The federal cabinet has approved legislative changes to address a longstanding issue of tax concessions for Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone.

The move came, earlier this week, just days before Prime Minister Imran Khan's departure for a three-day visit to China on Monday, where he would discuss with the Chinese leadership several affairs, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Kashmir dispute, The Express Tribune reported.

The amendment made to settle the three-year-old issue with China came after a push from the National Development Council (NDC) that is chaired by the prime minister and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa is its member.The government is expected to promulgate a presidential ordinance to bring these legal changes as the National Assembly is currently not in session.

The new tax concessions will be limited to only the Gwadar zone as the government has been unable to finalise a tax incentive package for the prioritised Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that are being set up under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"The federal cabinet has approved legislative changes to grant tax concessions to Gwadar Free Zone and Gwadar Port," said Khusro Bakhtiar, Federal Minister for Planning and Development.

"Coastal development is the government's top priority and focus will be on Gwadar's development, which will usher in a new era of galvanised economic activities in Pakistan," the minister added.

China is developing Gwadar Port as a strategic and commercial hub under its Belt and Road Initiative.

In February 2013, China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited (COPHCL) took over operations of the port from a Singaporean company.

The concession agreement included a tax holiday for both the operators of Gwadar Port and the businesses being set up there.

The cabinet approved income tax exemption for Gwadar Free Zone on the income of operating companies from port operations.

The income tax holiday was also extended to China Overseas Port Holding Company Pakistan Private Limited, Gwadar Marine Services, and Gwadar Free Zone Company.

The cabinet also approved sales tax and federal excise duty exemptions on the import of machinery, equipment, and material either for use in Gwadar Free Zone or for export, subject to the condition that all such imports were made by investors of the free zone.

It approved tax exemptions for the businesses to be established in the Gwadar Free Zone area for a period of 23 years with effect from July 2016 on their packaging, distribution, stuffing and de-stuffing, CFS, container yard, warehousing including cool and cold rooms, transhipments, labelling, light-end assembly, re-assembly, imports, exports and their value addition, and all related commercial activities.

The federal cabinet has approved legislative changes to address a longstanding issue of tax concessions for Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone. The move came, earlier this week, just days before Prime Minister Imran Khan's departure for a three-day visit to China on Monday, where he would discuss with the Chinese leadership several affairs, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Kashmir dispute, The Express Tribune reported.

The federal cabinet has approved legislative changes to address a longstanding issue of tax concessions for Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone. The move came, earlier this week, just days before Prime Minister Imran Khan's departure for a three-day visit to China on Monday, where he would discuss with the Chinese leadership several affairs, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Kashmir dispute, The Express Tribune reported. The amendment made to settle the three-year-old issue with China came after a push from the National Development Council (NDC) that is chaired by the prime minister and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa is its member.The government is expected to promulgate a presidential ordinance to bring these legal changes as the National Assembly is currently not in session. The new tax concessions will be limited to only the Gwadar zone as the government has been unable to finalise a tax incentive package for the prioritised Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that are being set up under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "The federal cabinet has approved legislative changes to grant tax concessions to Gwadar Free Zone and Gwadar Port," said Khusro Bakhtiar, Federal Minister for Planning and Development. "Coastal development is the government's top priority and focus will be on Gwadar's development, which will usher in a new era of galvanised economic activities in Pakistan," the minister added. China is developing Gwadar Port as a strategic and commercial hub under its Belt and Road Initiative. In February 2013, China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited (COPHCL) took over operations of the port from a Singaporean company. The concession agreement included a tax holiday for both the operators of Gwadar Port and the businesses being set up there. The cabinet approved income tax exemption for Gwadar Free Zone on the income of operating companies from port operations. The income tax holiday was also extended to China Overseas Port Holding Company Pakistan Private Limited, Gwadar Marine Services, and Gwadar Free Zone Company. The cabinet also approved sales tax and federal excise duty exemptions on the import of machinery, equipment, and material either for use in Gwadar Free Zone or for export, subject to the condition that all such imports were made by investors of the free zone. It approved tax exemptions for the businesses to be established in the Gwadar Free Zone area for a period of 23 years with effect from July 2016 on their packaging, distribution, stuffing and de-stuffing, CFS, container yard, warehousing including cool and cold rooms, transhipments, labelling, light-end assembly, re-assembly, imports, exports and their value addition, and all related commercial activities.

Pakistan approves tax relief for Gwadar port

An attack on a luxury hotel in the southwestern city of Gwadar was a bid to "sabotage prosperity", Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan said Sunday, as police confirmed all the attackers had been killed.

At least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hotel-attack-process-of-clearing-enters-final-stage-all-guests-staff-members-rescued-safely-217875">one person was shot dead</a> Saturday after gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in the southwestern Pakistani city of Gwadar, the centrepiece of a multi-billion dollar Chinese infrastructure project.&nbsp;

A Baloch separatist group, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/4-killed-as-armed-militants-storm-5-star-hotel-in-pakistans-gwadar-port-city-police-217847">Balochistan Liberation Army</a> (BLA), claimed responsibility for the attack via Twitter.

"Such attempts, especially in Balochistan, are an effort to sabotage our economic projects and prosperity. We shall not allow these agendas to succeed," Khan said in a statement issued by his office.

The Chinese embassy in Islamabad also strongly condemned the incident.&nbsp;

Local police said four gunmen who had stormed the hotel, shooting dead a security guard, had been killed overnight by security forces.

"All four terrorists were killed and security forces had taken complete control of the hotel building," a local police official in Gwadar told AFP via telephone.

His account was confirmed by a security source in Islamabad. The military had said on Saturday that there were three gunmen.

Mohammad Aslam, a police official in Gwadar, told AFP Saturday that only staff were present in the building at the time of the attack.

The BLA is one of a myriad of insurgent groups fighting in tightly-guarded Balochistan province, which has been rocked by separatist, Islamist and sectarian violence for years.

'The next Dubai'

The Pearl Continental, part of Pakistan's largest five-star hotel chain, is the only luxury hotel in Gwadar, frequented by foreign and Pakistani business delegations as well as diplomats.

It sits isolated on a ridge overlooking the Arabian Sea port city that was formerly a small fishing village, but now touted by officials as "the next Dubai" thanks to the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Part of China's Belt and Road initiative, CPEC seeks to connect the western Chinese province of Xinjiang with Gwadar, with the development of the port as the plan's flagship project.

Gwadar will provide China with safer and more direct access to the oil-rich Middle East than the waterway trade route it currently uses through the narrow Malacca Straits.

But it has also drawn its share of attacks -- particularly from separatists who have long complained that residents of Pakistan's poorest and largest province do not receive a fair share of profits from its resources.

The BLA has targeted Chinese workers in Pakistan multiple times, including during a brazen daylight attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi which killed four people in November last year.

