Pakistan is seeking an additional $1.4 billion loan from China as it grapples with a severe financial crisis. This request highlights the country's reliance on external financial support to stabilize its economy amidst rising inflation and dwindling foreign reserves. The loan aims to help meet urgent fiscal needs and maintain essential services during a challenging economic period.

Pakistan Seeks Additional $1.4 Billion Loan From China Amid Ongoing Financial Crisis

Indian authorities have seized a vessel carrying several containers of radioactive material that were being transferred from Pakistan to China.

The ''undeclared hazardous cargo'' was seized by a joint Customs and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) team.

''While the cargo was listed as Non-Hazardous, the seized containers had Hazard Class 7 markings (which indicate radioactive substances),'' said a statement issues by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) that owns the port.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-says-india-china-going-through-bad-patch-beijing-lacks-credible-explanation-for-lac-actions-430668">Jaishankar says China lacks 'credible explanation' for actions at LAC</a>

The seized hazardous cargo containers were en route from Karachi in Pakistan to Shanghai in China, and the containers were not destined for Mundra Port.

APSEZ said it extended all assistance possible for this operation and gratefulness&nbsp;the Customs and DRI personnel for their quick and coordinated action.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/extremism-in-pak-not-rooted-in-madrasas-but-schools-colleges-says-minister-430533" hreflang="en">Extremism in Pak not rooted in madrasas, but schools, colleges, says Minister</a>

"We salute their alert diligence and will continue to fully assist any action that keeps India safe. The Adani Group takes national security very seriously and will not allow it to be compromised in any way," it said.

India has voiced its strong opposition to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its flagship project, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The BRI is a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013.&nbsp;

It aims to enhance China's influence and also link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa, and Europe with a network of land and sea routes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian authorities have seized a vessel carrying several containers of radioactive material that were being transferred from Pakistan to China. The ''undeclared hazardous cargo'' was seized by a joint Customs and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) team.

Indian authorities have seized a vessel carrying several containers of radioactive material that were being transferred from Pakistan to China. The ''undeclared hazardous cargo'' was seized by a joint Customs and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) team. ''While the cargo was listed as Non-Hazardous, the seized containers had Hazard Class 7 markings (which indicate radioactive substances),'' said a statement issues by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) that owns the port. Also read | Jaishankar says China lacks 'credible explanation' for actions at LAC The seized hazardous cargo containers were en route from Karachi in Pakistan to Shanghai in China, and the containers were not destined for Mundra Port. APSEZ said it extended all assistance possible for this operation and gratefulness the Customs and DRI personnel for their quick and coordinated action. Also read | Extremism in Pak not rooted in madrasas, but schools, colleges, says Minister "We salute their alert diligence and will continue to fully assist any action that keeps India safe. The Adani Group takes national security very seriously and will not allow it to be compromised in any way," it said. India has voiced its strong opposition to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its flagship project, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The BRI is a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013. It aims to enhance China's influence and also link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa, and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian authorities seize containers carrying radioactive material being transferred from Pak to China

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss several bilateral issues, including progress of a joint probe and increasing security for thousands of Chinese workers after a blast in a bus in northwest Pakistan killed nine Chinese engineers and jolted the ties between the two all-weather allies.

Qureshi, who is due to arrive on Friday night for the two-day visit, will hold talks with Wang in western China’s Chengdu city, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said during a media briefing here.

China rushed a special team to Pakistan to probe the July 14 blast in a shuttle bus at Dasu area of Upper Kohistan district of the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where a Chinese company is building a 4320-MW dam on the Indus river. Thirteen people, including nine Chinese engineers, were killed in the incident.

Differing perceptions between the two close allies whether it was a terrorist attack or a gas explosion that hit the vehicle added to Beijing’s anxieties.

Initially, it was said that an explosion occurred before the bus fell into a ravine. Later, Pakistan announced that the bus fell first due to some technical issue and later on an explosion was caused due to gas leakage.

But the Chinese side kept on calling it an explosion and also sent a 15-member team of experts to probe the nature of the blast.

The blast and deaths of Chinese engineers caused a sense of unease and concern in Beijing as thousands of workers from China are employed in a host of projects of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

For Islamabad, ties with China are crucial due to its increasing economic dependence on Beijing. The CPEC launched in 2015 is considered a game-changer by many in Pakistan.

The talks are also taking place amid Beijing’s concern over the offensive by the Taliban in Afghanistan which included capture of China-Afghanistan border point in Badakhshan province and the reports of large number of militants of separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) consisting of Uyghur militants from China’s volatile Xinjiang province.

China, which wants the Taliban to sever links with terrorist groups in Afghanistan, has stepped up its diplomacy to reduce frictions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over Islamabad’s backing for Taliban and settle for a power-sharing settlement with the Afghan government.

“The two foreign ministers will also exchange views on deepening anti-terrorism and security cooperation and assuring the security of Chinese institutions and projects in Pakistan," Zhao said, elaborating on the issues to be discussed by Qureshi and Wang.

Asked about any updates about the joint probe into the bus blast, Zhao said, “China and Pakistan are still looking into the terrorist case” and he had no further information to offer.

