The Punjab University (PU) Pakistan Study Centre (PSC) organized an international symposium titled “CPEC and Regional Dynamics,” drawing attention from esteemed scholars and experts to discuss the multifaceted impacts of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

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The event was marked by the participation of distinguished speakers including Dr. Agnieszka Nitza-Makowska and Dr. Kerry Longhurst from Poland, Dr. Iram Naseer of FC College University (FCCU) Lahore, Former Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Humanities Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chawla, and the Director of PSC Prof. Dr. Naumana Kiran. Faculty members and students also attended the symposium, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Dr. Kerry Longhurst highlighted China’s strategic use of soft power, particularly emphasizing the ‘green aspect’ which includes environmental security alongside human security. She pointed out that CPEC plays a crucial role in this strategy as China partners with regional powers to advocate for improved environmental conditions. Dr. Longhurst underscored that China’s focus on environmental initiatives is an integral part of its soft power, enhancing its influence and fostering cooperation in the region.

Dr. Agnieszka Nitza-Makowska elaborated on China’s soft power dynamics within Pakistan, stressing that China’s approach is transformative. She explained that through foreign policy, cultural exchange, and promotion of domestic values, China has effectively built trust and strengthened its presence in Pakistan. According to Dr. Nitza-Makowska, these soft power tools are instrumental in China’s broader strategic aims and significantly impact bilateral relations.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chawla spoke on the broader geopolitical shifts towards multipolarity, with China emerging as a dominant economic power. He noted that China’s interests extend beyond Asia to Europe, highlighting its ambitious economic expansion and the pivotal role of initiatives like CPEC in this global strategy.

Dr. Iram Naseer addressed the theme of regionalism and the transition from integrated empires to interconnected, independent states. She emphasized that CPEC has the potential to significantly alter the geopolitical landscape of the region. Dr. Naseer highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance to China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, particularly in terms of infrastructure development and regional connectivity due to its critical geopolitical position.

Prof. Dr. Naumana Kiran, welcoming the guests and participants, outlined the symposium’s objectives and themes. She emphasized the transformative potential of CPEC in reshaping regional dynamics, stressing the importance of such discussions in understanding and navigating the evolving geopolitical environment.

The symposium fostered a rich dialogue on the strategic, economic, and environmental dimensions of CPEC, highlighting its significant implications for regional dynamics and beyond.

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