FARUKH SHEHZAD

Munaza Kazmi

Rohtas Fort built by General Sher Shah Suri, between 1541 and 1548,Jhelum.

2500-year-old Jain temple in Tharparkar Sindh

Sheikupura Fort Lahore built in 1607.

The shrine of Hazrat Shah Burhan, a 17th-century Mughal-era monument.

Walled city of Lahore established around 1000 CE.

Hindu temple in Hassan Abdal.

Baradari in Attock.

11 Century Nandana Fortress in Chakwa.

Hindu Temple in Attock.

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Munaza Kazmi has recently done Master of Philosophy from Bahria University Islamabad. Her debut novel is Unrequited Love.

She’s an author, columnist writing in different newspapers and a researcher having seven publications till yet, she’s been writing since 2016.

You can connect to Kazmi at twitter @munaza_kazmi or on research gate as munaza kazmi.

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LAHORE, MAY 22: Punjab University administration on Friday took out a massive rally to express solidarity with the innocent people of Palestine and condemn the terrorism and war crimes committed by Israel.

The rally was led by PU Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed and was taken out from VC office to Gate No 2. Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Saleem Mazhar, Registrar Dr M. Khalid Khan, President Academic Staff Association Prof Dr Mumtaz Anwar, Secretary ASA Dr Amjad Abbas Khan Magsi, deans of various faculties, teachers, officers, employees and Christian community of PU also participated in the rally.

The rally expressed anger over war crimes and human rights violations by Israel in the illegally occupied Palestinian land. They chanted slogans condemning Israel’s terrorism and carried Palestinian flags and banners to express solidarity with Palestinians.

Addressing the rally, PU VC Prof Niaz Ahmed said that the success of the ceasefire belonged to the valour of Palestinians, not to the United Nations as the UN even could not condemn Israel over killings of innocent civilians. He said that the UN had totally failed to handle this issue in the recent crisis.

He said that the UN Security Council met four times but failed to condemn a small country that was openly involved in terrorism. He said that the issue of Palestine should be resolved according to the spirit of a two-state solution. He said that Israel must vacate illegally occupied territory. He said that the Muslims would never compromise over the sanctity of the Holy places.

He urged the Islamic countries to use their influence to settle the issue once and for all. He said that the Muslims must remember that they defeated Rome and Persia when they were nothing. He said that the Pakistani nation saluted the Palestinians who faced Israeli airstrikes and missiles with stones.

He said that the sacrifice would result in the liberation of Palestinian land from the illegal occupation of Israel. He said that the Pakistani government and the nation would not disappoint Palestinians. He said that we stood with any innocent nations facing barbarism like the innocent civilians facing in Palestine and Indian Occupied Kashmir.

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COURTESY academiamag

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ISLAMABAD/BEIJING, MAY 2021: On 21 May, the top leadership of Pakistan and China exchanged special messages to congratulate the peoples and governments of the two countries on 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China. The messages were exchanged between the Presidents, the Prime Minister/Premier and the Foreign Ministers of the two countries. 

In their messages, President Dr. Arif Alvi and President Xi Jinping hailed Iron-Brotherhood between Pakistan and China which has been elevated to all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between in last seven decades. They paid rich tribute to the successive generations and leadership of the two countries who made great sacrifices to lay a sound foundation of this fraternal relationship.

Exchanging their special messages on the occasion of the 70th anniversary celebrations, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Premier Li Keqiang highlighted that Pakistan-China ties are rooted in bilateral trust, mutual understanding and commonality of views on major global challenges. Reviewing the steady development of economic and trade relations, Prime Minister Imran and Premier Li observed that Pakistan and China would continue their successful cooperation to make CPEC a high quality development project of the Belt and Road Initiative.

In their messages, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted with satisfaction that bilateral ties are expanding in diverse fields of cooperation as per the aspirations of peoples of both nations. They highlighted that by virtue of close coordination and communication at all tiers, both countries have extended unflinching support to each other on their respective core issues both bilaterally and at multilateral fora.

In their messages, the Chinese leadership extended strong support to Pakistan in its fight against COIVD-19 and assured that China would continue extending unwavering assistance to Pakistan for provision of COVID-19 vaccines to defeat the pandemic.

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BEIJING, MAY 2021: On 21 May, A grand reception was held at the Diaoyutai State House to mark the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China. The reception was attended by the diplomatic envoys, high ranking Chinese officials, businessmen, intellectuals, representatives of media organisations and prominent citizens from both sides. 

