The anti-China chorus is growing in Pakistan as CPEC irks Pakistani separatist groups. The recent blast that rocked Karachi University claimed the lives of three Chinese nationals.

Anti-China chorus grows in Pakistan: CPEC irks Pakistani separatist groups

Pakistan has perhaps not faced such humiliation and embarrassment in recent times as when serious questions were raised over the ambassador-designate to the US, Masood Khan who is awaiting clearance from the US State Dept before his posting. Humiliation is a strong word of expression but it’s being used here with reference to the context in view of grave allegations levelled against the Pakistan diplomat for his close terror links.&nbsp;

Things got heated up in the last one week as Scott Perry, member of US Congress representing 10th district Pennsylvania, wrote a letter to President Joe Biden asking to reject the appointment of Masood Khan for his connections with the terror groups and terrorists. Exposing the ambassador designate’s profile, Perry listed out specific cases of complicity of the Pakistani diplomat. These inter alia include his proactive proximity to the dreaded terror outfit Hizbul Mujahdeen (HuM) in stark and unsettling terms.

Nomination of such a tainted Pakistani diplomat at the express behest of Prime Minister Imran Khan knowing fully well that Masood Khan is linked to the terrorists and had been encouraging terrorists to target the US reflects the malafides of the ambassador-designate and the extent of contempt that Pakistan holds for the US.&nbsp;

There is sufficient evidence to suggest that Masood Khan has been abetting youth in Kashmir for radicalization and exhorting them to take up arms to hit out at the security forces. There is also ample evidence on record that in 2017, Masood Khan had castigated the US for designating the HuM leader for sanctions terming them as unjustifiable.&nbsp;

Later in 2019, he collaborated with Fazlul Rahman Khalil by appearing with him on the issue of Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It may be recalled that Fazlul Rahman is the founder of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen which has already been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation. This outfit and it’s affiliates had active links both with Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Khalil was also a key member of International Islamic Front which had issued a fatwa in 1998 calling for terror offensives on the US.

Further, the allegations include that Masood Khan has perverse attachment to Islamic terrorism and is also supported by the most radicalised Jamat-e-Islami which is actively linked with Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT). The LeT has been linked with the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.&nbsp;

The list of allegations against Masood is endless including the charge that in 2010, he had openly, and most indiscreetly called for the release of mass murderer Aafia Siddiqui and his acts are akin to the actions of a jihadist.

Many points against him surely do not qualify him to be an accepted candidate to become an ambassador in the US and this is well articulated in the letter from Congressman Scott Perry who is vehemently opposing Masood’s posting to Washington.

The letter addressed to President Biden has set the tone in the US government circles, media fraternity and the academia towards building up of a public opinion so that Masood’s appointment is shot down in the larger geo-political and security interests.&nbsp;

Concerned quarters, meanwhile, state that Masood, though a Pashtun by birth, was President of the Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir during which he systematically cultivated Kashmiri terrorists and became radicalised to support them.

This also led him to develop a pathological hatred for the US and, therefore, we see his hate speeches against the US which have never been politically correct or discreet. They were also conspicuously bereft of any diplomatic utterances and instead were more akin to jihadi speeches against the US which now Congressman Perry is bringing up with much hype.

US on its part, seems to be moving cautiously by being indecisive since November last year when Masood Khan’s appointment proposal reached Washington.&nbsp;

It looks like it’s paused for now. Perhaps the US is weighing all the options very carefully as it doesn’t want to dump Pakistan in a lurch specially to attempt and woo it away from the Chinese camp. Hence this delay.

However, it must be borne in mind that Masood Khan held two postings in Beijing. One as a full-fledged Pakistani Ambassador from 2008 to 2012 and earlier as a junior diplomat.&nbsp;

It’s also possible that he is doing things on prompting from China. China and Pakistan enjoy close ties. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) gets overriding priority and China.

Masood Khan’s case under reference may be a test case. US doesn’t seem to be in a hurry and is moving with abundant caution. In whichever case the Masood case, it seems, will not be so simple and easy for the US and Pakistan to put their bilateral ties on the rails which stand more impaired after the US pulled out from Afghanistan in August last year.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Pakistan has perhaps not faced such humiliation and embarrassment in recent times as when serious questions were raised over the ambassador-designate to the US, Masood Khan who is awaiting clearance from the US State Dept before his posting.

Pakistan has perhaps not faced such humiliation and embarrassment in recent times as when serious questions were raised over the ambassador-designate to the US, Masood Khan who is awaiting clearance from the US State Dept before his posting. Humiliation is a strong word of expression but it’s being used here with reference to the context in view of grave allegations levelled against the Pakistan diplomat for his close terror links. Things got heated up in the last one week as Scott Perry, member of US Congress representing 10th district Pennsylvania, wrote a letter to President Joe Biden asking to reject the appointment of Masood Khan for his connections with the terror groups and terrorists. Exposing the ambassador designate’s profile, Perry listed out specific cases of complicity of the Pakistani diplomat. These inter alia include his proactive proximity to the dreaded terror outfit Hizbul Mujahdeen (HuM) in stark and unsettling terms. Nomination of such a tainted Pakistani diplomat at the express behest of Prime Minister Imran Khan knowing fully well that Masood Khan is linked to the terrorists and had been encouraging terrorists to target the US reflects the malafides of the ambassador-designate and the extent of contempt that Pakistan holds for the US. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that Masood Khan has been abetting youth in Kashmir for radicalization and exhorting them to take up arms to hit out at the security forces. There is also ample evidence on record that in 2017, Masood Khan had castigated the US for designating the HuM leader for sanctions terming them as unjustifiable. Later in 2019, he collaborated with Fazlul Rahman Khalil by appearing with him on the issue of Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It may be recalled that Fazlul Rahman is the founder of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen which has already been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation. This outfit and it’s affiliates had active links both with Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Khalil was also a key member of International Islamic Front which had issued a fatwa in 1998 calling for terror offensives on the US. Further, the allegations include that Masood Khan has perverse attachment to Islamic terrorism and is also supported by the most radicalised Jamat-e-Islami which is actively linked with Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT). The LeT has been linked with the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. The list of allegations against Masood is endless including the charge that in 2010, he had openly, and most indiscreetly called for the release of mass murderer Aafia Siddiqui and his acts are akin to the actions of a jihadist. Many points against him surely do not qualify him to be an accepted candidate to become an ambassador in the US and this is well articulated in the letter from Congressman Scott Perry who is vehemently opposing Masood’s posting to Washington. The letter addressed to President Biden has set the tone in the US government circles, media fraternity and the academia towards building up of a public opinion so that Masood’s appointment is shot down in the larger geo-political and security interests. Concerned quarters, meanwhile, state that Masood, though a Pashtun by birth, was President of the Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir during which he systematically cultivated Kashmiri terrorists and became radicalised to support them. This also led him to develop a pathological hatred for the US and, therefore, we see his hate speeches against the US which have never been politically correct or discreet. They were also conspicuously bereft of any diplomatic utterances and instead were more akin to jihadi speeches against the US which now Congressman Perry is bringing up with much hype. US on its part, seems to be moving cautiously by being indecisive since November last year when Masood Khan’s appointment proposal reached Washington. It looks like it’s paused for now. Perhaps the US is weighing all the options very carefully as it doesn’t want to dump Pakistan in a lurch specially to attempt and woo it away from the Chinese camp. Hence this delay. However, it must be borne in mind that Masood Khan held two postings in Beijing. One as a full-fledged Pakistani Ambassador from 2008 to 2012 and earlier as a junior diplomat. It’s also possible that he is doing things on prompting from China. China and Pakistan enjoy close ties. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) gets overriding priority and China. Masood Khan’s case under reference may be a test case. US doesn’t seem to be in a hurry and is moving with abundant caution. In whichever case the Masood case, it seems, will not be so simple and easy for the US and Pakistan to put their bilateral ties on the rails which stand more impaired after the US pulled out from Afghanistan in August last year. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Masood Khan issue has caused humiliation for Pakistan

China's state-run Global Times reported that Pakistan had inducted the PNS Tughril as Pakistan declared it will "safeguard sea routes" along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The warship is reportedly fitted with "state-of-the-art weapons and sensors", the Chinese daily said. The ship is also equipped with surface-to-surface cruise missiles including anti-submarine warfare torpedoes.

The induction ceremony for the Type 054A/P frigate was attended by top Chinese officials.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-after-1971-how-china-france-uk-helped-build-pakistan-navy-201805">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;After 1971, how China, France, UK helped build Pakistan Navy</a>

Last month China had launched three warships including the Type 054A/P Tughril-class warship meant for the Pakistan Navy with one landing port dock for the Thai royal navy.

The Chinese daily said China and Pakistan had signed a deal for four Type 054A/Ps four years ago. Other major projects between the two countries include collaborations over F-22P frigates including helicopters and Azmat missiles.

Global Times quoted Pakistan's&nbsp;chief of the naval staff admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi as saying that the country had signed a deal for&nbsp;Hangor-class submarines including unmanned combat drones with&nbsp;China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/december-4-1971-how-indian-navys-operation-trident-in-1971-destroyed-karachi-port-347507">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;How Indian Navy's 'Operation Trident' in 1971 destroyed Karachi port</a>

The Type 054A/P frigate is set to guard China and Pakistan's interests along the CPEC sea routes.

China has invested heavily in the CPEC project in Pakistan with deals worth $54 billion as part of President Xi's Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) while upgrading infrastructure, power lines to link the Xinjiang region and Pakistan's Gwadar port.

However, there has been large scale resentment against China's projects among local Balochs who say they have been deprived of jobs with most claimed by outsiders. There have also been a series of attacks on CPEC projects which has forced&nbsp;the Pakistan security forces to deploy their personnel in the region to counter the violence.

(With inputs from Agencies)

China's state-run Global Times reported that Pakistan had inducted the PNS Tughril as Pakistan declared it will "safeguard sea routes" along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

China's state-run Global Times reported that Pakistan had inducted the PNS Tughril as Pakistan declared it will "safeguard sea routes" along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The warship is reportedly fitted with "state-of-the-art weapons and sensors", the Chinese daily said. The ship is also equipped with surface-to-surface cruise missiles including anti-submarine warfare torpedoes. The induction ceremony for the Type 054A/P frigate was attended by top Chinese officials. Also Read in Pics: After 1971, how China, France, UK helped build Pakistan Navy Last month China had launched three warships including the Type 054A/P Tughril-class warship meant for the Pakistan Navy with one landing port dock for the Thai royal navy. The Chinese daily said China and Pakistan had signed a deal for four Type 054A/Ps four years ago. Other major projects between the two countries include collaborations over F-22P frigates including helicopters and Azmat missiles. Global Times quoted Pakistan's chief of the naval staff admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi as saying that the country had signed a deal for Hangor-class submarines including unmanned combat drones with China. Also Read in Pics: How Indian Navy's 'Operation Trident' in 1971 destroyed Karachi port The Type 054A/P frigate is set to guard China and Pakistan's interests along the CPEC sea routes. China has invested heavily in the CPEC project in Pakistan with deals worth $54 billion as part of President Xi's Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) while upgrading infrastructure, power lines to link the Xinjiang region and Pakistan's Gwadar port. However, there has been large scale resentment against China's projects among local Balochs who say they have been deprived of jobs with most claimed by outsiders. There have also been a series of attacks on CPEC projects which has forced the Pakistan security forces to deploy their personnel in the region to counter the violence. (With inputs from Agencies)

Pakistan Navy inducts warship developed by China

Around 90 per cent of terrorists operating in Afghanistan are actively targeting China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, key installations and economic activity, Pakistan’s counter-terrorism department (CTD) has claimed.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) CTD Javed Iqbal Wazir made these remarks while speaking to reporters in Peshawar city on Thursday.

He said that the anti-terrorism wing has busted five major groups of Islamic State – Khorasan Province in Peshawar and Bannu region since last year.

“Three of the major groups were busted by the CTD Peshawar region while two were busted by the CTD Bannu range. The held terrorists were involved in over 40 incidents of target-killing, including attacks on polio vaccination teams,” Pakistani newspaper The News International quoted Wazi as saying.

The CTD chief added the arrested and killed terrorists included a number of most wanted people who were carrying millions of rupees as head money.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-buys-25-chinese-j-10c-fighters-in-response-to-indias-rafale-441092">Pakistan buys 25 Chinese J-10C fighters in response to India's Rafale</a>

The assertions of the top official are in stark contrast to a US report which has claimed that Pakistan failed to take adequate steps to counter-terrorism and prosecute terrorists including masterminds of the 2008 Mumbai attacks such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) founder Masood Azhar and Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) Sajid Mir.

It also said that Pakistan made “limited progress” in its pledge to dismantle all terrorist organizations without delay or discrimination.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-acquits-6-members-of-hafiz-saeeds-banned-jud-outfit-in-terror-funding-case-427367">Pakistan court acquits 6 members of Hafiz Saeed’s banned JuD outfit in terror funding case</a>

Pakistan made limited progress on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter-terrorism, specifically in its pledge to dismantle all terrorist organizations without delay or discrimination," the US State Department report said in its 2020 ‘Country Reports on Terrorism’.

At the same time, the US report stated that&nbsp;Indian security agencies&nbsp;are effective in disrupting terror threats and respond “in a timely manner” to the requests made by the United States for information related to terrorism investigations.

(With inputs from agencies)

Around 90 per cent of terrorists operating in Afghanistan are actively targeting China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, key installations and economic activity, Pakistan’s counter-terrorism department (CTD) has claimed.

