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The Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are an essential component of any country that wants to expand its economic base. These are designated areas in a country that are subject to different economic regulations than other regions, primarily to facilitate and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

Currently, there are three major SEZs in Pakistan; Rashakai SEZ, Dhabeji SEZ, and Allama Iqbal SEZ. The Rashakai SEZ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s Nowshera city spreads over 1,000 acres of land and has attracted about 20 major investors, local and Chinese investors. Under the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBG), the land in this SEZ has been plotted which means any individual can buy any amount of land, signalling real estate transactions. Moreover, there is no set legislation prohibiting the use of this land. As development work is carried out in this area, the land around the SEZ is bound to present one of the highest rates of return on investment because of connectivity, rapid development, and nearby job opportunities.

On the other hand, Allama Iqbal SEZ is already being constructed in Faisalabad, a city known for its textile mills and large businesses. With an SEZ, this city will offer even more employment opportunities to the people, and there will be an influx of people towards the city, meaning an increased demand for housing. Newly-introduced projects like Dawood Heights and Lyallpur Commercial Market have already tantalized the investors with their wide variety of properties on offer. With work underway in Allama Iqbal SEZ, it’s only a matter of time that the real estate industry here will get a boost and with increased demand of housing, witness the popping up off newer projects.

The Government of Sindh has allocated 1530 acres of land to establish Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) in Thatta. This SEZ will be where the new Pakistan Steel Mills be established in close cooperation with China. Construction work is in its early stages and primarily focuses on the construction of steel foundries.

Additionally, nine out of 22 energy projects had been completed, while five mega electricity projects in Thar, Kohala, Azad Pattan and others were in the pipeline. After all of these projects are completed, Pakistan will be able to add 17,000 MW electricity to its national grid, which means it will be producing surplus energy that it can easily export as well.

While these projects were primarily under Phase I of CPEC, they have employed a large number of people, which means that these projects are already helping to improve livelihoods and uplift people’s lifestyles. Of these, hiring of female drivers and miners for the Thar Coal-Fired Power Project is a significant move as it is not only enabling women to earn a better living for themselves, but is also empowering them by lifting their socio-economic status.

Of the 22 energy projects, there are coal-fired power plants, hydropower, and wind-power projects, which will harness the full potential of Pakistan’s renewable energy resources. Moreover, CPEC has the biggest share of the BRI’s total renewable energy budget.

Apart from infrastructure and energy sectors, the CPEC latest news for 2021 centers around the colonization and development of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

According to CPEC latest news and updates, most of the development work has already started and is now nearing completion. The stalled project Orange Line Metro Train in Lahore was also recently launched under the umbrella of CPEC. Moreover, work on Karachi Circular Railway, ML-I is also fast reaching completion.

Other projects in the pipeline include:

• Peshawar-Karachi Motorway (Multan-Sukkur Section)
• KKH Phase II (Thakot -Havelian Section)
• Khuzdar-Basima Road N-30 (110 km)
• Upgradation of D.I.Khan (Yarik) – Zhob, N-50 Phase-I (210 km)
• KKH Thakot-Raikot N35 remaining portion (136 Km)
• Havelian Dry port (450 M. Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units)

The routes which these transportation projects follow, will greatly contribute towards the local economic development. This is because transportation routes mean greater connectivity, greater access to other regions, and helps industries such as agriculture, and especially real estate to expand. As can be seen in most real estate developments across the country, as soon as a main road develops, the property prices of that region significantly go up.

In all of the aforementioned projects, the upgradation of D.I. Khan-Zhob Motorway which is part of the CPEC Western Route is a notable development. As Chairman CPEC Authority, Asim Bajwa highlighted it, this route will bring socio-economic prosperity to the neglected areas of the country. This is a long route, but special importance is being given to D.I Khan-Zhob Motorway as most of the work on this has already been done.

Predicting these significant developments to come in swiftly, the JK&S Developers have introduced D.I. Khan New City which is the first-ever planned residential development in Dera Ismail Khan. This project is located right on the CPEC Western Route and highlights that more such real estate developments will be launched soon.

In Old Lahore, the OLMT cuts right through the congested buildings and is providing the easiest form of transportation in one of the busiest neighbourhoods of Lahore.

ML-I on the other hand is a much larger railway project which will cover the region from Karachi to Peshawar, covering a distance of 1,872 kilometres, and apart from doubling the train track will also rehabilitate and reconstruct old bridges.

Moreover, the Gwadar Port, and the Eastbay Expressway, linking Gwadar to Makran Coastal Highway have been completed and are operational. For the longest time, people have wondered about Gwadar and how that will improve the country’s economy. These developments are significant, especially for real estate developers who, taking advantage of this development will now initiate rapid work on their projects. If you are looking for the safest avenue to park your money in Gwadar, keep an eye out for Canadian City Gwadar.

Overall, some 1,100 kilometer roads had been completed while 850 kilometres were under construction.