At the time, the BLA branded Beijing "an oppressor".

Balochistan is tightly guarded by the Pakistani military, who have been targeting insurgents there since 2004. The army has been repeatedly accused by international rights groups of abuses there, but denies all allegations.

The attack was the second deadly attack in a prominent Pakistan city this week, after a suicide blast claimed by the Pakistani Taliban at one of the country's oldest and most popular Sufi shrines killed at least 12 people in the eastern city of Lahore.

An attack on a luxury hotel in the southwestern city of Gwadar was a bid to "sabotage prosperity", Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan said Sunday, as police confirmed all the attackers had been killed.

An attack on a luxury hotel in the southwestern city of Gwadar was a bid to "sabotage prosperity", Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan said Sunday, as police confirmed all the attackers had been killed. At least one person was shot dead Saturday after gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in the southwestern Pakistani city of Gwadar, the centrepiece of a multi-billion dollar Chinese infrastructure project. A Baloch separatist group, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the attack via Twitter. "Such attempts, especially in Balochistan, are an effort to sabotage our economic projects and prosperity. We shall not allow these agendas to succeed," Khan said in a statement issued by his office. The Chinese embassy in Islamabad also strongly condemned the incident. Local police said four gunmen who had stormed the hotel, shooting dead a security guard, had been killed overnight by security forces. "All four terrorists were killed and security forces had taken complete control of the hotel building," a local police official in Gwadar told AFP via telephone. His account was confirmed by a security source in Islamabad. The military had said on Saturday that there were three gunmen. Mohammad Aslam, a police official in Gwadar, told AFP Saturday that only staff were present in the building at the time of the attack. The BLA is one of a myriad of insurgent groups fighting in tightly-guarded Balochistan province, which has been rocked by separatist, Islamist and sectarian violence for years. 'The next Dubai' The Pearl Continental, part of Pakistan's largest five-star hotel chain, is the only luxury hotel in Gwadar, frequented by foreign and Pakistani business delegations as well as diplomats. It sits isolated on a ridge overlooking the Arabian Sea port city that was formerly a small fishing village, but now touted by officials as "the next Dubai" thanks to the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Part of China's Belt and Road initiative, CPEC seeks to connect the western Chinese province of Xinjiang with Gwadar, with the development of the port as the plan's flagship project. Gwadar will provide China with safer and more direct access to the oil-rich Middle East than the waterway trade route it currently uses through the narrow Malacca Straits. But it has also drawn its share of attacks -- particularly from separatists who have long complained that residents of Pakistan's poorest and largest province do not receive a fair share of profits from its resources. The BLA has targeted Chinese workers in Pakistan multiple times, including during a brazen daylight attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi which killed four people in November last year. At the time, the BLA branded Beijing "an oppressor". Balochistan is tightly guarded by the Pakistani military, who have been targeting insurgents there since 2004. The army has been repeatedly accused by international rights groups of abuses there, but denies all allegations. The attack was the second deadly attack in a prominent Pakistan city this week, after a suicide blast claimed by the Pakistani Taliban at one of the country's oldest and most popular Sufi shrines killed at least 12 people in the eastern city of Lahore.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan slams hotel attack as bid to damage economy

Security forces surrounded the attackers in a staircase leading to the top floor of the building, it said, adding that a security operation to clear the area was ongoing. Watch WION Pak Bureau chief Anas Mallick reports from Pakistan.

Security guard killed as Gunmen attack hotel in Pakistan's Gwadar

At least one person has been killed after three gunmen stormed a five-star hotel in the southwestern Pakistani city of Gwadar, the centrepiece of a multi-billion dollar Chinese infrastructure project, the military said Saturday.

The gunmen shot dead a security guard at the entrance to the hotel.

"Security forces have cordoned area. Guests safely evacuated. Terrorists encircled by security forces in the staircase leading to top floor. Clearance Operation in progress," a military spokesman said.&nbsp;

Earlier, the provincial home minister Ziaullah Langu told&nbsp;four gunmen had "opened fire" on the hotel.

"There are reports of a few people sustaining minor injuries," the minister said.

Mohammad Aslam, the on-duty officer in Gwadar, said ambulances and rescue officers were waiting at a road leading to the hotel, and that he could hear gunfire but that the operation was coming to an end.

"There were no Chinese or Pakistani guests in the hotel," he said, adding that only staff were present in the building.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Pearl Continental is the only luxury hotel in Gwadar, formerly a small fishing village, and is where foreign and Pakistani business delegations, as well as diplomats, stay when visiting the city.

It sits isolated on a ridge overlooking the Gwadar port, which is the flagship project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The massive infrastructure project seeks to connect the western Chinese province of Xinjiang with Gwadar, on the Arabian Sea.

It includes a 392-kilometre (244-mile) highway from Peshawar to Karachi scheduled to be completed this year, a new highway, airport and hospital at Gwadar port, among many other projects in the country.&nbsp;

The port will provide China with safer and more direct access to the oil-rich Middle East than the waterway trade route it currently uses through the narrow Malacca Straits.

But it has also drawn its share of attacks, particularly from separatists who have long complained that residents do not receive a fair share of profits from the province's resources.

Rocked by insurgencies&nbsp;

Pakistan's poorest and largest province, Balochistan has been rocked by separatist, Islamist and sectarian insurgencies for years.

Pakistani security forces have been targeting insurgents in the province since 2004, and have also been repeatedly accused by international rights groups of abuses there. The military denies the allegations.

Violence in Pakistan has dropped significantly since the country's deadliest-ever militant attack, an assault on a school in the northwestern city of Peshawar in 2014 that killed more than 150 people -- most of them children.

But militants still retain the ability to carry out attacks, and analysts have long warned that Pakistan is yet to tackle the root causes of extremism.

Saturday's attack came three weeks after separatist gunmen killed 14 people after forcing them off buses in Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.

Earlier this week a suicide blast claimed by the Pakistani Taliban at one of the country's oldest and most popular Sufi shrines killed at least 12 people in the eastern city of Lahore.

At least one person has been killed after three gunmen stormed a five-star hotel in the southwestern Pakistani city of Gwadar, the centrepiece of a multi-billion dollar Chinese infrastructure project, the military said Saturday.

