Author(s)

Izaz Ullah¹, Sajjad Ali^2*, Ishaq Ahmad³

Affiliation(s)

¹Political Science, University of Malakand, Chakdara Dir Lower 23120, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

²School of Marxism, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China.

³School of Economics and Management, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China.

Corresponding Author

Sajjad Ali

ABSTRACT

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major initiative under the Belt and Road Initiative, seeks to strengthen economic ties between China and Pakistan, with substantial investments in infrastructure, energy, and trade. However, while CPEC promises significant national benefits, concerns have emerged regarding its impact on local communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a province significantly impacted by the project. This study examines the economic effects of CPEC on local communities in KP, particularly in terms of employment creation, income generation, and poverty alleviation. Using a mixed methods approach, combining both qualitative data and quantitative data from surveys and statistical analyses. CPEC is a flagship initiative of the Belt and Road Initiative, which is poised to bring transformative economic benefits to Pakistan, particularly to the local communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). This study explores the positive economic impacts of CPEC on these communities, focusing on job creation, income generation, and overall economic development. The research paper highlights how CPEC has significantly contributed to local employment opportunities, particularly in infrastructure development and related sectors. Furthermore, the project has spurred improvements in transportation, energy supply, and social infrastructure, enhancing the overall quality of life in KP. The establishment of new industries and businesses has led to a diversification of income sources for local populations, fostering economic resilience and poverty reduction. Additionally, the development of modern infrastructure has facilitated better connectivity, opening up new avenues for trade and investment. This research paper underscores CPEC’s role in boosting regional economic growth, creating a positive ripple effect throughout KP's local communities.

KEYWORDS

Economic development; Job creation; Income generation; Infrastructure; Regional growth; Poverty reduction; Social development; Investment

CITE THIS PAPER

Izaz Ullah, Sajjad Ali, Ishaq Ahmad. The economic impacts of CPEC on local communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Journal of Trends in Arts and Humanities. 2025, 2(2): 4-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/jtah3048.

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