To provide safety to Chinese nationals working on the CPEC projects in Pakistan, both countries have agreed to provide bullet-proof vehicles for all outdoor movement.&nbsp;

The $60 billion project, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connects Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uygur region of northwest China with Pakistan's Gwadar port on the Arabian sea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/reports-cash-crunched-pakistan-to-get-an-additional-usd-13-billion-from-china-and-saudi-arabia-531451">Also read |&nbsp;Reports: Cash-crunched Pakistan to get an additional $13 billion from China and Saudi Arabia</a>

According to the Express Tribune, both Pakistan and China have also agreed to increase the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in Pakistan and investigators citing the draft minutes of the 11th Joint Cooperation Committee.&nbsp;

This is one of Chinese President Xi Jinping's favourite projects but progress on this was a bit difficult due to security concerns of the Chinese workers. Addressing&nbsp;the ties between the countries, Xi last week expressed his deep concern for Chinese nationals working on the CPEC project and asked for a safe and reliable environment for them.&nbsp;

The draft minutes cited that China has agreed to donate security-related gear to help Pakistan's agencies to build the development. The Asian country has pledged all support for Pakistan, including providing private security guards and staff for enforcement agencies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-jinping-meets-paks-shehbaz-sharif-both-agree-to-revitalise-cpec-projects-530517">Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;China’s Xi Jinping meets Pak’s Shehbaz Sharif, both agree to revitalise CPEC projects</a>

The National Forensic Science Agency (NSFA) would be constructed in order to hasten the investigation into crimes involving Chinese nationals. According to some insiders, China has also requested Pakistan to allow its security officers to safeguard Chinese nationals due to Chinese workers being frequently targeted. &nbsp;For this, both parties agreed&nbsp;on the establishment of a Joint Technical Expert Working Group (JTEWG) for security operations amid&nbsp;rising terrorism attacks.

However, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment in maintaining the tax and tariff policies staff, the draft revealed that the country has not been able to pay its taxes, while China remains stance on its demand asking Pakistan to timely pay its debt.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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To provide safety to Chinese nationals working on the CPEC projects in Pakistan, both countries have agreed to provide bullet-proof vehicles for all outdoor movement.

To provide safety to Chinese nationals working on the CPEC projects in Pakistan, both countries have agreed to provide bullet-proof vehicles for all outdoor movement. The $60 billion project, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connects Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uygur region of northwest China with Pakistan's Gwadar port on the Arabian sea. Also read | Reports: Cash-crunched Pakistan to get an additional $13 billion from China and Saudi Arabia According to the Express Tribune, both Pakistan and China have also agreed to increase the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in Pakistan and investigators citing the draft minutes of the 11th Joint Cooperation Committee. This is one of Chinese President Xi Jinping's favourite projects but progress on this was a bit difficult due to security concerns of the Chinese workers. Addressing the ties between the countries, Xi last week expressed his deep concern for Chinese nationals working on the CPEC project and asked for a safe and reliable environment for them. The draft minutes cited that China has agreed to donate security-related gear to help Pakistan's agencies to build the development. The Asian country has pledged all support for Pakistan, including providing private security guards and staff for enforcement agencies. Also read | China’s Xi Jinping meets Pak’s Shehbaz Sharif, both agree to revitalise CPEC projects The National Forensic Science Agency (NSFA) would be constructed in order to hasten the investigation into crimes involving Chinese nationals. According to some insiders, China has also requested Pakistan to allow its security officers to safeguard Chinese nationals due to Chinese workers being frequently targeted. For this, both parties agreed on the establishment of a Joint Technical Expert Working Group (JTEWG) for security operations amid rising terrorism attacks. However, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment in maintaining the tax and tariff policies staff, the draft revealed that the country has not been able to pay its taxes, while China remains stance on its demand asking Pakistan to timely pay its debt. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid security concerns, Chinese officials in Pakistan to get bullet-proof vehicles, says report 

Over a month after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-baradar-appears-in-video-refutes-reports-of-him-getting-hurt-413396">Taliban</a> entered Kabul, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told a US television channel that the&nbsp;group should be given more time on human rights while adding that Afghan women "will get their rights".