At least one person has been killed after three gunmen stormed a five-star hotel in the southwestern Pakistani city of Gwadar, the centrepiece of a multi-billion dollar Chinese infrastructure project, the military said Saturday. The gunmen shot dead a security guard at the entrance to the hotel. "Security forces have cordoned area. Guests safely evacuated. Terrorists encircled by security forces in the staircase leading to top floor. Clearance Operation in progress," a military spokesman said. Earlier, the provincial home minister Ziaullah Langu told four gunmen had "opened fire" on the hotel. "There are reports of a few people sustaining minor injuries," the minister said. Mohammad Aslam, the on-duty officer in Gwadar, said ambulances and rescue officers were waiting at a road leading to the hotel, and that he could hear gunfire but that the operation was coming to an end. "There were no Chinese or Pakistani guests in the hotel," he said, adding that only staff were present in the building. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The Pearl Continental is the only luxury hotel in Gwadar, formerly a small fishing village, and is where foreign and Pakistani business delegations, as well as diplomats, stay when visiting the city. It sits isolated on a ridge overlooking the Gwadar port, which is the flagship project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The massive infrastructure project seeks to connect the western Chinese province of Xinjiang with Gwadar, on the Arabian Sea. It includes a 392-kilometre (244-mile) highway from Peshawar to Karachi scheduled to be completed this year, a new highway, airport and hospital at Gwadar port, among many other projects in the country. The port will provide China with safer and more direct access to the oil-rich Middle East than the waterway trade route it currently uses through the narrow Malacca Straits. But it has also drawn its share of attacks, particularly from separatists who have long complained that residents do not receive a fair share of profits from the province's resources. Rocked by insurgencies Pakistan's poorest and largest province, Balochistan has been rocked by separatist, Islamist and sectarian insurgencies for years. Pakistani security forces have been targeting insurgents in the province since 2004, and have also been repeatedly accused by international rights groups of abuses there. The military denies the allegations. Violence in Pakistan has dropped significantly since the country's deadliest-ever militant attack, an assault on a school in the northwestern city of Peshawar in 2014 that killed more than 150 people -- most of them children. But militants still retain the ability to carry out attacks, and analysts have long warned that Pakistan is yet to tackle the root causes of extremism. Saturday's attack came three weeks after separatist gunmen killed 14 people after forcing them off buses in Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran. Earlier this week a suicide blast claimed by the Pakistani Taliban at one of the country's oldest and most popular Sufi shrines killed at least 12 people in the eastern city of Lahore.

One killed after 3 gunmen storm five-star hotel in Pakistani city of Gwadar

A terror attack is reportedly underway at the Pearl Continent Hotel in Pakistan's Gwadar port city. Reports have confirmed the presence of terrorists inside the hotel. The exchange of gunfire is underway between terrorists and security forces, the reports said. Gunshots also heard around the hotel.

Breaking: Terrorists storm Pearl Continental Hotel in Pakistan's Gwadar, gunfight underway

Gunmen attacked a hotel in Pakistan's southwestern port city of Gwadar on Saturday and were battling security forces, officials said.

One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to talk to the media, told most guests had been evacuated but the attackers appeared to have reached the first floor of the hotel.

The firing was underway at the Peal Continental Hotel after three to four armed militants barged into the facility, Dawn news quoted Gwadar Station House Officer (SHO) Aslam Bangulzai as saying.

There was no immediate reports casualties.

"At around 4:50 pm (local time) we got reports that there are three to four armed men in PC Hotel," the officer said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, news agency ANI reported that terrorists have stormed a 5-star hotel in Gawadar, Balochistan.&nbsp;

Preliminary reports suggest three&nbsp;armed gunmen inside hotel, gunshots heard, the report added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Gunmen attacked a hotel in Pakistan's southwestern port city of Gwadar on Saturday and were battling security forces, officials said. One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to talk to the media, told most guests had been evacuated but the attackers appeared to have reached the first floor of the hotel.

Gunmen attacked a hotel in Pakistan's southwestern port city of Gwadar on Saturday and were battling security forces, officials said. One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to talk to the media, told most guests had been evacuated but the attackers appeared to have reached the first floor of the hotel. The firing was underway at the Peal Continental Hotel after three to four armed militants barged into the facility, Dawn news quoted Gwadar Station House Officer (SHO) Aslam Bangulzai as saying. There was no immediate reports casualties. "At around 4:50 pm (local time) we got reports that there are three to four armed men in PC Hotel," the officer said. Meanwhile, news agency ANI reported that terrorists have stormed a 5-star hotel in Gawadar, Balochistan. Preliminary reports suggest three armed gunmen inside hotel, gunshots heard, the report added. (With inputs from agencies)

Gunmen storm 5-star hotel in Pakistan's port city Gwadar: Police

By Siddhant Sibbal

Pakistan's ruling PML(N) has presented its last budget with CPEC, terror and Afghanistan making their way into the papers. But where Pakistan is involved, so is geopolitics. &nbsp;

As always, Pakistan increased its defence budget. The Pakistani defence budget has been proposed at Pakistani Rs 1,100 billion for FY 2018-2019 as against the revised budget of Rs 999 billion for 2017-18.&nbsp;

And its no longer 3 A’s — Allah, America and the Army — but ACC — Allah, China and CPEC.

 
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 
CPEC found mention seven times in Pakistan Finance Minister Miftah Ismail's speech.&nbsp;

Lauding CPEC, Ismail said, “Vision of Mian Nawaz Sharif, CPEC initiative has become a global brand of Pakistan. &nbsp;As part of CPEC, our government initiated road projects that would link north of Pakistan with Gwadar. Trans-Pakistan corridor of motorways and special economic zones are designed to provide jobs, enhance manufacturing base, and increase prosperity and growth.”&nbsp;

He said that as part of CPEC, the Pakistani government has also finalised its plan to increase by three times the speed of trains on Main Line-I from Peshawar to Karachi.

 
Chinese loans replace US aid 
China has already overtaken, by millions of Pakistani rupees, the US when it comes to loans granted to Pakistan, and this year it will grant even more. In FY 2018-2019, China will be giving loans and grants to Pakistan amounting to Pakistani Rs 98,395.783 million.&nbsp;

Of this, Rs 96,895.738 million will be in the form of loans while Rs 1,500 million will be in the form of grants. The US will be providing just Rs 13,523 million but all of it will be a grant. Clearly. most of the Chinese money being pumped into Pakistan is in the form of loans, the rates of interest on which are not known and nor are the tenures.&nbsp;

China however is well known for its loans ensnaring countries in debt traps.&nbsp;

South Asia has a lot of examples. The most famous one being Sri Lanka's Hambantota port of which China has been granted a 99-year lease.

China’s foreign investment has been called predatory and many in Pakistan itself believe that CPEC could turn Pakistan into a Chinese colony.

<img alt="23.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="685" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/23.JPG" width="610" />

(The loans and grants provided to Pakistan.)

