DefinePK

Abstract

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is one of the region’s most significant development projects, aimed at enhancing trade and infrastructure between China and Pakistan. This paper explores how CPEC may influence Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan. While Afghanistan is not officially part of the project, its geographic and strategic position makes it a key stakeholder. The inclusion of Afghanistan in CPEC could bring economic benefits such as trade expansion, job creation, and improved regional cooperation. However, there are major challenges including political mistrust between the two countries, frequent border tensions, instability in Afghanistan, and concerns over militancy and cross-border security. These issues have limited the possibility of closer collaboration so far. The paper also reflects on how the positions of regional actors, especially India, affect the dynamics of CPEC and its broader implications. Despite the challenges, the study argues that with political will, consistent dialogue, and mutual trust, CPEC could positively reshape Pak-Afghan relations. It concludes with recommendations for confidence-building measures, better border management, and inclusive development strategies. Afghanistan which is going through severe international criticism for gender based discrimination, can get benefit from CPEC as it can provide entrepreneurship opportunities for women through the areas touched by CPEC. The Afghan women can also collaborate on different initiatives with Pakistani, Central Asian and European women in business and technology sector. This can bring a new revolution of women economic empowerment in Afghanistan which can have a peaceful and progressive impact on the whole region covered by CPEC.