The event was jointly hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan in China and Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with the Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

Wang Qishan, the Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China especially graced the event. Speaking at the occasion, Vice-President paid glowing tribute to the succeeding generations and leadership of two countries for their sacrifices to deepen Pakistan-China friendship. 

Reaffirming China’s strong commitment to strengthening strategic ties with Pakistan, the Vice-President said that Pakistan-China ties were driven by mutual respect, bilateral understanding and commonality of interest. Vice-President Wang added that the two countries would continue deepening their friendship for the prosperity of their peoples and regional peace and stability.

Thanking Vice-President Wang for his warm sentiments for Pakistan, Ambassador Moin-ul-Haq said that friendship between Pakistan and China was unprecedented in history of inter-state relations due to its scope and depth. He added that 70th anniversary was an opportune moment for the two sides to take pride in their past achievements and reaffirm their resolve to expand bilateral friendship to new areas of cooperation.

During the reception, Vice-President Wang and Ambassador of Pakistan also cut a special cake to celebrate the event. The children of Pakistan and China, dressed in traditional dresses, sang national songs which were deeply appreciated by the audience.

The event was moderated by Mr. Lin Songtian, the President of CPAFFC.

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BEIJING, MAY 2021: On 21 May, Ambassador of Pakistan Moin-ul-Haque met with Wang Qishan, the Vice President of People’s Republic of China. The meeting was held at the Diaoyutai State Guest House at the side-lines of the reception held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China.

Thanking Vice-President Wang for the meeting, Ambassador Moin conveyed to him best wishes of Pakistani leadership for his contributions to Pakistan-China friendship. He highlighted that due to massive support of the government and people of the two countries, Pakistan and China were celebrating the 70th anniversary with tremendous enthusiasm and passion.

 Ambassador Moin underscored that friendship with China was a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and that the government of Pakistan would resolutely continue to deepen bilateral ties with China in all areas of mutual interest.

In his remarks, Vice-President Wang Qishan said that Pakistan and China were all-weather strategic cooperative partners, iron-brothers and most reliable friends. He highlighted that Pakistan-China friendship would serve the best interests of the peoples of two countries and also remain as the guarantor of regional peace and security. Vice-President added that China attached immense importance to its ties with Pakistan and would continue developing bilateral strategic relations as envisaged by the leadership and peoples of two countries. Recalling his visit to Pakistan in 2019 as an element of high level bilateral engagements, Vice-President Wang conveyed message of goodwill to the government and people of Pakistan. 

The meeting was also attended by high level officials of two sides including Mr. Luo Zhaohui; Chairman of CIDCA; Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao; Mr. Lin Songtian, President of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Ambassador Sha Zukang, President of China-Pakistan Friendship Association.

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NAB says he isn’t cooperating in the investigation

ISLAMABAD, MAY 22: The Islamabad High Court has extended interim bail of B4U owner Saif-ur-Rehman’s till June 9 for scamming the public in the name of investment.

Saif-ur-Rehman did not appear before the court on Thursday as he had tested positive for Covid-19. His request to remain absent from the hearing was accepted.

A written reply from the National Accountability Bureau was made part of the record.

NAB requested the court to dismiss Saif-ur-Rehman’s petition against its call-up notice. Rehman’s lawyer, however, sought time to respond to NAB.

The anti-graft body informed the court that Saif-ur-Rehman’s companies were in deficit. The profit made by them for the public was apparently unrealistic, it said.

NAB opposed Rehman’s plea for the extension of bail. “In the public interest, the petition of the accused should be rejected,” it said.

But the court granted the plea and adjourned the hearing till June 9.

Earlier, Rehman and his son Ahmar’s name were put on the Exit Control List so they couldn’t leave the country as their company is being investigated for a fraud.

The two men have been accused of fraudulently encouraging people to invest in their company.

NAB has asked victims of the B4U Global fraud to contact it in Rawalpindi.

B4U Global Investment grew 4.5 times in less than a year with its investor base rising from 100,000 in June to 450,000. It is estimated that the company has attracted billions of rupees in investment.

The Malaysia-returned Pakistani uses a controversial multi-level marketing business model to offer people unrealistic and guaranteed profits. The promise ranges from 7% to 20% a month (or 2.4 times a year), depending on one’s network size.

