Socio-Political Ambivalence In Pakistan: A Resistance To Chinese Hegemony In Backdrop Of China Pakistan Economic Corridor

Abstract

The contrasting orientations and commitments refer to ambivalence which is a simultaneous amalgamation of feelings and perceptions towards and object, person, idea or feeling. It is the explanation of uncertainty and hesitance by the juxtaposition of the contrasting and contradictory expectations, preferences and values. For a common person, the issue of ambivalence is psychologically explained interchangeably used as agitation, indeterminacy, confusion and hesitation in social and political contexts which emerge from the increased interference of contrasting cultures, religious thoughts, philosophies and geographical differences. The causes of ambivalence are predictable and understandable. The volatile experiences also pose conflicting denotations in response to the pressures of the external players. The mutual cooperation between two nations China and Pakistan is important in the wake of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) significant for their social, political and regional cooperation which primarily aim at the notion of a win-win situation for all. It is important to review socio-political ambivalence in the background of CPEC requiring deep understanding and self-reflection. It is the most important project signed by two neighbouring countries which will affect both the countries specially Pakistan manifold. The socio-political development will affect every channel of socio-political paradigm including agriculture, technology, communication, job opportunities, economic prosperity with special concentration to the development of Pakistan for being less developed than China. The friendly ties between both the countries will be stronger than ever regardless of ideological differences as the influx of business and infrastructural growth is stratospheric in its volume which will continue for the generations to come. Although, it asks for challenges which include political insecurity and instability about fields like economy, security and politics. The vision of CPEC must encapsulate regional comprehensiveness instead of bilateral relations. It asks for both resilient and flexible power including energy, infrastructure, transportation, think tanks, strong cooperation, educational exchanges and mass media. This cross-sectional research included 200 respondents from Faisalabad who extended their opinion about the socio-political ambivalence of CPEC in Pakistan. The objective of this research is to assess the general public perception of the ongoing CPEC project for its socio-political ambivalence in Pakistan.