In conversation with Tilak Devasher, author of 'Pakistan: Courting the Abyss'

Mumbai, April 19, 2017: Gateway House: Indian Council on Global Relations, Mumbai, hosted a discussion on Pakistan’s internal conflicts and the India-Pakistan bilateral with Tilak Devasher, author of Pakistan: Courting the Abyss.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was discussed in some detail. The current level of Chinese investment in CPEC has reached $62 billion. Devasher explained that this partnership was "mutually beneficial for both countries to keep India in check". However, he said, China's view of Pakistan is becoming "very cynical" given the delay in execution of these projects. He added that it will take Pakistan approximately "$3.5 billion dollars every year for 30 years to repay the Chinese loan" for the CPEC.

Pakistan is not in the same economic footing as China and therefore, said Devasher, "Pakistan needs to ask itself whether the keys to heaven have actually fallen in its lap".

The meeting concluded on the note that Pakistan is faced with a challenge to bring about change. Devasher stated that, "There are voices within Pakistan that understand the urgent need for change, but the space for them is shrinking".