NATION STANDS BEHIND SECURIT Y FORCES TO ‘RELENTLESSLY PURSUE’
CULPRITS
OF KHUZDAR BUS ATTACK: PM
g ARCHITECTS, ABETTORS, AND ENABLERS OF THIS CRIME WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, BROUGHT TO JUSTICE: PM
g IT ’S NOW TIME NATION DISPLAYS A VERY STRONG RESOLVE TO BRING FIGHT AGAINST FOREIGN-SPONSORED TERRORISM TO ITS LOGICAL AND DECISIVE END: COA S
s a l e e m J a D o o N
PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated that entire nation stood resolute behind its armed forces” and “the law enforcement agencies” to “relentlessly pursue the culprits of the attack on a school bus in Balochistan s Khuzdar that left three children among five dead and several others injured A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), issued after PM Shehbaz Sharif ’s daylong visit to Quetta following the incident quoted the premier as saying Pakistan s security forces and law enforcement agencies will relentlessly pursue all those involved in this barbaric act
The architects, abettors, and enablers of this crime will be held accountable and brought to justice and the truth about India’s cunning role a real perpetrator of terrorism but feigns as a victim stands exposed before the world
The statement detailed the incident, claiming the act was carried out by “statesponsored proxies of India (Fitna al-Hindustan) and added that dastardly terrorist incidents were being orchestrated through proxies in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, deliberately targeting civilians in a futile attempt to destabilise Pakistan”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Interior
Minister Mohsin Naqvi Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir accompanied Pm Shehbaz Sharif during Quetta visit to meet the victims of the attack, the statement added
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and the Quetta Corps commander briefed the Premier his delegation and Field Marshal Gen Munir about the incident which led to the martyrdom of three innocent children and two soldiers , as well as 53 others injured, including 39 children, eight of whom were in critical condition, the statement added On the occasion the participants of the briefing
Three children among five mar tyred in Khuzdar school bus attack
have embraced Shahadat and multiple children have sustained injuries in the “cowardly and ghastly attack planned and orchestrated by the terrorist state of India and executed by its proxies in Balochistan
not only being exploited by India as instruments of state policy but also
stand as a stain on the honour and values of the Baloch and Pashtun people who have long rejected violence and extremism India s reliance on such morally indefensible tactics particularly the deliberate targeting of children, demands urgent attention
(ISPR) issued a statement saying
and 43 others injured in a suicide attack targeting a school bus in Khuzdar early Wednesday morning, security and civil officials confirmed According to the security officials the suspected bomber rammed an explosiveladen vehicle into the school bus as it drove past Khuzdar s Zero Point near Rakhshan Hotel Deputy Commissioner Yasir Iqbal Dashti said that the bus was transporting students to the Army Public School in the Khuzdar cantonment “The vehicle was laden with more than 30kg of explosives the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) claimed The military s media wing stated that three innocent children and two adults
The ISPR added that India has unleashed its proxies to spread terror and unrest in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa through such heinous and cowardly acts after miserably failing on the battlefield Soon after the deadly attack security forces threw a cordon around the area and launched an investigation Security was tightened in and around Khuzdar following the bombing, with checkpoints established and patrols intensified to prevent further attacks
Sino-Pak cooperation not targeted at any third par t y: Mao Ning
BEIJING
s ta f f R e p o R t China and Pakistan are traditional friends and neighbors, as the two countries enjoying very close cooperation” in various fields, but this cooperation is not “targeted at any third party ” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday state media reported Addressing her regular briefing here she said that as to the situation between India and Pakistan, Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out during his talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar that China welcomes and supports efforts by India and Pakistan to properly handle their differences through dialogue achieve a full and lasting ceasefire and seek fundamental solutions The spokesperson said that this is in line with the fundamental and longterm interests of both sides and conducive to regional peace and stability, as well as the shared expectation of the international community “As we stressed more than once China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role to this end she added About China Afghanistan and Pakistan trilateral meeting held in Beijing, Mao Ning said that the foreign ministers of China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held an informal meeting in Beijing this morning
KARACHI N e w s D e s k PPP Chairman and Bilawal BhuttoZardari has warned that the consequences of a nuclear conflict would not be confined to South Asia but would have devastating repercussions for the entire world Speaking to the press after an initial high-level briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bilawal, who has been appointed to lead a diplomatic mission to key global capitals, said Pakistan is launching a concerted diplomatic campaign to counter India’s aggressive narrative and to advocate for dialogue peace and regional stability The consequences of a nuclear war
s ta f f R e p o R t India-backed Fitna al-Khwarij behind attack in Mir Ali North Waziristan said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday, referring to the strike that killed four children and triggered a protest by local tribesmen on Monday
ISLAMABAD
t
” the statement added According to local sources five people including a woman were also injured in the incident which was allegedly caused by ammunition drop by a quad-copter on a house in the Hurmus village of Mir Ali India-backed Fitna al-Khwarij behind Nor th Waziristan attack: ISPR
The ISPR in a statement dispelled the claims of the security forces involvement in the attack as entirely baseless and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting counterterrorism efforts in the region “An investigation launched into the incident found that the killings were orchestrated by Fitna alKhwarij a group Islamabad accuses of being funded and directed by Indian intel-
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that peace talks between Pakistan and India could take place in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the United States acting as a key mediator
“Pakistan’s delegation at the talks would include the National Security Adviser (NSA) –the DirectorGeneral of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) the Premier stated while speaking to journalists in Islamabad here on Wednesday
The prime minister firmly stated that Pakistan had not requested a ceasefire during the recent conflict
“Had we done so, the international community would have known ” he asserted
He further said that an agreement was reached during communications between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries that their respective forces would return to pre-war positions Recalling the fighting in Pasrur, the Prime Minister said that Pakistani forces held their ground despite heavy losses
Our soldiers stood firm and did not retreat even when one soldier and eight civilians were martyred at the checkpoint They fought to the last man and did not abandon their post
When asked whether Israeli personnel were present in India during the conflict, Shehbaz Sharif said, “There are reports suggesting that Israelis were in India Israel
would not be limited to India and Pakistan ” Bilawal said “The entire region
ligence agencies These elements acting at the behest of their Indian masters continue to exploit civilian areas and vulnerable populations as shields to conduct acts of terrorism ” the statement said The military said such tactics are meant to create rifts between the local population and security forces Despite the attack, officials said the armed forces remain committed to their
provided extensive support to India during the war, but despite that, we emerged victorious ”
“The Army Chief led the war on behalf of all armed forces We prayed and fought and we won ” he added
PM Shehbaz recounted a late-night phone call from the army chief warning of imminent Indian aggression At 2:30 AM he called me in anger saying India was preparing to strike I told him: we have no problem respond and move forward ”
