Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a Chinese delegation led by Vice Minister Sun Haiyan on 15 January 2026, stressing timely completion of CPEC II to strengthen economic ties. The talks at PM House focused on advancing the corridor’s next phase amid ongoing high-level exchanges.
The meeting underscores Pakistan’s push for enhanced cooperation with China. As South Asia grapples with economic challenges, CPEC II promises infrastructure upgrades and industrial growth, vital for regional stability and trade.
PM Shehbaz CPEC Talks Highlight Urgency
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the One China Policy during the discussions. He lauded China’s support through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and emphasised the need for timely completion of CPEC.
The delegation from the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China arrived amid celebrations of 75 years of diplomatic relations. PM Shehbaz noted recent visits by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to Beijing and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Shanghai. He also mentioned the upcoming trip by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to China.
A Prime Minister’s Office release stated that Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping for a visit to Pakistan in 2026. This aligns with efforts to accelerate CPEC phase 2 projects.
Vice Minister Sun Haiyan expressed China’s dedication to deepening ties across sectors. The exchange highlighted mutual interests in economic development.
Timely Completion CPEC: Key Projects in Focus
Officials discussed advancing CPEC II initiatives. The corridor’s second phase shifts emphasis to industrial cooperation, special economic zones, and technology transfer.
Data from the CPEC Secretariat shows that phase one delivered over 20 projects worth USD 25 billion, including energy and transport infrastructure. CPEC II aims to build on this with agriculture modernisation and green energy.
In a September 2025 meeting, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal met China’s National Development and Reform Commission Chairman Zheng Shanjie. They agreed on frameworks for CPEC phase 2, including the Action Plan for 2025-2029.
PM Shehbaz’s call for timely completion CPEC echoes earlier statements. During his September 2025 visit to Beijing, he met Premier Li Qiang and discussed expediting ongoing works.
The 14th Joint Cooperation Committee meeting in Beijing on 26 September 2025 reviewed progress. It approved measures for faster implementation of CPEC II elements like the Main Line-1 railway upgrade and Karachi Circular Railway.
Gwadar Port, a flagship under CPEC, has seen recent completions. The Suki Kinari Hydropower Project marked its first anniversary in September 2025, adding 884 MW to Pakistan’s grid.
Background on CPEC Evolution
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor launched in 2013 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Phase one focused on energy and roads, alleviating Pakistan’s power shortages and connecting Gwadar to Kashgar.
By 2025, CPEC contributed to 7000 MW of electricity and over 800 km of highways. Economic impacts include job creation for 200000 Pakistanis and boosted GDP growth by 2 per cent annually, per government estimates.
Transition to CPEC phase 2 began in 2023. PM Shehbaz Sharif declared Pakistan ready for this upgrade during a 2023 event, emphasising business-to-business ties.
A 2024 agreement between leaders confirmed CPEC II’s framework. It prioritises high-quality development, with investments projected at USD 10 billion in the next five years.
Challenges include security concerns and funding delays. Recent measures, like enhanced protection for Chinese workers, aim to ensure timely completion CPEC.
South Asia benefits from CPEC II through potential trade routes. Neighbouring countries like Afghanistan and Iran could integrate, fostering regional connectivity.
What’s Next for CPEC II
Future steps include the first post-14th JCC review, held in Islamabad on 8 October 2025. It outlined timelines for priority projects.
PM Shehbaz CPEC agenda may advance with Xi Jinping’s potential visit. Experts anticipate announcements on new zones in Punjab and Sindh.
The government targets completion of key CPEC phase 2 segments by 2030, aligning with Vision 2025 goals. Monitoring committees will track progress quarterly.
Timely completion CPEC remains crucial for Pakistan’s export-led growth. As talks progress, CPEC II could transform South Asia’s economic landscape.
Pakistan and China continue to prioritise CPEC II for mutual prosperity.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 16th, 2026
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
