Muhammad Attaullah Khan
The rapidly unfolding situation in South Asia, following the prompt and befitting response by Pakistan’s defence forces, has once again demonstrated their unwavering resolve. By delivering a powerful blow to Indian hegemonic designs, they have triggered a major strategic shift in the region and ushered in new geopolitical realities.
India’s recent humiliation has not only reaffirmed Pakistan’s military supremacy but has also reignited strategic momentum for one of its most transformative ventures—the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
With threats repelled and security reaffirmed, CPEC is set to gain renewed momentum, ushering in a wave of economic integration, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity.
CPEC has long been seen as a game-changer for Pakistan. Spanning roads, railways, pipelines, and industrial zones from Gwadar to Kashgar, this multibillion-dollar project is both an economic catalyst and a geopolitical stabilizer.
However, since its inception, India has consistently opposed CPEC, falsely claiming territorial violations and attempting to sabotage its implementation.
Recent actions by Indian intelligence networks in Balochistan—particularly through their patronage of separatist elements—highlight a disturbing pattern aimed at destabilizing Pakistan and derailing CPEC’s success.
Pakistan’s latest defence response marks a decisive shift in the regional balance.
Indian provocations were once again met with firm resistance, culminating in a humiliating setback for New Delhi—exposing the limitations of its military ambitions and the hollowness of its strategic posturing.
More importantly, Pakistan’s resolute defence has dismantled the illusion of Indian deterrence, bolstering both domestic and international confidence in the security and sustainability of CPEC.
Meanwhile, the Chinese leadership has closely monitored developments in South Asia. Beijing’s strategic planners place immense value on stability when considering long-term investments in Pakistan.
By foiling Indian designs, Pakistan has sent a clear message: CPEC is not only protected, but actively defended.
Chinese stakeholders, reassured by Pakistan’s effective security apparatus, are now more inclined to accelerate CPEC-related projects and expand their investment portfolios.
Pakistan has also undertaken significant reforms to enhance CPEC’s prospects. Institutional coordination has improved, bottlenecks have been addressed, and a centralized framework for fast-tracking development has been adopted.
With the military ensuring ground-level security and the government facilitating administrative processes, the stage is now set for a second wave of CPEC growth—particularly in energy, logistics, and digital infrastructure.
The development of Gwadar Port is a key indicator of this momentum.
Previously hampered by delays and political neglect, Gwadar is now poised for rapid transformation. Multiple government initiatives under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) have enhanced maritime security, improved road connectivity, and facilitated the establishment of free trade zones—placing Gwadar on the international map.
The defeat of India’s hybrid war strategy in Balochistan has enabled progress without the constant threat of disruption.
Gwadar is finally transitioning from vision to reality, positioning Pakistan as a central node in regional commerce.
India’s miscalculations have had unintended consequences.
While New Delhi sought to intimidate and obstruct, it has instead catalyzed a strategic push from Islamabad.
Rather than weakening Pakistan, India’s aggression has unified it—politically, militarily, and economically.
The message to hostile actors is now crystal clear: interference will not be tolerated, and Pakistan’s vision for economic sovereignty will proceed undeterred.
EXTENSION OF CPEC
Observers in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe are reassessing Pakistan’s potential as a secure trade corridor linking East and West.
With Afghanistan stabilizing and Iran showing interest in regional integration, the prospects for extending CPEC beyond bilateral cooperation into multilateral frameworks are increasingly tangible.
The technological dimension of CPEC is also gaining traction.
Pakistan and China are jointly exploring high-speed fiber optics, e-commerce infrastructure, and satellite collaboration. These advancements will not only strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy but also deepen Sino-Pak strategic ties in cybersecurity and AI—domains where Indian interference is less effective.
As Special Economic Zones (SEZs) become fully operational, Pakistan’s local industries will thrive and employment opportunities will expand.
Already, thousands of Pakistani engineers and workers have found livelihoods through CPEC-linked projects, and this number is set to rise dramatically.