&nbsp;

The AIIB link 
Interestingly, the China-led AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) is also giving loans to Islamabad.&nbsp;

India, with a 7.6% share, is the second largest shareholder in the bank.&nbsp;

AIIB will be giving Pakistan loans totalling up to Rs 13,189 million. It’s a substantial increase from the Rs 5,289.609 given in FY 2017-2018. The new AIIB loan will be given for rehabilitation of the existing carriageway between the DI Khan-Saraigumble section, the Rajanpur-DG. Khan section, and Sehan-Ratodero.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Gwadar: China’s helping hand to the port 
China and Pakistan's love child remains Gwadar.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been granted a Rs 200 million loan for fresh water supply and distribution at Gwadar, and a Rs 100 million loan for the upgradation of an existing 50-bed hospital to 300 beds at the port.&nbsp;

China has also made a Rs 1,000 million grant for the construction of the new Gwadar international airport.

 
China to help in Pakistan's space projects 
Beijing will also be helping Pakistan in its space projects.&nbsp;

According to the Estimates of Foreign Assistance 2018-19, China will help Pakistan build a remote sensing satellite by giving it a loan of Rs 1,116 million space centres in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi with a Rs 700 million loan and a multi-mission satellite (PAK SAT MM1) with a loan of Rs 850 million.&nbsp;

India had approached Pakistan to be a part of the South Asian satellite project, which Islamabad declined. All the other South Asian countries are part of the New Delhi-led project.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

$126.79 billion: Cost of terror since 2001 
The Pakistani economic survey has a special header “Annex-IV: Impact of War in Afghanistan and Ensuing Terrorism on Pakistan's Economy”.&nbsp;

The two pages talk of what Pakistan has been cribbing about for the last 20 years. That they are victims of terror, but without mentioning how they have provided safe haven to terrorists. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan, in the last 17 years, the direct and indirect cost incurred by Pakistan due to incidents of terrorism totalled up to US$ 126.79 billion 10,762.64 billion in Pakistani rupees.

<img alt="1.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="480" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/1.JPG" width="806" />

(The cost of terror paid by Pakistan.)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Afghan refugees are a burden: Economic Survey of Pakistan 
The Pakistani economic survey says the country “continues to be a target of terrorism, including state-sponsored terrorism from its immediate neighbours”. It goes on to say Afghan refugees are a burden on the Pakistani economy. The survey said: “Hosting of millions of Afghan refugees not only burdened Pakistan’s economy but also put additional stress on its internal security situation. Pakistan continued to face terrorist attacks from terrorist hide-outs in Afghanistan.”

&nbsp;

Footnote 
Nothing of course can happen without a bit of drama in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Pakistani Finance minister Miftah Ismail was sworn in just a few hours ahead of the budget. A miffed opposition walked out. It may be recalled that Ishaq Dar was the Finance Minister until he voluntarily stepped down after a corruption case against him.

China has already overtaken, by millions of Pakistani rupees, the US when it comes to loans granted to Pakistan, and this year it will grant even more

By Siddhant Sibbal Pakistan's ruling PML(N) has presented its last budget with CPEC, terror and Afghanistan making their way into the papers. But where Pakistan is involved, so is geopolitics. As always, Pakistan increased its defence budget. The Pakistani defence budget has been proposed at Pakistani Rs 1,100 billion for FY 2018-2019 as against the revised budget of Rs 999 billion for 2017-18. And its no longer 3 A’s — Allah, America and the Army — but ACC — Allah, China and CPEC. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC found mention seven times in Pakistan Finance Minister Miftah Ismail's speech. Lauding CPEC, Ismail said, “Vision of Mian Nawaz Sharif, CPEC initiative has become a global brand of Pakistan. As part of CPEC, our government initiated road projects that would link north of Pakistan with Gwadar. Trans-Pakistan corridor of motorways and special economic zones are designed to provide jobs, enhance manufacturing base, and increase prosperity and growth.” He said that as part of CPEC, the Pakistani government has also finalised its plan to increase by three times the speed of trains on Main Line-I from Peshawar to Karachi. Chinese loans replace US aid China has already overtaken, by millions of Pakistani rupees, the US when it comes to loans granted to Pakistan, and this year it will grant even more. In FY 2018-2019, China will be giving loans and grants to Pakistan amounting to Pakistani Rs 98,395.783 million. Of this, Rs 96,895.738 million will be in the form of loans while Rs 1,500 million will be in the form of grants. The US will be providing just Rs 13,523 million but all of it will be a grant. Clearly. most of the Chinese money being pumped into Pakistan is in the form of loans, the rates of interest on which are not known and nor are the tenures. China however is well known for its loans ensnaring countries in debt traps. South Asia has a lot of examples. The most famous one being Sri Lanka's Hambantota port of which China has been granted a 99-year lease. China’s foreign investment has been called predatory and many in Pakistan itself believe that CPEC could turn Pakistan into a Chinese colony. (The loans and grants provided to Pakistan.) The AIIB link Interestingly, the China-led AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) is also giving loans to Islamabad. India, with a 7.6% share, is the second largest shareholder in the bank. AIIB will be giving Pakistan loans totalling up to Rs 13,189 million. It’s a substantial increase from the Rs 5,289.609 given in FY 2017-2018. The new AIIB loan will be given for rehabilitation of the existing carriageway between the DI Khan-Saraigumble section, the Rajanpur-DG. Khan section, and Sehan-Ratodero. Gwadar: China’s helping hand to the port China and Pakistan's love child remains Gwadar. Pakistan has been granted a Rs 200 million loan for fresh water supply and distribution at Gwadar, and a Rs 100 million loan for the upgradation of an existing 50-bed hospital to 300 beds at the port. China has also made a Rs 1,000 million grant for the construction of the new Gwadar international airport. China to help in Pakistan's space projects Beijing will also be helping Pakistan in its space projects. According to the Estimates of Foreign Assistance 2018-19, China will help Pakistan build a remote sensing satellite by giving it a loan of Rs 1,116 million space centres in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi with a Rs 700 million loan and a multi-mission satellite (PAK SAT MM1) with a loan of Rs 850 million. India had approached Pakistan to be a part of the South Asian satellite project, which Islamabad declined. All the other South Asian countries are part of the New Delhi-led project. $126.79 billion: Cost of terror since 2001 The Pakistani economic survey has a special header “Annex-IV: Impact of War in Afghanistan and Ensuing Terrorism on Pakistan's Economy”. The two pages talk of what Pakistan has been cribbing about for the last 20 years. That they are victims of terror, but without mentioning how they have provided safe haven to terrorists. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan, in the last 17 years, the direct and indirect cost incurred by Pakistan due to incidents of terrorism totalled up to US$ 126.79 billion 10,762.64 billion in Pakistani rupees. (The cost of terror paid by Pakistan.) Afghan refugees are a burden: Economic Survey of Pakistan The Pakistani economic survey says the country “continues to be a target of terrorism, including state-sponsored terrorism from its immediate neighbours”. It goes on to say Afghan refugees are a burden on the Pakistani economy. The survey said: “Hosting of millions of Afghan refugees not only burdened Pakistan’s economy but also put additional stress on its internal security situation. Pakistan continued to face terrorist attacks from terrorist hide-outs in Afghanistan.” Footnote Nothing of course can happen without a bit of drama in Pakistan. The Pakistani Finance minister Miftah Ismail was sworn in just a few hours ahead of the budget. A miffed opposition walked out. It may be recalled that Ishaq Dar was the Finance Minister until he voluntarily stepped down after a corruption case against him.