Earlier in December last year, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan warned people against investing in any fraudulent schemes that promise hefty profits and unrealistic incentives. B4U was on its list.

“This entity is raising unauthorised deposits from the general public in the name of different investment plans,” the SECP said. It added B4U is working with different companies registered with the SECP, and that the watchdog has already initiated legal proceedings against these companies and their directors.

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COURTESY SAMAA

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Infrastructure transformation enables enhanced data-driven capabilities and faster and better-informed decision-making

KARACHI, MAY 21: IBM (NYSE: IBM) and GBM Pakistan (Private) Limited (GBM Pakistan), an IBM Business Partner, today announced that Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan (Honda Pakistan) has selected IBM Systems and IBM Storage solutions to run its real-time planning solution, based on SAP S/4HANA. 

The move was designed to enhance customer experience across Honda Pakistan’s 35 dealerships in the country and boost its after-sales services. Today, Honda Pakistan benefits from an approximately 80% acceleration in spare part planning for its customers.

Honda Pakistan is a joint venture between Honda Motor Company Limited and the Atlas Group of Companies and produces over 50K units per annum. In 2015, it turned to IBM Global Business Services (GBS) to deploy its initial SAP ECC Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to benefit from real-time planning and in turn, improve customer experience.

Recently, IBM GBS completed an IBM HANA Impact Assessment, which helped Honda Pakistan plan for the technical and operational requirements of the SAP S/4HANA move. To further enhance and nurture long-term customer loyalty, the company decided to revamp its after-sales services, which include maintenance, repairs, and vehicle servicing and collaborated with IBM and GBM Pakistan to implement IBM Power Systems and IBM FlashSystem Storage for its new SAP S/4HANA environment.

“In just a few years, rapid economic growth in Pakistan has caused dramatic changes both in the competitive landscape and consumer expectations,” Mr. Maqsood-ur-Rehman Rehmani Vice President, Honda Pakistan. “At Honda Pakistan, customer experience lies at the core of everything that we do and our after-sales service is no different. It is incredibly important for maintaining customer loyalty which is why we have turned to IBM processing and storage solutions and GBM Pakistan to revamp our services and further enhance customer satisfaction.”

Through the deployment of IBM Power Systems, Honda Pakistan today benefits from optimized performance and real-time planning. It also was able to drive up server utilization and reduce its spending on power and cooling in its data center.

As part of the transformation, Honda Pakistan also moved SAP S/4HANA to the IBM FlashSystem 5000 for fast access to its growing data volumes. With the addition of the FlashSystem and the greater availability to data the company is able to fuel analytics to make better-informed decisions, more quickly. In the past, generating reports on spare parts orders from its dealerships across Pakistan required up to 20 minutes to complete. Today, this process only requires a few minutes—a reduction of approximately 80 percent, freeing up the time of employees for more strategic initiatives.

“In a growing sector like the automotive industry in Pakistan, digital transformation and implementation of new technologies such as IBM Power Systems and IBM FlashSystem storage determines how much data can be stored and how fast it can be transmitted, processed and accessed,” says Asif Ahmad, Country General Manager, IBM Pakistan. “The improvement in efficiency for Honda Pakistan’s unique business requirements truly demonstrates the importance of continuing to evolve technology provisions within enterprises.”

“We are delighted to be announcing yet another landmark IT project, this time for a leading automotive company, Honda Pakistan,” said Saqib Ahmad Khan, Country General Manager, GBM Pakistan. “Honda Pakistan has been taking bold, innovative steps to redefine customer experience, and this project is yet another testament to the company’s commitment to its customers.”

GBM Pakistan is a member of IBM PartnerWorld, IBM’s partner program that empowers businesses with the tools and resources they need to help transform clients into industry leaders.

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(Japan-Pakistan think-tank cooperation)

ISLAMABAD, MAY 21: Developing intellectual exchange between two countries by facilitating exchange of sophisticated information and various perspectives through experts will contribute to mutual understanding. From this viewpoint, the Embassy of Japan has always been committed to promoting think-tank cooperation between Japan and Pakistan.

In this context, we welcome that the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) in Japan and the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) held the first online workshop on May 17, 2021.

Starting from the opening remarks and mutual introductions by FUKAO Kyoji, the President of IDE-JETRO and Nadeem Ul Haque, the Vice-Chancellor of PIDE, experts from both sides have made presentations and discussed about topics such as Labor Force Participation of Women, Reform Agenda for Accelerated and Sustained Growth, Geographical Simulation Model of IDE, and Tax Policy Design and Options for Reform.

