Purpose Human-induced changes in climate have affected the environment to the extent that any more economic development at the cost of the environment will be too costly. Thus, sustainable development options posing no additional harm to the environment are the only viable option. This study aims to examine the likely environmental impacts of infrastructural developments through the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Design/methodology/approach There is a scarcity of academic debate and discussion on the environmental impact of CPEC developments in laws and policies on the environment. The qualitative approach is followed in this study and official documents and reports are used to investigate the environmental challenges posed by CPEC. Findings The findings show three possible environmental concerns which could increase the climate change vulnerability of Pakistan. The coal-fired power plants are the most prominent threat based on their CO2 contributions and smog. Second, cutting more than 54,000 trees for roads infrastructure will increase CO2 concentration along the CPEC route. Third, increasing vehicle trafficking by up to 7,000 trucks per day on Karakorum Highway alone will release 36.5 million tons of additional CO2. Originality/value It is essential to rethink the environmental cost of CPEC. The study suggests economic and legal cooperation between Pakistan and China as a way forward to deal with climate change issues. Environmental laws should be a vital part of CPEC projects to ensure their safety, security and sustainability.

During the last two decades, there has been an alarming increase in intolerance and radicalization in the country. Both State institutions and countrymen are vulnerable to its impacts. Regarding violent extremism, it is thought that South Punjab is majorly responsible for recruiting militants into violent extremist organizations. Countries like Pakistan, where the poverty rate is high and young men do not find means of livelihood and are forced to join militant groups. In Southern Punjab districts, 39% of inhabitants are below the poverty line. For addressing this, the government took initiatives for poverty alleviation, Southern Punjab Poverty Alleviation Programme (SPPAP). The project aimed to reduce poverty and assimilate poor people into the circle of collective development. The article also discusses the steps taken by numerous developed states highlights and the challenges faced by Pakistan. The study adopted a qualitative approach (i.e. using the existing body of literature-books, newspapers, and journal articles to draw conclusion). Findings reveal that in order to resolve the problem of poverty as well as extremism, the government needs to address the issues related to gender differences, unskilled labor, climate change, and infrastructure.