- Green CPEC Initiative aims to decarbonize, build green Pakistan: Senator, Sherry Rehman
- CPEC propelled Pakistan onto a historic pathway of development: Senator
- Karot Hydropower Project shows China’s commitment to create clean energy, sustainable development in Pakistan
- China’s foreign policy embodies progressive initiatives, fostering cooperation over conflict
By: Muhammad Arif, Editor NSN.Asia
ISLAMABAD: China’s commitment to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) the project is a “spectacular opportunity” that has propelled Pakistan onto a historic pathway of socio-economic development.
Chairperson, Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman made these remarks while speaking at a special event on China Pakistan relations, held in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Commenting on Green CPEC Initiative, Senator Rehman emphasized the environmental aspects of the project, particularly the Green CPEC Initiative, which aims to decarbonize and green Pakistan’s future.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship development project of Belt and Road initiative launched in 2013 aiming to foster economic and cultural integration of Eurasian under the Silk Road Spirit of mutual cooperation.
Highlighting the Karot Hydropower Project, being constructed by Chinese company, is as an example of China’s vision of a win-win cooperation under CPEC.
“The Karot Hydropower Project is built with modern hydropower technology and will reduce CO2 emissions by 3.5 million tons annually. Every year, it supplies Pakistan with over 3.2 billion kWh of clean energy, guaranteeing electricity for five million people and creating almost 4,500 decent jobs annually. Projects like these define China’s agency and commitment to sustainable development”, she added.
Besides CPEC as part of China’s vision for global development, Senator Rehman highlighted China’s broader global initiatives that align with Pakistan’s goals.
She praised China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and Global Development Initiative (GDI) as visionary frameworks that emphasize common, comprehensive, and sustainable security and development.
Reflecting on China as an emerging economic power, Sherry added “China’s foreign policy, embodied in initiatives like the GSI, GCI and GDI, is about taking countries and people along the path to progress, fostering cooperation over conflict, and promoting win-win outcomes rather than zero-sum games. These initiatives resonate deeply with Pakistan’s aspirations for peace, security, and development in our region.”
Discussing Chin’s vision for green development, she said, “The CPC’s Third Plenum placed a premium on pushing green development through carbon reduction, pollution reduction, and improvement of environmental governance systems.”
She expressed hope that the outcomes of the Third Plenary Session would continue to strengthen the unbreakable brotherhood and strategic ties between China and Pakistan, yielding fruitful results in the years to come.
China’s meteoric rise as a ‘global power’, a power that not only influences the world but also profoundly shapes the mindset of nations, particularly in the Global South, she added.
Highlighting the role of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in China- Pakistan diplomatic engagement, Senator Sherry said” the deep-rooted and historic relationship between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the CPC was nurtured by the visionary leadership of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and Asif Ali Zardari from 1951 to 2024”.
“The PPP has the oldest relationship with CPC, curated and nurtured by our leadership”, she added.