He added, “We gave a powerful reply to a country five times our size in economic and defence capacity India saw itself as the region s police officer we shattered that arrogance We fought solely to defend our homeland seeking only the pleasure of God
The prime minister said he had publicly offered an investigation into the Pahalgam attack during a speech at Kakul Military Academy, stating that Pakistan had no involvement “The world accepted our position and our neutral offer
He claimed India initiated the conflict and in response Pakistan destroyed six Indian aircraft downed drones, and even targeted India s S-400 air defence system We could have shot down more planes but exercised restraint ” PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had made full use of Chinese technology during the recent conflict and joked that the country had become a marketing nation for China globally He also praised China for standing firmly with Pakistan and acknowledged the strong support received from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Azerbaijan
ISLAMABAD
Senate committee reveals
amount of the project rising to $470 million
The main objective of the project is to increase FBR’s revenue collection targeting 10% of GDP by fiscal year 2027 as part of the broader goal to raise the tax-toGDP ratio to 15% by 2035 Enhanced tax collection is expected to reduce fiscal imbalances and improve Pakistan s ability to finance public services
The PRR project is structured with two main components The first a resultsbased financing component of $320 million links disbursements to progress on key tax system reforms The second component, with an allocation of $80 million, focuses on enhancing FBR’s ICT infra-
structure to improve tax administration and customs operations The World Bank s proposed restructuring is a response to Pakistan s request to scale up project activities, particularly in technology investments, to meet emerging priorities in tax reform In a related development a World Bank delegation led by Bilal Khalid task team leader visited Sindh s Badin district this week to inspect key development projects aimed at improving emergency response, water access, and rural connectivity The delegation visited the newly constructed Rescue 1122 district headquarters
CDWP approves 10 development projec ts wor th Rs249.17 billion
and information technology
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal approved ten development projects totaling Rs249 17 billion Four of these projects, with an estimated cost of Rs21 83 billion, were approved at the CDWP level while six major projects worth approximately Rs227 34 billion were referred to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Planning Commission provincial governments and relevant ministries The discussed projects span key sectors including transport environment higher education
Among the approved projects the Expansion of Safe City Islamabad stands out with an allocation of Rs7 5 billion This project aims to expand surveillance across the capital, covering 100% of Islamabad including roads VVIP areas and government buildings
It will increase the number of surveillance cameras from 13 to 28 police stations, as well as introduce advanced technology such as facial recognition systems and automatic number plate recognition
Another notable project is the “Establishment of National Centre for Quantum Computing (NCQC) with a budget of Rs3 31 billion This initiative aims to enhance Pakistan s technological edge, focusing on fields like AI, cybersecurity, and climate modeling The center will involve collaborations with
institutions such as HUB UET GIKI and NED
The CDWP also approved the rehabilitation of railway track maintenance machines at Rs5 31 billion and a Punjab Clean Air Programme worth Rs5 7 billion focusing on improving air quality through electric vehicles and antismog agricultural practices
Several transport and communication projects, including road dualization in Khushab, Gujranwala, and Chishtian, were referred to ECNEC, along with a Rs155 4 billion highway reconstruction project under the Resilient Recovery Framework primarily funded by the AIIB These initiatives are part of the government s broader development strategy to address critical infrastructure needs and drive economic growth in the coming years
RS1.27 PER UNIT POWER TARIFF HIKE LIKELY UNDER APRIL FCA
Three children among five martyred in Khuzdar school bus attack
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti revealed that the intelligence agencies had prior warnings of a proxy strike being plotted by hostile forces “We could not have imagined such brutality where innocent schoolchildren would be targeted ” he told the media at a hurriedly called presser This is the true face of our enemies The Khuzdar DC said the bodies and the injured were taken to the Khuzdar Combined Military Hospital, from where the seriously injured would be referred to medical facilities in Quetta and Karachi Police the Frontier Corps (FC) and other law enforcement agencies personnel reached the site of the incident to collect evidence for an investigation While a probe was underway, the DC said preliminary findings indicated that the attack was a suicide blast On Monday the ISPR said 12 terrorists of Indian proxy outfits were killed by security forces in separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan
Last month, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry accused India of activating its “assets” to intensify terrorist attacks in Pakistan
He had detailed the arrest of a Pakistani terror suspect allegedly trained by India as irrefutable evidence of statesponsored terrorism directed by Indian
military personnel PM Shehbaz earlier condemned the attack as a cowardly act “The attack on innocent children in a school bus by terrorists working under Indian patronage is clear proof of their hostility towards education in Balochistan he said in a statement Expressing deep sorrow over the death of the children, he said that the terrorists have “crossed all limits of barbarity” vowing to bring them to their end
“The sympathies of the entire nation including mine are with the families of these innocent children who were victims of the brutality of terrorists He directed the security forces to bring the perpetrators to justice and showed support for the armed forces’ resolve to eradicate terrorism from the country
President Asif Ali Zardari termed the attack a heinous and inhumane crime He vowed to expose this Indian-backed terrorism at an international level These terrorists do not want to see Balochistan developed,” he said in a statement “While our prayers go out for the departed souls and their families the planners & orchestrators of this heinous terrorist attack shall be brought to justice, said Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind denounced the attack as the “hideous face of Indian statesponsored terrorism as well as a cow-
ardly and inhumane act In a statement, Rind echoed the ISPR’s stance, saying that India was “creating instability in Balochistan to hide its failures” He called India’s state-sponsored terrorism a threat to world peace Naqvi also strongly condemned the explosion inside the bus near Khuzdar Zero Point In a statement, he expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of the children and extended his condolences to their families The beasts who target innocent children do not deserve any leniency The enemy demonstrated barbarity by attacking innocent children, Naqvi asserted “The attack on the school bus is a heinous conspiracy of the enemy to create instability in the country With the unity of the nation we will foil every conspiracy the interior minister
mands were not accepted Tribal elders also decided to visit villages in the area to seek support for the possible march on Islamabad On Monday the ISPR said 12 terrorists of Indian proxy outfits were killed by security forces while two personnel were martyred in separate engagements in KP and Balochistan
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were conducted on Saturday and Sunday against the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan group in KP and the proscribed
Balochistan Liberation Front in Balochistan
