Economic cooperation between China and Pakistan has undoubtedly advanced, yet we must remain vigilant as security challenges persist, posing significant concerns for Chinese investments and personnel within the country

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to Beijing will undoubtedly prioritize discussions on enhancing security measures to safeguard our bilateral interests

Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani

The recent focus on safeguarding the safety and security of Chinese nationals and investments within Pakistan underscores the enduring partnership between the two nations. As the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) continues to serve as a cornerstone of their cooperation, it is imperative to prioritize the protection of Chinese interests in Pakistani territory.

Recent events have highlighted the evolving security challenges facing Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan. In response, Pakistani authorities have recognized the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate risks and enhance the environment for Chinese engagement. This includes fostering trust and collaboration between the two nations to sustain bilateral cooperation and advance mutual prosperity and stability.

The commitment of Pakistani authorities to upholding the safety of Chinese investments reaffirms the depth of the partnership and its dedication to mutual prosperity and stability. By emphasizing the importance of close collaboration with Chinese counterparts, Pakistan is demonstrating its proactive stance towards ensuring the security of Chinese nationals and projects within its borders.

The strategic alliance between Pakistan and China remains strong, with both nations committed to creating a safe and secure environment for Chinese engagement in Pakistan. As the partnership continues to evolve, it is crucial for both countries to work together to address security challenges and uphold the principles of mutual prosperity and stability. In doing so, the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China will only grow stronger, laying the foundation for continued cooperation and economic development in the region.

Worth mentioning that Pakistan and China share a longstanding relationship marked by cooperation in various domains, including trade, infrastructure development, and strategic alliances. Recent developments, however, have unveiled both opportunities and challenges in this bilateral partnership. This article delves into three significant developments shaping Pakistan-China relations, ranging from the reopening of the Khunjerab border to security challenges faced by Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan.

The Khunjerab border, situated at a staggering altitude of approximately 15,000 feet above sea level, serves as the sole land crossing connecting Pakistan with China. After four months of closure due to snowfall, the border reopened for traffic, facilitating bilateral trade and tourism. This development not only signifies the resumption of economic activities but also underscores the resilience of Pakistan-China relations despite seasonal challenges. As per the protocol agreement of 1985, the border remains closed from December 1 to March 31 annually. However, the recent reopening indicates the commitment of both nations to bolster connectivity and foster economic exchanges.

Pakistan and China are on the verge of finalizing modalities for third-party participation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), aimed at enhancing the project’s regional scope and attracting additional investors. The draft shared by the Chinese side outlines general principles and objectives for third-party involvement, emphasizing inclusivity, mutual benefits, and government-led steering of CPEC. This move reflects a strategic shift towards broader regional connectivity and economic integration, with CPEC serving as an open platform for cooperation. The establishment of the Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination underscores the collaborative efforts to streamline third-party participation and ensure sustainable development.

While economic cooperation between China and Pakistan has made great progress, security challenges continue to be a significant concern for Chinese investments and personnel in the country. The recent suicide bombing targeting Chinese engineers at the Dasu hydropower project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by foreign nationals. The attack, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), underscores the complex security environment in Pakistan, plagued by insurgency and jihadist activities.

Additionally, the thwarted attempt to breach the Gwadar Port Authority compound further highlights the diverse threats facing Chinese interests in Pakistan. To ensure the safety of their investments and personnel, it is crucial for Chinese companies to implement robust security measures and conduct a strategic reassessment of their operations in the region.

The recent attack targeting Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan has implications for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to Beijing. It is likely that the focus of the visit will shift towards evaluating the effectiveness of current security measures for Chinese residents and projects in Pakistan. Additionally, the summary highlights the grievances of Baloch separatists towards Chinese involvement in projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These grievances stem from concerns about marginalization, economic deprivation, and inadequate development in Balochistan despite its resource richness. The lack of tangible benefits from CPEC in Balochistan has fueled resentment and enabled separatist groups to exploit local grievances for recruitment and propaganda. Moreover, the targeting of Chinese interests by jihadist groups and Baloch separatists poses challenges for Pakistan’s government in convincing Beijing to initiate new projects. To address these challenges, the summary suggests that addressing Baloch grievances and collaborating with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to tackle security threats are essential steps towards improving the situation.

The recent developments in Pakistan-China relations underscore both the opportunities and challenges inherent in this strategic partnership. While the reopening of the Khunjerab border signifies resilience and cooperation, security concerns pose formidable obstacles to economic development and regional connectivity, particularly within the ambit of CPEC. As Pakistan navigates these complexities, addressing security imperatives, fostering inclusive growth, and mitigating grievances will be crucial in sustaining the momentum of bilateral cooperation and realizing the shared vision of prosperity and stability in the region.

(The author is the Secretary General of the Pakistan-China Friendship Association, serving in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter, and is also a foreign affairs analyst and media advisor based in Peshawar. For further inquiries or correspondence, he can be contacted via email at [email protected].)

By: Qamar Bashir

In a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history, the seven-member Supreme Court bench commenced hearings on the serious allegations raised by six judges regarding attempts to intimidate them into favorable rulings. At the outset, the Chief Justice and the government exchanged mutual praise for addressing the matter seriously, with the constitution of a one-man commission. Expressing regret over conspiratorial statements against Syed Tassadaq Jilani, who felt intimidated, recused himself from this significant responsibility.

