Current Projects

UAE to Gain from China-Pakistan Trade Link

ABU DHABI -A new trade link between China and Pakistan will greatly benefit the UAE and other GCC countries over the next five to 10 years, according to the Pakistani ambassador. Asif Durrani, who has been in the UAE for the past two years, said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which was introduced in April, would significantly increase trade in the region. “Chinese trade will grow with GCC countries,” he said. “In five years, the corridor will become almost fully operational, and Pakistan is the foremost transit country so this will enhance the trade with Pakistan and the GCC. It holds the best promise for GCC oil and gas exports.” Last week, the adviser to the Pakistani prime minister on foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz, said that Pakistan’s economic relations with the UAE would continue to expand. “This corridor will save large ships time and money through Gwadar [a city on the southwestern Arabian Sea coast of Pakistan],” Mr Durrani said. “Right now, it is difficult for oil tankers but this is the largest deep seaport in the region so [Pakistan] will become the foremost transiting country. The UAE is the hub for the Middle East and North Africa, so this corridor will benefit the UAE a lot.” Analysts said the corridor is one of the largest trade development projects yet. “For China, the corridor is critical to the development of its western regions, which lag behind the rest of the country. So there’s important political dimensions for Beijing, as well as economic,” said Sabahat Khan, senior analyst at the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis in Dubai. “Beijing is also desperate to get a firm footing in Central Asian markets, and faster, cheaper access to the Middle East for its western regions. Pakistan sits at the crossroads between Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and the Arabian Gulf, so the corridor is a game-changer for the entire region.” He said the project was of great significance for the UAE. “The UAE will want to position itself...

Pakistani Regional Security Delegates Arrive for Track 1.5/ II in Kabul

A Nine member Pakistani delegation comprising senior security officials, members of parliament and media arrived in Kabul on Sunday December 20th, for the first round of meetings as part of a series of seven Track 1.5/II meetings between Afghan and Pakistani Security Sector Stakeholders and civil society leaders. This initiative titled -“Beyond Boundaries” - supported by the British Government is undertaken by Center of Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in partnership with Duran Research & Analysis (Afghanistan) and the Foundation for Integrated Development Action (FIDA). The project “Beyond Boundaries” has been launched as part of the efforts to help connect civil society and security stakeholders of both countries, improve relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The process comprises two working groups, the Regional Security Group, and Regional Civil Society Group, aimed at facilitating and promoting people-to-people contacts. The working groups on Regional Security and Regional Civil Society will address varied themes that are important in the peace process between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is also meant to build upon existing people to people relations and increase future contacts by building synergies and partnerships. The key objectives of the initiative are: expanding the peace constituency through friendship groups in both countries; improving support for better Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship through dialogue among the influential stakeholders; and informing policy makers through consensus recommendations. The Regional Civil Society Group has had two round of talks, in Islamabad (November 2015) and Kabul (December 2015). The third in a series of seven meetings marks the first meeting of the Regional Security between senior security and parliamentary stakeholders from both countries. These talks are taking place at a time of increased hope for mutual cooperation, particularly in the economic arena, especially after the Heart of Asia...

Paper: China-Pakistan Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

by Zeeshan Salahuddin, Senior Research Fellow, CRSS This paper was presented at the Comprehensively Promoting China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership Conference held at the China Institute for International Studies (CIIS), in Beijing, China, December 16-17, 2015. Introduction When we speak of countering terror, we devote a lot of time, effort and energy into eliminating the physical presence of the enemy. But as history has shown repeatedly, equally important is targeting the radical mindset behind such insurgencies or movements. In order to overcome the significant security threats faced by both of our great nations, we must also find ways to neutralize the ideological underpinnings of these groups and individuals, generate public consensus and support for these interventions, and strive for regional stability. It is in the mutual interest of both countries, part of our shared destiny, to counter and neutralize terror in all forms within Pakistan and China, as well as the immediate region A Game of Numbers In the pursuit of this, I present to you a game of numbers. We have three opportunities at present, and three corresponding threats to our combined way of existence, and the road forward, both literal in the form and PCEC and theoretical. Opportunities First, our three opportunities consist of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, as minister councilor Yao Wen mentioned, the recently rekindled relations with India after a long period of mutual vitriol, and Pakistan's potential role in the region following the Heart of Asia conference. The CPEC is critical because it has given Pakistan what 60 years of US foreign policy could not give us: a tangible, long-term, mutually beneficial, economic reason to bring about peace, stability and build cooperation in the region. Riding the momentum from the NAP, the CPEC has only pushed the Pakistan security establishment in the right direction, where the distinction between friend and enemy is...

