The 10th JCC meeting is seen as critical for what is called re-energising CPEC, making the CPEC Long-Term Plan 2017-30 effective. China has set up 12 power plants under CPEC and the repayment of Chinese debt is included in electricity tariffs. Debt payments are due against Kohala hydropower project, Karot hydropower project, Suki Kinari power project, Port Qasim power project, Sahiwal power plant, Hubco power plant and Engro power generation project among others. The provision of security to Chinese nationals and CPEC assets is also included in the agenda of the 10th JCC meeting. The federal government blames Covid-19 for the slow progress on CPEC projects but analysts said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has pushed CPEC on the backburner as a policy.

Source: The Express Tribune September 14, 2021 03:00 UTC