He also sought to defend the Haqqanis, the dreaded terror network, describing them as tribals.&nbsp;Haqqanis, he said are a 'Pashtun tribe living in Afghanistan. They were Mujahideen who were fighting the Soviets. They were born in a Pakistani refugee camp.

The Pakistan prime minister, speaking to CNN, took a dig at US President Joe Biden for not calling him yet, saying,&nbsp;"I would imagine he's very busy", while discussing the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Khan said the US-Pakistan ties are&nbsp;not "dependent on a phone call", describing it as a "multidimensional relationship".

Khan claimed Pakistan was being used as a "hired gun" during the war in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-girls-football-players-fled-taliban-rule-for-pakistan-413338">Afghanistan</a> and was&nbsp;"supposed to make the US" win, but it was unsuccessful.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-lawmakers-pressure-biden-to-punish-pakistan-413359/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His comments come even as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told US lawmakers that the Biden administration is reassessing its relationship with Pakistan.

Blinken had said Pakistan was constantly "hedging" its bets on Afghanistan, however, Khan called the comments "ignorant".

The Pakistan prime minister also refuted claims of "safe havens" for terrorists in the country, asking: "What are these safe havens?"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/odd-man-out-taliban-leader-mullah-abdul-ghani-baradar-is-among-time-magazines-list-of-100-most-influential-people-413408">Also Read: Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is among Time Magazine’s list of 100 most influential people</a>

The Pakistan prime minister said the Afghan border had the "heaviest surveillance by US drones" and that the US authorities would have known about the safe havens. The Pakistan PM said there were "480 drone attacks by the US in Pakistan" which he said was the "only time a country has been attacked by its ally".

Khan claimed in the interview that "Afghanistan could have peace after 40 years" if the Taliban work towards an "inclusive government" and "get all the factions together", however, he cautioned that if it went wrong it would trigger a humanitarian crisis resulting in a refugee problem for Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/arms-trade-and-terror-how-the-pakistan-afghanistan-china-link-was-established-decades-ago-412566">In Pics:&nbsp;How the Pakistan-Afghanistan-China link was established decades ago</a>

The Pakistan prime minister added the best way to deal with the Taliban was to "engage" with the group and "incentivise" them on women's rights and inclusive government. Imran asserted that a "puppet government" will not be supported by Afghans while calling for international aid for the country.

As Afghanistan struggles to get international aid after Western countries left the country last month, the Pakistan PM said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-fighters-have-little-food-to-eat-havent-received-any-money-in-months-report-413170">Taliban</a> should be "pushed" in the right direction.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Over a month after the Taliban entered Kabul, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told a US television channel that the group should be given more time on human rights while adding that Afghan women "will get their rights".

Over a month after the Taliban entered Kabul, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told a US television channel that the group should be given more time on human rights while adding that Afghan women "will get their rights". He also sought to defend the Haqqanis, the dreaded terror network, describing them as tribals. Haqqanis, he said are a 'Pashtun tribe living in Afghanistan. They were Mujahideen who were fighting the Soviets. They were born in a Pakistani refugee camp. The Pakistan prime minister, speaking to CNN, took a dig at US President Joe Biden for not calling him yet, saying, "I would imagine he's very busy", while discussing the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Khan said the US-Pakistan ties are not "dependent on a phone call", describing it as a "multidimensional relationship". Khan claimed Pakistan was being used as a "hired gun" during the war in Afghanistan and was "supposed to make the US" win, but it was unsuccessful. Watch: His comments come even as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told US lawmakers that the Biden administration is reassessing its relationship with Pakistan. Blinken had said Pakistan was constantly "hedging" its bets on Afghanistan, however, Khan called the comments "ignorant". The Pakistan prime minister also refuted claims of "safe havens" for terrorists in the country, asking: "What are these safe havens?" Also Read: Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is among Time Magazine’s list of 100 most influential people The Pakistan prime minister said the Afghan border had the "heaviest surveillance by US drones" and that the US authorities would have known about the safe havens. The Pakistan PM said there were "480 drone attacks by the US in Pakistan" which he said was the "only time a country has been attacked by its ally". Khan claimed in the interview that "Afghanistan could have peace after 40 years" if the Taliban work towards an "inclusive government" and "get all the factions together", however, he cautioned that if it went wrong it would trigger a humanitarian crisis resulting in a refugee problem for Pakistan. In Pics: How the Pakistan-Afghanistan-China link was established decades ago The Pakistan prime minister added the best way to deal with the Taliban was to "engage" with the group and "incentivise" them on women's rights and inclusive government. Imran asserted that a "puppet government" will not be supported by Afghans while calling for international aid for the country. As Afghanistan struggles to get international aid after Western countries left the country last month, the Pakistan PM said the Taliban should be "pushed" in the right direction. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Give them time': Imran Khan defends Taliban again, terms Haqqani terror network a tribal group

