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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).