Tazeen Akhtar
President Asif Ali Zardari has sent a letter of felicitation to the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, on Chinese Spring Festival and the Year of the Snake, ahead of his official visit to Beijing in coming days that is very crucial in bilateral relations especially in the background of security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.
This is a visit that the President Pakistan tried to avoid or postpone at least, for a while because it was actually expected in Nov 2024 near when Chinese were attack at Karachi airport and there was a tense state of affairs due to the remarks of Foreign Minister Pakistan.
President’s foot was fractured at Dubai airport while de-boarding his plane on 31 Oct 2024. President had arrived UAE on a private visit for 2 days but the stay was extended for many days apparently for his treatment. But it also raised the impression that the President does not think it proper to visit China in then prevailing controversies and tensions between Iron Brothers.
According to official press release from the Presidency , In his letter to President Xi Jinping, the President reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the “ironclad friendship” between Pakistan and China, saying that he was looking forward to meeting President Xi Jinping in Beijing to exchange views on further strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing the bonds of friendship.
In the letter, the President highlighted the resilience and solidarity demonstrated by the two nations as All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners, adding that the tireless efforts of successive leaderships had nurtured and strengthened this unique and exemplary bond of interstate relations. “Pakistan would continue to remain firmly committed to the ‘One China’ policy, which is the cornerstone of our foreign policy”, he added.
The President also expressed his profound gratitude to President Xi for his unwavering support in furthering Pakistan-China relations, particularly his visionary leadership in advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He said that China had made remarkable progress in 2024 across diverse fields, and lauded the enduring and ever-growing friendship between Pakistan and China.
The President also extended his best wishes for President Xi Jinping’s health and happiness as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the Chinese people #Official material ends here.
Security for Chinese in Pakistan – The Margins are Narrowing Down and Down- by Tazeen Akhtar
President Zardari’s visit is due anyway and one can see his letter in the same context, to refresh the air before landing at Beijing. But the things will continue happening and everything can not be green always because we are living in a world of conspiracies, proxies and possibilities.
Recently , Chinese companies in Karachi , again , Karachi , Sindh , the strong holds of President Zardari, have filed a case in the Sindh High Court alleging local Police personnel for bribe to give them security. Inspector General and Interior Minister of Sindh have termed the allegation baseless but clearly it is not. The Court has issued notices to all concerned for next hearing.
Dasu attack was also a matter of concern for Pakistan and the leaders of Pakistan but Karachi airport attack and complaint of Chinese companies about Karachi Police are different issues that need more attention for the nature of the cases. Here , the President is all in all and he is more answerable to Pakistan and China both.
China Road and Bridges Corporation is among the companies that are , what they say, facing demands from the Police. This is very important company.
This scribe very first in Pakistan , reported that China Road and Bridges Corporation is working on expansion of KKH in Feb 2008. No one knew about it before , my story and then interview with the then caretaker Minister Communication that I conducted just to fetch more details and confirm my story.
Lets see how President Zardari defend all this mess in his visit to China and meetings with President Xi and others. No doubt both countries are Iron Brothers but consistent controversies do affect the minds of the brothers even , let alone the friends.
It was Good to See that Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and FM/DPM Ishaq Dar met in a pleasant mood and exchanged views on present status of relations and cooperation. Both developments , President’s letter and Amb/Min meeting are good start to wrap up the disturbing matters on both sides.