A nationwide public engagement campaign highlighting CPEC’s benefits can further strengthen national ownership and counter external propaganda.
Pakistan’s diplomatic corps has a critical role to play.
The recent defence success should be used to counter India’s baseless narrative on international platforms.
It must be emphasized that Pakistan, unlike India, seeks peace and development through cooperation—not coercion.
By positioning CPEC as a peace-oriented initiative with mutual benefits for multiple nations, Pakistan can protect its interests and present itself as a responsible regional power.
MILITARY DETERRENCE AND GEOSTRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS
India’s humiliating defeat has reshuffled regional dynamics in Pakistan’s favor.
With threats neutralized, CPEC can now flourish in an environment of renewed confidence and strategic clarity.
CPEC and the enduring Pak-China friendship have been safeguarded due to robust military planning and war-gaming by Pakistan’s defence forces.
CPEC represents human development, economic security, and social dignity—directly linked to political stability and regional prosperity.
India’s Operation Sindoor was an intentional attempt to sabotage CPEC Phase II and Pakistan’s socio-economic progress by targeting vital infrastructure including the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Dam, cities, schools, airports, and even minority religious sites—seeking to fracture Pakistan’s multiethnic fabric.
India’s drone campaign, involving over 80 UAVs launched toward major Pakistani cities, failed to achieve any operational, tactical, or strategic objectives. Pakistan’s air defence systems, armed forces, and the PAF intercepted and neutralized these threats in a coordinated response.
This Indian offensive has again highlighted the relevance of President Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative (GSI), which promotes international cooperation for peace, human development, and ecological sustainability.
CPEC is a practical embodiment of the GSI, with China and Pakistan spearheading regional integration and inviting Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asian nations to join.
The GSI aims to address global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and cyber threats through joint planning and mutual benefit—moving away from zero-sum approaches.
India, as a self-proclaimed regional enforcer, has hindered CPEC by supporting terrorist outfits like the BLA and TTP, targeting Chinese nationals, and disrupting infrastructure progress.
In response, Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan-e-Marsoos has dealt a heavy blow to the strategic designs of India’s intelligence leadership—including RAW chief Ravi Sinha and NSA Ajit Doval—reasserting Pakistan’s control and securing CPEC.
The Global Security Initiative is now a regional milestone of Pak-China brotherhood, countering Indian belligerence and establishing a new security norm in South Asia.
This is a moral and strategic victory for peaceful development projects led by China and Pakistan, championing global equity, sustainable growth, and human dignity.
India’s willingness to negotiate in a neutral third country reflects its declining leverage, though it continues to ignore Pakistan’s legitimate concerns on Kashmir (Article 370-A), the Indus Water Treaty, and cross-border violations.
THE WAY FORWARD
CPEC stands for smart economy, smart technologies, and smart living. Given India’s antagonism, it is high time for Pakistani policymakers to seek greater investment, knowledge exchange, and human capital from China—and to accelerate Iran and Afghanistan’s inclusion in the BRI-CPEC framework.
Strengthening cooperation in digitalization, AI, robotics, quantum tech, and humanized systems will secure Pakistan’s economic future under CPEC Phase II.
Further collaboration should span science, space, 6G, electronic and modern warfare, satellite jamming, nuclear-powered drones, hybrid agriculture, and human development—countering external threats, especially those emanating from India.
Pak-China strategic ties must deepen in next-gen defence technologies like stealth aircraft, unmanned submarines, supersonic missiles, and space systems to deter any future hostility to BRI and CPEC.
However, this vision depends on sustained engagement with Iran and Afghanistan. By promoting regional trade, joint connectivity, and counter-terrorism mechanisms, Pakistan can curb India-funded militant groups and unlock economic prosperity for all three Muslim-majority neighbors.
At its core, India’s enmity towards regional Muslim unity reflects a broader pattern. But through CPEC, Pakistan can chart a new course—one based on cooperation, resilience, and shared progress.
The author is former Joint Director General Intelligence Bureau, Govt. of Pakistan and a geo-political analyst.