America's top diplomat in South Asia Alice Wells just stopped short of calling China a loan shark today. In a message to China, the US said take some pity on Pakistan and, stop the "unfair and predatory" lending.

America has criticised China of crippling Pakistan with multi-billion dollar loans which would keep Pakistan in servitude to China not for years, but for decades.

The corruption-shrouded China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC) has become a big flashpoint.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-china-clash-over-paks-debt-crisis-300494/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Alice Wells, the United States' point person in South Asia enumerated America's concerns over the CPEC connected projects.

Firstly, there is no transparency as it is the case with China's shenanigans, secondly, unfair profits to Chinese firms. Recently, Chinese power companies scammed Pakistan of&nbsp;$680 million. Chinese investments under CPEC is valued at over $60 billion.

It is not the first time Alice Wells has warned that China's friendly loans to Pakistan are a debt-trap. In four to six years when the repayments for these loans begin, Pakistan may have to empty its coffers each time an interest payment is due to China.

Pakistan will not able to help itself, so, Alice Wells said China must either waive debt or renegotiate the loans and&nbsp;create a fair and transparent deal for the Pakistan&nbsp;people.

However, it seems Pakistan and China have written a response together to the criticisms over a con-call.

Both countries said it is an "all-weather friendship", the timing is just right with the two countries celebrating the anniversary of 69 years of friendship.

From Pakistan's standpoint, Alice Wells' comments on Pakistan's debt obligations are contrary to the facts. Pakistan claims that total public debt relating to CPEC projects is less than even 10 per cent of the total debt.

It comes with a maturity period of 20 years meaning there is&nbsp;no need to payback China right away. Pakistan was quick to reiterate the terms of the deal perhaps, it is too big a burden to talk about in public and the US is too big a power to offend.

On the other hand, China's response was characteristic -&nbsp;it called Alice Wells irresponsible, her speech totally baseless and just a repetition of her same old tune&nbsp;after that followed the mention of the "all-weather relationship" with Pakistan.&nbsp;

In its defence, China said it will never force Pakistan to pay back the debts and China’s loans have no strings attached.

Recently, the G20 members had adopted a debt service suspension initiative for the poorest countries, China says it supported Pakistan to be included and is ready to provide relief, then, China listed its contribution in helping Pakistan.

The release said since its implementation, the CPEC has brought $25 billion in direct investment&nbsp;and created more than 75,000 jobs for Pakistan. China has been the major source of FDI for Pakistan in the past five consecutive years. It indirectly accused America of not doing enough to help Pakistan.

The US foreign direct investment was just over $1 billion dollars between 2012 and 2019. In the end, China said we need no teachers, especially a teacher like the USA.

America's top diplomat in South Asia Alice Wells just stopped short of calling China a loan shark today. In a message to China, the US said take some pity on Pakistan and, stop the "unfair and predatory" lending.

