China Pakistan Economic Corridor: Challenges and Opportunities

Pak-China relations have been exemplary in the contemporary international politics. Both States have been maintaining strong ties in terms of diplomatic and military cooperation. However, the close economic cooperation has added a new dimension in the Pak-China all weather partnership. Over the years, China and Pakistan strategic cooperation has evolved at unprecedented level. In the year 2013, the Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the construction of One Belt One Road (OBOR) that aims to connect China with West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia and Middle East. It is a bitter fact that, since 9/11 Pakistan has suffered in socio-political and especially in economic dimension. The regional security environment and rise of extremism and terrorism has resulted into the hampering economic development. Therefore, the CPEC project will prove to be game changer and when completed it will have deep impact on economic development of Pakistan in future. The CPEC provides an opportunity for Pakistan to stabilize its society and reshape its positive image at international level from fragile State to emerging economy in the South Asian region. The rise of China in economic sphere has been jealously seen by other developed countries while for Pakistan it has been a blessing factor. Thus, Pak- China strategic partnership entered into the new phase of economic cooperation that will certainly change the dynamics of the regional politics. This paper aims to discuss the multiple dimensions of CPEC its importance for Pakistan and China along with its internal and external challenges. Moreover, economic and security perspectives will be focused in detail. To fully understand the role of CPEC as driving force of economic prosperity, this paper discusses its potential as a game changer for both China and Pakistan. ___________

A Study of 18Th Constitutional Amendment in Pakistan: Challenges and Implications

This study aims to analyze the political landscape of Pakistan as it exists today and explain its structure, or lack thereof under the monumental changes brought about by the 18th amendment. In this regard, the textual analysis of 1973 constitution specifically, and the 18th amendment as a whole was carried out. Interviews from a selected sample of those directly involved and impacted by the amendment were conducted in order to address the research questions. Thematic analysis of the interview data was done so as to determine the general theme of responses and generate a discussion with respect to the specific research questions. Subsequently the final data was subjected to an ontological and epistemological study, to discover the underlying workings of the 18th amendment. This analysis was then subjected to reliability testing of the sample in order to cross examine the evidence and corroborate key findings of the research. The analysis of the 18th amendment reveals that the document itself is highly conducive to existence of a theoretically perfect model of federalism. The problem lies in the fact that the amendment has to undo decades of damage to the political landscape of Pakistan under the various rulers. Some of this damage is highly intangible in nature, which can only be erased with time. The major hurdles in establishing a grassroot level democratic government, seems to be the political parties in power within the various provinces. Years of autocratic and dictatorial rule has rendered those in charge of these parties unwilling to provide an environment truly conducive to the perfect model of federalism.