Around 90 per cent of terrorists operating in Afghanistan are actively targeting China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, key installations and economic activity, Pakistan’s counter-terrorism department (CTD) has claimed. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) CTD Javed Iqbal Wazir made these remarks while speaking to reporters in Peshawar city on Thursday. He said that the anti-terrorism wing has busted five major groups of Islamic State – Khorasan Province in Peshawar and Bannu region since last year. “Three of the major groups were busted by the CTD Peshawar region while two were busted by the CTD Bannu range. The held terrorists were involved in over 40 incidents of target-killing, including attacks on polio vaccination teams,” Pakistani newspaper The News International quoted Wazi as saying. The CTD chief added the arrested and killed terrorists included a number of most wanted people who were carrying millions of rupees as head money. Also read | Pakistan buys 25 Chinese J-10C fighters in response to India's Rafale The assertions of the top official are in stark contrast to a US report which has claimed that Pakistan failed to take adequate steps to counter-terrorism and prosecute terrorists including masterminds of the 2008 Mumbai attacks such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) founder Masood Azhar and Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) Sajid Mir. It also said that Pakistan made “limited progress” in its pledge to dismantle all terrorist organizations without delay or discrimination. Also read | Pakistan court acquits 6 members of Hafiz Saeed’s banned JuD outfit in terror funding case Pakistan made limited progress on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter-terrorism, specifically in its pledge to dismantle all terrorist organizations without delay or discrimination," the US State Department report said in its 2020 ‘Country Reports on Terrorism’. At the same time, the US report stated that Indian security agencies are effective in disrupting terror threats and respond “in a timely manner” to the requests made by the United States for information related to terrorism investigations. (With inputs from agencies)

90% of terrorists operating in Afghanistan targeting CPEC projects: Pak’s counter-terrorism wing chief

As Gwadar continues its massive demonstration against the mega developmental plans in line with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for over a month, China is now expressing concerns over the both "non-violent and armed" forms of the escalating protest in Pakistan city, as per a European think tank.

Pakistan: Gwadar protests continue to simmer as leaders issue warning against Chinese-led project

Amid large-scale anti-government protests in Pakistan's Gwadar, people living in the port city of Gwadar claim that they are not being allowed into the local cricket stadium.

WION has been covering the ongoing protest in Gwadar,&nbsp;located on the southwestern coast of Balochistan in Pakistan, against China's massive projects even as the area struggles to provide citizens with basic amenities including water and electricity.

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WION found authorities have built a stadium&nbsp;although people have been crying out for the construction of a university in the city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-wion-ground-report-this-is-what-protesters-in-gwadar-want-from-pak-govt-436647">Also read |&nbsp;WATCH WION Ground Report: This is what protesters in Gwadar want from Pak govt</a>

The Gwadar port is an integral part of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The strategic infrastructure project is crucial for both nations as it connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

For months now, locals have been complaining that Chinese authorities have been assigning the related jobs to outside labour, leaving locals unemployed and struggling to make money.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wont-stop-till-we-get-peace-maulana-hidayat-talks-to-wion-about-trawler-mafia-and-failing-pak-govt-436780">Also read |&nbsp;‘Won’t stop till we get peace’: Maulana Hidayat talks to WION about Gwadar protest</a>

Angered over this and the 'trawler mafia', Maulana Hidayat, the man leading the Gwadar sit-in and Balochistan General Secretary of Jammat-e-Islami, told WION that this time locals are ready to die for this cause as they believe "it’s better to die once" rather than struggle to survive on a daily basis.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday (December 12) that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast.

In a tweet, he said, "I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers &amp; will also speak to CM Balochistan."

Amid large-scale anti-government protests in Pakistan's Gwadar, people living in the port city of Gwadar claim that they are not being allowed into the local cricket stadium.

Amid large-scale anti-government protests in Pakistan's Gwadar, people living in the port city of Gwadar claim that they are not being allowed into the local cricket stadium. WION has been covering the ongoing protest in Gwadar, located on the southwestern coast of Balochistan in Pakistan, against China's massive projects even as the area struggles to provide citizens with basic amenities including water and electricity. WION found authorities have built a stadium although people have been crying out for the construction of a university in the city. Also read | WATCH WION Ground Report: This is what protesters in Gwadar want from Pak govt The Gwadar port is an integral part of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The strategic infrastructure project is crucial for both nations as it connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province. For months now, locals have been complaining that Chinese authorities have been assigning the related jobs to outside labour, leaving locals unemployed and struggling to make money. Also read | ‘Won’t stop till we get peace’: Maulana Hidayat talks to WION about Gwadar protest Angered over this and the 'trawler mafia', Maulana Hidayat, the man leading the Gwadar sit-in and Balochistan General Secretary of Jammat-e-Islami, told WION that this time locals are ready to die for this cause as they believe "it’s better to die once" rather than struggle to survive on a daily basis. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday (December 12) that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast. In a tweet, he said, "I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & will also speak to CM Balochistan."

WATCH | WION Ground Report: Locals say they are not allowed inside Gwadar Cricket Stadium

Gwadar in Pakistan, where a port is being developed by China, has become the centre of a massive, resolute protest against Chinese presence in the country.

The locals and even those not from the city have gathered in Gwadar to oppose Chinese presence in Balochistan, the province where Gwadar is located.

The largely peaceful protest rallies where tens of thousands of men, women and children participated, had been going on for last 29 days.

Balochistan is resource-rich but least developed Pakistani province. The region has also seen pro-independence elements and an insurgency against the Pakistani state flourish over the years.

What are protests in Gwadar about?&nbsp;

There is resentment among locals against Chinese presence. China is developing the port and is also involved in infrastructure projects. Locals have been saying for long that jobs in these vital projects are being offered to outside labour and locals are left without employment. Locals allege that they are being marginalised.

What is the 'trawler mafia?'

Another issue that has angered people in Gwadar is that of Chinese fishing trawlers.

Fishing is the main occupation for many in the port city. But the local fishermen allege that the 'trawler mafia' is looting the marine resources. The fishermen had held protests in June this year against licenses being granted to Chinese fishing vessels in sea near Gwadar.

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یہ ہے وہ ٹرالرمافیا جو گوادر سے روزگار چھین رہا ہے 
آپ ڈیڑھ منٹ کی یہ ویڈیو دیکھیں کہ کیسے گوادر کے حق روزگار پر ڈاکہ ڈالا جا رہا ہے، سمندری حیات کی نسل کشی ہو رہی ہے 
اس ظلم کے خاتمے کا ہم مطالبہ کر رہے ہیں۔ یقین دہانی کروائی جاتی ہے، علمدرآمد نہیں<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%85_%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%AC%DB%81%D8%AA%DB%8C_%D8%A8%D9%84%D9%88%DA%86%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86_%DA%AF%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#یوم_یکجہتی_بلوچستان_گوادر</a> <a href="https://t.co/WDVj9YVD9z">pic.twitter.com/WDVj9YVD9z</a>
— Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman Baloch (@MHidayatRehman) <a href="https://twitter.com/MHidayatRehman/status/1470010548301582337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Local fisherfolk have already given up some of their regular fishing spots due to development work of the port. Now the unequal competition with Chinese trawlers has added to their difficulty.

People are also protesting against unnecessary checkpoints on main roads, severe shortage of water and electricity.

Who is co-ordinating the protests?

The protesters have rallied under Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Rights to Gwadar movement). Interestingly, a Jamat-e-Islami leader Maulana Rehman is leading the protest. Jamat-e-Islami is seen as traditional ally of Pakistan's all-powerful military establishment.

Why is Gwadar important for China?

Gwadar forms important node in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multibillion-dollar project that is the flaghship of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Gwadar will be connected to China's Xinjiang province through network of roads and raliroad in Pakistan. China has undertaken these projects as well.

China lacks direct access to Arabian Sea. It will be able to do so via Gwadar. Chinese goods, and even oil supplies will then be able to bypass sea lanes in Indian Ocean dominated by Indian Navy and other powers.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gwadar-protests-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-promises-strong-action-against-illegal-fishing-trawlers-436371">Gwadar protests: Pakistan PM Imran Khan promises 'strong action' against illegal fishing trawlers</a>

India opposes CPEC and holds it illegal as some of the projects have proposed to be implemented in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

What is different about Gwadar protests this time?

The first thing is how huge they are. The second difference is the diversity of participation. Women have turned up for protests as well. In conservative society of Balochistan, this is being seen as an indication that all sections of the society are angry about Chinese presence.

How has Pakistan government reacted to Gwadar protests?

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured 'strong action against illegal fishing'.

"I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers &amp; will also speak to CM Balochistan," he tweeted on Sunday.

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I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers &amp; will also speak to CM Balochistan.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1469912226521878529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Gwadar in Pakistan, where a port is being developed by China, has become the centre of a massive, resolute protest against Chinese presence in the country. The locals and even those not from the city have gathered in Gwadar to oppose Chinese presence in Balochistan, the province where Gwadar is located.

Gwadar in Pakistan, where a port is being developed by China, has become the centre of a massive, resolute protest against Chinese presence in the country. The locals and even those not from the city have gathered in Gwadar to oppose Chinese presence in Balochistan, the province where Gwadar is located. The largely peaceful protest rallies where tens of thousands of men, women and children participated, had been going on for last 29 days. Balochistan is resource-rich but least developed Pakistani province. The region has also seen pro-independence elements and an insurgency against the Pakistani state flourish over the years. What are protests in Gwadar about? There is resentment among locals against Chinese presence. China is developing the port and is also involved in infrastructure projects. Locals have been saying for long that jobs in these vital projects are being offered to outside labour and locals are left without employment. Locals allege that they are being marginalised. What is the 'trawler mafia?' Another issue that has angered people in Gwadar is that of Chinese fishing trawlers. Fishing is the main occupation for many in the port city. But the local fishermen allege that the 'trawler mafia' is looting the marine resources. The fishermen had held protests in June this year against licenses being granted to Chinese fishing vessels in sea near Gwadar. یہ ہے وہ ٹرالرمافیا جو گوادر سے روزگار چھین رہا ہے آپ ڈیڑھ منٹ کی یہ ویڈیو دیکھیں کہ کیسے گوادر کے حق روزگار پر ڈاکہ ڈالا جا رہا ہے، سمندری حیات کی نسل کشی ہو رہی ہے اس ظلم کے خاتمے کا ہم مطالبہ کر رہے ہیں۔ یقین دہانی کروائی جاتی ہے، علمدرآمد نہیں#یوم_یکجہتی_بلوچستان_گوادر pic.twitter.com/WDVj9YVD9z — Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman Baloch (@MHidayatRehman) December 12, 2021 × Local fisherfolk have already given up some of their regular fishing spots due to development work of the port. Now the unequal competition with Chinese trawlers has added to their difficulty. People are also protesting against unnecessary checkpoints on main roads, severe shortage of water and electricity. Who is co-ordinating the protests? The protesters have rallied under Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Rights to Gwadar movement). Interestingly, a Jamat-e-Islami leader Maulana Rehman is leading the protest. Jamat-e-Islami is seen as traditional ally of Pakistan's all-powerful military establishment. Why is Gwadar important for China? Gwadar forms important node in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multibillion-dollar project that is the flaghship of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Gwadar will be connected to China's Xinjiang province through network of roads and raliroad in Pakistan. China has undertaken these projects as well. China lacks direct access to Arabian Sea. It will be able to do so via Gwadar. Chinese goods, and even oil supplies will then be able to bypass sea lanes in Indian Ocean dominated by Indian Navy and other powers. Also Read | Gwadar protests: Pakistan PM Imran Khan promises 'strong action' against illegal fishing trawlers India opposes CPEC and holds it illegal as some of the projects have proposed to be implemented in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. What is different about Gwadar protests this time? The first thing is how huge they are. The second difference is the diversity of participation. Women have turned up for protests as well. In conservative society of Balochistan, this is being seen as an indication that all sections of the society are angry about Chinese presence. How has Pakistan government reacted to Gwadar protests? Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured 'strong action against illegal fishing'. "I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & will also speak to CM Balochistan," he tweeted on Sunday. I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & will also speak to CM Balochistan. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 12, 2021 ×

Why are people in Pakistan's Gwadar protesting against the Chinese? Here is what we know

Will an uprising in Gwadar ignite a civil war in Balochistan? For 18 days now, thousands of people have been protesting in Gwadar. They are pushing back against the oppression of Pakistan & the colonisation of China. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Will an uprising in Gwadar ignite a civil war in Balochistan?

On Monday, thousands of women hit the streets in Gwadar to demand basic rights. For several weeks now, people in Gwadar have been holding protest rallies. But their demands are falling on deaf ears. Palki Sharma tells you how Pakistan and China are exploiting Gwadar

Gravitas: How Pakistan and China are exploiting Gwadar

For the 17th straight day, thousands of people are protesting in Pakistan's Gwadar against the lack of basic facilities. The movement is directly related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Pakistan: Protests continue for 17th straight day in Gwadar against CPEC

A large number of women along with their children have taken to the streets in Gwadar, the coastal city of Balochistan which is known as the centre of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), for the rights of the people of Gwadar and other areas of Makran.

Pakistan: Women take to the streets in Gwadar for basic rights

Thousands of people have been staging a massive protest in Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar against the government for unnecessary check posts, acute shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihood from illegal fishing.

The protests are part of growing discontent with China's presence in Gwadar, whose port is an integral part of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan&nbsp;Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The sit-in protest is being organised by workers of some political parties, civil rights activists, fishermen and concerned citizens, who have been going on for a week at Y Chowk on Port Road in Gwadar, a coastal town in the restive Southwest Balochistan province.