America's top diplomat in South Asia Alice Wells just stopped short of calling China a loan shark today. In a message to China, the US said take some pity on Pakistan and, stop the "unfair and predatory" lending. America has criticised China of crippling Pakistan with multi-billion dollar loans which would keep Pakistan in servitude to China not for years, but for decades. The corruption-shrouded China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC) has become a big flashpoint. Alice Wells, the United States' point person in South Asia enumerated America's concerns over the CPEC connected projects. Firstly, there is no transparency as it is the case with China's shenanigans, secondly, unfair profits to Chinese firms. Recently, Chinese power companies scammed Pakistan of $680 million. Chinese investments under CPEC is valued at over $60 billion. It is not the first time Alice Wells has warned that China's friendly loans to Pakistan are a debt-trap. In four to six years when the repayments for these loans begin, Pakistan may have to empty its coffers each time an interest payment is due to China. Pakistan will not able to help itself, so, Alice Wells said China must either waive debt or renegotiate the loans and create a fair and transparent deal for the Pakistan people. However, it seems Pakistan and China have written a response together to the criticisms over a con-call. Both countries said it is an "all-weather friendship", the timing is just right with the two countries celebrating the anniversary of 69 years of friendship. From Pakistan's standpoint, Alice Wells' comments on Pakistan's debt obligations are contrary to the facts. Pakistan claims that total public debt relating to CPEC projects is less than even 10 per cent of the total debt. It comes with a maturity period of 20 years meaning there is no need to payback China right away. Pakistan was quick to reiterate the terms of the deal perhaps, it is too big a burden to talk about in public and the US is too big a power to offend. On the other hand, China's response was characteristic - it called Alice Wells irresponsible, her speech totally baseless and just a repetition of her same old tune after that followed the mention of the "all-weather relationship" with Pakistan. In its defence, China said it will never force Pakistan to pay back the debts and China’s loans have no strings attached. Recently, the G20 members had adopted a debt service suspension initiative for the poorest countries, China says it supported Pakistan to be included and is ready to provide relief, then, China listed its contribution in helping Pakistan. The release said since its implementation, the CPEC has brought $25 billion in direct investment and created more than 75,000 jobs for Pakistan. China has been the major source of FDI for Pakistan in the past five consecutive years. It indirectly accused America of not doing enough to help Pakistan. The US foreign direct investment was just over $1 billion dollars between 2012 and 2019. In the end, China said we need no teachers, especially a teacher like the USA.

After US attack, Pakistan, China defend CPEC project

Seeking to prevent any intrusion of aircraft through the mountainous borders with Pakistan and China, the Defence Ministry is set to discuss a proposal to acquire two regiments of the Akash Prime missiles which can be deployed in high altitude areas above 15,000 feet.

The new Akash missiles which will have an extended performance range than its predecessors are being prepared to be deployed in high altitude areas in Ladakh which shares boundaries with both Pakistan and China.

"The Defence Ministry is scheduled to consider the Army proposal worth around Rs 10,000 crore for acquiring two regiments of the Akash Prime or extended performance Akash missiles. The Akash Prime Missile is an upgraded version of the missile system already existing in the Army," government sources told ANI.

The proposal would be discussed at the meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council scheduled to be held today after the return of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and Defence Minister from Ladakh.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Col Chewang Rinchen Bridge built between Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;

The Akash missile system has been developed in India by DRDO and has proven to be highly successful in the defence forces. The Army already has two regiments of the missile and is looking to add two more for deployment on Pakistan and China border. &nbsp;

Even though the Army is facing minor issues with servicing of the system due to involvement of two production agencies including the Bharat Electronics Limited and the Bharat Dynamics Limited, it is generally happy with missile`s performance.

The present order of two regiments was earlier to be given to foreign vendors but the Narendra Modi government decided in favour of `Make in India` in defence.

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the project for the Air Force to buy seven squadrons of the surface to air missile.