China is Pakistan's new paymaster: A closer look at the Pakistani budget

In a new twist, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/2-pakistan-navy-soldiers-shot-down-in-gwadar-17054">a London-based newspaper said </a>that China has been holding talks with militants in Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province in order to secure its investment in the Gwadar port area.

London&#39;s Financial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-china-cpec-link-gwadar-port-urumqi-emerge-as-major-trade-centres-32550">Times reported that China has been</a> talking to the militants for the &quot;past five years&quot; and that the Chinese offcials have made a &quot;lot of progress&quot;.

China has resons to worry after an attack at Gwadar port port in which 26 labourers were injured. The attack which was undertaken by unidentified men who hurled grenades at the workers was a major blow to Chinese investment in the region which has become hot button issue in Pakistan.

No organization has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The newspaper reported that at least three Chinese officials are involved in talks with the militants.

Last January, China had handed over two ships to the Pakistan Navy to safeguard the strategic Gwadar port and trade routes under the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) project.

The Chinese government is expected to provide two more ships to the Pakistan Navy which have been named Dasht and Zhob after two districts in Balochistan.&nbsp;

China has not only rebuilt the Gwadar port but also has its operational control.

It is also building a network of roads and railways to link up its remote western region to Gwadar for easier access to the Arabian Sea.

London's Financial Times reported that at least three Chinese officials are involved in talks with the militants.

In a new twist, a London-based newspaper said that China has been holding talks with militants in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province in order to secure its investment in the Gwadar port area. London's Financial Times reported that China has been talking to the militants for the "past five years" and that the Chinese offcials have made a "lot of progress". China has resons to worry after an attack at Gwadar port port in which 26 labourers were injured. The attack which was undertaken by unidentified men who hurled grenades at the workers was a major blow to Chinese investment in the region which has become hot button issue in Pakistan. No organization has claimed responsibility for the attack. The newspaper reported that at least three Chinese officials are involved in talks with the militants. Last January, China had handed over two ships to the Pakistan Navy to safeguard the strategic Gwadar port and trade routes under the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) project. The Chinese government is expected to provide two more ships to the Pakistan Navy which have been named Dasht and Zhob after two districts in Balochistan. China has not only rebuilt the Gwadar port but also has its operational control. It is also building a network of roads and railways to link up its remote western region to Gwadar for easier access to the Arabian Sea.

China in talks with Baloch militants to secure Pakistan's Gwadar project: Report

The Indian naval forces are keeping a close watch as China expands its naval capacities by building a strong marine force&nbsp;set to be deployed overseas.&nbsp;

According to naval Sources, People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) has created its eighth&nbsp;marine brigade recently. Each brigade is headed by a major general rank officer.

Most of the brigades belonged to&nbsp;PLA army that were later converted into marines. Each brigades comprises 4000 Marines. 
&nbsp; 
The base includes the strategic Gwadar port in Pakistan and military logistics base in Djibouti in the Indian Ocean.

Earlier, China had increased the number of its marine corps from 20,000 to 100, 000.

The expansion is planned to protect Chinas maritime lifelines and its growing interests overseas.

Gwadar port is a deep-sea port next to the Strait of Hormuz, the key oil route in and out of the Persian Gulf, built with Chinese funding and operated by mainland firms.

Although the port is not home to any PLA installation, navy ships are expected to dock at the facility in the near future.

Gwadar also connects the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through PoK with China&#39;s Xinjiang.

Meanwhile, the Djibouti base won&#39;t be Beijing&#39;s only military installation abroad.&nbsp;

China earlier claimed that the base is meant for supply missions and is not a military outpost built to boost the country&#39;s military presence and play deterrent roles in the region.

China has actively invested in African countries over the past 20 years and regards the continent as the main source for its further industrial and economic development.

To support Chinese Navy longterm overseas operation, PLA under Central Military Commission has set up Joint Logistics Support Force (JLSF).

The force Gulling Joint Logistic Support Center under the new Wuhan Logistics Support Base has been tasked to plan and coordinate oversee cross transportation of troops and materials for exercises taking place in Northern China.&nbsp;

Each brigade is headed by a Major General rank officer and comprises of 4000 Marines

The Indian naval forces are keeping a close watch as China expands its naval capacities by building a strong marine force set to be deployed overseas. According to naval Sources, People's Liberation Army (PLA) has created its eighth marine brigade recently. Each brigade is headed by a major general rank officer. Most of the brigades belonged to PLA army that were later converted into marines. Each brigades comprises 4000 Marines. The base includes the strategic Gwadar port in Pakistan and military logistics base in Djibouti in the Indian Ocean. Earlier, China had increased the number of its marine corps from 20,000 to 100, 000. The expansion is planned to protect Chinas maritime lifelines and its growing interests overseas. Gwadar port is a deep-sea port next to the Strait of Hormuz, the key oil route in and out of the Persian Gulf, built with Chinese funding and operated by mainland firms. Although the port is not home to any PLA installation, navy ships are expected to dock at the facility in the near future. Gwadar also connects the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through PoK with China's Xinjiang. Meanwhile, the Djibouti base won't be Beijing's only military installation abroad. China earlier claimed that the base is meant for supply missions and is not a military outpost built to boost the country's military presence and play deterrent roles in the region. China has actively invested in African countries over the past 20 years and regards the continent as the main source for its further industrial and economic development. To support Chinese Navy longterm overseas operation, PLA under Central Military Commission has set up Joint Logistics Support Force (JLSF). The force Gulling Joint Logistic Support Center under the new Wuhan Logistics Support Base has been tasked to plan and coordinate oversee cross transportation of troops and materials for exercises taking place in Northern China.

India keeps close watch as China creates 8th marine brigade to be deployed in Gwadar, Djibouti

Nearly 40 geologists from China and Pakistan have teamed up to survey the Makran Trench in Balochistan following Beijing&#39;s concerns over the possibility of a massive earthquake affecting the strategic Gwadar port in the volatile province, a media report said today. 
 
The trench is the meeting point for two tectonic plates and is close to the Pakistani deep-sea port of Gwadar which China has acquired on a 40-year lease. 
 