The protest is spearheaded by Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, head of the ‘Give rights to Gwadar' rally.

The protesters have been demanding the removal of unnecessary security check posts, availability of drinking water and electricity, eviction of &nbsp;Chinese trawlers from Makran coast and opening of the border with Iran from Panjgur to Gwadar, Pakistan based Jang newspaper reported.

Talking to WION exclusively over the phone, Rehman said that they have been agitating to seek justice and jobs for their people.&nbsp;He accused the Pakistan government&nbsp;of being hand-in-glove with the Chinese trawlers who are threatening their livelihood by illegally fishing in the southwestern Makran coast.

“Today (Monday) is our 8th day, we have been here since November 15 morning. Our demand is that we want jobs, this is our sea. Big trawlers have taken over our fishing area and are depriving the local fishermen of livelihood. The provincial and federal governments&nbsp;are backing these elements. Similarly, on the borders (near Iran), thousands of Baloch families are facing restrictions and are unable to do business. There are thousands of security check posts which are creating a hindrance,” Rehman said.

He threatened to stop the CPEC work if the government failed to listen to them and meet their demands.

“We, by the grace of God, will continue with our protest until all of our demands are met. We have people with us, thousands more are joining. If the government continues to ignore us, we will block the entire highway from Uthal zero point till Jiwani, and also block the entire Makran Coastal highway, and eventually expand our protest across Balochistan. We will also stage a protest in front of the Gwadar port and even stop the CPEC work&nbsp;in the coming days,” Rehman said.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-gwadar-residents-protests-for-basic-rights-anger-against-chinas-one-belt-road-project-431139/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

When asked whether any official has contacted them, Rehman said, “Nobody in the provincial government has contacted us. Senior bureaucrats have been trying to contact us, but who do we talk to? This is all in control of the federal and provincial governments.”

On Thursday, a delegation sent by the Chief Minister of Balochistan returned empty-handed as the protesters refused to end their protest.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Pakistan Radio said that the Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs will hold a meeting in Gwadar on Tuesday to deliberate upon different development projects in the port city.

China's presence in&nbsp;Balochistan has often triggered social unrest and gave rise to anti-Chinese sentiment.&nbsp;It has also given a fillip to Baloch militant insurgent groups, who have carried out terrorist attacks in protest at CPEC projects.

In August this year,&nbsp;a suicide bomber attacked a motorcade carrying Chinese personnel on the Gwadar East Bay Expressway project in which one Chinese was injured and two local children were killed.

In October last year, gunmen killed at least 14 people near Ormara on the coastal highway after ambushing a convoy of vehicles travelling from Gwadar to Karachi and in 2019 five people, including a Pakistani Navy soldier, were killed in an attack on the luxury Pearl Continental hotel in Gwadar.

The multi-billion infrastructure project connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Gwadar port has long been portrayed as the jewel in the CPEC crown, but in the process, the city has become the very embodiment of a security state.

The authorities' priorities are geared towards securing the port and its ancillary interests; the welfare of those for whom the area is home counts for little. Far from the port being a harbinger of an economic boom, the opposite has happened, The Dawn newspaper reported on Friday.

Existing privations have deepened,&nbsp;people's mobility is restricted by security forces and there is unwarranted questioning of their activities. Many say they are made to feel like strangers in their own land, it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of people have been staging a massive protest in Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar against the government for unnecessary check posts, acute shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihood from illegal fishing.

Thousands of people have been staging a massive protest in Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar against the government for unnecessary check posts, acute shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihood from illegal fishing. The protests are part of growing discontent with China's presence in Gwadar, whose port is an integral part of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The sit-in protest is being organised by workers of some political parties, civil rights activists, fishermen and concerned citizens, who have been going on for a week at Y Chowk on Port Road in Gwadar, a coastal town in the restive Southwest Balochistan province. The protest is spearheaded by Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, head of the ‘Give rights to Gwadar' rally. The protesters have been demanding the removal of unnecessary security check posts, availability of drinking water and electricity, eviction of Chinese trawlers from Makran coast and opening of the border with Iran from Panjgur to Gwadar, Pakistan based Jang newspaper reported. Talking to WION exclusively over the phone, Rehman said that they have been agitating to seek justice and jobs for their people. He accused the Pakistan government of being hand-in-glove with the Chinese trawlers who are threatening their livelihood by illegally fishing in the southwestern Makran coast. “Today (Monday) is our 8th day, we have been here since November 15 morning. Our demand is that we want jobs, this is our sea. Big trawlers have taken over our fishing area and are depriving the local fishermen of livelihood. The provincial and federal governments are backing these elements. Similarly, on the borders (near Iran), thousands of Baloch families are facing restrictions and are unable to do business. There are thousands of security check posts which are creating a hindrance,” Rehman said. He threatened to stop the CPEC work if the government failed to listen to them and meet their demands. “We, by the grace of God, will continue with our protest until all of our demands are met. We have people with us, thousands more are joining. If the government continues to ignore us, we will block the entire highway from Uthal zero point till Jiwani, and also block the entire Makran Coastal highway, and eventually expand our protest across Balochistan. We will also stage a protest in front of the Gwadar port and even stop the CPEC work in the coming days,” Rehman said. Watch When asked whether any official has contacted them, Rehman said, “Nobody in the provincial government has contacted us. Senior bureaucrats have been trying to contact us, but who do we talk to? This is all in control of the federal and provincial governments.” On Thursday, a delegation sent by the Chief Minister of Balochistan returned empty-handed as the protesters refused to end their protest. Meanwhile, Pakistan Radio said that the Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs will hold a meeting in Gwadar on Tuesday to deliberate upon different development projects in the port city. China's presence in Balochistan has often triggered social unrest and gave rise to anti-Chinese sentiment. It has also given a fillip to Baloch militant insurgent groups, who have carried out terrorist attacks in protest at CPEC projects. In August this year, a suicide bomber attacked a motorcade carrying Chinese personnel on the Gwadar East Bay Expressway project in which one Chinese was injured and two local children were killed. In October last year, gunmen killed at least 14 people near Ormara on the coastal highway after ambushing a convoy of vehicles travelling from Gwadar to Karachi and in 2019 five people, including a Pakistani Navy soldier, were killed in an attack on the luxury Pearl Continental hotel in Gwadar. The multi-billion infrastructure project connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province. Gwadar port has long been portrayed as the jewel in the CPEC crown, but in the process, the city has become the very embodiment of a security state. The authorities' priorities are geared towards securing the port and its ancillary interests; the welfare of those for whom the area is home counts for little. Far from the port being a harbinger of an economic boom, the opposite has happened, The Dawn newspaper reported on Friday. Existing privations have deepened, people's mobility is restricted by security forces and there is unwarranted questioning of their activities. Many say they are made to feel like strangers in their own land, it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Exclusive: Gwadar protesters threaten to stop CPEC work if govt fails to fulfil their demands

In Pakistan, backlash against CPEC is growing. Thousands have hit the streets in Gwadar to oppose Chinese investments. The protesters have warned that they will block CPEC work, if their demands are not met. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Thousands protest in Pakistan's Gwadar | Backlash against CPEC growing

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday agreed to further bolster their bilateral ties, including full realisation of the potential offered by the Phase-II of the Free Trade Agreement to overcome the economic headwinds.

The two leaders reviewed the bilateral ties and cooperation during a telephonic conversation Prime Minister Imran had with President Xi, the Pakistan PM Office said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rejects-reports-of-agreement-with-us-to-conduct-air-operations-in-afghanistan-423446">Pakistan rejects reports of agreement with US to conduct air operations in Afghanistan</a>

Khan was appreciative of China's successful containment of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> pandemic as well as the relief measures to developing countries, including the vaccine cooperation with Pakistan, it said.

Taking stock of the negative impact of COVID-19 on the global economy, the two leaders agreed on further strengthening bilateral economic and commercial ties, including full realisation of the potential offered by the Phase-II of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, to overcome the economic headwinds,&nbsp;it said.

The Prime Minister has lauded the successful, timely and high-quality implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, and welcomed Chinese investments in the CPEC Special Economic Zones.

He also stressed that early start of work on the ML-1 railway project would complement Pakistan's geo-economics vision for national and regional development.

The two leaders agreed to promote CPEC's green development as a high-quality demonstration of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-t20-wc-win-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-takes-a-dig-at-india-over-improving-ties-424028">After T20 WC win, Pakistan PM Imran Khan takes a dig at India over improving ties</a>

The ambitious CPEC was launched in 2015 when President Xi visited Pakistan.&nbsp;It aims to connect western China with the Gwadar seaport in southwestern Pakistan through a network of roads, railways and other projects of infrastructure and development.

While acknowledging China taking the lead role in combating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a>, Khan also briefed President Xi&nbsp;on Pakistan's wide-ranging measures undertaken for climate change mitigation and adaptation, including the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami initiative, a landmark project supported by the United Nations Environment Programme&nbsp;which sets out to plant ten billion trees by 2023.

The discussion also veered towards <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/afghanistan">Afghanistan</a>. The two leaders called on the international community to provide immediate humanitarian and economic assistance as well as continued engagement required for rebuilding the war-torn nation.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need to continue with the momentum of high-level exchanges to further diversify. All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership&nbsp;between the two countries.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fails-to-convince-wb-imf-to-resume-6-billion-extended-loan-facility-423278">Pakistan fails to convince WB, IMF to resume $6 billion extended loan facility</a>

Through the course of the conversation, Khan congratulated President Xi on the centenary of the Communist Party of China, the unprecedented victory in the Chinese people's battle to eradicate poverty.

The two leaders also felicitated each other on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, and reviewed the gamut of their bilateral strategic cooperative partnership.

Khan has also extended an invitation to Xi to visit Pakistan at his early convenience.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday agreed to further bolster their bilateral ties, including full realisation of the potential offered by the Phase-II of the Free Trade Agreement to overcome the economic headwinds.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday agreed to further bolster their bilateral ties, including full realisation of the potential offered by the Phase-II of the Free Trade Agreement to overcome the economic headwinds. The two leaders reviewed the bilateral ties and cooperation during a telephonic conversation Prime Minister Imran had with President Xi, the Pakistan PM Office said in a statement. Also read | Pakistan rejects reports of agreement with US to conduct air operations in Afghanistan Khan was appreciative of China's successful containment of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the relief measures to developing countries, including the vaccine cooperation with Pakistan, it said. Taking stock of the negative impact of COVID-19 on the global economy, the two leaders agreed on further strengthening bilateral economic and commercial ties, including full realisation of the potential offered by the Phase-II of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, to overcome the economic headwinds, it said. The Prime Minister has lauded the successful, timely and high-quality implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, and welcomed Chinese investments in the CPEC Special Economic Zones. He also stressed that early start of work on the ML-1 railway project would complement Pakistan's geo-economics vision for national and regional development. The two leaders agreed to promote CPEC's green development as a high-quality demonstration of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Also read | After T20 WC win, Pakistan PM Imran Khan takes a dig at India over improving ties The ambitious CPEC was launched in 2015 when President Xi visited Pakistan. It aims to connect western China with the Gwadar seaport in southwestern Pakistan through a network of roads, railways and other projects of infrastructure and development. While acknowledging China taking the lead role in combating climate change, Khan also briefed President Xi on Pakistan's wide-ranging measures undertaken for climate change mitigation and adaptation, including the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami initiative, a landmark project supported by the United Nations Environment Programme which sets out to plant ten billion trees by 2023. The discussion also veered towards Afghanistan. The two leaders called on the international community to provide immediate humanitarian and economic assistance as well as continued engagement required for rebuilding the war-torn nation. The Prime Minister also stressed the need to continue with the momentum of high-level exchanges to further diversify. All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two countries. Also Read | Pakistan fails to convince WB, IMF to resume $6 billion extended loan facility Through the course of the conversation, Khan congratulated President Xi on the centenary of the Communist Party of China, the unprecedented victory in the Chinese people's battle to eradicate poverty. The two leaders also felicitated each other on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, and reviewed the gamut of their bilateral strategic cooperative partnership. Khan has also extended an invitation to Xi to visit Pakistan at his early convenience.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan dials Chinese President Xi; vows to boost bilateral, economic ties

As per a story published in Pakistani financial daily newspaper Business Recorder, China has allegedly requested $38 million in compensation from Pakistan for the deceased and injured Chinese engineers working on the Dasu Hydropower Project before resuming construction on the delayed project.

On July 14, 2021, thirteen people were killed, including nine Chinese engineers, two locals, and two Frontier Constabulary (FC) soldiers, and over two dozen more were injured when a bus transporting the project's staff plummeted into a ravine after being hit by an explosives-laden car.

According to Dr&nbsp;Shahzeb Khan Bangash, Secretary of Water Resources, civil construction on the project has been halted since the July attack on Chinese engineers.&nbsp;

Watch | Chinese firm suspends hydropower project operations

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According to the sources, the matter of compensation for Chinese nationals is being considered at a high level in Pakistan.

Pakistan govt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Water Resources, and the Chinese embassy were collaborating closely on the compensation package and the project's reinstatement.

According to reports, the Steering Committee, comprised of Secretaries of various Ministries, formed another Committee to debate on problems related to the Dasu project, particularly the amount of compensation sought by the Chinese government.&nbsp;

On the request of the Pakistani government, the Chinese company, China Gezhouba Group Corp, which had halted construction on the Dasu project following the bus tragedy, had declared a reversal of its intention to resume operations and fire Pakistani workers.