MATSUDA Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan is very pleased with the development of cooperation between two institutions. “Although it is not easy to arrange physical people to people exchange between two countries under current COVID-19 situation, it is remarkable that two institutions have taken initiatives to realize this mile-stone event.

The Embassy of Japan will continue to support think-tank cooperation towards the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship between Japan and Pakistan in 2022”, he said.

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Relationship between China, Pakistan has set a model for other countries: Chinese ambassador

ISLAMABAD, MAY 2021: China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) launched its second edited book titled ‘Higher than Karakoram: Seven Decades of Pakistan-China Partnership” on May 20, 2021.

Sohail Mahmood, Foreign Secretary was the Chief Guest at the event, while, Nong Rong, Ambassador of People's Republic of China was Guest of Honor.  Other dignitaries and discussants included Mr. Moin ul Haque, Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, Ambassador Masood Khalid, Dr. Fazal ur Rehman, Director Pakistan Institute of China Studies, University of Sargodha, Dr. Di Yuna, Executive Director, Pakistan Study Center of Science & Technology and Economy, and Dr. Li Jingfeng, Director Regional & Strategic Research Office, Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences.

During his remarks, Nong Rong, Ambassador of People's Republic of China congratulated ISSI and CPSC for launching the book at the important occasion, when China and Pakistan are celebrating the seven decades of diplomatic relations.

While delving on importance of the bilateral relations, Ambassador Nong Rong stated that the relationship between China and Pakistan has set a model for other countries. He underscored the importance of research in propagating the right narrative and also suggested to focus on more areas of common interests.

The Chief Guest, Sohail Mahmood appreciated ISSI and CPSC for publishing the book and underscored that this book will guide the future discourse of the important relationship between Pakistan and China.

 While delving on the seven decades of this relationship, Mahmood stated that the expressions like ‘higher than Himalayas, deeper than ocean, sweeter than honey’ are not mere cliché’s but the realities and substantiation of this important relationship. He further said that the two countries support each other on the issues of their core interest.

 China has stood by Pakistan in supporting our key strategic, economic, and developmental priorities including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

To commemorate the historic event, the Chief Guest said that Foreign Ministers of China and Pakistan unveiled the official logo of 70th anniversary in a simultaneously held virtual ceremony on March 2 2021. Pakistan has planned a series of events, spread over the entire year to commemorate the historic occasion in a befitting manner. He further hoped that such academic exchanges and insightful learning will help understand the significance of this relationship and achieve key policy objectives.

Earlier during his welcome remarks, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, congratulated CPSC and outlined how ISSI has created a vision of which the edited books are a part of. Ambassador Chaudhry said that what makes this book unique is that it marks the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.

With their expertise over their respective areas, the authors have provided the readers with valuable information on the past, present and future trends in the multiple dimensions of bilateral ties between China and Pakistan. The fact that both Pakistani and Chinese authors have contributed in this book reflects our commitment to address our challenges collectively.

While introducing the book Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC said that through this book, CPSC has brought to light the fact as to why our relationship is considered to be ‘Higher than Karakoram’. He further hoped this book will help readers have better understanding of this unique relationship and will lead to further meaningful academic exchanges in the times to come.

At the conclusion of the event, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman ISSI presented the Institute’s memento to the distinguished guests.

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NEW YORK, MAY 21: Pakistan on Thursday joined Turkey in urging the UN to deploy an international protection force in occupied Palestinian territories to protect innocents there from Israeli violence.

Speaking at a UN General Assembly special meeting on Palestine, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Gaza has plunged in darkness, literally and metaphorically, while the only light is that of Israeli explosions.

"The General Assembly should call for concrete steps to protect the Palestinians. We should deploy an international protection force, as was called for in General Assembly Resolution ES-10/20 and as demanded by the Islamic Summit Conference on 18 May 2018," Qureshi said.

"If the Security Council cannot agree to send a protection force, a 'coalition of the willing' can be formed to provide at least civilian observers to monitor a cessation of the hostilities and supervise the provision of humanitarian help to the Palestinians," he suggested.

The meeting in New York chaired by Volkan Bozkir, the Turkish diplomat who heads the UN General Assembly, was also attended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and foreign ministers from such countries as Palestine, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan, Algeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, Kuwait, Maldives, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia.

