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Introduction -- The Conceptual Framework Regarding Economic Corridors -- Chinese Motivations -- Pakistani Motivations -- Challenges Towards the Implementation and Functioning of CPEC -- Assessment -- The GSP+ Conundrum and CPEC's Impact on EU-Pakistan Economic and Trade Relations -- Afghanistan within the BRI Vision and the Feasibility of Enlarging the CPEC -- Development versus Democracy? The CPEC and Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan -- Final Thoughts

After weeks of political turmoil, the opposition overthrew the government in Pakistan. In a no-vote of confidence, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan – who used every available means, mostly unconstitutional and illegal, to stay in power – was forced out of office. Opposition leader Mian Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif, President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz/PML-N, member of an influential industrial-political dynasty and staunch critic of Khan, was elected as new PM. […]

Pakistan is witnessing a most severe political crisis, as the government is strongly challenged by both state and society. It is not the first time that Imran Khan, as Pakistan's Prime Minister (PM), is facing severe criticisms; it is not the first time that a wide array of oppositional forces gather to demand his resignation. Short-lived and unstable governments, the army's and secret service's dominant role in the country's decision-making, and a growing leverage by Islamist forces within the institutional-administrative structure are most noteworthy characteristics of Pakistan's political arena. In fact, the ousting of successive ruling administrations 'is as old as Pakistan itself'. According to observers, almost all political and religious parties were involved in the toppling of governments in the past. PM Khan, too, faces frequent pressure from the opposition, Islamist clerics, and other domestic socio-political actors. […]

Last month, Pakistani Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan was ousted in a parliamentary no-confidence vote, ending several weeks of political crises. Khan had faced public discontent with his mismanagement of the economy and foreign policy – which were combined with a growingly authoritarian style of governance. The removal from office of the former PM – who used every available means, mostly both unconstitutional and illegal, to stay in power – trough parliamentary proceedings was made possible by Supreme Court action. The phenomenon was widely described as 'a step forward for Pakistan's democracy'. Nevertheless, there is a common understanding among experts that the army top brass played a crucial role in toppling Khan's government. It is argued that Khan - who initially enjoyed much goodwill – ended up losing support by the military leadership. […]