However, the firm has not yet begun operations and has stated that it would not proceed until a compensation package and increased protection for Chinese citizens are granted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As per a story published in Pakistani financial daily newspaper Business Recorder, China has allegedly requested $38 million in compensation from Pakistan for the deceased and injured Chinese engineers working on the Dasu Hydropower Project before resuming construction on the delayed project.

As per a story published in Pakistani financial daily newspaper Business Recorder, China has allegedly requested $38 million in compensation from Pakistan for the deceased and injured Chinese engineers working on the Dasu Hydropower Project before resuming construction on the delayed project. On July 14, 2021, thirteen people were killed, including nine Chinese engineers, two locals, and two Frontier Constabulary (FC) soldiers, and over two dozen more were injured when a bus transporting the project's staff plummeted into a ravine after being hit by an explosives-laden car. According to Dr Shahzeb Khan Bangash, Secretary of Water Resources, civil construction on the project has been halted since the July attack on Chinese engineers. Watch | Chinese firm suspends hydropower project operations According to the sources, the matter of compensation for Chinese nationals is being considered at a high level in Pakistan. Pakistan govt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Water Resources, and the Chinese embassy were collaborating closely on the compensation package and the project's reinstatement. According to reports, the Steering Committee, comprised of Secretaries of various Ministries, formed another Committee to debate on problems related to the Dasu project, particularly the amount of compensation sought by the Chinese government. On the request of the Pakistani government, the Chinese company, China Gezhouba Group Corp, which had halted construction on the Dasu project following the bus tragedy, had declared a reversal of its intention to resume operations and fire Pakistani workers. However, the firm has not yet begun operations and has stated that it would not proceed until a compensation package and increased protection for Chinese citizens are granted. (With inputs from agencies)

Dasu bus blast: China demands $38 million from Pakistan for the dead workers

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Thursday, Pakistan's central bank's foreign exchange reserves declined 0.61 percent on a weekly basis.

The SBP's foreign currency reserves were recorded at USD 20,022.6 million on September 3, down USD 123 million from USD 20,145.6 million on August 27, according to The Express Tribune.

The decline was caused by repayments of external loans, according to the central bank.

The country's total liquid foreign currency reserves, which include net reserves held by banks other than the SBP, were USD 27,102.6 million.

According to The Tribune Express, banks' net reserves totaled USD 7,080 million.&nbsp;

On July 9, 2019, it got the first loan tranche of $991.4 million from the IMF, which helped to boost reserves.

According to The Tribune Express, the IMF released the second loan tranche of roughly USD 454 million in late December 2019.

The reserves also increased as a result of USD 2.5 billion in Chinese inflows.

The SBP successfully repaid over $1 billion in foreign debt on the maturity of Sukuk in 2020. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Thursday, Pakistan's central bank's foreign exchange reserves declined 0.61 percent on a weekly basis.

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Thursday, Pakistan's central bank's foreign exchange reserves declined 0.61 percent on a weekly basis. The SBP's foreign currency reserves were recorded at USD 20,022.6 million on September 3, down USD 123 million from USD 20,145.6 million on August 27, according to The Express Tribune. The decline was caused by repayments of external loans, according to the central bank. The country's total liquid foreign currency reserves, which include net reserves held by banks other than the SBP, were USD 27,102.6 million. According to The Tribune Express, banks' net reserves totaled USD 7,080 million. On July 9, 2019, it got the first loan tranche of $991.4 million from the IMF, which helped to boost reserves. According to The Tribune Express, the IMF released the second loan tranche of roughly USD 454 million in late December 2019. The reserves also increased as a result of USD 2.5 billion in Chinese inflows. The SBP successfully repaid over $1 billion in foreign debt on the maturity of Sukuk in 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's central bank reserves fall $123 million to $20 billion: Report 

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid has expressed the desire to join China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) as the militant group consolidates its hold over<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-americans-leave-afghanistan-by-land-us-diplomats-receive-nationals-411251"> Afghanistan</a>.

The move comes as representatives from the Taliban and China met in Kabul on Monday.

Abdul Salam Hanifi, an official from the Taliban's political office met with the Chinese ambassador to Kabul, Wang Yu, as the two purportedly discussed bilateral issues.

Watch:

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Reports said the ambassador pledged China's continued humanitarian aid to the Taliban. Beijing had reiterated a similar stance earlier on the Afghan issue as the country grapples with crisis after the US exit from the region.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin also expressed support to Afghanistan on forming an "open, inclusive and broadly representative government". &nbsp;

"China's position on the Afghan issue is clear and consistent. We have always respected Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity," Wang Wenbin said.

"We always support Afghanistan in forming an open, inclusive and broadly representative government which follows moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies and resolutely combats terrorist forces in all forms," the foreign ministry spokesman added.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid earlier on Monday had said that the Taliban hopes for cooperation with China in many fields including economy, trade, infrastructure and natural gas.

"CPEC is a useful project and we look forward to implementing Afghanistan’s part of the project," Mujahid said.

CPEC is a part of China's most ambitious 'Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) project aimed at renewing the country's historic trade routes in the coastal countries of Southeast Asia.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid has expressed the desire to join China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) as the militant group consolidates its hold over Afghanistan.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid has expressed the desire to join China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) as the militant group consolidates its hold over Afghanistan. The move comes as representatives from the Taliban and China met in Kabul on Monday. Abdul Salam Hanifi, an official from the Taliban's political office met with the Chinese ambassador to Kabul, Wang Yu, as the two purportedly discussed bilateral issues. Watch: Reports said the ambassador pledged China's continued humanitarian aid to the Taliban. Beijing had reiterated a similar stance earlier on the Afghan issue as the country grapples with crisis after the US exit from the region. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin also expressed support to Afghanistan on forming an "open, inclusive and broadly representative government". "China's position on the Afghan issue is clear and consistent. We have always respected Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity," Wang Wenbin said. "We always support Afghanistan in forming an open, inclusive and broadly representative government which follows moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies and resolutely combats terrorist forces in all forms," the foreign ministry spokesman added. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid earlier on Monday had said that the Taliban hopes for cooperation with China in many fields including economy, trade, infrastructure and natural gas. "CPEC is a useful project and we look forward to implementing Afghanistan’s part of the project," Mujahid said. CPEC is a part of China's most ambitious 'Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) project aimed at renewing the country's historic trade routes in the coastal countries of Southeast Asia. (With inputs from Agencies)

CPEC is useful, look forward to implementing Afghanistan’s part: Taliban

Following the withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan and the Taliban's takeover of the country, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told an Italian newspaper that the group would rely mostly on Chinese funding.

Mujahid stated the Taliban will strive for an economic recovery with China's backing in an interview published by La Repubblica on Thursday.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the organisation supports China's One Belt, One Road programme, which aims to build a massive network of ports, trains, roadways, and industrial parks to connect China with Africa, Asia, and Europe.&nbsp;

"China is our most important partner and represents a fundamental and extraordinary opportunity for us, because it is ready to invest and rebuild our country," the Taliban spokesperson was quoted as saying in the interview, reported Al Jazeera. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-co-founder-mullah-abdul-ghani-baradar-to-lead-new-afghan-government-sources-410403">Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to lead new Afghan government: Sources</a>

China has made some encouraging statements about the Taliban, expressing the hope that its feared leadership will pursue moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies, combat all forms of terrorism, live in peace with other nations, and live up to the aspirations of its own people and the international community.&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday that "facts show that in realising economic development, we need an open, inclusive political structure, implementation of moderate foreign and domestic policies, and a clean break from terrorist groups in all areas," adding that China respects Afghanistan's sovereignty and will not interfere.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-being-forcefully-married-to-flee-the-country-us-officials-410371">Also read | Afghan women being forcefully married to flee the country: US officials</a> 
 
On August 15, the Taliban took control of Kabul, Afghanistan's capital, as the country's Western-backed government crumbled, ending a 20-year conflict amid worries of economic collapse and widespread starvation. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hunted-by-the-men-they-jailed-afghanistans-women-judges-seek-escape-410505">Also read | Hunted by the men they jailed, Afghanistan's women judges seek escape</a>

Following the dramatic departure of foreign soldiers from Kabul airport in recent weeks, Western countries have significantly reduced their aid payments to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan and the Taliban's takeover of the country, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told an Italian newspaper that the group would rely mostly on Chinese funding.

Following the withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan and the Taliban's takeover of the country, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told an Italian newspaper that the group would rely mostly on Chinese funding. Mujahid stated the Taliban will strive for an economic recovery with China's backing in an interview published by La Repubblica on Thursday. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the organisation supports China's One Belt, One Road programme, which aims to build a massive network of ports, trains, roadways, and industrial parks to connect China with Africa, Asia, and Europe. "China is our most important partner and represents a fundamental and extraordinary opportunity for us, because it is ready to invest and rebuild our country," the Taliban spokesperson was quoted as saying in the interview, reported Al Jazeera. Also Read | Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to lead new Afghan government: Sources China has made some encouraging statements about the Taliban, expressing the hope that its feared leadership will pursue moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies, combat all forms of terrorism, live in peace with other nations, and live up to the aspirations of its own people and the international community. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday that "facts show that in realising economic development, we need an open, inclusive political structure, implementation of moderate foreign and domestic policies, and a clean break from terrorist groups in all areas," adding that China respects Afghanistan's sovereignty and will not interfere. Also read | Afghan women being forcefully married to flee the country: US officials On August 15, the Taliban took control of Kabul, Afghanistan's capital, as the country's Western-backed government crumbled, ending a 20-year conflict amid worries of economic collapse and widespread starvation. Also read | Hunted by the men they jailed, Afghanistan's women judges seek escape Following the dramatic departure of foreign soldiers from Kabul airport in recent weeks, Western countries have significantly reduced their aid payments to Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

China is our most important partner, says Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid

Pakistan's economic condition has been reeling on the financial bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), forcing the Imran Khan-led government to increase prices of all basic commodities, triggering price hikes of commodities of basic necessities, and pushing the lives of people into misery and poverty. 
 
Food price inflation has been on a consistent upsurge, escalating the pressure on lower-middle-income household budgets. 
 
As per statistics, headline inflation in Pakistan may have fallen below 10 per cent in the previous few months; food inflation continues to stay in double digits. 
 
It should be noted that Pakistan is among those countries, where more than half of the income of a house, is spent on food. With the increase in cost of petrol, electricity units, transport, coupled with indirect taxes, the low-income families have plunged into further poverty, hunger and malnutrition. 
 
As per estimations and statistics done by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics in 2019-20, the number of moderately to severely food-insecure households rose to at least 16.4 per 100 households, in comparison to at least 15.9 per 100 households the previous year. 
 
The above-mentioned statistics reflects the impact of job losses, income reduction and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mandated economic policies, aimed at stabilising the country`s financial management, as the survey was carried out before the outbreak of Covid-19. 
 
Moreover, with the outbreak of the pandemic, economic experts highlight that the miseries of the people have been compounded, as millions have gone out of work and have been plunged into poverty. 
 
Experts believe that with the new wave of the novel coronavirus, coupled with the higher global community inflation and the upward adjustments in domestic energy prices, will further worsen the existing dire situation of the masses. 
 
It has been maintained that the impact of the inflation will increase on food prices also as the global food prices have seen an at least 31 per cent higher in July than a year ago. 
 
The purchasing power of the lower-middle-class families has already been severely impacted by the food price inflation. In the coming days ahead, the inflation numbers are expected to rise further, forecasting reduction in purchasing power and loss of jobs. 
 
The Imran Khan-led government is also being criticised for failing to reduce the burden of spiking domestic food prices by tackling such local factors as supply disruptions and artificial shortages of staples that contribute to the hike in food prices in the country. 
 
With Pakistan becoming the importer of key food items like wheat, edible oil, pulses and sugar, the probability of controlling increase in food inflation seems almost impossible for the government, making life even more worse for the poor.

Pakistan's economic condition has been reeling on the financial bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), forcing the Imran Khan-led government to increase prices of all basic commodities, triggering price hikes of commodities of basic necessities, and pushing the lives of people into misery and poverty.

Pakistan's economic condition has been reeling on the financial bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), forcing the Imran Khan-led government to increase prices of all basic commodities, triggering price hikes of commodities of basic necessities, and pushing the lives of people into misery and poverty. Food price inflation has been on a consistent upsurge, escalating the pressure on lower-middle-income household budgets. As per statistics, headline inflation in Pakistan may have fallen below 10 per cent in the previous few months; food inflation continues to stay in double digits. It should be noted that Pakistan is among those countries, where more than half of the income of a house, is spent on food. With the increase in cost of petrol, electricity units, transport, coupled with indirect taxes, the low-income families have plunged into further poverty, hunger and malnutrition. As per estimations and statistics done by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics in 2019-20, the number of moderately to severely food-insecure households rose to at least 16.4 per 100 households, in comparison to at least 15.9 per 100 households the previous year. The above-mentioned statistics reflects the impact of job losses, income reduction and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mandated economic policies, aimed at stabilising the country`s financial management, as the survey was carried out before the outbreak of Covid-19. Moreover, with the outbreak of the pandemic, economic experts highlight that the miseries of the people have been compounded, as millions have gone out of work and have been plunged into poverty. Experts believe that with the new wave of the novel coronavirus, coupled with the higher global community inflation and the upward adjustments in domestic energy prices, will further worsen the existing dire situation of the masses. It has been maintained that the impact of the inflation will increase on food prices also as the global food prices have seen an at least 31 per cent higher in July than a year ago. The purchasing power of the lower-middle-class families has already been severely impacted by the food price inflation. In the coming days ahead, the inflation numbers are expected to rise further, forecasting reduction in purchasing power and loss of jobs. The Imran Khan-led government is also being criticised for failing to reduce the burden of spiking domestic food prices by tackling such local factors as supply disruptions and artificial shortages of staples that contribute to the hike in food prices in the country. With Pakistan becoming the importer of key food items like wheat, edible oil, pulses and sugar, the probability of controlling increase in food inflation seems almost impossible for the government, making life even more worse for the poor.