Gwadar forms part of the important link for the over USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connecting to China&#39;s Xinjiang province through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 
 
&quot;It has been more than 70 years since the last big earthquake shook the Makran Trench off the south coast of Pakistan but if and when the next catastrophic one happens, it could disturb more than the landscape,&quot; the Hong-Kong based South China Morning Post reported. 
 
Any potential disaster in the area could undermine Beijing&#39;s ambitions to revive trade from China through Asia to Africa and Europe through Gwadar port, the report said. 
 
That is why scientists from China and Pakistan have teamed up to survey the trench and assess the dangers lurking in the deep, it said. 
 
The trench is a seismically active zone in the Arabian Sea where one plate is inching beneath the other in a &quot;subduction zone&quot;. 
 
The last major earthquake was of 8.1 magnitude in 1945, which triggered a tsunami that battered Iran, Pakistan, Oman and India and killed around 4,000 people. 
 
Last year, a 6.3-magnitude quake hit the area. 
 
Despite the damage, not much is known about the zone. 
 
Seismologist Yang Hongfeng from Chinese University of Hong Kong said scientific expeditions in this part of the ocean were quite rare. 
 
&quot;A lot of important scientific questions remain unanswered,&quot; Yang said. 
 
&quot;The results will definitely advance our understanding&nbsp;[while] providing critical data to reduce the risk in the region,&quot; he was quoted as saying in the report. 
 
The quest is to get a better understanding of the subduction zone, which scientists say is unusual in part because it has a deposit of soft sediment several kilometres thick, Yang said. 
 
To find answers, roughly 40 researchers from the two countries boarded the Experimental 3-vessel for the trench last month, lowering instruments into the waters to do a &quot;CT scan&quot; of the Earth&#39;s structure. 
 
The expedition was a joint effort by the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology in Guangzhou and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)in Pakistan. 
 
It was funded largely by the Chinese government-funded Chinese Academy of Sciences, said Asif Inam, NIO director general. 
 
&quot;The information and data being collected during the expedition would make a significant contribution to coastal developers and planners,&quot; Inam told South China Morning Post. 
 
The threat of an earthquake near the port is a big concern for both countries. 
 
&quot;There&#39;s a whole lot at stake. The port, if fully developed and operationalised, can be a critical asset for Pakistan, and there&#39;s no nation that Pakistan would be more comfortable entrusting it to than its close friend China,&quot; Michael Kugelman, said a senior associate for South Asia at the US-based think tank Wilson Centre. 
 
Kugelman said the destructive impact that an earthquake or tsunami could have on the operations of the port should not be overstated, given that actual operations were still limited. 
 
&quot;Still, given issues of proximity and general vulnerability&nbsp;Pakistan doesn&#39;t cope or respond well to natural disasters, given a lack of resources and incapacity&nbsp;there&#39;s certainly reason to believe that intense earthquake activity would pose a clear and present danger to Gwadar,&quot; he was quoted as saying in the report.

 
&nbsp;

The trench is the meeting point for two tectonic plates and is close to the Pakistani deep-sea port of Gwadar which China has acquired on a 40-year lease

Nearly 40 geologists from China and Pakistan have teamed up to survey the Makran Trench in Balochistan following Beijing's concerns over the possibility of a massive earthquake affecting the strategic Gwadar port in the volatile province, a media report said today. The trench is the meeting point for two tectonic plates and is close to the Pakistani deep-sea port of Gwadar which China has acquired on a 40-year lease. Gwadar forms part of the important link for the over USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connecting to China's Xinjiang province through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). "It has been more than 70 years since the last big earthquake shook the Makran Trench off the south coast of Pakistan but if and when the next catastrophic one happens, it could disturb more than the landscape," the Hong-Kong based South China Morning Post reported. Any potential disaster in the area could undermine Beijing's ambitions to revive trade from China through Asia to Africa and Europe through Gwadar port, the report said. That is why scientists from China and Pakistan have teamed up to survey the trench and assess the dangers lurking in the deep, it said. The trench is a seismically active zone in the Arabian Sea where one plate is inching beneath the other in a "subduction zone". The last major earthquake was of 8.1 magnitude in 1945, which triggered a tsunami that battered Iran, Pakistan, Oman and India and killed around 4,000 people. Last year, a 6.3-magnitude quake hit the area. Despite the damage, not much is known about the zone. Seismologist Yang Hongfeng from Chinese University of Hong Kong said scientific expeditions in this part of the ocean were quite rare. "A lot of important scientific questions remain unanswered," Yang said. "The results will definitely advance our understanding [while] providing critical data to reduce the risk in the region," he was quoted as saying in the report. The quest is to get a better understanding of the subduction zone, which scientists say is unusual in part because it has a deposit of soft sediment several kilometres thick, Yang said. To find answers, roughly 40 researchers from the two countries boarded the Experimental 3-vessel for the trench last month, lowering instruments into the waters to do a "CT scan" of the Earth's structure. The expedition was a joint effort by the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology in Guangzhou and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)in Pakistan. It was funded largely by the Chinese government-funded Chinese Academy of Sciences, said Asif Inam, NIO director general. "The information and data being collected during the expedition would make a significant contribution to coastal developers and planners," Inam told South China Morning Post. The threat of an earthquake near the port is a big concern for both countries. "There's a whole lot at stake. The port, if fully developed and operationalised, can be a critical asset for Pakistan, and there's no nation that Pakistan would be more comfortable entrusting it to than its close friend China," Michael Kugelman, said a senior associate for South Asia at the US-based think tank Wilson Centre. Kugelman said the destructive impact that an earthquake or tsunami could have on the operations of the port should not be overstated, given that actual operations were still limited. "Still, given issues of proximity and general vulnerability Pakistan doesn't cope or respond well to natural disasters, given a lack of resources and incapacity there's certainly reason to believe that intense earthquake activity would pose a clear and present danger to Gwadar," he was quoted as saying in the report.

China, Pakistan survey Makran Trench over quake threat to Gwadar

Two Pakistan Navy sailors were shot dead and at least three others injured when their vehicle was ambushed by Baloch separatist militants in Balochistan&#39;s Gwadar district on Monday, police said today.

A spokesman for the separatist Baluch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.

The sailors were transporting food items to a naval base in the&nbsp;coastal&nbsp;city of Jiwani when four assailants on two motor bikes opened fire on their vehicle, senior police officer Abdul Hafeez Baloch told Reuters.

&quot;One officer died on the spot while another succumbed while being moved to hospital,&quot; Baloch said, adding that three officers were wounded in the attack.

Security has been stepped up after the incident and a search operation launched to apprehend those involved in the attack, Pakistan daily Dawn.com reported.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri condemned the incident and said the government would not succumb to terrorism, Dawn.com reported.

The attacks come amid the signing of agreements between India and China aimed at increasing co-operation between the two countries.

