Pakistan has launched parallel initiatives under CPEC Phase-II, SPU Reforms to Secure Growth, combining stronger security with economic transformation. The Punjab Special Protection Unit (SPU) is being reorganised, while five new CPEC corridors are set to reshape development.
SPU Reforms for Security and Growth
During his visit to SPU Headquarters in Manawan, Punjab, Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar announced sweeping reforms. The plan, aligned with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision, aims to boost industrial, economic, and tourism activity.
Reorganisation steps include:
Regional SPU offices for better coordination.
Modern training programs and upgraded logistics.
Advanced technology to enhance foreign nationals’ safety.
A new service structure is in place to ensure promotion pathways for SPU personnel.
These reforms prioritise the protection of Chinese citizens and CPEC-linked projects.
CPEC Phase-II: Five New Corridors
At the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting in Beijing, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal formally launched CPEC Phase-II. He said the second phase aligns with Pakistan’s “5Es Framework” (exports, equity, energy, environment, and e-Pakistan).
The five new corridors include:
Growth Corridor: Driving exports, jobs, and industrialisation.
Livelihood Corridor: Reducing poverty and uplifting underdeveloped areas.
Innovation Corridor: Advancing technology and the Pakistan-China digital silk route.
Green Corridor: Strengthening renewable energy and climate resilience.
Regional Connectivity Corridor: Expanding infrastructure links with Afghanistan, Central Asia, and beyond.
Transitioning from government-to-government projects, this phase emphasises business-to-business partnerships, streamlined visas, and facilitation desks for Chinese investors.
Youth, Innovation, and Future Projects
Ahsan Iqbal highlighted youth-driven initiatives, including training 10,000 Pakistani PhD scholars in China’s top universities. Focus areas include AI, engineering, and emerging sciences. Plans also cover:
Joint labs in artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Climate-smart agriculture pilots.
Expanded vocational training programs.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting Chinese nationals, calling them “guests treated like family.” According to him, recent attacks on them were foreign-sponsored attempts to damage bilateral trust.
Transforming the Next Decade
“CPEC’s first decade built infrastructure; the next phase will transform lives,” Iqbal said. Major projects under CPEC Phase-II, SPU Reforms to Secure Growth include:
ML-1 railway modernisation.
Karakoram Highway realignment.
Gwadar port expansion.
A new mineral corridor in Balochistan.
These steps, he stressed, will shape Pakistan’s long-term economic future.
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