Inflation, pandemic pushing people into poverty in Pakistan

Massive protests have swept through the Balochistan province of Pakistan, especially the Gwadar region, where people are holding rallies and demonstrations calling out the government for mistreating the region and its people.

While accusing Islamabad of working in cahoots with Chinese authorities, they say that people in Gwadar are losing jobs due to the so-called game-changer China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-factory-ship-trawlers-pose-a-threat-to-pakistans-local-fishermen-391194">Chinese 'Factory ship' trawlers pose a threat to Pakistan's local fishermen</a>

Their protests have also aimed to highlight a rise in the plights of commoners due to a significant rise in load shedding. A protester said, "We are stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. We, the people of Balochistan have only two options to choose from, either to sink in the sea or sit in the lap of the devil. CPEC has been a historical problem. We have just been able to just about meet our ends because of CPEC".

The fishermen, who are on the front line in these latest anti-Islamabad protests say they have assured prosperity when the CPEC agreement was signed but the promises have vanished into thin air. On the contrary, the situation has grown so desperate that they are able to just about make ends meet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fishermen-plan-protests-against-chinese-trawlers-fishing-near-karachi-325003">Pakistan fishermen plan protests against Chinese trawlers fishing near Karachi</a>

"Our fishermen used to earn lakhs of rupees before CPEC was conceived in 2003. But even that has been sold by them (Pakistan government)", said a protester in his protest speech. While the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a> has already rendered a big blow to the already battered economy of Pakistan, the fishermen have suffered a double whammy with even little prospects of returning to sea dying down with the country's new policy under which the Chinese are gaining control of the Gwadar Port and the region around it.

They have been cleared away from their fishing areas and now with no employment, distressed locals say they are left with little or no option to look forward to in life.

A protester added, "Had we been wrong then Gwadar port would have never come into existence and now even your Gwadar expressway is on the verge of completion. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan</a>, If you hate the people of Gwadar so much then just do what Hitler did with Jews. Gather us all at one place and kill us with poisonous gas. If you cannot do this then stop hating us and stop playing with our lives, Imran Khan".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gwadar-fishermen-have-deep-reservations-about-china-pakistan-economic-corridor-rights-body-11168">Gwadar fishermen have deep reservations about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Rights body</a>

The Baloch, who accuse Islamabad of having devious intentions of their ethnic cleansing also say that a systematic design has been employed to further oppress and subsequently eliminate them. Apart from hours of everyday load shedding, Balochistan also has an acute shortage of potable water.

"Balochistan has received more rainfall than Islamabad but still, Gwadar has an acute water shortage. What is the reason behind this? It happens because the people of Gwadar are not ready to fall in line with those who are mistreating them", said a resident of Gwadar who has joined the protest.

The region of Balochistan, which is now the largest province of Pakistan, was annexed by it in 1948. And despite stiff resistance from the locals, Islamabad has continued to rule it with an iron fist. The region is full of mineral and gas reserves and meets a large portion of the gaseous needs of the country. However, in return, all it gets is discrimination and state-sponsored oppression.&nbsp;

Massive protests have swept through the Balochistan province of Pakistan, especially the Gwadar region, where people are holding rallies and demonstrations calling out the government for mistreating the region and its people.

Massive protests have swept through the Balochistan province of Pakistan, especially the Gwadar region, where people are holding rallies and demonstrations calling out the government for mistreating the region and its people. While accusing Islamabad of working in cahoots with Chinese authorities, they say that people in Gwadar are losing jobs due to the so-called game-changer China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Also read | Chinese 'Factory ship' trawlers pose a threat to Pakistan's local fishermen Their protests have also aimed to highlight a rise in the plights of commoners due to a significant rise in load shedding. A protester said, "We are stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. We, the people of Balochistan have only two options to choose from, either to sink in the sea or sit in the lap of the devil. CPEC has been a historical problem. We have just been able to just about meet our ends because of CPEC". The fishermen, who are on the front line in these latest anti-Islamabad protests say they have assured prosperity when the CPEC agreement was signed but the promises have vanished into thin air. On the contrary, the situation has grown so desperate that they are able to just about make ends meet. Also read | Pakistan fishermen plan protests against Chinese trawlers fishing near Karachi "Our fishermen used to earn lakhs of rupees before CPEC was conceived in 2003. But even that has been sold by them (Pakistan government)", said a protester in his protest speech. While the COVID-19 pandemic has already rendered a big blow to the already battered economy of Pakistan, the fishermen have suffered a double whammy with even little prospects of returning to sea dying down with the country's new policy under which the Chinese are gaining control of the Gwadar Port and the region around it. They have been cleared away from their fishing areas and now with no employment, distressed locals say they are left with little or no option to look forward to in life. A protester added, "Had we been wrong then Gwadar port would have never come into existence and now even your Gwadar expressway is on the verge of completion. Imran Khan, If you hate the people of Gwadar so much then just do what Hitler did with Jews. Gather us all at one place and kill us with poisonous gas. If you cannot do this then stop hating us and stop playing with our lives, Imran Khan". Also read | Gwadar fishermen have deep reservations about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Rights body The Baloch, who accuse Islamabad of having devious intentions of their ethnic cleansing also say that a systematic design has been employed to further oppress and subsequently eliminate them. Apart from hours of everyday load shedding, Balochistan also has an acute shortage of potable water. "Balochistan has received more rainfall than Islamabad but still, Gwadar has an acute water shortage. What is the reason behind this? It happens because the people of Gwadar are not ready to fall in line with those who are mistreating them", said a resident of Gwadar who has joined the protest. The region of Balochistan, which is now the largest province of Pakistan, was annexed by it in 1948. And despite stiff resistance from the locals, Islamabad has continued to rule it with an iron fist. The region is full of mineral and gas reserves and meets a large portion of the gaseous needs of the country. However, in return, all it gets is discrimination and state-sponsored oppression.

Fishermen lead anti-CPEC protests in Balochistan, allege ethnic cleansing is happening

Posing threat to the livelihood of local fishermen, hundreds of fishing trawlers have amassed at Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.

Through CPEC ports, China has invested millions in the Gwadar port;&nbsp;a gateway to China’s trade ambitions. Though it is believed to be a rich fishing ground, according to local fishermen the area has witnessed a sharp decline in the amount of catch, more so because of the Chinese trawlers.

The trawler fleet consists of ‘factory ships’ which process and package fish for sale in international markets, thereby depriving local fishermen of their livelihoods.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gwadar-fishermen-have-deep-reservations-about-china-pakistan-economic-corridor-rights-body-11168">Gwadar fishermen have deep reservations about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Rights body</a>

Aziz Singhoor, a senior commentator for the Pakistani daily `Roznama Azadi`, has exposed the issuance of licenses by these Chinese ships. Though the Pakistan government has denied this, the Roznama Azadi newspaper and Singhoor are adamant on their stand.

According to Azadi News, at least 2 million people are connected to the fishing business in Gwadar. Their livelihoods depend on day-to-day fishing.

But due to the interference of these factory ships lakhs of local fishermen have been brought to the verge of unemployment, with several families expected to be grossly affected.

The presence of Chinese ships in that area is not only complicating the distribution of fish catches for Pakistani local fishermen but according to activists, they are also threatening the survival of fishermen from the Philippines.

According to a report by DW Newsagency, Members of BIGKIS, a collective of fishermen from the northern fishing provinces of Zambales and Pangasinan, has&nbsp;said that the presence of Chinese boats in the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is hampering their fishing activities.

With the Chinese fleets of government-subsidised ships straying into distant waters searching for seafood and the continuously increasing influence yielded by China, this has also become a common point of concern for Hawaii’s commercial fishermen and the US military.

(With inputs from agencies)

Posing threat to the livelihood of local fishermen, hundreds of fishing trawlers have amassed at Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. Through CPEC ports, China has invested millions in the Gwadar port; a gateway to China’s trade ambitions.

Posing threat to the livelihood of local fishermen, hundreds of fishing trawlers have amassed at Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. Through CPEC ports, China has invested millions in the Gwadar port; a gateway to China’s trade ambitions. Though it is believed to be a rich fishing ground, according to local fishermen the area has witnessed a sharp decline in the amount of catch, more so because of the Chinese trawlers. The trawler fleet consists of ‘factory ships’ which process and package fish for sale in international markets, thereby depriving local fishermen of their livelihoods. Also read | Gwadar fishermen have deep reservations about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Rights body Aziz Singhoor, a senior commentator for the Pakistani daily `Roznama Azadi`, has exposed the issuance of licenses by these Chinese ships. Though the Pakistan government has denied this, the Roznama Azadi newspaper and Singhoor are adamant on their stand. According to Azadi News, at least 2 million people are connected to the fishing business in Gwadar. Their livelihoods depend on day-to-day fishing. But due to the interference of these factory ships lakhs of local fishermen have been brought to the verge of unemployment, with several families expected to be grossly affected. The presence of Chinese ships in that area is not only complicating the distribution of fish catches for Pakistani local fishermen but according to activists, they are also threatening the survival of fishermen from the Philippines. According to a report by DW Newsagency, Members of BIGKIS, a collective of fishermen from the northern fishing provinces of Zambales and Pangasinan, has said that the presence of Chinese boats in the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is hampering their fishing activities. With the Chinese fleets of government-subsidised ships straying into distant waters searching for seafood and the continuously increasing influence yielded by China, this has also become a common point of concern for Hawaii’s commercial fishermen and the US military. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese 'Factory ship' trawlers pose a threat to Pakistan's local fishermen

Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan </a>has vowed to wipe out terror in his country.

This tall promise came shortly after a suicide attack in Balochistan. On Wednesday night, 50 kgs of RDX exploded at a luxury hotel in Quetta.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinese-ambassador-was-on-target-in-quetta-blast-379343/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Serena Hotel in Quetta is located right next to the Iranian consulate and the provincial assembly of Balochistan.

As many as four people were killed and 11 have been injured.&nbsp;The Tehreek-e-Taliban, an offshoot of the Afghan Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack and Islamabad says their target was the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-deadly-blast-at-luxury-hotel-housing-chinese-ambassador-kills-four-379141">Pakistan: Deadly blast at luxury hotel housing Chinese ambassador kills four</a>

"This incident occurred after Iftar (breaking of fast). The car was parked in the parking lot of the Serena Hotel. The blast killed four people&nbsp;and injured 11. One of our police constables is among the injured," Mir Ziaullah Langove, Balochistan provincial minister, said.&nbsp;

Nong Rong, the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, was staying at the hotel with four other Chinese delegates.

He was out for a meeting at the time of the explosion.

In Beijing, the Chinese foreign ministry is alarmed and has condemned the attack, promising to firmly support Pakistan's anti-terrorism efforts.

"China strongly condemns the terrorist attack, expresses its condolences to the tragic victims and extends its sympathy to the injured," Wang Wenbin, foreign ministry spokesperson, said. &nbsp;

"China will continue to firmly support Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts, jointly maintain and promote regional security and stability, and ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan."

In Islamabad, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was saddened by the loss of innocent lives, promising to not let the scourge of terrorism re-emerge.

However, the people of Balochistan will tell you this promise means nothing.&nbsp;The province has seen six decades of insurgency by separatists who want independence from Pakistan. Their objective is to end Islamabad's monopoly and exploitation of the province's mineral resources.

This conflict intensified with the onset of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2017, which is increasingly turning Balochistan into a Chinese colony.

Billions of dollars are flowing into the regions, thousands of outsiders are getting jobs, but the Baloch people continue to toil in poverty as they are pushed to the margins.

In recent years, they have carried out multiple attacks on Chinese investments.

Three Chinese nationals were injured in a suicide attack near Quetta in 2018.&nbsp;In 2019, gunmen stormed a hotel in the Chinese-run Gwadar seaport, killing five people. And in 2020, Baloch insurgents stormed the Karachi Stock Exchange, in which nine people were killed.&nbsp;

With the latest suicide attack that targeted the Chinese ambassador, it has become absolutely clear that Balochistan is slowly becoming China's Achilles'&nbsp;heel.

