Gilgit-Baltistan Gets $300M CPEC Projects Under Phase II

Pakistan and China have officially opened a new chapter of cooperation under CPEC Phase II, with special focus on high-quality, inclusive projects and the development of Gilgit-Baltistan as a key gateway to the corridor. The 14th meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) was inaugurated in Beijing, where Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal outlined the roadmap.

During the session, the Minister shared that CPEC Phase I brought $18 billion in energy projects, generating 8,000 MW for Pakistan’s grid, along with 888 km of highways, major upgrades to railways, and significant progress in Gwadar’s transformation. Now, Phase II aims to move beyond infrastructure and energy to focus on exports, innovation, youth development, and green growth.

For Gilgit-Baltistan, Ahsan Iqbal announced a 300 MW solar project to tackle chronic power shortages of up to 20 hours daily. The region will also benefit from the planned Thakot–Raikot Karakoram Highway realignment, enhancing connectivity with China, as well as digital backbone projects to position Pakistan as a regional hub.

Future plans include youth scholarships in advanced sciences, the creation of innovation centers, new special economic zones, and agricultural modernization through hybrid seeds and cold-chain logistics. Pakistan also proposed joint research in AI, robotics, and renewable technologies under the Pakistan–China Digital Silk Road initiative.

With $8.5 billion worth of investment MoUs already signed between private firms of both countries, Phase II is set to be more business-driven, focusing on job creation and export-led growth. The JCC is expected to finalize decisions within weeks, aligning Pakistan’s future economic strategy with regional connectivity goals.

Key Gilgit-Baltistan & CPEC Projects