Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Condemns Militant Attacks Targeting China-Pakistan Cooperation
In a recent statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan emphasized the intention of separatist militants in the southwestern province of Balochistan to undermine cooperation with China, specifically in relation to the development initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Prime Minister’s remarks came in the wake of a surge in militant attacks that commenced on Sunday, resulting in the loss of over seventy lives. This series of assaults marks the most extensive violence witnessed in recent years, orchestrated by ethnic militants who are advocating for the secession of the resource-rich province, which is pivotal for significant Chinese projects, including a strategic port and a gold and copper mine.
Sharif articulated during a televised cabinet address, “The terrorists aim to halt CPEC and other developmental projects,” highlighting an underlying objective to create discord between Pakistan and China. CPEC, which entails developmental commitments valued at approximately $65 billion, is integral to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Despite Pakistan’s ongoing struggles to establish adequate infrastructure to harness the mineral wealth of Balochistan, the government has sought China’s assistance to drive development in the region, which is marked by poverty and underdevelopment.
In response to the escalating violence, a ministry spokesperson in Beijing reaffirmed China’s condemnation of the attacks and its unwavering support for Pakistan in its counter-terrorism endeavors. Lin Jian stated, “China is prepared to enhance counter-terrorism security cooperation with Pakistan to jointly uphold regional peace and security.”
China’s concerns about the safety of its citizens working on projects in Pakistan, particularly within Balochistan, have been voiced previously. Notably, the tragic killing of six Chinese engineers engaged in a dam project in March underscored these security vulnerabilities. Furthermore, separatist groups have systematically targeted the Gwadar deepwater port, which is under Chinese management.
The Balochistan Liberation Army, a militant organization, has claimed responsibility for the recent coordinated attacks on police stations, railways, and highways, further exacerbating tensions within this predominantly underdeveloped province of Pakistan. This situation calls for heightened international attention and cooperation to address the multifaceted challenges posed by regional terrorism and to sustain valuable foreign partnerships.
Post Comment