It is becoming a big problem for China's mega Belt and Road Initiative and the jewel in its crown, the CPEC.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to wipe out terror in his country. This tall promise came shortly after a suicide attack in Balochistan. On Wednesday night, 50 kgs of RDX exploded at a luxury hotel in Quetta.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to wipe out terror in his country. This tall promise came shortly after a suicide attack in Balochistan. On Wednesday night, 50 kgs of RDX exploded at a luxury hotel in Quetta. Watch | The Serena Hotel in Quetta is located right next to the Iranian consulate and the provincial assembly of Balochistan. As many as four people were killed and 11 have been injured. The Tehreek-e-Taliban, an offshoot of the Afghan Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack and Islamabad says their target was the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan. Also read | Pakistan: Deadly blast at luxury hotel housing Chinese ambassador kills four "This incident occurred after Iftar (breaking of fast). The car was parked in the parking lot of the Serena Hotel. The blast killed four people and injured 11. One of our police constables is among the injured," Mir Ziaullah Langove, Balochistan provincial minister, said. Nong Rong, the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, was staying at the hotel with four other Chinese delegates. He was out for a meeting at the time of the explosion. In Beijing, the Chinese foreign ministry is alarmed and has condemned the attack, promising to firmly support Pakistan's anti-terrorism efforts. "China strongly condemns the terrorist attack, expresses its condolences to the tragic victims and extends its sympathy to the injured," Wang Wenbin, foreign ministry spokesperson, said. "China will continue to firmly support Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts, jointly maintain and promote regional security and stability, and ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan." In Islamabad, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was saddened by the loss of innocent lives, promising to not let the scourge of terrorism re-emerge. However, the people of Balochistan will tell you this promise means nothing. The province has seen six decades of insurgency by separatists who want independence from Pakistan. Their objective is to end Islamabad's monopoly and exploitation of the province's mineral resources. This conflict intensified with the onset of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2017, which is increasingly turning Balochistan into a Chinese colony. Billions of dollars are flowing into the regions, thousands of outsiders are getting jobs, but the Baloch people continue to toil in poverty as they are pushed to the margins. In recent years, they have carried out multiple attacks on Chinese investments. Three Chinese nationals were injured in a suicide attack near Quetta in 2018. In 2019, gunmen stormed a hotel in the Chinese-run Gwadar seaport, killing five people. And in 2020, Baloch insurgents stormed the Karachi Stock Exchange, in which nine people were killed. With the latest suicide attack that targeted the Chinese ambassador, it has become absolutely clear that Balochistan is slowly becoming China's Achilles' heel. It is becoming a big problem for China's mega Belt and Road Initiative and the jewel in its crown, the CPEC.

Why Quetta blast is a big concern for China's ambitious projects

China and Pakistan will hold 100 events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on May 21, 1951. A virtual ceremony will be simultaneously held in Islamabad and Beijing&nbsp;to mark this date.

On World Puppetry Day on March 21, the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing is going to hold a puppet show to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations with China at the China Puppet Art Theater in Beijing. This will be a joint initiative with the Rafi peer art theatre of Pakistan.

The show will celebrate the civilisation and cultural heritage of both countries through puppets.

For Pakistan, it’s a big deal and for China, there's no better way to celebrate than holding a puppet show.

What will the show look like?

Pakistan owes 17.1 billion dollars to China, due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

For China, CPEC is a geopolitical game-changer - the biggest success of Chinese expansionism, and for Pakistan, it is a lifetime opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation.

CPEC was sold as the ultimate solution to Pakistan's economic troubles. But&nbsp;it was China that has squeezed all the benefits.

The actual worth of this puppet show can also be estimated based on Pakistan's silence on the persecution of Uighurs in Xinjiang,&nbsp;its support for the dictatorial Hong Kong national security law. The several Intel-sharing deals between PLA and the Pakistan Army, or the conspicuous support these two countries provide each other for their respective nefarious policies at global platforms.

China is holding a puppet show with Pakistan is funnier than anything satirists could ever come up with. It leaves little to the imagination on what sort of ties these two countries have.&nbsp;

One pulls the strings through financial support. The other willfully complies with diplomatic silence. They don't need a puppet show to prove who's in control.

(With inputs from agencies)

China and Pakistan will hold 100 events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on May 21, 1951.

China and Pakistan will hold 100 events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on May 21, 1951. A virtual ceremony will be simultaneously held in Islamabad and Beijing to mark this date. On World Puppetry Day on March 21, the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing is going to hold a puppet show to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations with China at the China Puppet Art Theater in Beijing. This will be a joint initiative with the Rafi peer art theatre of Pakistan. The show will celebrate the civilisation and cultural heritage of both countries through puppets. For Pakistan, it’s a big deal and for China, there's no better way to celebrate than holding a puppet show. What will the show look like? Pakistan owes 17.1 billion dollars to China, due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). For China, CPEC is a geopolitical game-changer - the biggest success of Chinese expansionism, and for Pakistan, it is a lifetime opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation. CPEC was sold as the ultimate solution to Pakistan's economic troubles. But it was China that has squeezed all the benefits. The actual worth of this puppet show can also be estimated based on Pakistan's silence on the persecution of Uighurs in Xinjiang, its support for the dictatorial Hong Kong national security law. The several Intel-sharing deals between PLA and the Pakistan Army, or the conspicuous support these two countries provide each other for their respective nefarious policies at global platforms. China is holding a puppet show with Pakistan is funnier than anything satirists could ever come up with. It leaves little to the imagination on what sort of ties these two countries have. One pulls the strings through financial support. The other willfully complies with diplomatic silence. They don't need a puppet show to prove who's in control. (With inputs from agencies)

Art imitates reality: A 'puppet show' to celebrate 70 years of China-Pakistan ties

For Beijing, alliance with Pakistan is a geopolitical game-changer - a success of Chinese expansionism, and for Islamabad, it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation.

CPEC was sold as the ultimate solution to Pakistan's economic troubles. But, it was China that has squeezed all the benefits.

Foreign direct investment in Pakistan has seen a 27 per cent decline in the first seven months of the current fiscal, owing mainly to the fall in investment from its close ally China, a media report said on Tuesday.

The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan during the first seven years fell by 27 per cent compared to the same period last fiscal year, Dawn newspaper reported, quoting the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as saying.

The SBP, the central bank, on Monday said that the FDI during July-January FY-21 was USD 1.145 billion against an inflow of USD 1.577bn in the same period last fiscal year.

The inflow during January was USD 192.7 million compared to USD 219 million in the same month of the previous fiscal year, registering a 12 per cent decline.

However, the seven-month decline was mainly due to a decline in net FDI from China and an increase in net outflow to Norway, the report said.

The country-wise details showed that net inflow of FDI from China was USD 402.8 million against USD 502.6 million in the same period of last fiscal year.

So far, the net FDI from China is the highest in the list of inflows from other countries.

The inflows from China were USD 707.2 million during the seven months but the outflow of USD 304.4 million in the same period reduced the net FDI to USD 402.8 million.

Others from where over USD 100 million net FDIs were received were the Netherlands and Hong Kong, as they invested USD 122 million and USD 105 million, respectively, during the first seven months of FY21.

The inflows of FDI from the UK (USD 83.8m), the US (USD 73.5m) and Malta (USD 60.6m) were also significant during the seven months.

However, a drastic change in the inflows from Norway affected the overall inflow of FDI this year.

The SBP data shows that during the seven months of the previous fiscal year, the inflow from Norway was USD 288.5 million, while in the seven months of the current financial year a net outflow of USD 25.8 million was noted instead of any inflow from the Scandinavian country.

The power sector attracted the highest investment of USD 475.8 m against USD 373 m in the same period of last financial year; an increase of 27.6 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

For Beijing, alliance with Pakistan is a geopolitical game-changer - a success of Chinese expansionism, and for Islamabad, it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation.

For Beijing, alliance with Pakistan is a geopolitical game-changer - a success of Chinese expansionism, and for Islamabad, it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation. CPEC was sold as the ultimate solution to Pakistan's economic troubles. But, it was China that has squeezed all the benefits. Foreign direct investment in Pakistan has seen a 27 per cent decline in the first seven months of the current fiscal, owing mainly to the fall in investment from its close ally China, a media report said on Tuesday. The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan during the first seven years fell by 27 per cent compared to the same period last fiscal year, Dawn newspaper reported, quoting the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as saying. The SBP, the central bank, on Monday said that the FDI during July-January FY-21 was USD 1.145 billion against an inflow of USD 1.577bn in the same period last fiscal year. The inflow during January was USD 192.7 million compared to USD 219 million in the same month of the previous fiscal year, registering a 12 per cent decline. However, the seven-month decline was mainly due to a decline in net FDI from China and an increase in net outflow to Norway, the report said. The country-wise details showed that net inflow of FDI from China was USD 402.8 million against USD 502.6 million in the same period of last fiscal year. So far, the net FDI from China is the highest in the list of inflows from other countries. The inflows from China were USD 707.2 million during the seven months but the outflow of USD 304.4 million in the same period reduced the net FDI to USD 402.8 million. Others from where over USD 100 million net FDIs were received were the Netherlands and Hong Kong, as they invested USD 122 million and USD 105 million, respectively, during the first seven months of FY21. The inflows of FDI from the UK (USD 83.8m), the US (USD 73.5m) and Malta (USD 60.6m) were also significant during the seven months. However, a drastic change in the inflows from Norway affected the overall inflow of FDI this year. The SBP data shows that during the seven months of the previous fiscal year, the inflow from Norway was USD 288.5 million, while in the seven months of the current financial year a net outflow of USD 25.8 million was noted instead of any inflow from the Scandinavian country. The power sector attracted the highest investment of USD 475.8 m against USD 373 m in the same period of last financial year; an increase of 27.6 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

FDI in Pakistan down by 27 per cent in the first seven months; investment from China dwindles: Report

Amid rapidly growing Sino- Pakistan relations and Pakistan’s belligerent moves to derail Afghanistan initiatives to warm up to India, the recent busting of a robust Chinese spy syndicate in Kabul&nbsp;raises many questions.&nbsp;

Such questions further threaten the fragile polity in Afghanistan impinging on the security status of this country which is still struggling to come to terms with some semblance of peace. The condemnable presence of undercover Chinese intelligence operatives on the Afghan soil also calls for the Indian agencies to further reinforce its counterintelligence resources to combat a joint enterprise by Pakistan and China to damage Indian and Afghan geopolitical interests.&nbsp;

But before this recommendation, it seems important to examine how things unfolded leading the Chinese intelligence personnel to capitalise on Afghanistan to garner intelligence or execute some covert operations as a collaborator of Pakistan.

According to the sources placed in Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) which also oversees intelligence, a full-fledged Chinese ring of intelligence active in Kabul was busted last month.&nbsp;

It was a group of ten, and most significantly, two out of these ten were in touch with the Haqqani Network which remains in contact with Pakistan’s ISI and seeks guidance and all forms of assistance from this notorious Pak intelligence outfit.&nbsp;

It’s intriguing that the NDS or the Afghan government had initially kept the activities of this spy syndicate a secret and the NDS disclosed only after the Wolesi Sirga, the Afghan House of Representatives, questioned their security organisation about the news appearing in a section of Indian media about the Chinese covert activities. It would be naive to think that Afghan authorities had kept it under the wrap apprehending it could impair Sino-Afghan relations.

It’s further baffling that only after keeping the ten Chinese spies in detention for 23 days, they were let off without any charge or criminal case and were given a safe passage to China in a special chartered plane.&nbsp;

This seems more suspicious as dependable sources say that under express plans of the Chinese Intelligence headquarters, these spies were wanting to set up a fake module in the name of East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). China is under international pressure from the international community for the continued Chinese high handedness among&nbsp;the Uighurs.&nbsp;

And, Afghanistan has borders with Xinjiang province of China. Hence, it could be possible it was trying to use the fake module to contain the so-called menace of the Uighurs whom the Chinese describe as "terrorists".

This apart, the Chinese complicity with Pakistan to gather hard human intelligence as well as technological, to aid the Haqqani terror network to harm Indian and Afghan interests through collective collaboration is a strong possibility.&nbsp;

This theory seems plausible as two arrested Chinese spies, Li Yang and Sha Hung were in very active touch with the Haqqani activists and Sha Hung was running a restaurant in Kabul for his espionage activities, so reminiscent of the high voltage dramas seen in a film thriller.&nbsp;

Further, a large cache of arms and narcotics were seized from the apprehended Chinese spies which speak about their undesirable designs. It’s also a million-dollar question as to who supplied them arms and contraband items? By deduction, it could be assumed they came from the ISI through their conduits in Kabul who mastermind&nbsp;the terror strikes.

Now that the spies have been flown away silently and no proper interrogation was carried out, mystery would remain about the real Chinese intentions. Most likely, they in coordination with the Pakistani agencies may have already planned or left behind a blueprint for offensive operations.

Chinese have already earned infamy for training and sheltering Indian North-East insurgents including ULFA cadres from Assam, PLA of Manipur and of course the Nagas (both the I/M and Khaplang factions ). ULFA head Paresh Barua is still believed to be hiding in China.&nbsp;

With this track record, and closeness to Pakistan to pinprick Indian security interests, Chinese footprints in Afghanistan calls for a serious reading by the experts watching Pakistan and Afghanistan with India thrown in.&nbsp;

Within Pakistan, Baluchistan, in particular, has been up in arms against China for the CPEC project. Ongoing projects in upgrading Gwadar Port and the railways do not augur well with all. The $62 billion project as part of the Belt and Road Initiative( BRI) being vulnerable from the security point of view, needed fencing all around but the plans were shelved under local pressure.&nbsp;

The situation is not completely to the satisfaction of the Sino-Pak plans. The Chinese consulate was violently attacked in Karachi and Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar came under assault. It could be possible that&nbsp;Chinese intelligence is expanding its network of activities on the Afghan soil as part of its third country operations. It’s therefore, not only worth a watch but merits an aggressive, well thought out counter move to nullify its moves to subvert Indian and Afghan interests.

(Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Amid rapidly growing Sino- Pakistan relations and Pakistan’s belligerent moves to derail Afghanistan initiatives to warm up to India, the recent busting of a robust Chinese spy syndicate in Kabul raises many questions.