This was also the first in-person participation at the ministerial level at UN headquarters since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, according to Bozkir.

Qureshi also called on Guterres and the UN high commissioner for human rights to offer protection to Israel's Arab citizens who are being lynched and murdered by fascist Israeli gangs.

ACCOUNTABLE FOR WAR CRIMES

Qureshi also urged Israel be held accountable for its war crimes and asked the UN to activate the Human Rights Council, International Criminal Court, International Court of Justice, and other avenues to ensure this.

"Israel's crimes against humanity should not escape accountability. There should be no impunity for violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and other human rights conventions," he said.

Qureshi said that so far over 250 Palestinians have been killed and thousands other injured, one-third of them women and children.

"Death echoes in every home in Gaza. The Israeli airstrikes are responsible for the taking of every single life of the Abu Hatab family. Two were women and eight children," he said, adding that so far over 50,000 Palestinian have fled their homes in Gaza.

He added that Israeli airstrikes destroyed entire buildings to kill and terrorize innocent Palestinians and even silence the media.

"It is time to say 'Enough!'" he said.

He underlined his country's full support for the Palestinian people, saying, "The voice of the Palestinian people cannot and will not be silenced. We, the representatives of the Islamic world, are here to speak with them and for them."

Qureshi also expressed regret over the Security Council's failure to halt Israeli attacks, saying: "It is appalling that the Security Council has been unable to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Security Council has failed even to demand a cessation of hostilities."

"Those preventing the council from doing so bear a heavy responsibility," he added, referring to the US blocking Security Council statements demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Qureshi ended his speech with a verse from his country's resistance poet saying: "O Land of Palestine! I too, am there for you."

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COURTESY Anews

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By Khalid Taimur Akram

                  ‘’A friend in need, is a friend indeed’’                  

On 21 May 1951, Pakistan and China established their diplomatic relations. However, the attachment of true friendship date back to centuries-old trade relations, when Chinese traders travel through the sub-continent for business trips to Europe, Middle East, and the world’s other parts via the ancient Silk Route. Both countries are enjoying strong cordial ties since the commencement of diplomatic relations. 

The relationship bloomed into an “All-weather cooperative partnership” with many projects of inclusive economic development. 2021 is a year in which China and Pakistan are celebrating the 70^th anniversary of everlasting friendship. Seventy years of unprecedented and close bilateral relations are based on mutual respect, trust, harmony, and goodwill between both nations. Cultural exchanges have resulted in enhancing people-to-people contacts. 

The non-regional powers tried to create many ups and down in both state’s diplomatic and economic partnership. However, they have remained failed to fracture the strong bond between both countries. Therefore, this article aims to highlights the potential contours of the bilateral relations between China and Pakistan. Moreover, the study also gives a brief analysis of the seventy years of mutual cooperative and successful patterns of collaboration between China and Pakistan.

China and Pakistan: Iron Brothers

Pakistan considers China one of the closest partners, and China termed the relationship with Pakistan as Iron Brothers.Both countries have shared weal and woe, established an all-weather friendship and carried out all-round cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations.In the past 70 years, both states adhere to some fundamental principles in developing the relationship.In this regard, the contours of the first principle are as follows:

• ·    Equality
• ·    Respects of each other’s sovereignty, integrity and independence.
• ·    Trust and mutual assistance

The contours of the second principles are as follows:

• ·    Decision-making based on joint consensus
• ·    Approaches of mutual benefits
• ·    Win-win cooperation to collectively pursue progress and inclusive development.

The Contour of the third principles are as follows:

• ·  Close cooperation and coordination in major international and regional issues, ensuring the common interests of the two countries and other developing states.

Under these principles, it is a proud time to witness the China-Pakistan relationship as the model of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation of countries with different cultures and social systems.China, a rising superpower has left no stone unturned to help its true friends in the time of crisis. The world is multipolar Now. The changing dynamics of global politics and multilateral civilizational patterns have enabled countries to indulged in cooperation and defy orthodox notions of confrontation.  In this regard, with the full support of Pakistan, China has emerged as a significant player in regional and international socio-politico and economic discourse.

China’s Grand Initiatives under the Incumbent Visionary leadership of China: Role of Pakistan

China is integrating and engaging all countries through its grand visions of cooperation and inclusive economic development. China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), its mega flagship project China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and many other potential projects are the clear manifestation of President Xi Jinping’s integrating visions. These initiatives of grand alignments always acquired full support from Pakistan. Pakistan has remained one of the best allies of China in every leap and bound.

