakeholders, including the government, aviation authorities, and the citizens of Pakistan, to demand accountability and work towards a shared vision that can make PIA soar once again.

The road to recovery is not easy, but with the right leadership, commitment to transparency, and a relentless focus on excellence, PIA can reclaim its status as one of the leading airlines in the world. The time for action is now; Pakistan deserves an airline that truly reflects the nation’s potential and aspirations.