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Foreign ministers

Pakistan Achieves Significant Progress on Diplomatic, Strategic, and Economic Fronts with China

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar termed his recent three-day visit to China as 'highly successful,' stating that the country had made substantial progress on diplomatic, strategic, and economic fronts. During the visit, Dar held bilateral meetings with Chinese leadership and trilateral dialogues involving Afghanistan, focusing on pressing objectives. A clear agreement was reached with China and Afghanistan that no terrorist organization would be allowed to use any country's soil against another. The discussions on CPEC 2.0 were described as detailed and promising, with China expressing its intent to finance the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway project, a transformative step for regional connectivity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan achieved significant progress on diplomatic, strategic, and economic fronts during the three-day China visit.
  • A clear agreement was reached with China and Afghanistan that no terrorist organization would be allowed to use any country's soil against another.
  • Discussions on CPEC 2.0 were detailed and promising, with China expressing its intent to finance the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway project.
  • The project aims to massively boost Pakistan's connectivity to Central Asian Republics and enhance its commercial potential.
  • Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister confirmed that China had expressed its support for Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reiterated its backing for the One-China policy.
  • A Global Political Parties Forum, hosted in China, was proposed, and Pakistan's PML-N, PPP, and PTI members were invited to participate.
  • Pakistan successfully countered the Indian narrative regarding the events of 2019 and offered an international investigation into the Pahalgam incident.
  • Pakistan responded to Indian attacks in daylight under the UN Charter, with 75 Indian aircraft launched, 24 payloads dropped, and multiple aircraft downed.
  • A ceasefire agreement following U.S. Secretary Rubio's call is holding, with military-to-military engagements progressing smoothly.
  • Pakistan's deterrence is defensive, not aggressive, and has never been built to attack others but to safeguard peace.

Statistics:

  • $4 billion was spent on Operation Zarb-e-Azb during Pakistan's previous government from 2013 to 2017.
  • Pakistan suffered over $150 billion in economic losses due to terrorism.
  • 85,000 lives were lost in Pakistan due to terrorism.
  • Over 60 calls were made by Senator Ishaq Dar to counterparts, including Deputy Prime Ministers and leaders from countries like Qatar, to present Pakistan's perspective during Pakistan-India tension.
  • A $100 multiple-entry visa will be introduced for Afghan citizens, and the transit document regime for Afghan drivers and vehicles will be extended until June 30.

Sources:

  • Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar's address to the media
  • China's statement on Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway project
  • Afghanistan's statement on refugee matters and counterterrorism
  • Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statement on Operation Zarb-e-Azb and economic losses due to terrorism
  • U.S. Secretary Rubio's call for a ceasefire agreement

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