During an exercise in Surya Lanka held last year, the Akash missile system was tested along with all other air defence missiles including Israeli ones in the Indian Air Force inventory and it came out as the best performer.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had successfully test-fired AKASH-MK-1S, the surface to air missile from ITR, Chandipur, Odhisa on May 25 and 27 this year. Akash Mk1S is an upgrade of existing AKASH missile with indigenous Seeker.

Seeking to prevent any intrusion of aircraft through the mountainous borders with Pakistan and China, the Defence Ministry is set to discuss a proposal to acquire two regiments of the Akash Prime missiles which can be deployed in high altitude areas above 15,000 feet.

Seeking to prevent any intrusion of aircraft through the mountainous borders with Pakistan and China, the Defence Ministry is set to discuss a proposal to acquire two regiments of the Akash Prime missiles which can be deployed in high altitude areas above 15,000 feet. The new Akash missiles which will have an extended performance range than its predecessors are being prepared to be deployed in high altitude areas in Ladakh which shares boundaries with both Pakistan and China. "The Defence Ministry is scheduled to consider the Army proposal worth around Rs 10,000 crore for acquiring two regiments of the Akash Prime or extended performance Akash missiles. The Akash Prime Missile is an upgraded version of the missile system already existing in the Army," government sources told ANI. The proposal would be discussed at the meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council scheduled to be held today after the return of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and Defence Minister from Ladakh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Col Chewang Rinchen Bridge built between Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. The Akash missile system has been developed in India by DRDO and has proven to be highly successful in the defence forces. The Army already has two regiments of the missile and is looking to add two more for deployment on Pakistan and China border. Even though the Army is facing minor issues with servicing of the system due to involvement of two production agencies including the Bharat Electronics Limited and the Bharat Dynamics Limited, it is generally happy with missile`s performance. The present order of two regiments was earlier to be given to foreign vendors but the Narendra Modi government decided in favour of `Make in India` in defence. Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the project for the Air Force to buy seven squadrons of the surface to air missile. During an exercise in Surya Lanka held last year, the Akash missile system was tested along with all other air defence missiles including Israeli ones in the Indian Air Force inventory and it came out as the best performer. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had successfully test-fired AKASH-MK-1S, the surface to air missile from ITR, Chandipur, Odhisa on May 25 and 27 this year. Akash Mk1S is an upgrade of existing AKASH missile with indigenous Seeker.

Defence Ministry to decide on Army's Rs 10,000 crore Akash missiles proposal for Pak, China border

The head of the Xinjiang government was quoted as saying by China&rsquo;s official Xinuha news agency on Tuesday that security along the China-Pakistan border would be further tightened &quot;to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving the region illegally in 2017&quot;, according to a report in The Times of India.

Xinjiang Communist Party leaders expressed fears of militants getting training in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and returning to the province to carry out terror attacks.

China is tightening border controls in its northwestern Xinjiang region amid rising terrorism threats, Xinjiang chairman Shohrat Zakir said. He was speaking at the regional People&#39;s Congress on Monday.&nbsp;

The statement&nbsp;comes after a raid on Sunday in Xinjiang&#39;s Hotan prefecture in which three terrorists were shot dead for killing five people on December 28.&nbsp;

Xinjiang has been hit by a series of violent attacks in recent years. The authorities have blamed the attacks on Islamist terrorists.&nbsp;

(WION)

Beijing wants 'to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving the region illegally in 2017'

The head of the Xinjiang government was quoted as saying by China’s official Xinuha news agency on Tuesday that security along the China-Pakistan border would be further tightened "to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving the region illegally in 2017", according to a report in The Times of India. Xinjiang Communist Party leaders expressed fears of militants getting training in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and returning to the province to carry out terror attacks. China is tightening border controls in its northwestern Xinjiang region amid rising terrorism threats, Xinjiang chairman Shohrat Zakir said. He was speaking at the regional People's Congress on Monday. The statement comes after a raid on Sunday in Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture in which three terrorists were shot dead for killing five people on December 28. Xinjiang has been hit by a series of violent attacks in recent years. The authorities have blamed the attacks on Islamist terrorists. (WION)

China to seal Pakistan border to tackle terrorism