Separatists in Balochistan -- Pakistan&#39;s poorest province -- have been waging attacks against the government for decades, claiming a greater share of the resources in the mineral and gas-rich region.

The separatists claim the state is taking over their lands and have targeted Chinese-funded projects.

Beijing has pledged $57 billion for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship &quot;Belt and Road&quot; project that first focused on Chinese firms building roads and power stations but is now expanding to include setting up industries, Reuters reported.

China is also developing the strategic Gwadar port, which is central to the development of the China&ndash;Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp;

In May, BLA insurgents gunned down 13 Pakistani labourers working on CPEC-linked projects in Baluchistan in two separate attacks.

Taliban and other Islamist militants also operate in the province, which shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran.

Last month, Islamic State militants abducted and killed two Chinese nationals in Baluchistan&#39;s provincial capital Quetta.

Meanwhile, Gwadar International Airport will remain closed for one month in order to expand its runway, authorities said today. 
 
Civil aviation sources told dunyanews.tv that the Gwadar airport runway will remain shut from July 1 to July 30, and that flight operations will remain&nbsp;suspended. 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Unidentified assailants opened fire on the sailors' vehicle in Balochistan's Gwadar district on Monday

Two Pakistan Navy sailors were shot dead and at least three others injured when their vehicle was ambushed by Baloch separatist militants in Balochistan's Gwadar district on Monday, police said today. A spokesman for the separatist Baluch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. The sailors were transporting food items to a naval base in the coastal city of Jiwani when four assailants on two motor bikes opened fire on their vehicle, senior police officer Abdul Hafeez Baloch told Reuters. "One officer died on the spot while another succumbed while being moved to hospital," Baloch said, adding that three officers were wounded in the attack. Security has been stepped up after the incident and a search operation launched to apprehend those involved in the attack, Pakistan daily Dawn.com reported. Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri condemned the incident and said the government would not succumb to terrorism, Dawn.com reported. The attacks come amid the signing of agreements between India and China aimed at increasing co-operation between the two countries. Separatists in Balochistan -- Pakistan's poorest province -- have been waging attacks against the government for decades, claiming a greater share of the resources in the mineral and gas-rich region. The separatists claim the state is taking over their lands and have targeted Chinese-funded projects. Beijing has pledged $57 billion for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship "Belt and Road" project that first focused on Chinese firms building roads and power stations but is now expanding to include setting up industries, Reuters reported. China is also developing the strategic Gwadar port, which is central to the development of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In May, BLA insurgents gunned down 13 Pakistani labourers working on CPEC-linked projects in Baluchistan in two separate attacks. Taliban and other Islamist militants also operate in the province, which shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran. Last month, Islamic State militants abducted and killed two Chinese nationals in Baluchistan's provincial capital Quetta. Meanwhile, Gwadar International Airport will remain closed for one month in order to expand its runway, authorities said today. Civil aviation sources told dunyanews.tv that the Gwadar airport runway will remain shut from July 1 to July 30, and that flight operations will remain suspended.

Separatists kill 2 Pakistan Navy soldiers in Gwadar

Pakistan Senate&#39;s Standing Committee on Communications has expressed dissatisfaction over the federal government&#39;s attitude regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

Committee chairman Muhammad Daud Khan Achakzai of the Awami National Party said on Friday that it was strange that trade convoys had started passing without the completion of the western route of the corridor,&nbsp;the Dawn reports.

&quot;Whenever we ask about the progress on the western route, we hear the excuse that the funds and workforce are not available,&quot; he said.

The chief secretary of Balochistan also confessed before the members that a committee formed on the orders of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to acquire land in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had not held any meeting, hence no area had been acquired.

Achakzai said it meant that the route existed only on papers and the facts were entirely different as compared to what was being portrayed.

&quot;The parliamentary committee has suggested to the ministry of finance many times to release funds and complete the process of appointments in the Motorway Police. Even a report has been tabled in the Senate but there is no progress over it,&quot; he said.

The committee suggested that the salaries of Motorway Police be increased by 20 per cent.

(ANI)

The committee's chairman?said?it was strange that trade convoys had started passing without the completion of the western route of the corridor

Pakistan Senate's Standing Committee on Communications has expressed dissatisfaction over the federal government's attitude regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. Committee chairman Muhammad Daud Khan Achakzai of the Awami National Party said on Friday that it was strange that trade convoys had started passing without the completion of the western route of the corridor, the Dawn reports. "Whenever we ask about the progress on the western route, we hear the excuse that the funds and workforce are not available," he said. The chief secretary of Balochistan also confessed before the members that a committee formed on the orders of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to acquire land in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had not held any meeting, hence no area had been acquired. Achakzai said it meant that the route existed only on papers and the facts were entirely different as compared to what was being portrayed. "The parliamentary committee has suggested to the ministry of finance many times to release funds and complete the process of appointments in the Motorway Police. Even a report has been tabled in the Senate but there is no progress over it," he said. The committee suggested that the salaries of Motorway Police be increased by 20 per cent. (ANI)

Dissatisfied over government's attitude on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, says Pakistan Senate committee

China has handed over two ships to the Pakistan Navy to safeguard the strategic Gwadar port and trade routes under the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a move likely to raise alarm in India. China handed over the two ships to the Pakistan Navy yesterday for joint security along the sea route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Dawn News reported.

The Gwadar port in Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province has been developed under CPEC linking western China through Pakistan with the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The ships &mdash; named after two rivers Hingol and Basol near Gwadar &mdash; were received by Commander of the Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini.

Recently built in China and equipped with state-of-the-art guns, the ships will be part of the Pakistan Navy and also be used to protect the sea-lanes in the Arabian Sea. A ceremony was held in Gwadar where Chinese officials, who reached Gwadar aboard the ships, handed them over to their Pakistani counterparts. Director General of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Rear Admiral Jamil Akhter, Commander West Commodore Mohammad Waris and top naval and civilian officials were present on the occasion.

&quot;The Chinese ships have become part of the Pakistan Navy from today,&quot; Vice Admiral Hussaini said, adding that the navy would become stronger with the induction of the ships. He termed the induction of the Chinese ships into the Pakistan Navy as a &quot;historic moment&quot; and said the ships would be deployed for the security of the Gwadar port and the sea route of the CPEC.

The Chinese government will provide two more ships to the Pakistan Navy which have been named Dasht and Zhob after two districts in Balochistan. China is extending help and cooperation to Pakistan for security along the CPEC&#39;s land and sea routes. Pakistan has already raised a new division of the army to ensure security along the CPEC route and in and around the Gwadar port.

Security of Gwadar city has been handed over to the army&#39;s new division raised during the tenure of former army chief Gen Raheel Sharif. In the past, China has shied away from saying that it plans to deploy its naval ships in Gwadar, a move which could raise alarm in the US and India.

