Experts call for growing trade with energy-rich Central Asian countries through CPEC

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Experts at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) emphasized the need for a proactive approach to counter negative media propaganda against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Dr. Yasir Masroor highlighted that the negative narrative aims to create misperceptions and entangle Pakistan in a geostrategic quagmire, urging the government to move beyond a reactive stance. Ehtisam ul Haq suggested using social media to showcase CPEC’s success stories, while Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan called for increased engagement with international media to neutralize misconceptions. Dr. Talat Shabbir and IRS President Jauhar Saleem stressed the importance of combating misinformation and promoting CPEC’s contributions to Pakistan’s economy through a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders, including China.