Effects Of China-Pakistan Energy Cooperation On Poverty Reduction In Pakistan

Abstract

In developing countries like Pakistan, an affordable, reliable, unimpeded, and sustainable supply of energy is a fundamental prerequisite for poverty reduction, increased investment and economic prosperity. Energy poverty has assumed great significance and captured the growing attention of researchers and policy-makers owing to its strong linkages with[1] economic poverty. This study aims to explore the impact of the energy crisis on the people and economy of Pakistan. This paper is an effort to investigate how the Sino-Pak energy collaboration through the mega project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will impact poverty reduction in Pakistan. It further explores the avenues of energy cooperation between China and Pakistan by realizing the conventional and non-conventional energy potentials of Pakistan. CPEC, a flagship project of the BRI, is supposed to play a vital role in this transition and expects to redress the economic woes of partaking countries. The findings indicate an inherent link between energy and economic prosperity of a country. Energy being one of the top priorities of CPEC, this mega project has strong potential to redress the energy issues of both China and Pakistan that will bring economic prosperity and reduce poverty in Pakistan.