Beyond Legal Harmonization: A Five-Dimensional Legal Interoperability Framework for China-Pakistan Economic Cooperation under CPEC 2.0

Authors

  • Minhas Johar Quaid Azam Law Collage, University of Punjab, Lahore. Email: Minhasjoharjohar@gmail.com
  • Ashiq Hussain Visiting Lecturer, Department of Politics and International Studies, Karakoram International University Gilgit Baltistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v4i1.2616

Abstract

China-Pakistan mutual cooperation under CPEC 2.0 will go beyond transportation and energy sector. It now extends its scope to industry and technology, agriculture, minerals, digital activity and human development. By way of this expansion, there is more interaction between various laws, regulations, documents, and remedies. Full harmonisation seems attractive but it could be unnecessarily costly to the constitutional and political processes. Interoperability is used to create this more proportionate model; systems can interoperate without being the same. The proposed framework has five interrelated dimensions: Normative, Institutional, Procedural, Interpretive and Dispute-preventive Interoperability. The article uses them in comparison with another and specific illustrations of CPEC 2.0 in Dr. Akthar Farooki's doctrinal perspective. Sost reveals problems of documentation, taxation, customs, companies, and forum. Rashakai illustrates how an operating economic zone brings together investors and various approval processes. Diamer provides an illustrative diagram that compares the level of infrastructure, compensation and multi-level administration. A proposed mining venture is subjected to licensing, environmental review, access to land and community complaints. Images of comprehensive and detailed regulatory mapping, coordinated legal information in both languages, and the necessary stages of recognition, consultation and escalation, are suggested. It is also measures includes measurable indicators that can be tested empirically in later on; the framework recognizes domestic authority and judicial review. It contributes with a practical approach to the design of interfaces between different legal orders. There could be other bilateral corridors in need that require the same treatment.

Abstract: The Chinese Government has recently embraced a second phase of the China–Pakistan Economic Cooperation Project (CPEC), titled CPEC 2.0. The Chinese Government has recently welcomed a second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Cooperation Project (CPEC), the CPEC 2.0.

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Published

28-03-2026

How to Cite

Johar, M., & Hussain, A. (2026). Beyond Legal Harmonization: A Five-Dimensional Legal Interoperability Framework for China-Pakistan Economic Cooperation under CPEC 2.0. Social Science Review Archives, 4(1), 7465–7498. https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v4i1.2616