Qureshi and Wang will hold the third strategic dialogue between the two countries, which are celebrating the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

They will exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern and bilateral cooperation, he said.

“The two sides are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. We support each other for mutually beneficial cooperation on bilateral terms and seek common development," he said.

“China is ready to take this opportunity of the foreign minister''s visit to China, enhance strategic cooperation, deepen practical cooperation and lift relations to a new height and make active contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative," he said.

Earlier, the Pakistan Foreign Office said the time-tested Pakistan-China relationship is based on unparalleled mutual trust, understanding and commonality of interests and both sides are fully committed to building a closer China-Pakistan community of shared future.

It said that during Qureshi''s visit, both sides will inter alia discuss further deepening of bilateral relations, focus on cooperation in the high-quality development under the CPEC, defence and security cooperation, COVID-19 vaccines, counter-terrorism and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and will expand strategic communication and coordination with Beijing on a range of issues, it said.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss several bilateral issues, including progress of a joint probe and increasing security for thousands of Chinese workers after a blast in a bus in northwest Pakistan killed nine Chinese engineers and jolted the ties between the two all-weather allies.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss several bilateral issues, including progress of a joint probe and increasing security for thousands of Chinese workers after a blast in a bus in northwest Pakistan killed nine Chinese engineers and jolted the ties between the two all-weather allies. Qureshi, who is due to arrive on Friday night for the two-day visit, will hold talks with Wang in western China’s Chengdu city, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said during a media briefing here. China rushed a special team to Pakistan to probe the July 14 blast in a shuttle bus at Dasu area of Upper Kohistan district of the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where a Chinese company is building a 4320-MW dam on the Indus river. Thirteen people, including nine Chinese engineers, were killed in the incident. Differing perceptions between the two close allies whether it was a terrorist attack or a gas explosion that hit the vehicle added to Beijing’s anxieties. Initially, it was said that an explosion occurred before the bus fell into a ravine. Later, Pakistan announced that the bus fell first due to some technical issue and later on an explosion was caused due to gas leakage. But the Chinese side kept on calling it an explosion and also sent a 15-member team of experts to probe the nature of the blast. The blast and deaths of Chinese engineers caused a sense of unease and concern in Beijing as thousands of workers from China are employed in a host of projects of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). For Islamabad, ties with China are crucial due to its increasing economic dependence on Beijing. The CPEC launched in 2015 is considered a game-changer by many in Pakistan. The talks are also taking place amid Beijing’s concern over the offensive by the Taliban in Afghanistan which included capture of China-Afghanistan border point in Badakhshan province and the reports of large number of militants of separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) consisting of Uyghur militants from China’s volatile Xinjiang province. China, which wants the Taliban to sever links with terrorist groups in Afghanistan, has stepped up its diplomacy to reduce frictions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over Islamabad’s backing for Taliban and settle for a power-sharing settlement with the Afghan government. “The two foreign ministers will also exchange views on deepening anti-terrorism and security cooperation and assuring the security of Chinese institutions and projects in Pakistan," Zhao said, elaborating on the issues to be discussed by Qureshi and Wang. Asked about any updates about the joint probe into the bus blast, Zhao said, “China and Pakistan are still looking into the terrorist case” and he had no further information to offer. Qureshi and Wang will hold the third strategic dialogue between the two countries, which are celebrating the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. They will exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern and bilateral cooperation, he said. “The two sides are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. We support each other for mutually beneficial cooperation on bilateral terms and seek common development," he said. “China is ready to take this opportunity of the foreign minister''s visit to China, enhance strategic cooperation, deepen practical cooperation and lift relations to a new height and make active contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative," he said. Earlier, the Pakistan Foreign Office said the time-tested Pakistan-China relationship is based on unparalleled mutual trust, understanding and commonality of interests and both sides are fully committed to building a closer China-Pakistan community of shared future. It said that during Qureshi''s visit, both sides will inter alia discuss further deepening of bilateral relations, focus on cooperation in the high-quality development under the CPEC, defence and security cooperation, COVID-19 vaccines, counter-terrorism and regional and international issues of mutual interest. The visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and will expand strategic communication and coordination with Beijing on a range of issues, it said.

Post bus blast, China, Pakistan FMs to hold talks in Chengdu

Pakistan is planning to buy 7 million doses of the coronavirus vaccines from China as the nation is experiencing a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, a top minister has said, its first purchase from any country.

Earlier, Pakistan has said that it is not planning to buy vaccines anytime soon as it aims to tackle the COVID-19 challenge through herd immunity and donated vaccines from friendly countries like China.

Herd immunity occurs when a large number of people, usually 70 to 90 per cent, become immune to a contagious disease after being infected to it.

Planning Minister Asad Umar, who also heads the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC),&nbsp;on Thursday said that the first consignment would arrive in Pakistan before the end of this month.

''We are in the process to procure Sinopharm and CanSino from China. Two batches of the vaccines, including 1 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine, will reach Pakistan by the end of this month,''&nbsp;Umar said.

He said the government was planning to bring more people into the vaccination drive by including those over the age of 50 years from next month. Earlier, only health workers and those above 60 years of age were being vaccinated.