Amid rapidly growing Sino- Pakistan relations and Pakistan’s belligerent moves to derail Afghanistan initiatives to warm up to India, the recent busting of a robust Chinese spy syndicate in Kabul raises many questions. Such questions further threaten the fragile polity in Afghanistan impinging on the security status of this country which is still struggling to come to terms with some semblance of peace. The condemnable presence of undercover Chinese intelligence operatives on the Afghan soil also calls for the Indian agencies to further reinforce its counterintelligence resources to combat a joint enterprise by Pakistan and China to damage Indian and Afghan geopolitical interests. But before this recommendation, it seems important to examine how things unfolded leading the Chinese intelligence personnel to capitalise on Afghanistan to garner intelligence or execute some covert operations as a collaborator of Pakistan. According to the sources placed in Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) which also oversees intelligence, a full-fledged Chinese ring of intelligence active in Kabul was busted last month. It was a group of ten, and most significantly, two out of these ten were in touch with the Haqqani Network which remains in contact with Pakistan’s ISI and seeks guidance and all forms of assistance from this notorious Pak intelligence outfit. It’s intriguing that the NDS or the Afghan government had initially kept the activities of this spy syndicate a secret and the NDS disclosed only after the Wolesi Sirga, the Afghan House of Representatives, questioned their security organisation about the news appearing in a section of Indian media about the Chinese covert activities. It would be naive to think that Afghan authorities had kept it under the wrap apprehending it could impair Sino-Afghan relations. It’s further baffling that only after keeping the ten Chinese spies in detention for 23 days, they were let off without any charge or criminal case and were given a safe passage to China in a special chartered plane. This seems more suspicious as dependable sources say that under express plans of the Chinese Intelligence headquarters, these spies were wanting to set up a fake module in the name of East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). China is under international pressure from the international community for the continued Chinese high handedness among the Uighurs. And, Afghanistan has borders with Xinjiang province of China. Hence, it could be possible it was trying to use the fake module to contain the so-called menace of the Uighurs whom the Chinese describe as "terrorists". This apart, the Chinese complicity with Pakistan to gather hard human intelligence as well as technological, to aid the Haqqani terror network to harm Indian and Afghan interests through collective collaboration is a strong possibility. This theory seems plausible as two arrested Chinese spies, Li Yang and Sha Hung were in very active touch with the Haqqani activists and Sha Hung was running a restaurant in Kabul for his espionage activities, so reminiscent of the high voltage dramas seen in a film thriller. Further, a large cache of arms and narcotics were seized from the apprehended Chinese spies which speak about their undesirable designs. It’s also a million-dollar question as to who supplied them arms and contraband items? By deduction, it could be assumed they came from the ISI through their conduits in Kabul who mastermind the terror strikes. Now that the spies have been flown away silently and no proper interrogation was carried out, mystery would remain about the real Chinese intentions. Most likely, they in coordination with the Pakistani agencies may have already planned or left behind a blueprint for offensive operations. Chinese have already earned infamy for training and sheltering Indian North-East insurgents including ULFA cadres from Assam, PLA of Manipur and of course the Nagas (both the I/M and Khaplang factions ). ULFA head Paresh Barua is still believed to be hiding in China. With this track record, and closeness to Pakistan to pinprick Indian security interests, Chinese footprints in Afghanistan calls for a serious reading by the experts watching Pakistan and Afghanistan with India thrown in. Within Pakistan, Baluchistan, in particular, has been up in arms against China for the CPEC project. Ongoing projects in upgrading Gwadar Port and the railways do not augur well with all. The $62 billion project as part of the Belt and Road Initiative( BRI) being vulnerable from the security point of view, needed fencing all around but the plans were shelved under local pressure. The situation is not completely to the satisfaction of the Sino-Pak plans. The Chinese consulate was violently attacked in Karachi and Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar came under assault. It could be possible that Chinese intelligence is expanding its network of activities on the Afghan soil as part of its third country operations. It’s therefore, not only worth a watch but merits an aggressive, well thought out counter move to nullify its moves to subvert Indian and Afghan interests. (Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Active presence of Chinese intelligence in Afghanistan

China on Monday dismissed reports that it asked Pakistan of additional guarantees for approving a USD 6 billion loan for a railway line project and moving away from its financial commitments to the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said despite the global economic recession, "China's input in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) including the CPEC" has increased.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-seeks-loan-guarantee-from-pakistan-352166/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I would also like to stress that against the global economic recession, China's input in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) including the CPEC has not reduced but rather increased against the odds," Zhao was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-seeks-additional-guarantees-before-sanctioning-usd-6-billion-loan-for-rail-project-in-pakistan-351771">China seeks additional guarantees before sanctioning USD 6 billion loan for rail project in Pakistan</a>

"Over the first three quarters, China's direct financial investment in BRI countries increased by around 30 per cent, offering China's support to many BRI partner countries in their effort to fight the epidemic and recover their economy."

CPEC is a crucial part of Chiná's multi-billion-dollar BRI.

The corridor which connects China's Xinjiang province to Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan has been opposed by India as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;

Recently, Pakistani media has reported that China has asked Pakistan to provide additional guarantees before sanctioning the 6 billion dollar loan for the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway line project due to Islamabad's vulnerable economic condition.&nbsp;

Zhao also rejected claims that China is moving away from its initial commitments to Pakistan under the CPEC due to a rise in corruption and militant attacks.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

China on Monday dismissed reports that it asked Pakistan of additional guarantees for approving a USD 6 billion loan for a railway line project and moving away from its financial commitments to the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

China on Monday dismissed reports that it asked Pakistan of additional guarantees for approving a USD 6 billion loan for a railway line project and moving away from its financial commitments to the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said despite the global economic recession, "China's input in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) including the CPEC" has increased. Watch | "I would also like to stress that against the global economic recession, China's input in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) including the CPEC has not reduced but rather increased against the odds," Zhao was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Also read | China seeks additional guarantees before sanctioning USD 6 billion loan for rail project in Pakistan "Over the first three quarters, China's direct financial investment in BRI countries increased by around 30 per cent, offering China's support to many BRI partner countries in their effort to fight the epidemic and recover their economy." CPEC is a crucial part of Chiná's multi-billion-dollar BRI. The corridor which connects China's Xinjiang province to Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan has been opposed by India as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Recently, Pakistani media has reported that China has asked Pakistan to provide additional guarantees before sanctioning the 6 billion dollar loan for the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway line project due to Islamabad's vulnerable economic condition. Zhao also rejected claims that China is moving away from its initial commitments to Pakistan under the CPEC due to a rise in corruption and militant attacks.

China rejects reports of seeking guarantees from Pakistan for approving $6 billion loan

For China, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a geopolitical game-changer - the biggest success of Chinese expansionism, and for Pakistan, it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation.

Report: China backtracks on CPEC commitments

For China, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a geopolitical game-changer - the biggest success of Chinese expansionism, and for Pakistan, it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation.

For the last 18 months, the US$60 billion infrastructure project has been both a source of interest and concern even as there has been a global debate over its potential and problems.

China appears to be backing away from its initial financial promises to Pakistan under Beijing-financed CPEC, amid rising corruption and terrorist attacks on Chinese engineers.

According to Asia Times, Pakistan Army is set to take near-total control of the CPEC in a bid to reassure Beijing that their investments will be more secure amid terrorist attacks on Chinese engineers and others facilitating the infrastructure projects.

The new bill comes at a time when reports suggest that China is slowly retreating from its promises.

Overall lending by the state-backed China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China declined from a peak of USD 75 billion in 2016 to just $4 billion last year. Provisional 2020 figures show that amount shrunk to around $3 billion in 2020, according to data of Boston University researchers in the United States.

The belt-tightening is believed to be in line with Beijing's so-called "rethink strategy" for its US$1 trillion BRI, which is under broad fire for "structural weaknesses" including opacity, corruption, overlending to poor countries resulting in "debt traps" and adverse social and environmental impacts, the Boston University researchers said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose government is criticised for being under military control, is also facing flak in his country for not prioritising and expediting big-ticket Chinese infrastructure investments, Asia Times reported.

In 2018, Imran Khan had put on hold several CPEC projects suspecting corruption by the previous government. However, two years later, several of his Cabinet members were named in big corruption scandals involving the country's power sector. About one-third of Pakistan's power companies are involved in Chinese projects under the CPEC.

The 278-page inquiry report, compiled by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and presented to Imran Khan in April, unearthed alleged irregularities worth over USD 1.8 billion in subsidies given to 16 independent power producers (IPPs) including those belonging to Imran Khan's advisors Razak Dawood and Nadeem Baber, Asia Times said.

The SCEP had also investigated the profits earned by the Chinese power companies. The report revealed that Huang Shandong Ruyi Pakistan Ltd (HSR) and Port Qasim Electric Power Co Ltd (PQEPCL) were together overpaid by 483.6 billion rupees (USD 3 billion).

Terrorists in Balochistan province, meanwhile, have intensified their attacks on CPEC projects and Chinese nationals working on them, raising the security costs and political risks of the projects. Islamabad's move to give the military more control over the scheme is a clear attempt to mollify China's rising security concerns.

(With inputs from agencies)

For China, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a geopolitical game-changer - the biggest success of Chinese expansionism, and for Pakistan, it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation. For the last 18 months, the US$60 billion infrastructure project has been both a source of interest and concern even as there has been a global debate over its potential and problems. China appears to be backing away from its initial financial promises to Pakistan under Beijing-financed CPEC, amid rising corruption and terrorist attacks on Chinese engineers. According to Asia Times, Pakistan Army is set to take near-total control of the CPEC in a bid to reassure Beijing that their investments will be more secure amid terrorist attacks on Chinese engineers and others facilitating the infrastructure projects. The new bill comes at a time when reports suggest that China is slowly retreating from its promises. Overall lending by the state-backed China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China declined from a peak of USD 75 billion in 2016 to just $4 billion last year. Provisional 2020 figures show that amount shrunk to around $3 billion in 2020, according to data of Boston University researchers in the United States. The belt-tightening is believed to be in line with Beijing's so-called "rethink strategy" for its US$1 trillion BRI, which is under broad fire for "structural weaknesses" including opacity, corruption, overlending to poor countries resulting in "debt traps" and adverse social and environmental impacts, the Boston University researchers said. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose government is criticised for being under military control, is also facing flak in his country for not prioritising and expediting big-ticket Chinese infrastructure investments, Asia Times reported. In 2018, Imran Khan had put on hold several CPEC projects suspecting corruption by the previous government. However, two years later, several of his Cabinet members were named in big corruption scandals involving the country's power sector. About one-third of Pakistan's power companies are involved in Chinese projects under the CPEC. The 278-page inquiry report, compiled by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and presented to Imran Khan in April, unearthed alleged irregularities worth over USD 1.8 billion in subsidies given to 16 independent power producers (IPPs) including those belonging to Imran Khan's advisors Razak Dawood and Nadeem Baber, Asia Times said. The SCEP had also investigated the profits earned by the Chinese power companies. The report revealed that Huang Shandong Ruyi Pakistan Ltd (HSR) and Port Qasim Electric Power Co Ltd (PQEPCL) were together overpaid by 483.6 billion rupees (USD 3 billion). Terrorists in Balochistan province, meanwhile, have intensified their attacks on CPEC projects and Chinese nationals working on them, raising the security costs and political risks of the projects. Islamabad's move to give the military more control over the scheme is a clear attempt to mollify China's rising security concerns. (With inputs from agencies)

China retreating from promises to Pakistan under economic corridor: Report

Pakistan's injustices in Balochistan are well-documented, but with the onset of CPEC projects in the region, human rights violations have only grown.&nbsp;

Here's a report on how thousands of Balochs who opposed Chinese investments on their land disappeared.&nbsp;

Balochistan, in Pakistan's southwest, is the largest and most resource-rich province in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-balochistan-land-of-the-disappeared-350871/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

For more than 60 years, Balochs have fought for their independence.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taking-a-leaf-out-of-chinas-book-pak-army-develops-xinjiang-style-indoctrination-camps-in-balochistan-325804">Taking a leaf out of China's book, Pak army develops Xinjiang style indoctrination camps in Balochistan</a>

However, their movement has caused gross human rights abuses.&nbsp;

Abdul Hameed Baloch's mother stopped speaking after she got to know that her son and Abdul's brother is among the list of 5,000 people who have gone missing from the province.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old factory guard disappeared in July and his brother Abdul has only his photographs that show Pakistan authorities taking his brother away.&nbsp;

"If someone committed a crime, they should be punished. But what is my mother's crime? Why she is being punished? She has been weeping for her son day and night, now she has stopped speaking," said Abdul.&nbsp;

Abdul believes that he could be the next one and is afraid to share his plight.

He is scared that he too might be picked up and dumped after being killed.&nbsp;

"It is destruction, we cannot describe it, what is happening with us in Balochistan. Why is it happening to us? Why are they doing this? Only they know. It is a kind of destruction. We fear that if they know that I am talking about this destruction in Balochistan, maybe they will pick me up and dump me after killing me," he added.

27-year old Hani Baloch and her fiance never thought of themselves as dissidents.

But in May this year, just weeks before their wedding, Hani and her to-be husband Nasim were picked by Pakistani officials over accusation of being part of a pro-independence terror outfit.&nbsp;

The couple were tortured, electrocuted and hit with rifle butts.&nbsp;

"They tortured us, they gave us electric shocks while we were sat down on chairs, they hit my right foot with a rifle butt. I'm in pain when I walk. They hit my head with the rifle butt, I had six stitches on my head," Hani said.&nbsp;

"We want all those who went missing to be recovered. If they are criminals, you have courts, you have jails, our lawyers will defend us. If they are found guilty, we will accept the punishment that the state gives us. But it is not acceptable to keep us in custody," Hani, whose fiancee is still missing, added.&nbsp;

The conflict between Balochs and Pakistani administration intensified due to CPEC as billions of dollars of Chinese money is flowing into the region.

