“…Energy projects will solve the power outages and blackout problems of the country, increase the economic activities, and attract foreign investment (Shaikh, Ji, & Fan, ). Several scholars highlighted the benefits of CPEC for Pakistan and China (Ali et al, ; Kanwal, Chong, & Pitafi, ; Raza, Mohiuddin, Zaidi, & Osama, ). Specifically, Ali et al () discussed the local community benefits related to CPEC in terms of education, income, and employment opportunities.…”