Muhammad Zamir Assadi
Chinese President Xi Jinping emerging as a ray of hope for developing economies at international arena has said that “those who oppose the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) or China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) shall never succeed as this is an initiative of peace and development not only for China but for the region and beyond.”
The announcement came when Pakistani chief of army staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Chinese president on a special invitation. The meeting grabbed the huge attention of international community as the strategic partners are engaged to fulfill the needs of development through CPEC by restoring peace in the region.
The significant visit of Pakistani army chief to China just after the formation of new government in Pakistan and by following the recent Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi visit to Islamabad showed that all weather friends have a strong commitment towards regional security environment, challenges and way forward.
During a meeting, Chinese president said Pakistan is our time tested iron friend and Pakistan army has a pivotal role towards this lasting relationship. He appreciated professionalism of Pakistan armed forces and acknowledged its role towards regional peace and stability.
The appreciation of Chinese president for Pakistan army is a message for international community that Pakistan armed forces have sacrificed greatly for regional peace and security.
By launching the significant military operations in the last many years during the war on terror, Pakistani army successfully eliminated terrorist network along the most complicated Pak-Afghan border.
Pak army has launched the military operations against banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), Al-Qaeda and many others.
These military operations were widely acknowledged by international community which paved a way for revival of peace in South Asian region and elimination of these terrorists groups.
The commitment of Pakistan army for the revival of peace in the region is a clear signal that the designs of all inimical forces challenging our resolve will be thwarted with full force.
The meeting also shows that both nations stay strong for the smooth execution of CPEC projects which have created the significant impacts for Pakistani society.
The CPEC is a 3,000-kilometer network of roads, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas from Gwadar Port to Kashgar city, northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
The four major components of the CPEC framework are: Energy (US$34 billion), Infrastructure (US$11 billion); Gwadar US$800 million; and Industrial Zones.
Since its launch, the CPEC has helped to create a conducive and favorable environment for the country, guaranteeing prosperity, a bright future and security along with a sustainable economy.
Pakistani army have played a pivotal role in the country for smooth push forward of economic corridor as they have raised a Special Security Division (SSD) consisting of 15,000 troops for providing the fool-proof security to the Chinese citizens engaged on the projects in various regions of Pakistan.
“We are totally aware of all campaigns against the corridor and I vow that the security forces are ready to pay any price to turn this long cherished dream into reality,” was stated by former army chief of Pakistan General Raheel Sharif during his visit to the newly raised SSD headquarter in 2016.
Those who have negative trends towards CPEC must get the real dynamics of the commitment announced by President Xi and Pakistani army chief that Belt and Road initiative should be a benchmark for China-Pakistan ties.
This economic corridor is not just meant for the upgrading the infrastructure in Pakistan but it has emerged now as a symbol of peace and development for various regions.
The economic corridor recognized as flagship project of BRI is destined to succeed despite all odds and Pakistani security forces shall ensure safety to the project at any cost.
The visit of army chief and then meeting with the top Chinese leadership shows that the two sides have decided to bolster defense and security cooperation. Both nations will promote exchanges between militaries and law-enforcement institutes, arms & equipment technology, training, and firmly crack down on the East Turkestan Islamic Movement. China will support Pakistan in continuing to resolutely fight terrorism in accordance with its national conditions.
It has become a dire need of the time that two militaries should further strengthen this cooperation to safeguard common security challenges
Tradition of mutual understanding, mutual trust and mutual support will be carried forward for the long lasting peace of the region.
The author is a Pakistan journalist graduated from Renmin University of China. He is also a media fellow of China South Asia and South East Asia press centre. He may be connected at zamirasadi@gmail.com