Pakistan launched its vaccination drive on February 2 with the frontline health workers which was expanded on March 10 when people of 60 were included. But the country has faced problems in getting enough vaccines to include everyone.

The country aims to vaccinate 70 million people this year.

Pakistan is also endeavouring to procure vaccines from other sources, including the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) ? a global initiative for equitable access to the vaccines led by Unicef, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and others.

Last year, Gavi had announced to provide 17 million doses to Pakistan in March. However, as the pandemic escalated worldwide, Europe's own production could not meet the requirement of its own population and the doses could not reach Pakistan.

Initially, China donated 500,000 doses of Sinopharm on February 1. In March, Pakistan received the second shipment of half a million doses of vaccines donated by China.

Meanwhile, the virus is spreading rapidly and Pakistan has recorded 10.3 per cent positivity, the second time when positivity crossed double digits this week, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

For the first time in eight months, Pakistan reported over 4,000 coronavirus cases on Friday as the third wave of COVID-19 intensified.

The country has recorded 645,356 coronavirus cases. The death toll climbed to 14,091 after 63 more people died in the last one day. On the positive side, the recovery rate is good and so fat 591,145 people recovered.

Pakistan is planning to buy 7 million doses of the coronavirus vaccines from China as the nation is experiencing a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, a top minister has said, its first purchase from any country.

Pakistan is planning to buy 7 million doses of the coronavirus vaccines from China as the nation is experiencing a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, a top minister has said, its first purchase from any country. Earlier, Pakistan has said that it is not planning to buy vaccines anytime soon as it aims to tackle the COVID-19 challenge through herd immunity and donated vaccines from friendly countries like China. Herd immunity occurs when a large number of people, usually 70 to 90 per cent, become immune to a contagious disease after being infected to it. Planning Minister Asad Umar, who also heads the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), on Thursday said that the first consignment would arrive in Pakistan before the end of this month. ''We are in the process to procure Sinopharm and CanSino from China. Two batches of the vaccines, including 1 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine, will reach Pakistan by the end of this month,'' Umar said. He said the government was planning to bring more people into the vaccination drive by including those over the age of 50 years from next month. Earlier, only health workers and those above 60 years of age were being vaccinated. Pakistan launched its vaccination drive on February 2 with the frontline health workers which was expanded on March 10 when people of 60 were included. But the country has faced problems in getting enough vaccines to include everyone. The country aims to vaccinate 70 million people this year. Pakistan is also endeavouring to procure vaccines from other sources, including the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) ? a global initiative for equitable access to the vaccines led by Unicef, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and others. Last year, Gavi had announced to provide 17 million doses to Pakistan in March. However, as the pandemic escalated worldwide, Europe's own production could not meet the requirement of its own population and the doses could not reach Pakistan. Initially, China donated 500,000 doses of Sinopharm on February 1. In March, Pakistan received the second shipment of half a million doses of vaccines donated by China. Meanwhile, the virus is spreading rapidly and Pakistan has recorded 10.3 per cent positivity, the second time when positivity crossed double digits this week, according to the Ministry of National Health Services. For the first time in eight months, Pakistan reported over 4,000 coronavirus cases on Friday as the third wave of COVID-19 intensified. The country has recorded 645,356 coronavirus cases. The death toll climbed to 14,091 after 63 more people died in the last one day. On the positive side, the recovery rate is good and so fat 591,145 people recovered.

Pakistan government to buy 7 million doses of coronavirus vaccines from China: Minister

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

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to visit China today. Pakistan Foreign Secretary & other senior officials will also accompany him. In Beijing, Qureshi is expected to discuss regional security & China-Pak economic corridor.

WION Dispatch: Pak FM to meet his Chinese counterpart

Pakistan Foreign Minister to embark on one-day China trip

A massive torch rally was held in Muzaffarabad city of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday night to oppose the mega-dams to be constructed by Chinese firms on Neelum-Jhelum River.

The protestors from ``Darya Bachao, Muzaffarabad Bachao" (Save River, Save Muzaffarabad) Committee chanted slogans like "let the Neelum and Jhelum rivers flow, let us live.''

Recently, Pakistan and China signed agreements to construct Azad Pattan and Kohala Hydropower Projects in PoK.The Azad Pattan Hydel Power Project of 700.7 megawatts of electricity as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was signed on July 6.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-chief-general-qamar-javed-bajwa-to-visit-saudi-arabia-in-quest-to-smooth-ties-320171" hreflang="en">Pakistan Army chief to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties</a>

The USD 1.54 billion project will be sponsored by the China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC).The Kohala Hydroelectric Power Project which will be built on Jhelum River is roughly 7 km upstream of Azad Pattan Bridge in Sudhanoti district of PoK and 90 km from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan.

The project, expected to be completed by 2026, will be sponsored by China Three Gorges Corporation, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Silk Road Fund.

What really irks locals is the high Chinese presence in the area, massive construction of dams, and river diversions threatening their very existence.

Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a political activist from PoK, told ANI, "Such protests in PoK are continuing for a long time, but their voice is not heard. China`s Three Gorges Corporation is constructing these billion dollars projects like Kohala Hydropower Project and Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project and they have changed the course of the rivers. This has caused a severe rise in temperature in Muzaffarabad."

