Pakistan Eyes $2bn Support from China Ahead of CPEC Meeting

Focus on Karakoram Highway, ML-1, and East Bay Expressway

Pakistan Eyes $2bn Support from China Ahead of CPEC Meeting


Pakistan has finalised its agenda for the upcoming Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting with China, aiming to secure over $2 billion in financing for critical infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to official sources.

Top priority has been given to the realignment of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) Phase II, the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway track, and the East Bay Expressway. Pakistan has requested $1.5 billion for the KKH Phase II and East Bay Expressway combined, along with $500 million for the Rohri–Multan section of the ML-1 project.

The KKH Phase II realignment alone is projected at approximately Rs500 billion, while the 14-kilometre East Bay Expressway requires more than Rs30 billion. Officials confirmed that China is expected to finance around 85% of the costs for both these projects, highlighting the strategic partnership and commitment to advancing CPEC infrastructure development.