It said an IBO was conducted in Lakki Marwat district during which troops engaged the enemy at its location and sent five Indian sponsored terrorists to hell In a second IBO in Bannu district, two “Indian sponsored” terrorists were “successfully neutralised” by the security forces It added that terrorists ambushed a security forces convoy in another incident in North Waziristan district s general area of Mir Ali, adding that two Indian sponsored terrorists were “neutralized” after the effective response of troops “However during the intense fire exchange two brave sons of soil Sepoy Farhad Ali Turi (age: 29 years resident of Kurram district) and Lance Naik Sabir Afridi (age: 32 years, resident of Kohat district) having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom ” In the first Balochistan encounter troops engaged the terrorists at their location in Awaran district s general area of Gishkur and killed Indian-sponsored terrorist Younas in an intense fire exchange, while two more were injured “In another engagement in Turbat City Kech district security forces successfully neutralised two Indian-sponsored terrorists; terrorist ring leader Sabr Ullah and terrorist Amjad alias Bichoo the ISPR said It added that weapons,
ammunition and explosives were recovered from the terrorists, who were actively involved in multiple activities against law enforcement agencies and target killing of innocent civilians Last month ISPR Director General Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry accused India of activating its “proxy assets” to intensify terrorist attacks in Pakistan, presenting “irrefutable evidence” of Indian state-sponsored terrorism directed by the Indian military personnel Post-Pahalgam because of the designs of terrorism that they have, they tasked all their assets, the terrorists operating in Balochistan, and we have credible intelligence for that the Fitnaal-Khawarij and the independent terrorist cells to increase their activity he had said using the state-designated term for the banned TTP Pakistan has been grappling with an alarming surge in terror violence and attack, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan after the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022
Militant attacks and security operations intensified in March, with the number of militant attacks surpassing 100 for the first time since November 2014, according to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies Pakistan ranked second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025 with the number of deaths in terrorist attacks rising by 45 per cent over the past year to 1,081
COMMENT
TH E recent attack on a school bus in Balochistan’s Khuzdar, which resulted in the deaths of three children and two soldiers is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in Pakistan The government s swift response, with the Prime Minister and senior officials visiting Quetta to meet with the victims and security officials, is a welcome step
However the real challenge lies in taking decisive action against the perpetrators of this heinous act The security forces have vowed to relentlessly pursue the culprits, and it is essential that they are held accountable for their actions The government’s assertion that India is behind the attack using its proxies to destabilize Pakistan highlights the need for a robust response to counter state-sponsored terrorism
The attack on innocent schoolchildren is a barbaric act that demands unequivocal condemnation It is essential for the nation to stand united against terrorism and support the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in their fight against this menace The government must take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice and dismantle the networks that support terrorism
The international community must also take note of India s role in sponsoring terrorism in the region The use of terrorism as a tool of foreign policy is a serious threat to regional and global security, and it must be confronted with determination and resolve In the face of this threat national unity is crucial
The government, security forces, and citizens must work together to create a united front against terrorism The recent attack is a reminder that terrorism knows no boundaries and can affect anyone regardless of age location or background
The government must take a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality It must also invest in education and social welfare programs to promote tolerance understanding and peaceful coexistence
The time for action is now The nation must display a strong resolve to bring the fight against foreignsponsored terrorism to its logical and decisive end The security forces and law enforcement agencies must be supported in their efforts to root out terrorism and the government must take bold steps to address the underlying issues that fuel this menace Only through a united and determined effort can Pakistan overcome the threat of terrorism and build a peaceful and prosperous future for its citizens
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
IN the final analysis wisdom and understanding are the only things worth striving for There are other achievements and considerations no doubt; some of them, up to an extent, being genuine needs of life When they are considered life goals however the resulting disillusionment can be a handful for serious-minded individuals
The fact that many people fail to get over their preoccupation with clothes, cars, fame, property and such till their last day cannot be denied But thoughtful people almost always recognize the limitations of such possessions– their utilities notwithstanding While they are not necessarily indifferent to such things as by-products of their efforts; they are convinced that they are hardly worth making the prime motivation for their life s work It is ideas not material things, that rouse the passions of contemplative men For them, what ultimately matters is insight, intellect and understanding; or– in a word– wisdom Apart from the fine arts few things can be more exhilarating than understanding of the facts of life–the knowledge of things like the motions of planets and electrons; seasons crops and trees; the biological processes of growth and decay; and how engines work So much for everyday life Such are the realities of existence however, that life can be tragic in the extreme In fact, it is devastating beyond comprehension for everybody at one time or another The only thing that can possibly render it bearable with some grace is an understanding not of atoms or galaxies but of the nature of life and death itself; of the bigger picture, so to speak Understanding of the kind of things classical literature, higher poetry and divine texts make their subject, that is The Quran declares wisdom an abundant good that God grants to whom He chooses [2:269] As usual the critics routinely confuse themselves and others by taking it to mean that wisdom is something distributed around arbitrarily by a capricious deity It is an invaluable gift of God, yes But it hardly means that man plays no role to deserve it Those who find it hard to wrap their heads around the idea are advised to think of necessary and sufficient conditions for something A man making a point of thinking things through especially those matters that directly concern his conduct fulfils the necessary condition for acquiring wisdom God s sanction, without which the former would be pointless, comprises the necessary condition Such is God’s justice and mercy, however, that anybody who sincerely and persistently strives for wisdom does end up getting it [29:69] A thoughtful individual treasures God s mercy and appreciates that things could so easily have been different An indispensable part of wisdom, then, is humility stemming from a feeling of genuine thank-
The abundant good
A n d t h e q u a l i t i e s t h at c o n s t i t u t e i t
fulness A vain individual could be many things; but wise would certainly not be one of them Appreciation of the bigger picture helps a man stay on an even keel when things are rosy as well as when they are not going so well He avoids the two extremes of being vainglorious and boastful in the one case and being depressed out of his wits in the other In a complex world where so many things– good as well as bad– are out of a man’s control, could anything be more precious than this recognition of his place in the grand scheme of things! When somebody is perceptive and humble enough to value the gift of understanding he can hardly help feeling that the more he is thankful for it the more gratitude he owes God on account of being able to appreciate and thank His favours For a wise man appreciates the fact that not everybody has that gift (Some would get it in due course of time;
e
q u i t e o t h e r w i s e i n o t h e rs , d e p e n d i n g u p o n w h a t s u i t s h i m i n a
p a r t i c u l a r s i t u a t i o n . I n s t e a d , h e d o e s h i s b e s t t o b e c o n s i s t e n t i n
h i s a p p ro a ch . H e c o n s i d e rs i n d i v i d u a l m a t t e rs a s a p p l i c a t i o n s o f
b ro a d e r p r i n c i p l e s , n o t o n a c a s e - by - c a s e b a s i s d e p e n d i n g o n h i s
m o o d o r w h a t i s c o nv e n i e n t o r ex p e d i e n t a t a ny g i v e n m o m e n t .