He added, "Once roaring Neelum River now gives the looks of a small rivulet. It has severely affected the local residents as they even do not have drinking water. The river is flooded with sewage."

"China is investing huge money in the region and who will repay it?" Dr Mirza questioned while adding that poor people of PoK will suffer the most by repaying these debts.Pakistan and China are jointly plundering the natural resources of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan in the wake of CPEC. The resentment in the occupied territories is high against Pakistan and China.&nbsp;

A massive torch rally was held in Muzaffarabad city of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday night to oppose the mega-dams to be constructed by Chinese firms on Neelum-Jhelum River.

A massive torch rally was held in Muzaffarabad city of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday night to oppose the mega-dams to be constructed by Chinese firms on Neelum-Jhelum River. The protestors from ``Darya Bachao, Muzaffarabad Bachao" (Save River, Save Muzaffarabad) Committee chanted slogans like "let the Neelum and Jhelum rivers flow, let us live.'' Recently, Pakistan and China signed agreements to construct Azad Pattan and Kohala Hydropower Projects in PoK.The Azad Pattan Hydel Power Project of 700.7 megawatts of electricity as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was signed on July 6. Also read: Pakistan Army chief to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties The USD 1.54 billion project will be sponsored by the China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC).The Kohala Hydroelectric Power Project which will be built on Jhelum River is roughly 7 km upstream of Azad Pattan Bridge in Sudhanoti district of PoK and 90 km from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. The project, expected to be completed by 2026, will be sponsored by China Three Gorges Corporation, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Silk Road Fund. What really irks locals is the high Chinese presence in the area, massive construction of dams, and river diversions threatening their very existence. Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a political activist from PoK, told ANI, "Such protests in PoK are continuing for a long time, but their voice is not heard. China`s Three Gorges Corporation is constructing these billion dollars projects like Kohala Hydropower Project and Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project and they have changed the course of the rivers. This has caused a severe rise in temperature in Muzaffarabad." He added, "Once roaring Neelum River now gives the looks of a small rivulet. It has severely affected the local residents as they even do not have drinking water. The river is flooded with sewage." "China is investing huge money in the region and who will repay it?" Dr Mirza questioned while adding that poor people of PoK will suffer the most by repaying these debts.Pakistan and China are jointly plundering the natural resources of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan in the wake of CPEC. The resentment in the occupied territories is high against Pakistan and China.

Protests erupt in PoK against construction of dams by China

China has a border dispute with almost all its neighbours - both on land and sea - with almost blatant territorial ambitions with little regard for the sovereign rights of other nations.

Among those at the receiving end is India. China doesn't care about India's territorial integrity. In the past two days, Chinese troops provoked skirmishes with Indian soldiers at the border in Sikkim. Chinese helicopters flew close to the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with India in Ladakh.&nbsp;

Now, China is building a dam on Indian territory occupied by Pakistan. A Chinese company has signed a deal with the Pakistan government. A $5.8 billion deal to build a dam in Gilgit-Baltistan which falls in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) which is technically Indian territory but China is doing business with Pakistan, despite India's objections.

The project is called the Diamer-Bhasha dam. The contract has gone to a joint venture led by Power China which is a Chinese company. The other partner is the frontier works organization which is a subsidiary of the Pakistan Army, which in a sense is a joint venture of China and the Pakistan Army. The project is a win-win for both sides.

China gets more deals and the Pakistan army makes more money. China seems to have virtually repossessed Pakistan even as worldwide the work on the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) has come to a grinding halt because of the Wuhan virus.

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to his Sri Lankan counterpart Gotabaya Rajapaksa. President Xi wanted "gradual resumption" of cooperation towards BRI. &nbsp;

Pakistan newspaper Dawn reported that work on the the Diamer-Bhasha dam will begin in a couple of weeks which is a dam project on indian territory. Since 1949, China has been involved in 23 territorial disputes. Now, only six remain which serves China's strategic purpose for Beijing to needle regional rivals.

On Tuesday, the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement on the border situation with India. The tone was far from friendly, which almost said that meet China halfway, avoid taking actions that might "complicate" the situation which is unabashed hypocrisy from China considering that all its actions complicate the situation.

The list of Beijing's provocations is long and growing. It led&nbsp;a failed attempt to internationalise India's Kashmir decision at the United Nations Security Council.

China's troops clashed with Indian soldiers in Sikkim and now, it is building a dam on territory that belongs to India. It's time for New Delhi to pay back in kind&nbsp;and India is not short of options.

It can use its own diplomatic levers to send a message to China, for instance, remove Huawei from India's 5G program over security concerns.

Already, curbs have been placed on Chinese investments in Indian companies. The government can do more. India can leverage the situation in Hong Kong and make a statement by backing the pro-Democracy protesters. All these are options that can be exercised in the coming days and weeks but, there is one thing that India can do right now - support Taiwan.

China has a border dispute with almost all its neighbours - both on land and sea - with almost blatant territorial ambitions with little regard for the sovereign rights of other nations.

