Current Projects

From China to Everywhere

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a hugely important project for Pakistan. It has the potential to bring enormous economic dividends to the country besides creating jobs, developing a vast infrastructure of rail, road and port networks and giving Pakistan interconnectivity to the globalized world for trade and energy flows. Pakistan is important but it is by no means the indispensable star in the overall scheme of things. Should Pakistan falter the broader Chinese strategic vision will sidestep Pakistan and go for the alternatives that exist. It is important that Pakistan does not falter. The “One Belt One Road” strategy plus the ports and sea lanes that will link South East Asia to the Mediterranean is China’s strategic response to the US vision of a pivot to the east, a new Silk Road and the game changing Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) that China was not invited to join. China’s broad strategic initiative includes the Asian Infrastructure Development Bank (AIIB) that has already raised $ 100 billion almost twice of what was initially envisaged. Fifty seven countries that includes Iran, Israel, Britain, Germany. Australia, South Korea, India, Pakistan and Poland, have already signed on even though the US has not. In fact without actually opposing the Chinese venture the US has indicated its concerns over the Chinese sponsored and controlled bank. China already has an Export and Import Bank and a Development Bank and recently the international Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved China’s Renminbi (RMB) as part of the internationally approved currencies bringing it at par with the Dollar, the Euro and the Japanese Yen. Small wonder then that the US thinks that the Bretton Woods institutions may have a challenge even though China has offered assurances even saying that it will continue to support those institutions. In the 2008 economic crisis China’s actions were positive and stabilizing. China is also likely to make sure that it conforms to...

Pakistan, China to Develop e-Corridor for Greater Connectivity

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and China on Tuesday agreed to develop an e-corridor to establish greater connectivity in the region, keeping in view importance of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both the sides agreed when a high-level Chinese delegation led by China Investment Promotion Centre Chairman Yan Lijin called on State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Anusha Rehman here. IT Secretary Azmat Ali Ranjha, Telecom member Mudassar Hussain, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) Managing Director Asim Shehryar and National Telecommunication Company (NTC) Chairman Viqar Ahmad were also present. The state minister apprised that Pakistan's information technology and telecom sector has a lot of potential and now we have to explore ways to reap this potential in an optimal way. “We believe in "Digital Pakistan" and Chinese cooperation and collaboration will help us to materialize this vision of accelerated digitization,” she said. "We are awarding tech-city project on January 7 next year. It is an incubation project meant for training of young entrepreneurs likewise we are intended to establish a research and innovation center of international standard,” Anusha added. She said the ministry was already collaborating for development of e-commerce gateway framework so that online commercial ventures could flourish further and consumers and companies could get more confidence in online payment systems. “Then we would like to invite international companies to establish their set ups here in Pakistan as well,” she said. The delegates appreciated vision of the government and hailed initiatives being taken by IT Ministry for uplifting of the sector. Yan Lijin agreed to work with Pakistan's government for establishment of IT parks on land of the Ministry of Information Technology in Karachi and for licenses for e-commerce gateway. He agreed to send Chinese delegations to Pakistan to visit land for the IT Parks. Courtesy: Daily Times...

A Perilous State of Denial

The Heart of Asia Conference is about Afghanistan’s multiple pressing political and economic problems. That is why leaders from over two dozen countries gathered in Islamabad to help one another understand the possible way forward. The United States, which provides the bulk of funding for maintaining the Afghan National Security Forces, and other major nations such as the UK, Germany and China are eagerly pursuing the reconciliation in Afghanistan. They are urging Pakistan to leverage its clout with the Afghan Taliban. That is why US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard G Olson spent some time in Kabul, in an apparent attempt to convince the Afghan leadership to participate in the Heart of Asia conference. Strangely though, when Olson was still in Kabul, Afghanistan’s army chief of staff General Qadam Shah Shahim blasted Pakistan’s counterterrorism policy and pulled out all invectives against Islamabad. Consider the following excerpts from his speech reported by Tolo News: “The enemies of the Afghan people, the spy agency in the region, had decided to capture major parts of Afghanistan’s soil and create a parallel government, talk from a powerful stance and implement their nefarious ends on the Afghan nation, but they were unaware of the courage of the Afghan people, and they failed. Waziristan’s operation was a symbolic one and you will witness such operations in future as well. Why did they not launch such operations in Peshawar, Quetta and other areas instead of Waziristan? Quite interestingly, as major powers are pushing for negotiations, Shahim told the Afghan Senate that “winter is the best time to eliminate the Taliban and other militant groups associated with Daesh”. Shahim made the statement on the eve of the Heart of Asia, following Dr Abdullah Abdullah, the CEO of the Unity Government, who took the lead role in announcing the possible death of the Taliban chief, Mullah Mansoor. Earlier in November, Dr Abdullah Abdullah had told a...

