CPEC and the Delivery of Public Goods in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

This chapter examines the impact of the Kohala Hydropower ProjectKohala Hydropower Project on local communities. However, it starts with an analysis of the impact that the Neelum Jhelum Hydroelectric ProjectNeelum Jhelum Hydroelectric Project (NJHP), which is not part of CPEC but one of the biggest Chinese initiatives in Pakistan in the energy sector. The study finds resentment among the local communities towards Kohala Hydropower Project due to the associated environmental and economic challenges. The locals were not convinced of the benefits of NJHP, hence apprehensive of the Kohala Hydropower project with minimum possible impact on SDGs 3, 4 and 8.