The initial two hours of the session were dedicated to providing a thorough explanation, aimed at dispelling any perception that the Supreme Court was avoiding its responsibility. Despite this, the Chief Justice unequivocally affirmed the independence of the judiciary and vowed to defend it vigorously. The discussion also addressed long standing issues that have been overlooked, including instances where the Supreme Court’s orders have been obstructed. Specifically, recent bail orders issued by the Supreme Court were frustrated by frivolous and illogical Magistrate’s Preventive Orders (MPOs) issued by deputy commissioners.

One judge made a striking statement, acknowledging the intimidation, coercion, and blackmail faced by the judiciary to sway decisions according to certain interests. This candid admission highlighted the need to confront the reality of these challenges rather than turning a blind eye. Although the attorney general reflected the full cooperation of the government to proceed with the impugned case, it was evident that the jurisdiction of the civil government is severely limited when it comes to holding intelligence agencies accountable.

While the Chief Justice attempted to navigate the complexity of the situation at hand, other judges were resolute in their stance, emphasizing that this presents a rare opportunity to emancipate the judiciary. They urged the court to seize this moment without getting bogged down in legal technicalities as a pretext to evade responsibility. Despite the Chief Justice’s view that the matter pertained to the High Court and therefore fell outside the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction according to the constitution, a fellow judge intervened. He pointed out that the aggrieved judges had brought the issue to the attention of the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, but no remedial action had been taken. Consequently, the judges sought guidance from the Supreme Judicial Council on how to proceed if the High Court proved incapable of addressing the matter, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation.

The supreme court took up the matter after receiving a letter from six judges who alleged that they have been facing blatant and open unconstitutional intimidation, coercion, and arm-twisting from certain unscrupulous elements within the country’s all powerful intelligence agency.

Their bravery, however, was met with a chilling response. Anonymous letters filled with threatening poisonous powder arrived, targeting all judges of the Islamabad High Court and today two judges of the Lahore High Court also received the same threatening letters, adding to the atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

This disturbing development coincided with a suo moto action taken by the Supreme Court and an appeal being heard by the Islamabad High Court on the Cipher case against the Founder of PTI, Mr. Imran Khan. Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, another stalwart of PTI, sent a clear message: submit or face dire consequences.

However, conveniently, during the hearing of the suo moto case, the Supreme Court did not make even a passing reference to this stunning development. It is evident that such serious threats are not only targeting the judges of the High Court but also the judges of the Supreme Court who are currently hearing the impugned case.

It serves as a brazen warning that any attempt by the Supreme Court to challenge or investigate alleged interference from powerful entities will be met with intimidation and threats. This act seeks to undermine the authority and independence of the judiciary, signaling that even the highest echelons of the legal system are not immune to coercion and intimidation tactics.

Additionally, it reflects a broader assault on the rule of law and the principles of democracy, as it seeks to silence judicial scrutiny and accountability. The message is clear: any attempt to uphold justice and transparency will be met with severe consequences, creating a climate of fear and intimidation within the judicial system.

My sympathies also go to the CJSC who finds itself in an extraordinarily challenging position, torn between the imperative to safeguard the judiciary’s independence and credibility and the immense pressure exerted by various political interests seeking to exploit the situation for their own gains. With the integrity of the judiciary hanging in the balance and the hopes of 250 million citizens relying on the court’s ability to deliver justice, the Chief Justice bears the weighty responsibility of liberating the judiciary from the grip of intimidation and restoring its capacity to administer impartial justice.

However, he is keenly aware of the delicate equilibrium necessary to maintain positive relations with the establishment, crucial for ensuring the safety of judges and their families. Yet, the Chief Justice faces an unparalleled dilemma: how to address the presence of unscrupulous elements within the intelligence agencies when no individual, entity, or institution possesses the authority to compel these operatives to adhere to the constitution and the law of the land.

Before delving further into the complexities of the situation, it’s crucial to provide clarity on the term “Establishment.” When the judiciary refers to alleged interference from intelligence agencies in its core functions of dispensing justice fairly, transparently, and without bias or fear, it pertains to a small faction within these agencies. These individuals may disregard the constitution, the rule of law, and the welfare of the Pakistani people. Their actions aim to manipulate the judiciary for what they perceive as the greater good and in the greater national interest, but they overlook that true progress and prosperity of any country can only be achieved through a judiciary that operates freely, fairly, and transparently and without facing any undue influence.

The six judges who bravely stepped forward as whistleblowers have rendered invaluable service to both the judiciary and the nation. Their decision to speak out, despite the grave risks to their own lives and those of their loved ones, underscores the immense pressure they must have endured in carrying out their duties. Ultimately, they reached a point where they could no longer bear the burden alone and turned to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for assistance. It’s essential to recognize that the Chief Justice, like any human being, is vulnerable to the same dangers faced by those who spoke out. Moreover, while the constitution of Pakistan ostensibly extends its protections nationwide, analysts suggest there are areas where its authority is challenged, posing additional complexities and risks.

By: Qamar Bashir
Press Secretary to the President (Rtd)
Former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France
Former MD, SRBC