Unpacking the Paradox: Exploring the Knowledge-Attitude-Perception (KAP) and Trust of the Local Community Towards CPEC

This study explores the factors influencing community engagement and their impact on the perceived benefits and negative consequences of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) among residents of Pakistan's Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) provinces. Based on the stakeholder theory, the study examines the Knowledge-Attitude-Perception (KAP) model of CPEC and the trust of the local people in the CPEC authorities. The research used a survey method, receiving responses from 232 participants. Data analysis was done using PLS-SEM. The analysis indicates that the level of CE influences the perceived benefits and negative impacts of CPEC. This study finds that the level of CE among residents is positively and significantly related to the attitudes and knowledge of residents about CPEC. However, residents' perceptions of CPEC and trust in its authorities have a significant but weak relationship with CE. The research also indicates that through mediation, CE has a significant favorable influence on perceived benefits but a negative influence on the perceived negative impact of development on residents. On the other hand, CE has a positive but marginal effect on the residents' perceived benefits and trust in authorities and a negative yet marginal on the residents' perceived negative impacts.