Abstract

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project promising economic development for both nations. Beyond infrastructure, CPEC significantly impacts the social and cultural fabric of Pakistan and China. This paper explores the socio-cultural changes induced by CPEC, focusing on cultural exchanges, social integration, and societal transformations. It highlights the increase in artistic and academic exchange, language learning, and tourism, fostering mutual cultural understanding while addressing challenges like cultural appropriation. The analysis includes the project’s influence on social mobility, migration, and inter-community relations, examining potential exacerbation of social inequalities and concerns about inclusivity. Broader societal transformations, such as changes in urbanization, education, and healthcare, are also scrutinized, particularly within Pakistani communities. The paper assesses the long-term implications for governance, political structures, and environmental sustainability, using multiple qualitative approaches to provide a nuanced examination of CPEC’s socio-cultural impacts on both nations.

Keywords: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Cultural exchange, Social integration, Societal transformation, Pakistan, China