Sino-Pak Ties ‘As Pure As Ever-Flowing Water’: Weidong

Islamabad, Dec. 6 : Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Sun Weidong, on Sunday drew a stark simile between 'ever-flowing water' and the friendship between China and Pakistan, saying 'it is as pure and sincere as the ever-flowing water'. Addressing a function here, Weidong said that the 'friendship between men of noble characters is as pure as water' and added that it was not only a summary of Chinese virtue but also the interpretation of friendship between the two nations. According to The Nation, Weidong cited a famous Chinese saying that the sea can hold the water stemming from numerous rivers and it is huge because of its inclusiveness. The Sino-Pak friendship is not only diplomatic but also extends to the common man. One fine example of the friendship between the two countries can be seen when the Pakistanis greet the Chinese with a 'ni hao' and 'xie xie'. Weidong also drew a comparison between a fresh water spring and the China-Pakistan friendship and said that standing on the shoulders of the veterans, the young generations from the two countries are bringing fresh water into the friendship. Published in http://www.newkerala.com/news/2015/fullnews-159338.html

Sino-Pak Ties 'As Pure As Ever-Flowing Water': Weidong

Islamabad, Dec. 6 : Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Sun Weidong, on Sunday drew a stark simile between 'ever-flowing water' and the friendship between China and Pakistan, saying 'it is as pure and sincere as the ever-flowing water'. Addressing a function here, Weidong said that the 'friendship between men of noble characters is as pure as water' and added that it was not only a summary of Chinese virtue but also the interpretation of friendship between the two nations. According to The Nation, Weidong cited a famous Chinese saying that the sea can hold the water stemming from numerous rivers and it is huge because of its inclusiveness. The Sino-Pak friendship is not only diplomatic but also extends to the common man. One fine example of the friendship between the two countries can be seen when the Pakistanis greet the Chinese with a 'ni hao' and 'xie xie'. Weidong also drew a comparison between a fresh water spring and the China-Pakistan friendship and said that standing on the shoulders of the veterans, the young generations from the two countries are bringing fresh water into the friendship. Published in http://www.newkerala.com/news/2015/fullnews-159338.html

Sino-Pak Ties 'As Pure As Ever-Flowing Water': Weidong

Islamabad, Dec. 6 : Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Sun Weidong, on Sunday drew a stark simile between 'ever-flowing water' and the friendship between China and Pakistan, saying 'it is as pure and sincere as the ever-flowing water'. Addressing a function here, Weidong said that the 'friendship between men of noble characters is as pure as water' and added that it was not only a summary of Chinese virtue but also the interpretation of friendship between the two nations. According to The Nation, Weidong cited a famous Chinese saying that the sea can hold the water stemming from numerous rivers and it is huge because of its inclusiveness. The Sino-Pak friendship is not only diplomatic but also extends to the common man. One fine example of the friendship between the two countries can be seen when the Pakistanis greet the Chinese with a 'ni hao' and 'xie xie'. Weidong also drew a comparison between a fresh water spring and the China-Pakistan friendship and said that standing on the shoulders of the veterans, the young generations from the two countries are bringing fresh water into the friendship. Published in http://www.newkerala.com/news/2015/fullnews-159338.html

Second Meeting Between Regional Civil Society Groups Concludes In Kabul

The second round of meetings between Pak-Afghan Regional Civil Society working groups - as part of CRSS-FIDA-DURAN project, Beyond Boundaries; Pak-Afghan track 1.5/ II initiative - was held in Kabul from December 02-03, 2015. This workshop was a follow up to the first meeting held under the same initiative in Islamabad from November 09-10, 2015. The inaugural session was chaired jointly by Mr. Fahim Dashty, Chief Executive of Afghanistan National Journalists Union, and Mr. Kawun Kakar, Managing Partner of Kakar Advocates. The chief guests were H.E. Karen Pierce, Ambassador of United Kingdom, and H.E. Sayed Abrar Hussain, Ambassador of Pakistan. The two day workshop of Pak-Afghan Regional Civil Society Working Groups included deliberations on the following themes: The Narratives – Continuing the Conversation Role of Civil Society in Shaping Narratives Afghan People’s Dialogue on Peace - Building the Foundation for an Inclusive Peace Process Women Empowerment in Afghanistan Trade and Economic Cooperation The session on the narratives was chaired by Mr. Parwiz Kava, Editor in Chief, Daily 8AM. It included presentations by Mr. Nadir Yama, Deputy Minister, Independent Directorate of Local Governance and Member of Hamdeli Network on the role of Civil Society in Shaping Narratives, and Ms. Samira Hamidi, WG member from Afghanistan side on Afghan People’s Dialogue on Peace - Building the Foundation for an Inclusive Peace Process and Women Empowerment in Afghanistan. Mr. Nadir Yama emphasized on cultural exchange for creating empathy, acquaintance, build trust and create a conducive environment for concrete steps for peace building and added, “There are so many good stories of people to people. Just telling these stories will create empathy and awareness. To discuss the peace talks, we need culture of peace to be promoted and enabling environment. Our aim should not be only political side of it, but the actual peace process, peace culture and promoting...