China has not only rebuilt the Gwadar port but also has its operational control. It is also building a network of roads and railways to link up its remote western region to Gwadar for easier access to the Arabian Sea.

The revamped Gwadar port became operational in November last year after two cargo ships laden with containers set off for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE and EU.&nbsp;

(PTI)

 
&nbsp;

The Gwadar port links China with the Middle East, Africa and Europe through Pakistan. China has operational control of the port

China has handed over two ships to the Pakistan Navy to safeguard the strategic Gwadar port and trade routes under the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a move likely to raise alarm in India. China handed over the two ships to the Pakistan Navy yesterday for joint security along the sea route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Dawn News reported. The Gwadar port in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province has been developed under CPEC linking western China through Pakistan with the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The ships — named after two rivers Hingol and Basol near Gwadar — were received by Commander of the Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini. Recently built in China and equipped with state-of-the-art guns, the ships will be part of the Pakistan Navy and also be used to protect the sea-lanes in the Arabian Sea. A ceremony was held in Gwadar where Chinese officials, who reached Gwadar aboard the ships, handed them over to their Pakistani counterparts. Director General of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Rear Admiral Jamil Akhter, Commander West Commodore Mohammad Waris and top naval and civilian officials were present on the occasion. "The Chinese ships have become part of the Pakistan Navy from today," Vice Admiral Hussaini said, adding that the navy would become stronger with the induction of the ships. He termed the induction of the Chinese ships into the Pakistan Navy as a "historic moment" and said the ships would be deployed for the security of the Gwadar port and the sea route of the CPEC. The Chinese government will provide two more ships to the Pakistan Navy which have been named Dasht and Zhob after two districts in Balochistan. China is extending help and cooperation to Pakistan for security along the CPEC's land and sea routes. Pakistan has already raised a new division of the army to ensure security along the CPEC route and in and around the Gwadar port. Security of Gwadar city has been handed over to the army's new division raised during the tenure of former army chief Gen Raheel Sharif. In the past, China has shied away from saying that it plans to deploy its naval ships in Gwadar, a move which could raise alarm in the US and India. China has not only rebuilt the Gwadar port but also has its operational control. It is also building a network of roads and railways to link up its remote western region to Gwadar for easier access to the Arabian Sea. The revamped Gwadar port became operational in November last year after two cargo ships laden with containers set off for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE and EU. (PTI)

China hands over 2 ships to Pakistan Navy for its strategic Gwadar port

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called on the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to protect the interests of the fishermen of Gwadar Port, most of whom have reservations about the over 50 billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

Highlighting this concern of the fishermen, HRCP secretary general IA&nbsp;Rehman said that the federal government in Islamabad and the provincial government in Balochistan need to treat this matter with some urgency, given that the province and its inhabitants are already victims of sectarianism, corruption and subjected to all kinds of inhuman behaviour.

He said that the residents of Gwadar were already wrestling with issues such as non-availability of drinking water and unemployment, and therefore, must not be subjected to further disadvantages through the CPEC.

The port of Gwadar is the epicentre of the CPEC. China plans to use this project to connect the western province of Xinjiang with Gwadar in Balochistan.

The creation of the CPEC includes energy, fibre optics and industry-based projects in Pakistan and both countries are on record as saying that this project will bring unprecedented economic development to both.

China is projecting the CPEC as an important part of its larger and ambitious &quot;One Belt, One Road&quot; plan (OBOR), stretching its economic across the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa via maritime routes and rail links.

China is building a deep-sea port in Gwadar. Around 70-80 per cent of the region&#39;s inhabitants are dependent on fishing, and fear being crushed under the weight of the CPEC.

Local fisherman and other stakeholders have said that the project once completed, will not allow them to continue with fishing, as the Gwadar jetty will not be accessible to them.

Locals said that fishing is central to their livelihood and employment and they are extremely worried about their future.

The Gwadar jetty is the heart of fish trade in Balochistan, and fishermen have often said that they don&#39;t and won&#39;t know where they will get their next meal from if entry to the jetty is stopped.

They have also said that the construction of the expressway on the east bank of the Gwadar port will result in them being uprooted.

Another road project undertaken by the Gwadar Development Authority on the west bank, they say will crush the small-boat-making industry.

Rehman has in the past said that these fishermen are the original inhabitants of the land, living there for centuries, and fishing is their only source of income.

He feels the attitude of the state toward these fishermen is condemnable&nbsp;and has called for fishermen to be made part of Gwadar&#39;s development rather than being kept on the sidelines.

(ANI)

The port of Gwadar in Pakistan is the epicentre of the CPEC, a project China plans to use to connect Xinjiang to Balochistan

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called on the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to protect the interests of the fishermen of Gwadar Port, most of whom have reservations about the over 50 billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. Highlighting this concern of the fishermen, HRCP secretary general IA Rehman said that the federal government in Islamabad and the provincial government in Balochistan need to treat this matter with some urgency, given that the province and its inhabitants are already victims of sectarianism, corruption and subjected to all kinds of inhuman behaviour. He said that the residents of Gwadar were already wrestling with issues such as non-availability of drinking water and unemployment, and therefore, must not be subjected to further disadvantages through the CPEC. The port of Gwadar is the epicentre of the CPEC. China plans to use this project to connect the western province of Xinjiang with Gwadar in Balochistan. The creation of the CPEC includes energy, fibre optics and industry-based projects in Pakistan and both countries are on record as saying that this project will bring unprecedented economic development to both. China is projecting the CPEC as an important part of its larger and ambitious "One Belt, One Road" plan (OBOR), stretching its economic across the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa via maritime routes and rail links. China is building a deep-sea port in Gwadar. Around 70-80 per cent of the region's inhabitants are dependent on fishing, and fear being crushed under the weight of the CPEC. Local fisherman and other stakeholders have said that the project once completed, will not allow them to continue with fishing, as the Gwadar jetty will not be accessible to them. Locals said that fishing is central to their livelihood and employment and they are extremely worried about their future. The Gwadar jetty is the heart of fish trade in Balochistan, and fishermen have often said that they don't and won't know where they will get their next meal from if entry to the jetty is stopped. They have also said that the construction of the expressway on the east bank of the Gwadar port will result in them being uprooted. Another road project undertaken by the Gwadar Development Authority on the west bank, they say will crush the small-boat-making industry. Rehman has in the past said that these fishermen are the original inhabitants of the land, living there for centuries, and fishing is their only source of income. He feels the attitude of the state toward these fishermen is condemnable and has called for fishermen to be made part of Gwadar's development rather than being kept on the sidelines. (ANI)

Gwadar fishermen have deep reservations about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Rights body

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