Geostrategic to Geoeconomics: Pakistan, China and Central Asia (2000-2015)

Abstract

This research examines the transformation process of geostrategic strength of Pakistan into geo-economics worth applying the regionalism theory. Pakistan could not clinch potential economic advantages of its geographical significance even after 70 years of its independence. The study area comprised of Pakistan, China and Central Asia which is about 2.25 billion population of the world. The purpose of this research is to explore the regional integration options after development of Gwadar port as a strategic gem of Pakistan and region as well. The energy potential of CARs has also been calculated in detail to foster the energy cooperation among the region. The envisaged conceptualization of CPEC projects with execution details have also been studied along with cognition of irritant and challenges. Although empirical analysis has been confined to three core areas of Economy, Energy and Extremism cooperation but cultural narrative of CPEC has also been taken into account. Now the phenomenon of economic and military rise of China has become perceptible. Hegemonic stability theory has been embedded on the rise of China and its strapping effects on economic growth of Pakistan in the configuration of CPEC. OBOR vision and AIIB initiative of China for building Maritime Silk Road and SREB has grandiose potential to integrate more than 67 counties, 70% of world population, 55% of world GNP and 75% energy reserves of the world with approximately $900 billion investment of China for infrastructure and regional integration. CPEC has transpired as intrinsic part of OBOR that will link not only Kasghar to Gwadar through roads, rails, oil, gas pipelines and optical fiber networks etc. but also will promote trade, energy and economic activities for Central, West, and South Asia. Concurrent nested embedded design of mixed methods along with descriptive analysis has been exercised to find out the facts. Qualitative data through open ended semi structured interviews and Quantitative data from primary and secondary sources have been collected to make the descriptive analysis. The findings of this erudition are that Pakistan’s geostrategic worth is transfiguring into its geo-economic power but impediments are numerous. It is established that CPEC which is almost equivalent to worth of 20% GDP of Pakistan could be the fate and game changer for region; only if peace and firmness is ensured. About energy potentials it is deduced that CARs have 4.5% of oil and 10% of natural gas vi reserves of the world. TAPI and CASA-1000 are ongoing energy cooperation projects of Pakistan with CARs. After the in depth study it is find out that Gwadar port has not only propensity to reduce the distance for global trade of China from 12000 km Sea route to 3000 km land rout and open up Sea trade route for landlocked Central Asia, but also have tendency to help China in avoiding “Malacca Dilemma” in the Indian Ocean. Gwadar can not only have unmatched capacity of handling 200000 tons tanker of oil but also can cater the trade and transshipment needs of more than twenty countries of the region. The irritants and challenges for the development of Gwadar port are copious in nature. If it becomes completely functional in the coming years it has grandiose potential to become Abu Dhabi for Pakistan.