A Costly Corridor

How China and Pakistan Could Remake Asi As China expands its regional influence, its relationship with Pakistan will be increasingly important. Last April, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifsigned a series of agreements cementing their partnership, including final plans for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, an economic initiative to connect the two countries through a web of railways, roads, pipelines, and other development projects. Once built, the nearly 2,000-mile-long corridor will shorten China's route to the Middle East by about 7,500 miles. No wonder China has invested $46 billion in the project. Yet for all its potential benefits, the corridor comes with political risks. It will pass through three restive regions: Kashmir in India and Pakistan, Xinjiang in China, and Baluchistan in Pakistan. China and Pakistan’s economic relationship will affect all three areas, likely for ill. A NEW POWER BALANCE During the last UN Sustainable Development Summit, in September, Sharif said of the corridor, “It will bring huge economic and development benefits not just to our two countries but the entire region and beyond… This development strategy and framework offers new opportunity for Asia’s transformation and prosperity.” Whether or not the corridor lives up to all those promises, it will certainly bring China and Pakistan closer together. Andrew Small, the author ofThe China-Pakistan Axis: Asia’s New Geopolitics, argues that the success of the corridor “would highlight anddeepen the uniquely close friendship between China and Pakistan.” The corridor will also strengthen China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative, intended to connect infrastructure and trade networks throughout Eurasia and help China spread its influence from its western borders to the Middle East. Unsurprisingly, the corridor has been met with resistance, most notably from India. During his visit to China in May, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the...

Islamic State is having a Hard Time Taking Root in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The revelation that the Pakistani woman involved in the San Bernardino massacre was an Islamic State supporter has put a spotlight on the radical group’s reach into this country. But surprisingly, there have been only scattered signs that the group’s tactics or ideology are taking hold in Pakistan, a nation with a history of extremist violence. Tashfeen Malik lived in Pakistan from 2007 to 2013 to attend pharmacy school in the city of Multan. While investigators are still trying to piece together whether she was radicalized here, the news that she sympathized with the Islamic State is sure to rattle Pakistanis who worry about the group’s potential appeal. A year ago, Islamist militants shot and killed 157 students and teachers at an army-run school in Peshawar. And until now, as much of the world struggled to combat the Islamic State, memories of that horrifying day appeared to be helping to shield Pakistan from its influence. Even as the Islamic State gains strength in neighboring Afghanistan, there have been only scattered signs that it is gaining followers in this nuclear-armed country of 180 million. Muhammad Amir Rana, a security analyst based in Islamabad, said the Peshawar school attack, coming as it did amid a general lessening of extremist tendencies in Pakistan, galvanized public support for the army. The military’s successful effort to clear Pakistan’s northwestern tribal belt of militant groups that posed a threat to the state has won it additional respect. “The space for violent narratives has shrunk,” Rana said. “You can argue we still have extremists, but in terms of taking that to violence, public support is decreasing.” [One year after it went to war, Pakistan is safer but doubts persist] Rifaat Hussain, a longtime international relations professor, recalls how there was open support in the classroom for the Taliban and other Islamist extremist groups in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But that was 14...

Foreign Aid Flow a Politically Motivated Process

The new development agenda of the world has been set under the rubric of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with expected cost of $3 trillion. With so much of its focus on appreciating the scarcity of world resources and its sustainable utilisation, a natural query that stems is what makes these $3 trillion less scarce? In this regard, the SDGs require an even larger role of foreign aid to developing countries unlike its predecessor the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as its goal entails to “mobilise additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.” Recently, a free Massive Online Open Course has been started by the World Bank group with the sole attention on how to finance this development prescription. Apparently it appears that advocates for such top-down development programmes have ignored the simple dictum of project planning. However, before the logistics of this programme can be resolved, the question arises on how effective is foreign aid. Politics of foreign aid Foreign aid was meant to be development-motivated. However, it seems that foreign aid flows to Pakistan have been and are a politically motivated process. American aid to Pakistan has led to two major boom periods and both of them coincided with two geo-political events. The first boom of foreign aid to Pakistan resulted in a 640% growth in American foreign assistance during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan which began in 1979. Ironically, the aid flows plunged from $542 million in 1990 to $101 million in 1991. The most recent bulge in American generosity was right after the 9/11 terrorist attacks when a better share of aid flows were militaristic in nature. As American government decided to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan in 2011, the aid funds also followed suit as they plummeted from almost $2 billion in 2011 to $741 million in 2013. But where was the development motivation during the 1990s when US aid flows averaged just a flimsy $39 million as...