CPEC: Governance and Security ChallengesImplications for the Belt and Road Initiative

This paper problematizes governance and its challenges to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). There is a divergence of approaches on governing, for instance, the proposed industrial zones among the local, provincial, regional and federal governments in Pakistan. Moreover, the papers highlights security challenges to CPEC's infrastructure, machinery and workforce. The study posits that weak governance and an increase in insecurity is likely to affect CPEC negatively, with strategic implications for the Belt and Road Initiative that brackets CPEC as the flagship corridor. To assuage divergent approaches and enhance CPEC governance and security, Pakistan need to devise a legal and institutional framework that underpins security. In addition, Pakistan needs to establish a consensual security mechanism that, on the one hand, neutralizes Pakistan's sovereignty concerns and, on the other, contributes to regional peace and stability, market connectivity and socio-economic development, particularly of western China and southwestern Pakistan.