The project will provide jobs to outsiders and the locals will be pushed further into the margins.&nbsp;

"CPEC has ignited it because Balochistan is not receiving any share, even labour is being brought from Punjab or Chinese workers are working, there is no trust in Baloch workers, they are not being given work over there, so that it is creating more hatred," said Asad Iqbal Butt, vice-president of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan in Karachi.&nbsp;

<h2>Civilians paying the price</h2>

In 2019, Baloch rebels stormed into a luxury hotel overlooking a flagship CPEC project in Gwadar and in June this year, Baloch insurgents targeted the Pakistan Stock Exchange.&nbsp;

The attacks were claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army, but it is the innocent civilians who have suffered the most.&nbsp;

They get picked up by authorities on the slightest of doubt.&nbsp;

A new wave of injustices can be seen in Balochistan as Pakistan is keen on protecting its business interests with China.&nbsp;

And Balochistan has turned into the land of the disappeared.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's injustices in Balochistan are well-documented, but with the onset of CPEC projects in the region, human rights violations have only grown. Here's a report on how thousands of Balochs who opposed Chinese investments on their land disappeared.

Pakistan's injustices in Balochistan are well-documented, but with the onset of CPEC projects in the region, human rights violations have only grown. Here's a report on how thousands of Balochs who opposed Chinese investments on their land disappeared. Balochistan, in Pakistan's southwest, is the largest and most resource-rich province in Pakistan. Watch | For more than 60 years, Balochs have fought for their independence. Also read | Taking a leaf out of China's book, Pak army develops Xinjiang style indoctrination camps in Balochistan However, their movement has caused gross human rights abuses. Abdul Hameed Baloch's mother stopped speaking after she got to know that her son and Abdul's brother is among the list of 5,000 people who have gone missing from the province. The 35-year-old factory guard disappeared in July and his brother Abdul has only his photographs that show Pakistan authorities taking his brother away. "If someone committed a crime, they should be punished. But what is my mother's crime? Why she is being punished? She has been weeping for her son day and night, now she has stopped speaking," said Abdul. Abdul believes that he could be the next one and is afraid to share his plight. He is scared that he too might be picked up and dumped after being killed. "It is destruction, we cannot describe it, what is happening with us in Balochistan. Why is it happening to us? Why are they doing this? Only they know. It is a kind of destruction. We fear that if they know that I am talking about this destruction in Balochistan, maybe they will pick me up and dump me after killing me," he added. 27-year old Hani Baloch and her fiance never thought of themselves as dissidents. But in May this year, just weeks before their wedding, Hani and her to-be husband Nasim were picked by Pakistani officials over accusation of being part of a pro-independence terror outfit. The couple were tortured, electrocuted and hit with rifle butts. "They tortured us, they gave us electric shocks while we were sat down on chairs, they hit my right foot with a rifle butt. I'm in pain when I walk. They hit my head with the rifle butt, I had six stitches on my head," Hani said. "We want all those who went missing to be recovered. If they are criminals, you have courts, you have jails, our lawyers will defend us. If they are found guilty, we will accept the punishment that the state gives us. But it is not acceptable to keep us in custody," Hani, whose fiancee is still missing, added. The conflict between Balochs and Pakistani administration intensified due to CPEC as billions of dollars of Chinese money is flowing into the region. The project will provide jobs to outsiders and the locals will be pushed further into the margins. "CPEC has ignited it because Balochistan is not receiving any share, even labour is being brought from Punjab or Chinese workers are working, there is no trust in Baloch workers, they are not being given work over there, so that it is creating more hatred," said Asad Iqbal Butt, vice-president of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan in Karachi. Civilians paying the price In 2019, Baloch rebels stormed into a luxury hotel overlooking a flagship CPEC project in Gwadar and in June this year, Baloch insurgents targeted the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The attacks were claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army, but it is the innocent civilians who have suffered the most. They get picked up by authorities on the slightest of doubt. A new wave of injustices can be seen in Balochistan as Pakistan is keen on protecting its business interests with China. And Balochistan has turned into the land of the disappeared.

How Pakistan, China's project turned Balochistan into land of disappeared

Almost 50 per cent of Pakistan's Parliament members are set to resign with the opposition mulling mass resignation.

The Pakistan democratic movement which is an alliance of eleven opposition parties has been contemplating mass exit which might trigger a constitutional crisis in the middle of a pandemic.

A meeting of opposition leaders was held today and it stretched for hours. Sources say the opposition is united and they all ready to resign with the details and specifics being worked out.

Pakistan Muslim League(Nawaz) leader Maryam Nawaz has been at the forefront of the movement.

"If we call for resignations from the assemblies, you must be willing to stand by us. Do not fall under any pressure," &nbsp;Maryam told party leaders while she was addressing the provincial and national assembly members of her party.

Reports say elected members of the PML(N) at the provincial level have begun handing in their resignations.&nbsp;

Maryam Nawaz has made the same appeal to leaders of other opposition parties as well, if all of them walk the talk Pakistan will witness an unprecedented situation with more than half the legislators across the country resigning in protest against PM Imran Khan.

The campaign against PM Imran Khan has been gaining momentum for months with massive rallies held across around Pakistan as leaders like Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari leading these jalsas with speeches critical of the Imran Khan-led government and the military establishment.

Another major rally is scheduled on December 13 at Lahore's Minar-e-Pakistan. However, PM Imran Khan has been trying to stop the campaign. His government has refused permission to hold the rally.

PM Imran Khan says the police will book everyone involved which means not just political leaders and party workers, he has promised he won't spare even the caterer who supplies chairs or those installing mikes and speakers at the venue - the kind of threats that can only be issued in Pakistan.

The Pakistan opposition has joined hands like never before - the Sharifs and the Bhutto-Zardaris - the leaders whom Imran Khan had put behind bars have now closed ranks.&nbsp;

Imran Khan's only hope is the military that is said to have selected him for the PM's job but the military too seems to be gearing up for a shift.

They have largely and now openly taken control of the civilian government. Now they want to control Chinese investments in Pakistan to secure China's interests even if the civilian government collapses.

So the Pakistan army has set its sights on the China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC). Later this month a bill is supposed to hit the floor of the Pakistani parliament called the CPEC authority bill.

It is a law that would put a powerful body led by the military in charge of CPEC.

Right now, CPEC projects are being controlled by the planning and development ministry at least on paper.&nbsp;

However, after the bill is passed the Chinese projects will be controlled by the CPEC authority - the same authority that is headed by retired Army general Asim Saleem Bajwa, the infamous pizza general who had to leave the Pakistani government over charges of graft.

The bill is likely to be brought before the parliament in the second week of December. The idea is simple: eliminate the government from all projects related to China. General Bajwa will replace the planning minister as the co-chair of a Pakistan-China joint committee.

The army wants to appease the Chinese since they are unhappy over the progress of CPEC projects. So the Pakistani military is making amends. It will now officially handle Chinese investments in Pakistan. It is something China demanded way back in 2016, so the writing is on the wall for Imran Khan. The opposition is gunning for him and the military won't think twice before disposing of him.&nbsp;

Almost 50 per cent of Pakistan's Parliament members are set to resign with the opposition mulling mass resignation. The Pakistan democratic movement which is an alliance of eleven opposition parties has been contemplating mass exit which might trigger a constitutional crisis in the middle of a pandemic.

Almost 50 per cent of Pakistan's Parliament members are set to resign with the opposition mulling mass resignation. The Pakistan democratic movement which is an alliance of eleven opposition parties has been contemplating mass exit which might trigger a constitutional crisis in the middle of a pandemic. A meeting of opposition leaders was held today and it stretched for hours. Sources say the opposition is united and they all ready to resign with the details and specifics being worked out. Pakistan Muslim League(Nawaz) leader Maryam Nawaz has been at the forefront of the movement. "If we call for resignations from the assemblies, you must be willing to stand by us. Do not fall under any pressure," Maryam told party leaders while she was addressing the provincial and national assembly members of her party. Reports say elected members of the PML(N) at the provincial level have begun handing in their resignations. Maryam Nawaz has made the same appeal to leaders of other opposition parties as well, if all of them walk the talk Pakistan will witness an unprecedented situation with more than half the legislators across the country resigning in protest against PM Imran Khan. The campaign against PM Imran Khan has been gaining momentum for months with massive rallies held across around Pakistan as leaders like Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari leading these jalsas with speeches critical of the Imran Khan-led government and the military establishment. Another major rally is scheduled on December 13 at Lahore's Minar-e-Pakistan. However, PM Imran Khan has been trying to stop the campaign. His government has refused permission to hold the rally. PM Imran Khan says the police will book everyone involved which means not just political leaders and party workers, he has promised he won't spare even the caterer who supplies chairs or those installing mikes and speakers at the venue - the kind of threats that can only be issued in Pakistan. The Pakistan opposition has joined hands like never before - the Sharifs and the Bhutto-Zardaris - the leaders whom Imran Khan had put behind bars have now closed ranks. Imran Khan's only hope is the military that is said to have selected him for the PM's job but the military too seems to be gearing up for a shift. They have largely and now openly taken control of the civilian government. Now they want to control Chinese investments in Pakistan to secure China's interests even if the civilian government collapses. So the Pakistan army has set its sights on the China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC). Later this month a bill is supposed to hit the floor of the Pakistani parliament called the CPEC authority bill. It is a law that would put a powerful body led by the military in charge of CPEC. Right now, CPEC projects are being controlled by the planning and development ministry at least on paper. However, after the bill is passed the Chinese projects will be controlled by the CPEC authority - the same authority that is headed by retired Army general Asim Saleem Bajwa, the infamous pizza general who had to leave the Pakistani government over charges of graft. The bill is likely to be brought before the parliament in the second week of December. The idea is simple: eliminate the government from all projects related to China. General Bajwa will replace the planning minister as the co-chair of a Pakistan-China joint committee. The army wants to appease the Chinese since they are unhappy over the progress of CPEC projects. So the Pakistani military is making amends. It will now officially handle Chinese investments in Pakistan. It is something China demanded way back in 2016, so the writing is on the wall for Imran Khan. The opposition is gunning for him and the military won't think twice before disposing of him.

As Pak opposition decides on mass resignation, PM Imran Khan faces heat from military

At a time when financial institutions and banks of China are showing reluctance in investing in the China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), Imran Khan has decided to seek $2.7 billion loan from China for the construction of package-I of the Mainline-1 project. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-banks-looking-to-curtail-investments-in-cpec-due-to-instability-in-pakistan-323485">Also read | Chinese banks looking to curtail investments in CPEC due to instability in Pakistan</a> 
 
The Main Line 1 railway track connects Karachi in the South to Peshawar in the North of Pakistan.&nbsp;

At the sixth meeting of the financing committee on ML-1 project, which includes dualisation and upgrading of the 1,872 km railway track from Peshawar to Karachi, decided that Pakistan would initially request China to sanction the only USD 2.73 billion in loan out of the total estimated Chinese financing of about USD 6.1 billion.

This development comes even as Pakistan's economy has been teetering on the verge of bankruptcy for some time and the COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation even worse.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs has been directed to formally send the Letter of Intent to China next week as Beijing is expected to finalise its next year's financing plans by the end of the current month, The Express Tribune reported.

CPEC was sold as the ultimate solution to Pakistan's economic troubles. But, it was China that has squeezed all the benefits.

This move will further impact Pakistan’s already battered economy, even as the spread of the coronavirus pandemic was contained.&nbsp;

However, PM Imran Khan has repeatedly highlighted the need to complete the $60-billion CPEC saying that it would push socio-economic development.

For China, CPEC is a geopolitical game-changer - the biggest success of Chinese expansionism, and for Pakistan it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation.

(With inputs from agencies)

At a time when financial institutions and banks of China are showing reluctance in investing in the China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), Imran Khan has decided to seek $2.

At a time when financial institutions and banks of China are showing reluctance in investing in the China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), Imran Khan has decided to seek $2.7 billion loan from China for the construction of package-I of the Mainline-1 project. Also read | Chinese banks looking to curtail investments in CPEC due to instability in Pakistan The Main Line 1 railway track connects Karachi in the South to Peshawar in the North of Pakistan. At the sixth meeting of the financing committee on ML-1 project, which includes dualisation and upgrading of the 1,872 km railway track from Peshawar to Karachi, decided that Pakistan would initially request China to sanction the only USD 2.73 billion in loan out of the total estimated Chinese financing of about USD 6.1 billion. This development comes even as Pakistan's economy has been teetering on the verge of bankruptcy for some time and the COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation even worse. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has been directed to formally send the Letter of Intent to China next week as Beijing is expected to finalise its next year's financing plans by the end of the current month, The Express Tribune reported. CPEC was sold as the ultimate solution to Pakistan's economic troubles. But, it was China that has squeezed all the benefits. This move will further impact Pakistan’s already battered economy, even as the spread of the coronavirus pandemic was contained. However, PM Imran Khan has repeatedly highlighted the need to complete the $60-billion CPEC saying that it would push socio-economic development. For China, CPEC is a geopolitical game-changer - the biggest success of Chinese expansionism, and for Pakistan it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation. (With inputs from agencies)

Imran govt needs help again: Pakistan seeks $2.7 billion loan from China for CPEC project

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