C o n f l i c t o f i n t e r e s t a n d t h e l a c k o f c o n s e n s u s o n L e t h a l A u t o n o m o u s W e a p o n S y s t e m s
tonomous weapons for reasons discussed above
Ca n L AW S b e t a m e d ?
Tbility and responsibility– both of which are the basic premises that the convention is based on Regarding weapons that cannot be banned otherwise Pakistan proposes temporal spatial, and target-related limitations on the use of such weapons so as to minimize unwarranted escalation The latter proposal by Pakistan stands in line with the legal issues pertaining to LAWS which advocate for appropriate distinction between combatants and civilians In addition to that, the concept of proportionality, that determines actions such as self-defence, are threatened by the induction of LAWS– due to the inherent challenges to attribution in autonomous weapons state actors may be tempted to not use these weapons proportionately Another concern relates to the UN Charter itself that prohibits extrajudicial killings and assassinations, especially of high-profile entities Again, due to the problems of attribution, actors who employ LAWS may breach others’ sovereignty and catalyze escalation One may believe that the current debates on limiting or banning LAWS would not bear any substantial result to the betterment of humanity at large any time soon For instance, nuclear weapons have a far greater potential for destruc-
tion yet it took the major powers more than two decades to finalize a framework known as the NPT to limit the proliferation and use of nuclear weapons Only after thousands of tests and after maturing the technology did the major nuclear powers agree to stop the expansion of their nuclear programs This was inevitably rejected by many states which include Pakistan and India who suspected that the NPT’s original motive was to make nuclear weapons exclusive rather than control the destabilizing effects of nuclear proliferation Skeptics of the NPT contend that universal application of limitations is necessary The NPT clearly disregards such claims, recognizing the nuclear status of the P5 i e the US Russia China France and Britain while simultaneously refusing to recognize the nuclear status of nations that became nuclear powers after 1 January 1967– this is highlighted in the treaty s article 9, paragraph 3 The disarmament efforts revolving around LAWS may be overridden by major powers’ national interest calculations A trend seems to exist where countries that possess some degree of autonomous weapons capabilities do not want to lose their hard-gained edge by relinquishing those weapons On the other hand, nations that do not possess such weapons or have not developed them yet are lobbying for additional protocols in the IHL that will regulate and limit the use of these weapons and in some cases have proposed an outright ban on fully au-
Another consideration is that states that often rely on aggressive foreign and defense policies will nonetheless benefit from employing LAWS, irrespective of their moral and ethical implications – in a realist world, morality is often given negligible priority anyway
It seems unlikely that a broad consensus on the future of LAWS will be reached in the shortrun In the uncertain global security environment states will push to pursue these weapons more rigorously due to national interest, power projection aspirations, and aggressive defense calculations, lest they lose their competitive edge vis-à-vis their adversary
From a liberal perspective the current state of affairs can only be described as an unfortunate descent towards a state of devastation For realists the trend of LAWS induction is a matter of bolstering national security, maintaining the balance of power, establishing conventional deterrence, and attaining pride in technological advancement
When it comes to warfare and weapons actors typically disregard liberal concepts and adhere to realist ones If that is indeed the case prohibition of LAWS will remain highly unlikely unless a major catastrophe, borne out of unregulated use of LAWS, implies a shock significant enough to change the views of all parties involved
The writer is a freelance columnist
When it comes to warfare and weapons, actors typically disregard liberal concepts and adhere to realist ones. If that is indeed the case , prohibition of LAWS will remain highly unlikely unless a major catastrophe , borne out of unregulated use of LAWS, implies a shock significant enough to chang e the views of all par ties involved
Return to reason
IT is a strange irony that the very machinery entrusted with transforming society is itself so resistant to transformation In Pakistan, the civil service, a remnant of colonial architecture, still largely functions to preserve status quo rather than to serve dynamically changing democratic needs Despite decades of promises and periodic reform attempts the structure remains deeply insulated, hierarchical, and disconnected from the people it was designed to serve What has often gone unnoticed, or perhaps deliberately avoided, is that no amount of tinkering at the top can yield meaningful results if the base of the governance pyramid local government remains dismantled or disempowered Without devolving authority, embedding accountability, and empowering grassroots governance, civil service reforms are bound to fail
The crux of the issue lies in the contradiction between the centralized nature of Pakistan s civil bureaucracy and the democratic ideal of participatory governance Reforms have often been cosmetic, fragmented, or derailed by political discontinuity Yet the civil service’s failure to adapt also reflects an institutional aversion to being embedded where service truly begins: among the people Dr Ishrat Husain former Governor of the State Bank and a leading voice in public-sector reform has aptly observed that civil service efficiency cannot be achieved in isolation from a robust and functioning local government His exhaustive report, “Civil Service Reforms in Pakistan: A Historical and Contemporary Perspective” highlights that without elected empowered local governments the implementation of policy becomes distant, accountability be-
comes blurred and the very spirit of governance is diluted The historical record reflects this stagnation The Cornelius Commission (1962), Bhutto’s 1973 Administrative Reforms Musharraf-era decentralization and reform efforts between 2019 and 2022 under Dr Husain himself all attempted to reconfigure the state s bureaucratic DNA Yet none succeeded in insulating reform from political exigencies or shifting the mindset of the service from command to community engagement These attempts also failed to address a pressing and controversial fault line: the overwhelming presence of federal civil service officers in provincial roles, particularly the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officers, who continue to dominate top provincial positions This has caused visible resentment among officers from Provincial Management Services (PMS) who view themselves as disadvantaged in promotions postings and representation Such federal hegemony weakens provincial autonomy, discourages local talent, and undermines trust within the service itself It also breeds inefficiency as officers parachuted into provinces often lack local knowledge language skills and socio-cultural insight To further compound the problem there exists an insidious fusion of political power and bureaucratic patronage that distorts merit, violates conflict-of-interest principles, and entrenches corruption Politicians in power often have relatives occupying key bureaucratic posts a practice that breeds impunity and dilutes institutional impartiality Reports and field observations have documented frequent bypassing of merit-based recruitment processes, with appointments often influenced by nepotism, political loyalty or the exchange of illicit financial favours Recruitment at the provincial level especially in lower administrative tiers and