China has a border dispute with almost all its neighbours - both on land and sea - with almost blatant territorial ambitions with little regard for the sovereign rights of other nations. Among those at the receiving end is India. China doesn't care about India's territorial integrity. In the past two days, Chinese troops provoked skirmishes with Indian soldiers at the border in Sikkim. Chinese helicopters flew close to the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with India in Ladakh. Now, China is building a dam on Indian territory occupied by Pakistan. A Chinese company has signed a deal with the Pakistan government. A $5.8 billion deal to build a dam in Gilgit-Baltistan which falls in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) which is technically Indian territory but China is doing business with Pakistan, despite India's objections. The project is called the Diamer-Bhasha dam. The contract has gone to a joint venture led by Power China which is a Chinese company. The other partner is the frontier works organization which is a subsidiary of the Pakistan Army, which in a sense is a joint venture of China and the Pakistan Army. The project is a win-win for both sides. China gets more deals and the Pakistan army makes more money. China seems to have virtually repossessed Pakistan even as worldwide the work on the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) has come to a grinding halt because of the Wuhan virus. On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to his Sri Lankan counterpart Gotabaya Rajapaksa. President Xi wanted "gradual resumption" of cooperation towards BRI. Pakistan newspaper Dawn reported that work on the the Diamer-Bhasha dam will begin in a couple of weeks which is a dam project on indian territory. Since 1949, China has been involved in 23 territorial disputes. Now, only six remain which serves China's strategic purpose for Beijing to needle regional rivals. On Tuesday, the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement on the border situation with India. The tone was far from friendly, which almost said that meet China halfway, avoid taking actions that might "complicate" the situation which is unabashed hypocrisy from China considering that all its actions complicate the situation. The list of Beijing's provocations is long and growing. It led a failed attempt to internationalise India's Kashmir decision at the United Nations Security Council. China's troops clashed with Indian soldiers in Sikkim and now, it is building a dam on territory that belongs to India. It's time for New Delhi to pay back in kind and India is not short of options. It can use its own diplomatic levers to send a message to China, for instance, remove Huawei from India's 5G program over security concerns. Already, curbs have been placed on Chinese investments in Indian companies. The government can do more. India can leverage the situation in Hong Kong and make a statement by backing the pro-Democracy protesters. All these are options that can be exercised in the coming days and weeks but, there is one thing that India can do right now - support Taiwan.

Chinese company signs deal with Pakistan to build dam in PoK

India slammed the joint statement of Pak-China. Both countries mentioned J&K in the recent statement. This joint statement was given by both the countries when China's foreign minister recently visited Pakistan. WION Exclusively speaks to Mr. G Parthasarathy, Ex-Indian Envoy to Pak & Mr. Vivek Katju, Ex-Indian Envoy to Afghanistan over this news.

India clears out its stand again over J&K after Pak-China joint statement

India slammed the joint statement of Pak-China. Both countries mentioned J&K in the recent statement. This joint statement was given by both the countries when China's foreign minister recently visited Pakistan.

India slammed the joint statement of Pak-China, both mentioned J&K in the statement

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-cpec-is-used-to-traffic-young-pakistani-women-to-china-210874">China's Belt and Road</a> project is not a "geopolitical tool" or a debt crisis for participating nations, but Beijing welcomes constructive suggestions on how to address concerns over the initiative, the government's top diplomat said on Friday.

Beijing will host a Belt and Road summit next week which 37 foreign leaders will attend, including some of China's closest allies, though the United States which has been critical of the project is only sending low level representatives.

The Belt and Road Initiative, as it is formally called, is a key initiative of President Xi Jinping, and envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to connect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-cpec-intensified-pakistans-economic-risks-208789">China</a> with Asia, Europe and beyond with massive infrastructure spending.

But it has proved controversial in many Western capitals, particularly Washington, which views it as merely a means to spread Chinese influence abroad and saddle countries with unsustainable debt through nontransparent projects.

The United States has been particularly critical of Italy's decision to sign up to the plan last month, during Xi's visit to Rome, the first for a G7 nation.

Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi, the government's top diplomat, told reporters that the Belt and Road scheme had brought real benefits to participating countries.

"This partnership relationship is not a geopolitical tool, but a platform for cooperation," he said.

"You can't put hats like 'debt crises' onto the head of the Belt and Road, and this is not something any participating country would recognise," Wang added.

"Of course, there is a development process for the Belt and Road. You can't get there in one step, and it's unavoidable it will cause some worries during its development. So we welcome all sides to come up with constructive suggestions," he said.

The number of foreign leaders at the April 25-27 summit is up from 29 last time, mainly from China's closest allies like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-cpec-is-used-to-traffic-young-pakistani-women-to-china-210874">Pakistan </a>and Russia but also Italy, Switzerland and Austria.

The United States will not send high-level officials, a US State Department spokesman said earlier this month, citing concerns about financing practices for the initiative.

Wang said there would be Americans at the summit, made up of diplomats, state-level officials, executives and academics, though he did not give details.

"We welcome any country that is interested to take part. When the United States participates, or whether it participates, is up to them to decide," he added.

While the United States and China are currently working to end a bitter trade war, they have numerous other areas of disagreement, including human rights and US support for self-ruled Taiwan.

China on Monday condemned as "slanderous" criticism US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made of Beijing's policies in South America last week.