CPEC to Benefit Entire Region: President

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Saturday said law and order situation had been improved because of huge sacrifices rendered by our armed forces. He was addressing a conference held under the auspices of Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in Islamabad. He said nation faced terrorism with determination due to which extremism and terrorism was decreasing day by day in the country. The president said foreign investors are coming to Pakistan after the restoration of law and order in the country. He said after the completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Pakistan would emerge as a key player in the region. The president said countries located in the region will also get benefits from CPEC. He said CPEC project would generate huge employment opportunities for youth. Mamnoon Hussain said government had launched a number of development projects to bring Pakistan at par with developed countries. He said the future of Pakistan was linked with these projects. He urged all segment of society to join hands with government to foil nefarious designs against these development projects. Mamnoon Hussain has said that coordination and harmony among all institutions was vital for the progress of society. The president also appreciated the services of PIDE for economic development in the country. Courtesy: Aaj.tv http://aaj.tv/2015/12/cpec-to-benefit-entire-region-president/

CPEC to Benefit Entire Region: President

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Saturday said law and order situation had been improved because of huge sacrifices rendered by our armed forces. He was addressing a conference held under the auspices of Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in Islamabad. He said nation faced terrorism with determination due to which extremism and terrorism was decreasing day by day in the country. The president said foreign investors are coming to Pakistan after the restoration of law and order in the country. He said after the completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Pakistan would emerge as a key player in the region. The president said countries located in the region will also get benefits from CPEC. He said CPEC project would generate huge employment opportunities for youth. Mamnoon Hussain said government had launched a number of development projects to bring Pakistan at par with developed countries. He said the future of Pakistan was linked with these projects. He urged all segment of society to join hands with government to foil nefarious designs against these development projects. Mamnoon Hussain has said that coordination and harmony among all institutions was vital for the progress of society. The president also appreciated the services of PIDE for economic development in the country. Courtesy: Aaj.tv http://aaj.tv/2015/12/cpec-to-benefit-entire-region-president/

CPEC to Benefit Entire Region: President

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Saturday said law and order situation had been improved because of huge sacrifices rendered by our armed forces. He was addressing a conference held under the auspices of Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in Islamabad. He said nation faced terrorism with determination due to which extremism and terrorism was decreasing day by day in the country. The president said foreign investors are coming to Pakistan after the restoration of law and order in the country. He said after the completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Pakistan would emerge as a key player in the region. The president said countries located in the region will also get benefits from CPEC. He said CPEC project would generate huge employment opportunities for youth. Mamnoon Hussain said government had launched a number of development projects to bring Pakistan at par with developed countries. He said the future of Pakistan was linked with these projects. He urged all segment of society to join hands with government to foil nefarious designs against these development projects. Mamnoon Hussain has said that coordination and harmony among all institutions was vital for the progress of society. The president also appreciated the services of PIDE for economic development in the country. Courtesy: Aaj.tv http://aaj.tv/2015/12/cpec-to-benefit-entire-region-president/

Chinese Hospitality Appreciated

Islamabad: The bonds of friendship between Pakistan and China are strong despite the cultural differences between the two countries. To promote goodwill and also understanding of this difference, the embassy of China has been sending Pakistani women from different walks of life to visit China and experience the hospitality and cultural sites and sounds of the country. The groups include artists, entrepreneurs, teachers, ladies of the Foreign Office and those from showbiz. To show her appreciation and discuss the visit, a member of one group, Fauzia Memon, a woman with multiple interests, hosted a lunch at her residence which was attended by other group members and a few other ladies. The guest of honour was the friendly wife of the ambassador of China, Diana Bao who is also on the Board of the International Foreign Women’s Association. (IFWA). It was a working day so there were a few late arrivals but those who were present set the ball rolling and related their experiences about the wonderful time they had and how much they had learned about the country. Some of them spoke of the shopping and how inexpensive things were even those in high end stores; a couple of them who were impressed with the heritage sites marveled at the way they had been preserved and were looked after; the art lovers were in raptures over the artwork and all of them had taken the opportunity to buy pearls as gifts for friends and family! When questioned about women from China coming on reciprocal trips the guest of honour replied, “Maybe next year” but I think she was being diplomatic and they are probably waiting for an invitation from the government of Pakistan! One of the ladies did say something to that effect but she only got smiles in return, which kind of confirmed the presumption. When they do come it will be chance to show our appreciation and the hospitality for which we are generally known. Lunch featured Syrian -- or Mediterranean -- cuisine and there was a great interest shown...