even district setups has become a marketplace for palm-greasing, where deserving candidates are elbowed out by those with connections or cash The very idea of a neutral professional and competitive civil service becomes a farce in such an environment In many districts administrators serve as loyal extensions of local politicians rather than as independent custodians of public interest
While Specialized Training Programs (STPs) and the Common Training Programme (CTP) already exist and performance evaluations have been updated under the Performance Management System (PMS), these are rendered toothless in a system where patronage overrides professionalism Lateral entry mechanisms and performance-based career progression concepts borrowed from OECD countries and championed by international development institutions hold promise but are vulnerable to abuse without stringent oversight
As Dr Nadeem Ul Haque of PIDE emphasizes, unless recruitment and evaluation systems are firewalled from political interference even well-designed reforms will implode under the weight of systemic rot Dr Adil Najam has echoed this sentiment noting that a corrupt civil service cannot deliver clean governance, and that unless institutional independence is protected, the civil service will remain an elite club rather than a national asset
Globally civil service transformations have hinged not merely on institutional redesign but on creating a culture of integrity and accountability Singapore s transformation under Lee Kuan Yew was possible not just because of transparent recruitment or high salaries, but because of ruthless enforcement of anti-corruption laws and a zero-tolerance approach toward nepotism Ghana and Rwanda have introduced legal
provisions to check conflicts of interest mandating asset declarations and creating independent monitoring bodies Pakistan must follow suit Laws must be introduced and enforced requiring all civil servants and elected officials to disclose conflicts of interest and assets Recruitment bodies such as the FPSC and provincial PSCs must be made autonomous, insulated from influence, and monitored through external audits and civil society engagement The solution therefore is not to merely reform civil service in a technocratic sense but to reconceive the entire governance structure as citizen-centric Elected local governments must not be an afterthought but the foundation upon which civil servants are deployed Promotions and postings should favour those who have served in remote or underserved areas Real-time e-governance tools should be deployed to monitor performance and redress grievances Oversight commissions independent of executive or political control, should be established to investigate recruitment irregularities and protect whistleblowers Officers who demonstrate integrity and innovation should be publicly recognized and incentivized Without a cultural and institutional shift the bureaucracy will remain a feudal relic masquerading as a modern institution Ultimately, as Dr Ishrat Husain cautioned, no reform will succeed without political consensus, bureaucratic ownership, and continuity beyond electoral cycles His reform blueprint emphasized not only institutional reengineering but also the importance of building a shared vision between the political and administrative arms of the state However, the problem runs deeper than bureaucratic inertia or structural inefficiencies It lies in the entrenched unwillingness of Pakistan’s ruling elite both civil and political to relinquish control decentralize au-
thority and subject themselves to meaningful accountability There is an ingrained resistance to redistributing privileges and prerogatives that have historically served the powerful As long as reform is treated merely as a technocratic exercise rather than a
While
is
some Indian media outlets continue to stir up noise, hyping the so-called Chinese involvement in the India-Pakistan clashes A recent claim from a self-proclaimed New Delhi-based independent think tank Center for Joint Warfare Studies alleged that China had provided Pakistan with air defense and satellite support during the clash earlier this month Some Indian media outlets have even falsely accused China of shielding “terrorism ” while a few have gone so far as to imagine China being part of a so-called anti-India axis Furthermore certain Western media outlets have quickly picked up and amplified these narratives, attempting to influence public opinion
In fact not long ago the Indian government officially debunked the fake news circulating in media reports and on social media that Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said Chinese satellites helped Pakistan The government advised the public to “remain vigilant and avoid falling for deceptive information ” Since the outbreak of the India-Pakistan conflict China has not only repeatedly called on both sides to exercise restraint and avoid escalation but has also engaged with both countries through multiple channels China hopes that India and Pakistan will resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation and return to the path of political resolution
So far both the Indian and Pakistani governments have refrained from involving third countries in the conflict, which, to some extent, reflects their shared desire to avoid further complicating the situation However Indian media have continued to hype up claims of so-called Chinese involvement - an act that is not only ridiculous but also highly dangerous
First, China s firm opposition to all forms of terrorism is widely recognized internationally, and accusations that China is “shielding” terrorism are completely groundless Second blaming China simply because Pakistan purchases Chinese weapons does not hold water India itself buys large quantities of weapons from the US, Russia, and France - does that mean these countries are helping India fight Pakistan? To take a step back if China had really been militarily involved in the India-Pakistan conflict the situation on the India-Pakistan battlefield would likely not be what it is today Third, China s approach to neighboring countries is guided by principles of building an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood highlighting the principle of amity sincerity mutual benefit and inclusiveness and pursuing a shared future The idea of
China being part of the “anti-India axis” is pure fantasy a narrative that Indian media have constructed for dramatic effect
This conflict is fundamentally an issue between India and Pakistan As a regional country, China hopes that both sides can resolve their disputes peacefully The Indian media’s hype surrounding China reflects a deeper psychological complexity among some Indians regarding China-Pakistan strategic cooperation and the broader dynamics of China-India relations - including anxiety over the shifting balance of power between China and India They are unwilling to confront the deep-rooted structural contradictions underlying the complex issues in South Asia as well as to acknowledge Pakistan s growing defensive and counterattacking capabilities and determination As a result, fabricating narratives becomes a convenient psychological and rhetorical shortcut - a way to deflect attention and create the illusion of an external enemy China should not be dragged into a narrative aimed at scapegoating others This is not only unfair and unacceptable to China, but also extremely dangerous for the region As a responsible major power, China has always been a builder of world peace a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order Take the India-Pakistan issue whether it is promoting the simultaneous inclusion of India and Pakistan within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or calling for dialogue to resolve disputes in multilateral forums such as the United Nations China has been committed to maintaining peace and stability in South Asia In a previous paper, Hannah Haegeland from the Stimson Center stated that historically, China has played some kind of mediation role in most major India-Pakistan conflicts and dispute With ample opportunities for conflict unresolved disputes there is an upward trend of Chinese stakes in promoting stability