At the first Belt and Road summit two years ago, the United States submitted a diplomatic note to China complaining about North Korea's participation, though since then Washington and Pyongyang have sought to re-set ties, including with two summits between their leaders.

Wang said North Korea would also take part in this year's summit, but gave no further details.

"I think this is normal as it's an economic cooperation initiative. All countries have the freedom to attend, but I think they don't have the right to prevent any other country from participating. This is an open, inclusive platform."

More than 150 countries are sending delegations, and there will be some 5,000 guests, Wang said.

China's Belt and Road project is not a "geopolitical tool" or a debt crisis for participating nations, but Beijing welcomes constructive suggestions on how to address concerns over the initiative, the government's top diplomat said on Friday.

China's Belt and Road project is not a "geopolitical tool" or a debt crisis for participating nations, but Beijing welcomes constructive suggestions on how to address concerns over the initiative, the government's top diplomat said on Friday. Beijing will host a Belt and Road summit next week which 37 foreign leaders will attend, including some of China's closest allies, though the United States which has been critical of the project is only sending low level representatives. The Belt and Road Initiative, as it is formally called, is a key initiative of President Xi Jinping, and envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe and beyond with massive infrastructure spending. But it has proved controversial in many Western capitals, particularly Washington, which views it as merely a means to spread Chinese influence abroad and saddle countries with unsustainable debt through nontransparent projects. The United States has been particularly critical of Italy's decision to sign up to the plan last month, during Xi's visit to Rome, the first for a G7 nation. Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi, the government's top diplomat, told reporters that the Belt and Road scheme had brought real benefits to participating countries. "This partnership relationship is not a geopolitical tool, but a platform for cooperation," he said. "You can't put hats like 'debt crises' onto the head of the Belt and Road, and this is not something any participating country would recognise," Wang added. "Of course, there is a development process for the Belt and Road. You can't get there in one step, and it's unavoidable it will cause some worries during its development. So we welcome all sides to come up with constructive suggestions," he said. The number of foreign leaders at the April 25-27 summit is up from 29 last time, mainly from China's closest allies like Pakistan and Russia but also Italy, Switzerland and Austria. The United States will not send high-level officials, a US State Department spokesman said earlier this month, citing concerns about financing practices for the initiative. Wang said there would be Americans at the summit, made up of diplomats, state-level officials, executives and academics, though he did not give details. "We welcome any country that is interested to take part. When the United States participates, or whether it participates, is up to them to decide," he added. While the United States and China are currently working to end a bitter trade war, they have numerous other areas of disagreement, including human rights and US support for self-ruled Taiwan. China on Monday condemned as "slanderous" criticism US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made of Beijing's policies in South America last week. At the first Belt and Road summit two years ago, the United States submitted a diplomatic note to China complaining about North Korea's participation, though since then Washington and Pyongyang have sought to re-set ties, including with two summits between their leaders. Wang said North Korea would also take part in this year's summit, but gave no further details. "I think this is normal as it's an economic cooperation initiative. All countries have the freedom to attend, but I think they don't have the right to prevent any other country from participating. This is an open, inclusive platform." More than 150 countries are sending delegations, and there will be some 5,000 guests, Wang said.

China says Silk Road not geopolitical tool, understands concerns

China backed its "iron friend" Pakistan on Tuesday, applauding its recent<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-hold-more-talks-with-india-on-blacklisting-masood-azhar-china-203655"> counter-terrorism measures</a> as Islamabad faces criticism for harbouring militants.

"China commends Pakistan's recent strong counter-terrorism measures at home," foreign minister Wang Yi told reporters after meeting with his Pakistani counterpart&nbsp;Shah Mehmood Qureshi

"We fully support Pakistan in carrying through its counter-terrorism campaign," Wang said.

Since March 5, Pakistani authorities have arrested hundreds of suspected militants and shuttered more than 700 madrassas, mosques, and clinics linked to banned groups.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GKb16_MxfIc" width="560"></iframe>

Islamabad has come under pressure to demonstrate it is sincere about eliminating militancy, but the crackdown has yet to convince the international community.

"We also call on the international community to adopt a fair perspective of the commitments and efforts made by Pakistan over the years to combat terrorism," Wang said as he stood beside Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of harbouring terrorist&nbsp;groups, which it says are used by Pakistan intelligence agencies to launch attacks on India.

On&nbsp;February 14 suicide blast in Pulwama in J&amp;K&nbsp;killed over 40 CRPF troops - claimed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/european-union-begins-discussions-on-declaring-masood-azhar-a-terrorist-204354">Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM)</a>. However, China a long-time ally of Pakistan, last week blocked measures by the UN Security Council to blacklist JeM leader Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

It was the fourth time China has blocked such attempts, reinforcing suspicions that it was acting on Pakistan's behest.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Pakistan expressed gratitude for China's continued support as it faces international criticism.

"Pakistan appreciates the role China has played once again, standing by Pakistan in these difficult times," Shah said.

"We have been cooperating against this menace of terrorism, and we feel strengthening this in relevant fields is important," Shah said.

"We have made considerable progress vis-a-vis terrorism, we have paid a huge price, everybody recognises that," Shah said.&nbsp;

Wang welcomed Shah to Beijing by noting China calls&nbsp;Pakistan "our iron friends" because Islamabad "provides us with iron-like support" on Beijing's core issues of concern. &nbsp;

"Of course, China does the same," Wang said.

