Beijing has reportedly requested Islamabad to launch a new military operation akin to Zarb-e-Azb to decisively target terrorist groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Additionally, China has urged Pakistan to enhance its foreign exchange reserves, settle payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and implement the ML-1 railway project in phases, according to well-informed sources in the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives.
These requests were made ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s scheduled visit to Beijing, where he aims to secure support for the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the budget for FY 2024-25, and to negotiate debt rescheduling for power projects, among other bilateral matters.
Recently, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, visited China. They met with various top Chinese officials, including Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. The discussions focused on key projects and financial issues.
Vice Foreign Minister Weidong acknowledged the strategic importance of the ML-1 project despite its slow progress and high financial outlay, suggesting a phased implementation. On the KKH Realignment Phase-II Project, he emphasized the need for an all-weather strategic route via the Khunjerab Pass and addressed concerns about connectivity due to upcoming dam projects.
Weidong also stressed the importance of settling outstanding payments to Chinese IPPs, highlighting that this is crucial for restoring trust and securing further funding for projects like the Kohala and Azad Pattan Hydro Power Projects.
In terms of security, Weidong emphasized the necessity of a new Zarb-e-Azb operation against terrorist groups, particularly after Chinese citizens were killed in a recent suicide attack near Swat. He underscored the importance of improving security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan and urged for the revival of a trilateral mechanism between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan to enhance anti-terrorism coordination.
During meetings with the President of China Import-Export Bank (CEXIM), assurances were given regarding the importance of bilateral space cooperation and the commitment to the ML-1 project. However, concerns were raised about delayed payments to Chinese IPPs and the security risks to Chinese workers in Pakistan.
These discussions highlight China’s comprehensive approach to strengthening its strategic, financial, and security cooperation with Pakistan, emphasizing the need for immediate and sustained actions from Islamabad.
May 30,2024
Source: News 360