Moreover, China and Pakistan contribute to regional peace and security through the narratives of significant alignments. In this regard, Beijing’s exceptional ideas such as ‘Dialogue of Civilizations’ and ‘Building a Community with Shared Future’ are resulting in achieving mutual benefits and prosperity. Therefore, Pakistan is also working closely with China to establish an integrated framework of cooperation and grand regional alignments to find solutions for the common challenges. These narratives will definitely bring peace, unite nations, and tackle the issues collectively.

Underpinning the Contours of Inclusive Economic Development: Pakistan-China Integrated Framework

It is a time to recall with pride the collective achievements of China-Pakistan and draw advanced horizons for taking the truly unique friendship and partnership forward. One of the main essences of this strong bond is an economic partnership. In this new era, CPEC is the major highlight of both countries’ relationships.It has been anticipated that the total Gross Domestic Product(GDP) of Pakistan would be US$ 4.2 trillion by 2050. CPEC covers and cooperate in all the fundamental fields and beyond, such as science & technology, research & development agriculture, economic paradigms, and infrastructure development. As per the official sources, CPEC would bring approximately 700,000 new jobs for Pakistan’s people in many diverse sectors.

Apart from economic assistance, both countries are also facilitating each other in this period of the Covid-19 pandemic. During China's fight against the COVID-19, Pakistan immediately donated medical aid to China.All walks of life in the country voiced their support for China and opposed politicizing the pandemic and targeting China.On the other hand, China is the first country in the world that has quickly recovered from the severe shocks of the pandemic and revived its economy. Moreover, China is a prominent country, assisting and providing Covid-19 vaccines to many countries, including Pakistan. During the Covid-19 surge in Pakistan, groups of Chinese medical experts, as well as batches of medical supplies, have been sent to assist the country. The two sides are firmly supporting each other in relative fields and different other sectors.

All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners:

The cooperation that began with economic assistance can lead to strategic partnership and collaboration in many other fields. China state’s policy has consistently recognized Pakistan’s potential part in enhancing the strategic partnership. Both countries have deepened their defence ties on overland routes through CPEC to foster maritime diplomacy through joint naval exercises in the Arabian sea. The famous lines ‘Sweeter than Honey, Higher than Mountains’ regarding Islamabad-Beijing relations are gaining strong grounds, despite the challenges posed by regional or international players, i.e., India or U.S.A. Pakistan has a location in the fulcrum of South Asia that can comprehensively serve positive Chinese interest in this region. In this aspect, Beijing’s strategic interest in Pakistan has been significantly increased. Both states are assisting and significantly contributing to end terrorism and hostile/extremist groups. They are heading towards a new era of long-term security and strategic ties. Therefore, the strategic partnership of both countries has potential impacts on regional and international discourse. The strategic ties of both countries have been strengthening from the very beginning. Both nations’ leadership has promoted a joint political vision for peace and security in South Asia and beyond. Thereby, it increased defence cooperation and signed many economic projects and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).This strategic partnership has an immense potential to seek the attention of other regional and international states’ business actors to get aligned with the game-changer project, CPEC.

Academic- Cultural Exchanges: Enhancing People-to-People Contacts

Pakistan and China have a special relationship with deep civilizational roots and a history of mutually enriching interaction spanning several millenniums. Both countries enhance academic cooperation by providing a number of opportunities and scholarships with a conducive visa policy. CPEC also provides ample opportunities to increase people-to-people connectivity via cultural exchange and joint ventures. CPEC has also been termed as ‘China-Pakistan knowledge Corridor’ as it covers major areas of research & development. The mutually benefited partnership has been future resulted in harmonies cooperation for a glorious future.

Progressive Grounds for Future Collaboration:

Marking the 70^th anniversary of a highly prosperous relationship between China and Pakistan is unprecedented. Colossal efforts, cooperation in many areas and assisting each other in every leaps and bounds have paved the way for future cooperation and profound diplomatic ties.  With each passing day, this relationship is becoming more closely integrated into each other’s respective development strategies. Therefore, with the joint efforts, China and Pakistan will make new grounds for collective benefits and win-win development under a robust framework. The relationship portrays a great model of inter-state diplomatic ties.

By Mr. Khalid TaimurAkram, Executive Director, Center for Global &

Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad

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