Since the partition, the Kashmir issue has been the core problem troubling the India-Pakistan relationship It has not only led to many wars between the two countries but has also posed a significant threat to regional security and stability The urgent task is to find a way to resolve the Kashmir issue, transforming the current fragile peace into lasting peace, rather than creating new regional tensions India and Pakistan are neighbors who cannot move away from each other and both are also China s neighbors China has consistently advocated for resolving disputes through dialogue China is willing to work with India to enhance mutual trust, manage differences, and expand cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and equal consultation We also advise relevant Indian media and institutions to stop unfounded accusations and sensationalism and to return to facts and rationality
This is not only beneficial for regional peace and stability but also serves India’s long-term interests
deeply sensitive and widely publicised
INDIA’S role in the birth of Bangladesh in 1971 was nothing short of monumental The legacy of solidarity was once a source of immense pride for both nations Yet, despite this deep and painful history of alliance, anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh has steadily grown – and in recent years it has taken a more pronounced sharper form
This paradox invites scrutiny Why would a nation whose very independence was shaped by Indian blood and arms, now view that same neighbor with suspicion and, in many quarters, resentment and anger?
It would be simplistic to interpret this sentiment as mere hostility or unprovoked resentment The reality is more nuanced shaped by years of political dynamics perceived economic imbalances and unfulfilled expectations The sentiment is not uniform, nor is it necessarily driven by animosity toward India or Indians Rather, it stems from a broader call for equitable treatment mutual respect and greater autonomy in bilateral relations
For many in Bangladesh India is increasingly seen not as a collaborative partner but as a more dominant actor in a relationship that feels unequal One of the most persistent sources of tension has been migration In recent years, the narrative around Bangladeshi migration in Indian political discourse – particularly in states like Assam and West Bengal – has taken a more adversarial tone
Concerns have been expressed about India s implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act to offer a pathway to citizenship for non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh; and the National Register of Citizens which is intended to be a list of Indian citizens living in Assam
For many in Bangladesh where the foundation of the liberation movement was rooted in secular values, such policies appear exclusionary and inconsistent with the spirit of 1971 Statements by some Hindutva political figures and media outlets in India referring to undocumented migrants in derogatory terms have reinforced the perception that Bangladeshis are increasingly viewed not as neighbours, but as security concerns
Tensions at the border have also contributed to the growing unease Despite bilateral commitments to minimise the use of force incidents of Bangladeshi nationals being killed at the border continue to occur These confrontations often arising from disputes over smuggling or border crossings, are
While these incidents are complex, involving difficult operational and security challenges their symbolic impact is significant They reinforce the belief among many Bangladeshis that Indian enforcement measures do not always reflect the values of mutual respect or proportionality
Water-sharing disputes compound the resentment Bangladesh is a delta nation whose economy and ecology are intricately tied to the flow of rivers originating in India For decades Bangladesh has pleaded for a fair share of the Teesta River only to be refused – often not by Delhi, but by political gridlock in Kolkata
The Farakka Barrage, operational since 1975, remains a symbol of unilateral upstream decision-making that devastates Bangladeshi farmland downstream The 1996 Ganges water-sharing treaty which was signed when Sheikh Hasina was in power and is seen by most Bangladeshis as a sellout is set to expire next year Each dry season that arrives without a new treaty reinforces the belief among Bangladeshis that India prioritises its own needs at Bangladesh’s expense
Economic ties between the two countries have grown but they are perceived as uneven India remains Bangladesh s second-largest trading partner, yet the trade imbalance is considerable In the 2023- 24 fiscal year, Bangladesh’s exports to India stood at approximately $3 billion, while imports exceeded $13 billion Although efforts have been made to enhance trade cooperation many Bangladeshi businesses argue that tariff and non-tariff barriers continue to restrict fair access to Indian markets At the same time, Indian goods are widely available in Bangladesh
This disparity contributes to the perception that the economic relationship is not collaborative India’s abrupt withdrawal of the transshipment facility for Bangladeshi exports – particularly ready-made garments – has further strained bilateral relations This facility allowed export cargo from Bangladesh to third countries to be shipped using Indian land customs stations The political dimension of the bilateral relationship has also shaped public sentiment For over a decade India s Modi government maintained close ties with the Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina While such alignment ensured policy continuity, it also coincided with a period during which democratic institutions in Bangladesh came under increasing pressure Reports of extrajudicial actions media restrictions and contested elections have drawn criticism both domestically and internationally The Bharatiya Janata Party government s consistent support for Hasina s administration, even amid these developments, has led many Bangladeshis to believe that New Delhi privileged political stability over democratic accountability The eventual ouster of Hasina in August 2024 following a youth-driven protest movement was seen by many not just as a political transition but as a rejection of perceived external influence in domestic affairs Hasina’s subsequent decision to seek refuge in India and the BJP government’s willingness to accommodate her has added another layer to public perceptions While the move may be un-
derstood in diplomatic terms, it has been interpreted by some in Bangladesh as further evidence of India’s involvement in internal political matters In the days following her departure public demonstrations included slogans critical of India reflecting broader concerns about sovereignty and non-interference Geopolitical shifts have added complexity to the bilateral equation When Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is now leading the caretaker government visited Beijing at the end of March and described Bangladesh as a maritime gateway for India s northeastern region the statement was framed as a strategic opportunity for regional integration
However, it was met with scepticism by the Indian establishment, especially given heightened regional competition with China In response the BJP government revoked Bangladesh s cargo transshipment privileges through Indian ports as a retaliatory measure The timing and impact of the move contributed to perceptions in Bangladesh that economic tools were being used to express political displeasure Religious identity politics have also influenced cross-border perceptions India’s internal shifts toward Hindu nationalist policies under the BJP have been closely followed in Bangladesh Events such as the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, the Gujarat riots a decade later, lynchings over cow slaughter, and rhetoric of “Akhand Bharat” have all been widely reported in Bangladesh shaping an image of India as a country where Muslims are increasingly marginalised