Impressions from Kabul

Pakistan believes I am pro-India. Yes, I am and there are reasons for every Afghan to be pro-India.” This is how Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of the Afghanistan’s Unity Government begins his talks after formally greeting the Pakistani delegation of Afghanistan-Pakistan Track 1.5/2 Dialogue at his palatial office in the heart of Kabul. For the visiting Pakistani delegates, Dr Abdullah’s comments were not unusual. Their interactions with senior media persons, members of civil society, cabinet ministers and political elites had made them realise that the only issue on which all Afghans are united is ‘hatred for Pakistan’. Any Afghan you meet in Kabul will tell you — “Pakistan is imposing Taliban on us”. But, personally, this unprecedented hike in anti-Pakistan sentiment among the Kabulis is quite alarming. This level of mistrust and hatred was never witnessed during the previous visits to Afghan capital. Despite the negative sentiment for Pakistan, the delegates of Pakistan-Afghanistan Track 1.5/II peace initiative titled ‘Beyond Boundaries’, jointly organised by Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies and the Kabul-based Durran Research & Analysis, were warmly received. The delegates met the former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, cabinet members, political leaders and Dr Abdullah. “We have foreign guests… Pakistani diplomats,” our liaison officer Taufiq tells security officials as we were stopped at a check post while entering the highly secured Wazir Akbar Khan locality. “…And the Indian diplomats too,” Taufiq hastily added. “Diplomathaani Hindi and Pakistani” in Dari when the check post guards further argued. “Diplomathaani Hindi,” the security guard quipped with a smile and let the car pass without further questioning. “The reason is simple. Afghans believe India wants peace and development in Afghanistan,” said Waheed Omar, an Afghan delegate who was a spokesman for the former president, Hamid Karzai. The incident at the...

CRSS led Pakistan- Afghanistan Track 1.5/II: Reflections from Kabul

Pak-Afghan Relations: Need for a Reset By Dr.Huma Baqai Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have become extremely complex. The issues include a disputed border – officially called the Durand Line -, an increasing number of border skirmishes, the ambiguity surrounding respective positions on Taliban and the peace talks with them, lingering transit trade talks, water, and India-Pakistan rivalry being played out on the Afghan soil – dubbed as the Pak-India proxy war by the British historian William Dalrymple. The latest addition to the complex matrix is China’s unusual interest in improving the security situation in Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s enduring security crises is a source of concern for the international community but it means a lot more to Pakistan and its economic future. But the traditional trust deficit that exists between the two countries is very pervasive on the Afghan side. The broad overarching consensus in Kabul today is that Pakistan continues to play a role of an enabler of violence in Afghanistan. The recent desire, willingness and commitment shown by Pakistan to facilitate the peace dialogue between the Afghan Government and the Taliban is also viewed with a lot of skepticism in Afghanistan. Very few in Kabul see it through the prism of Pakistan’s desire to bring peace in Afghanistan, largely it is viewed as a ploy by Pakistan to continue to manipulate the politics of Afghanistan and keep India out. Since 2014-2015, Pakistan has reemerged in the calculation of the movers and shakers of the world as the key to peace in Afghanistan. United States, China and even Russia look at Pakistan to deliver Taliban to the Peace Process. This has come after the realization that nearly a trillion dollar worth of US socio-economic and security investment in that country has failed to conclusively defeat the Taliban insurgency which remains a threat across the country. On March 12, 2014, US General Joseph Dunford, then Commander of ISAF and US Forces-Afghanistan, told...

A Nation of Talkers

Minutes after watching BBC and CNN updating the world about the progress of the climate summit in Paris where nearly 200 nations adopted a global pact to fight climate change, I set off for the office. The moment I stepped out, stinking water gushing out of a choked gutter greeted me. Only a few metres away, the driver of a neighbour was busy hose-washing the Mercedes Kompressor of a resident of the area. Apparently, he had already washed the Land Cruiser of another resident. These cars obviously don’t belong to ordinary folk. The proud owners clearly belong to the upper echelons of society, many of whom would be shining stars of the development sector or advocates of environmental protection. As I neared the office after a few minutes, similar scenes stared me in the face, with the car-wash water flooding out of driveways of upscale villas and meandering the street — a stark reminder that even the federal capital is devoid of any water management and conservation strategy. Such scenes stand in sharp contrast to our ministers, officials and icons from the development sector; they travel around the globe and give lofty speeches, but the situation on the ground reflects little of these pontifications on climate change and the need to contain further damage through lasting strategies. Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid, for instance, told the UN secretary-general on the sidelines of the Paris conference that Pakistan, as part of the G-77 plus China was pushing rich countries to provide finance and technology, as well as other help to build the capacity of developing countries to cope with the dangerous impacts of climate change. At the same time, the group was also pressing rich nations to radically cut carbon emissions to slow down climate change and reduce the intensity of its impacts on social and economic sectors, particularly water, agriculture, energy and health. Hamid was quoted by the media as saying that “failure is no option as far as the Paris climate...