HYDERABAD: Spea­kers at an international conference believed that there was a need to align infrastructure expansion with regional connectivity, long-term economic planning and food security.

It was also highlighted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) should be advanced as a people-centric and agriculture-friendly initiative.

They were addressing a two-day international conference on “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Achievements, Challenges and Way Forward” in Sindh University (SU). It was organised by Sindh University’s Area Study Centre in collaboration with the Centre for International Strategic Studies Sindh and Sindh Higher Education Commission.

SU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Fateh Mohammad Marri said CPEC was not just a set of road connections and energy projects but a transformative structure that would strengthen Pakistan’s economic resilience and food system.

He said improved road infrastructure under CPEC has reduced transportation costs and enabled farmers to access larger markets and minimise their losses and added that Pakistan ought to now concentrate on the second phase of CPEC, particularly on technology transfer, agricultural cooperation and establishment of agro-processing zones. “Food security is no longer just a rural issue but has become a vital component of national security”, he said. He stated that population growth, water scarcity and climate change posed serious threats to sustainable food production.

“Cooperation with China in mechanised farming, seed development and modern irrigation techniques can significantly enhance agricultural productivity”, he said while proposing to expand research partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese universities to address issues such as value chain development, arid zones and water management. “Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can serve as hubs for food processing and export-oriented agriculture”, Dr Marri said. He added that policy continuity, transparency and provincial coordination were vital to fully take in the benefits of CPEC.

President PPP Sindh and Chairman Public Accounts Committee Nisar Khuhro called for the inclusion of Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) in CPEC and said it would improve urban transportation and boost economic activity. “The previous government had sidelined the multi-billion-dollar CPEC project which caused damage to the national economy”, he said.

He added that delays in development projects not only affected infrastructure but also reduced employment opportunities and investor confidence. He alleged that forces opposing development and CPEC wanted to deprive people of progress and prosperity. He said attacks on CPEC and national growth were aimed at keeping the public economically weak and added that sustainable development was vital for national stability.

He expressed concern over the delay in the construction of the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, saying the federal government had yet to start work on the project. “It is a sign of inefficiency”, he said. He urged federal authorities to expedite major infrastructure projects, including the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway.

“Sindh’s survival hinges on water; any attempt to construct new canals on River Indus would be strongly resisted like that of the recent past by the people of the province”, he said. “Our agriculture is the backbone of the province’s economy; water shortages would lead to devastation”, he clarified.

“Federal policies have led to multiple crises and Pakistan is facing shortages of almost everything today”, he said. He compared Pakistan with China and said despite having a population of 1.5bn, there were no reports of flour shortages in China, whereas controlling flour crises had become a challenge for Pakistan’s rulers.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2026