China backed its "iron friend" Pakistan on Tuesday, applauding its recent counter-terrorism measures as Islamabad faces criticism for harbouring militants. "China commends Pakistan's recent strong counter-terrorism measures at home," foreign minister Wang Yi told reporters after meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi "We fully support Pakistan in carrying through its counter-terrorism campaign," Wang said.

China backed its "iron friend" Pakistan on Tuesday, applauding its recent counter-terrorism measures as Islamabad faces criticism for harbouring militants. "China commends Pakistan's recent strong counter-terrorism measures at home," foreign minister Wang Yi told reporters after meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi "We fully support Pakistan in carrying through its counter-terrorism campaign," Wang said. Since March 5, Pakistani authorities have arrested hundreds of suspected militants and shuttered more than 700 madrassas, mosques, and clinics linked to banned groups. Islamabad has come under pressure to demonstrate it is sincere about eliminating militancy, but the crackdown has yet to convince the international community. "We also call on the international community to adopt a fair perspective of the commitments and efforts made by Pakistan over the years to combat terrorism," Wang said as he stood beside Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of harbouring terrorist groups, which it says are used by Pakistan intelligence agencies to launch attacks on India. On February 14 suicide blast in Pulwama in J&K killed over 40 CRPF troops - claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM). However, China a long-time ally of Pakistan, last week blocked measures by the UN Security Council to blacklist JeM leader Masood Azhar. It was the fourth time China has blocked such attempts, reinforcing suspicions that it was acting on Pakistan's behest. On Tuesday, Pakistan expressed gratitude for China's continued support as it faces international criticism. "Pakistan appreciates the role China has played once again, standing by Pakistan in these difficult times," Shah said. "We have been cooperating against this menace of terrorism, and we feel strengthening this in relevant fields is important," Shah said. "We have made considerable progress vis-a-vis terrorism, we have paid a huge price, everybody recognises that," Shah said. Wang welcomed Shah to Beijing by noting China calls Pakistan "our iron friends" because Islamabad "provides us with iron-like support" on Beijing's core issues of concern. "Of course, China does the same," Wang said.

Fully support Pakistan in carrying out counter-terrorism campaign: China

Pakistan should become a "trading nation'' rather than a ''warrior nation" while ensuring it does not turn into China's pawn, Islamabad's former envoy to the US, Husain Haqqani, has said.

In an interview to PTI, Haqqani said Pakistan also needs to take a call on what is more important? supporting terror suspect Hafiz Saeed or gaining international credibility and respect.

Amid the consolidation of the already-robust Sino-Pak ties, Haqqani, who served as ambassador to the US from 2008 to 2011, stressed Pakistan should not go from being dependent on the US to rely on China and must refrain from becoming a "Chinese pawn".

Pakistan needs to build a self-sustaining economy, he said, warning Islamabad of the pitfalls of aligning with a major power.

Haqqani, who was in India last week for the launch of his new book 'Reimagining Pakistan: Transforming a Dysfunctional Nuclear State', said the country needs to "re-think its overall direction", including in the economic sector.

Pakistan&nbspshould become a "trading nation rather than a warrior nation" and start thinking about geo-economics rather than geostrategy, said the 61-year-old former diplomat and author of 'Pakistan Between Mosque and Military' and 'India v Pakistan: Why Can't We Just Be Friends', among other books.

"Trying to take advantage of its strategic location by allowing itself to be used by one major power or another has brought Pakistan to the present situation and if we continue to play the same game, the result is not going to be very different in the future, he said.

While Islamabad should seek good relations with Beijing, "there is no reason why Pakistan should become a Chinese pawn in the mistaken belief" that this would somehow make it a power in its own right, he said when asked if Pakistan's dependence on China could prove counterproductive.

His remarks assume significance as in January, the US had suspended more than $1.15 billion security assistance to Pakistan, accusing it of harbouring terror groups such as the Afghan Taliban and Afghan guerilla group Haqqani Network.

After US President Donald Trump had lashed out at Pakistan earlier this year for providing "safe havens" to terrorists, China had defended Islamabad, saying the world community should acknowledge its all-weather ally's "outstanding contribution" to counter terrorism.

Asked if America's tougher stance against terror would push Islamabad into a robust military alliance with Beijing, Haqqani said the more America and India came close, the more Pakistan would try to strengthen its ties with China.

"But, for Pakistan's own sake, it would be useful to have relationships with multiple partners. Dependence on the US did not prove useful for Pakistan in the 50s and 60s dependence on China will not necessarily be the key to Pakistan's progress in the 21st century," said Haqqani,

who lives in the US, where he is Senior Fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at the Washington-based Hudson Institute.

Haqqani was removed as Pakistan's envoy to the US for his alleged role in what is known as the Memogate controversy, which revolved around a memorandum seeking help from the Obama administration after the killing of Osama bin Laden to avert a military takeover of the civilian government in his country.

Asked if the suspension of American aid had brought about a change in Pakistan's attitude, Haqqani said the establishment had not changed its world view and was still hoping that logistical and other considerations would make the Trump administration soften its stance.