MAjid nAbi burfAt
secretary of the Com-
and chairman of the Central Military Commission made the remarks during his inspection tour of the cities of Luoyang and Zhengzhou in the province on Monday and Tuesday
India’s top cour t grants bail to professor arrested over peace posts
s Supreme Court on Wednesday
Mahmudabad a political
professor at Ashoka
who was arrested for
with
comments criticizing the
istan Despite granting bail the court allowed the investigation against him to continue Mahmudabad was taken into custody after posting on Facebook that some people were mindlessly advocating for war He also questioned the sincerity of two women army officers who held press briefings, saying their “optics” must reflect reality or else it would be hypocrisy He later said his remarks were misunderstood and defended his right to freedom of thought and speech The professor faces charges under several sections of India s criminal code, including endangering national sovereignty and insulting the modesty of a woman The Supreme Court noted that Mahmudabad should have avoided complicated words that could hurt individuals and instead used simpler language to express his views The court ordered the creation of a special police team to investigate his statements and barred Mahmudabad from commenting further on the Pakistan-India conflict or the social media post that led to his arrest The recent escalation between India and Pakistan ended last week after four days of intense exchanges involving artillery, drones and missiles The confrontation followed an attack on April 22 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people with India blaming Pakistan without providing evidence Amnesty International condemned the arrest as “shameful,” accusing Indian authorities of misusing laws to target critics Mahmudabad s original post had referred to two women officers including Muslim officer Sofiya Qureshi, who conducted army press briefings before the ceasefire and were praised for symbolizing a united India He urged Hindu nationalist commentators supporting the women also to demand protection for victims of the ruling BJP s hate rhetoric
CDA Chief reviews progress on ongoing, future projects
ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t
Chairman CDA Chief Commissioner Islamabad and DG Civil Defense Muhammad Ali Randhawa chaired an important meeting at CDA Headquarters The meeting was attended by Member Administration Talat Mehmood, Member Environment Isfandyar Baloch, Member Finance Tahir Naeem
Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza along with senior officers from the Islamabad Administration MCI DMA and CDA During the meeting, briefing was given on the ongoing projects, projects in hand and future projects especially progress made so far regarding the ongoing development projects in Islamabad
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa directed that the beautification and tree
Arshad Nadeem gears up for a new chapter with PTCL Group
s ta f f r e p o r t PTCL Group (Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited & Ufone 4G), Pakistan’s leading telecommunications and ICT services provider, has once again stepped forward to support national javelin icon and Olympian Arshad Nadeem not just as a partner but as a steadfast believer in his purpose and potential A signing ceremony held in Lahore marks a renewed commitment to stand by Arshad through every stage of his journey, driven not by outcomes, but by his discipline, passion, and unshakable belief Arshad Nadeem, who has brought immense pride to Pakistan with his remarkable achievements like becoming the first Pakistani track and field athlete to qualify directly for the Olympics securing gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, earning a silver medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships and to top it all by winning gold at the Paris Olympics 2024, continues to inspire the nation with his dedication and perseverance Saif Uddin Khan Group Vice President Brands & Communication PTCL & Ufone 4G said We ve always believed in Arshad not because he wins medals but because he embodies something greater i e courage consistency and character
TMC Enters Strategic Par tnership with Nutshell Communications
ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t TMC Pvt Ltd one of the pioneers of business intelligence in Pakistan and largest system integration companies in the region entered into a communications and strategic engagements partnership with Nutshell Communications, Pakistan s leading service provider in strategic communications, government relations, and stakeholder management The agreement was signed at the Head Office of Nutshell Group in Islamabad The agreement was signed by Abdul Haseeb Managing Director & CEO TMC Pvt Ltd and Rabia Shoaib Ahmad, Director & CEO, Nutshell Group The ceremony was attended by key leadership and executives from both organizations, including Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder & Chairman; Maj Gen Shahzad Naeem Khan (Rtd) Chief Public Affairs Officer; Fareena Mazhar Chief Public Engagement Officer; and Bisma Asif Senior Account Director from Nutshell Group and Sohail Shad Region Head – Delivery from TMC Together, TMC and Nutshell Communications aim to set new benchmarks in integrating datadriven innovation with purpose-driven storytelling
IN a significant diplomatic development Pakistan China and Afghanistan on Wednesday agreed to deepen trilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan
The agreement was reached during an informal trilateral meeting held in Beijing between Pakistan s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Afghanistan s Acting Foreign Minister Amir
Khan Muttaqi
The three foreign ministers reaffirmed that their trilateral platform remains vital for fostering regional peace, economic integration, and development They underscored a shared commitment to enhanced diplomatic engagement counterterrorism cooperation and regional connectivity emphasizing trade infrastructure and investment as crucial
Indian Army backtracks on G olden Temple gun claim
jab, strongly refuted D Cunha s assertions The SGPC, in an official statement, categorically denied that any such military deployment had taken place within the precincts of Sri Harmandir Sahib also known as the Golden Temple It is incorrect to say that the army was given permission to deploy air defence guns at Sri Harmandir Sahib No s u c h p e r m i s s i o n w a s g r
n t e d , a n d n o such deployment occurred,” said Giani Amarjeet Singh the SGPC’s additional head granthi He stressed the sanctity of the site and denounced any attempt t
posturing
Under mounting pressure and faced with clear opposition from the SGPC, the Indian Army was forced into a public about-face by Tuesday evening In a brief but telling clarification the military contradicted its own general s remarks stat-
ing plainly that no such deployment of air defence systems had occurred at the Golden Temple during the recent IndiaPakistan standoff
The fallout from this contradiction has only intensified scrutiny of India’s handling of Operation Sindoor its wide-scale military posture and narrative-building following last week s ceasefire with Pakistan
Observers have noted the embarrassing gap between the army s official statement and the senior general s claims, calling it a sign of either internal miscommunication or deliberate misinformation
The incident is particularly sensitive given the history of the Golden Temple and past military incursions there most infamously during Operation Blue Star in 1984 which left lasting scars on the Sikh community Any claim of renewed military presence near the holy site is guaranteed to raise tensions and public alarm