On the possibility of power blocs being formed in the region, he said a "new Cold War" in which Pakistan aligns with China and India with the United States was not going to be positive for South Asia.

"I think that aligning with one major power against another is not the recipe for economic growth and success for a country like Pakistan," said Haqqani, who also served as the Pakistani envoy to Sri Lanka from 1992 to 1993.

The former diplomat, who is often critical of the Pakistani military, rued that the power structure in the country had not changed fundamentally and national security and foreign policy remained in the hands of the Army.

Pakistan has made distinctions between terror groups that have acted against it and those that have acted outside the country, and that distinction had not worked to its advantage, he said.

Islamabad's insistence on "mainstreaming terrorists" rather than marginalising them was going to be counter-productive for the country, he held.

Haqqani also said the Kashmir issue could be put on the back burner to build normal Indo-Pak relations.

"It is also a reality that the problem of Kashmir has not been solved in 70 years. And if Pakistan insists on solving the Kashmir problem before moving forward on normal relations with India, then it may have to wait for another 70 years," he said.

Haqqani said Pakistan also needs to take a call on what is more important? supporting terror suspect Hafiz Saeed or gaining international credibility and respect

Pakistan should become a "trading nation'' rather than a ''warrior nation" while ensuring it does not turn into China's pawn, Islamabad's former envoy to the US, Husain Haqqani, has said. In an interview to PTI, Haqqani said Pakistan also needs to take a call on what is more important? supporting terror suspect Hafiz Saeed or gaining international credibility and respect. Amid the consolidation of the already-robust Sino-Pak ties, Haqqani, who served as ambassador to the US from 2008 to 2011, stressed Pakistan should not go from being dependent on the US to rely on China and must refrain from becoming a "Chinese pawn". Pakistan needs to build a self-sustaining economy, he said, warning Islamabad of the pitfalls of aligning with a major power. Haqqani, who was in India last week for the launch of his new book 'Reimagining Pakistan: Transforming a Dysfunctional Nuclear State', said the country needs to "re-think its overall direction", including in the economic sector. Pakistan&nbspshould become a "trading nation rather than a warrior nation" and start thinking about geo-economics rather than geostrategy, said the 61-year-old former diplomat and author of 'Pakistan Between Mosque and Military' and 'India v Pakistan: Why Can't We Just Be Friends', among other books. "Trying to take advantage of its strategic location by allowing itself to be used by one major power or another has brought Pakistan to the present situation and if we continue to play the same game, the result is not going to be very different in the future, he said. While Islamabad should seek good relations with Beijing, "there is no reason why Pakistan should become a Chinese pawn in the mistaken belief" that this would somehow make it a power in its own right, he said when asked if Pakistan's dependence on China could prove counterproductive. His remarks assume significance as in January, the US had suspended more than $1.15 billion security assistance to Pakistan, accusing it of harbouring terror groups such as the Afghan Taliban and Afghan guerilla group Haqqani Network. After US President Donald Trump had lashed out at Pakistan earlier this year for providing "safe havens" to terrorists, China had defended Islamabad, saying the world community should acknowledge its all-weather ally's "outstanding contribution" to counter terrorism. Asked if America's tougher stance against terror would push Islamabad into a robust military alliance with Beijing, Haqqani said the more America and India came close, the more Pakistan would try to strengthen its ties with China. "But, for Pakistan's own sake, it would be useful to have relationships with multiple partners. Dependence on the US did not prove useful for Pakistan in the 50s and 60s dependence on China will not necessarily be the key to Pakistan's progress in the 21st century," said Haqqani, who lives in the US, where he is Senior Fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at the Washington-based Hudson Institute. Haqqani was removed as Pakistan's envoy to the US for his alleged role in what is known as the Memogate controversy, which revolved around a memorandum seeking help from the Obama administration after the killing of Osama bin Laden to avert a military takeover of the civilian government in his country. Asked if the suspension of American aid had brought about a change in Pakistan's attitude, Haqqani said the establishment had not changed its world view and was still hoping that logistical and other considerations would make the Trump administration soften its stance. On the possibility of power blocs being formed in the region, he said a "new Cold War" in which Pakistan aligns with China and India with the United States was not going to be positive for South Asia. "I think that aligning with one major power against another is not the recipe for economic growth and success for a country like Pakistan," said Haqqani, who also served as the Pakistani envoy to Sri Lanka from 1992 to 1993. The former diplomat, who is often critical of the Pakistani military, rued that the power structure in the country had not changed fundamentally and national security and foreign policy remained in the hands of the Army. Pakistan has made distinctions between terror groups that have acted against it and those that have acted outside the country, and that distinction had not worked to its advantage, he said. Islamabad's insistence on "mainstreaming terrorists" rather than marginalising them was going to be counter-productive for the country, he held. Haqqani also said the Kashmir issue could be put on the back burner to build normal Indo-Pak relations. "It is also a reality that the problem of Kashmir has not been solved in 70 years. And if Pakistan insists on solving the Kashmir problem before moving forward on normal relations with India, then it may have to wait for another 70 years," he said.

Don't be warrior nation or China pawn: ex-envoy Haqqani to Pakistan

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