More broadly the Indian Army s climbdown also comes in the wake of Pakistan s successful countermeasures under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, which appears to have rattled Indian military confidence Analysts suggest that India’s attempt to escalate through aggressive posturing is now being undermined by its own credibility gaps
While General D Cunha has yet to issue a personal retraction or clarification, the damage from his remarks has already been done casting doubt on India’s broader narrative and reopening wounds in a community that remains highly sensitive to military overreach The episode has become a symbol of growing internal disarray in India s wartime communication strategy As opposition parties and Sikh organisations demand accountability, the Indian military faces increased pressure to maintain clarity consistency and
CPEC has entered into ‘upgraded version’ of high quality development: Amb Jiang
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong on Wednesday said that after 12 years of development, CPEC has entered a new phase of “upgraded version”, making significant contributions to Pakistan’s economic and social development
Addressing the audience at celebration ceremony of 74th Anniversary of the establishment of ChinaPakistan Diplomatic Relations Amb Jiang Zaidong said that since the end of last year, the Gwadar New International Airport has commenced commercial operations; the Khunjerab Pass has achieved all-year round opening; the first batch of 1 000 Pakistani agricultural professionals are enjoy training in China; 278 sets of advanced agricultural machinery worth 30 million yuan in aid have been allocated to local people; and 50 000 health kits have been successfully distributed to the needed
supported Pakistan in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, pursuing a development path suited to national conditions combating terrorism with determination and maintaining unity and stability to achieve development and prosperity Pakistan has consistently adhered to the one-China principle standing firmly with China on issues concerning our core interests, he added
“When confronting challenges like earthquakes, floods and pandemic we have repeatedly written heartwarming stories of solidarity and mutual assistance The unbreakable iron-clad friendship between China and Pakistan has withstood the test of global uncertainties, and witnessing new chapter in building an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future,” he added
Suspected police informant killed in Muzaffargarh; police launch manhunt
DESK
A young man identified as Nadeem Kumhar was shot dead in the Yaray Wali area of Alipur Tehsil, Muzaffargarh, reportedly over suspicions that he was a police informant According to police, the attackers, including a suspect named Shahid Kumhar opened fire on Nadeem and fled the scene Preliminary investigations suggest the assailants believed Nadeem had provided information to police about their associates, Shaukat and Zafar Kumhar, who were killed in an encounter in Karachi Both deceased were reportedly wanted in multiple criminal cases Seetpur police have registered a case and started a search operation to apprehend the suspects The Station House Officer (SHO) expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be arrested soon Meanwhile district police arrested three proclaimed offenders and recovered Rs500,000 from them during raids conducted across various areas
Today it is a great pleasure to gather together with all of you to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan First of all on behalf of the Chinese Embassy I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you and express my heartfelt gratitude to friends from all walks of life who have supported the development of China-Pakistan relations, he said He said that on May 21, 1951, China and Pakistan established the diplomatic relations, ushering in a new era in the millennia-old exchanges between the two peoples Over the past 74 years he said under the care and guidance of successive generations of leaders and nurtured by the peoples from both countries China and Pakistan have forged an all-weather friendship, achieved comprehensive cooperation, and set a shining example for state-to-state relations
“Over the past 74 years we have adhered to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations supported each other unwaveringly Our two nations enjoy a high level of mutual trust with leaders maintaining close interactions Within just eight months starting from June last year, the prime ministers of both countries exchanged visits, and Pakistan’s president Zardari successfully visited China Such close high-level exchanges vividly demonstrate the extraordinary friendship between our nations The important consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping with Pakistani leaders has injected strong impetus into advancing China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperation under new circumstances, he added Amb Jiang said that China has always resolutely
“Over the past 74 years, we have advocated the Silk Road Spirit and joined hands in pursuing common development The Silkroad Culture Center where we stand today reminds us of the Silk Road Spirit characterized by peace and cooperation openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and benefit The CPEC and BRI have fully reflected this spirit China has been Pakistan’s largest trading partner for ten consecutive years consistently serving as the largest source of imports the second-largest export destination and also the primary source of foreign investment he added
He said we will promote the implementation of the eight major steps on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in Pakistan, in line with Pakistan s 5Es framework, to seize new priorities such as agricultural and industrial cooperation, create new highlights in mining and new energy sectors foster growth points like B2B and cross-border e-commerce implement more small and beautiful livelihood projects and ensure that China-Pakistan cooperation delivers more tangible benefits to people of both countries Over the past 74 years, we have pursued the vision of a world of great harmony and promoted mutual learning among civilizations The highlight of today’s event is the cultural exchange themed with ‘Tea for Harmony’
The Chinese people value building friendship through tea and harmony is most precious With its mild nature tea symbolizes inclusiveness and humility The tea-tasting process embodies equality and empathy, while the spirit of the tea ceremony emphasizes simplicity and tolerance Tea serves not only as a bridge for communication but also embodies our aspirations for peace stability and harmony which aligns seamlessly with China s diplomatic commitment to safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, he added
of foreign policy, says Zardari
reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its iron brother In his message on the occasion President Zardari described the relationship with China as historic time-tested and a cornerstone of Pakistan s foreign policy He said the bilateral ties, built on mutual trust and respect, had evolved over seven decades into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership “Pakistan and China are iron brothers bound together by an all-weather friendship ” the president said adding that Islamabad remained a staunch supporter of the One China policy and would continue to firmly stand with Beijing on its core national interests He thanked the Chinese government and people for their steadfast support to Pakistan, particularly in times of need He also praised China’s role in Pakistan’s economic and social development as well as its contributions to strengthening the country s defence capabilities President Zardari highlighted the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
ISLAMABAD