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Two-day U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue Concludes in Islamabad
Islamabad, March 7, 2023 – Senior officials of the United States and their Pakistani counterparts opened the Pakistan-U.S. Counterterrorism Dialogue on March 6 at the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. The two-day policy-focused meeting was chaired by the U.S. Department of State Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Christopher Landberg and Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Additional Secretary for the UN and Economic Diplomacy Syed Haider Shah. The Dialogue provided an opportunity to discuss the counterterrorism landscape in Pakistan and the broader region, with a focus on areas where the United States and Pakistan can better collaborate to counter regional and global threats, improve cooperation, prevent and counter violent extremism, and combat terrorism financing. Both governments resolved to increase dialogue on these topics and continue discussing paths to restart or introduce counterterrorism programs to assist Pakistan’s efforts to better counter all forms of violent extremism. The Counterterrorism Dialogue underscores the deepening cooperation between the United States and Pakistan in a range of areas. These partnerships are being advanced through high-level bilateral meetings like the recently concluded Trade and Investment Framework (TIFA) Council Ministerial in Washington, DC, and the upcoming Strategic Energy Dialogue and Climate and Environment Working Group meetings in Pakistan. The Counterterrorism Dialogue is just one example of an ever-stronger bilateral relationship based on shared values and interests, and it reaffirms the United States’ and Pakistan’s shared determination to contribute to both regional and global security and stability.
China expected to focus on stabilizing relations with US
Greater communication, collaboration can ease tensions, experts say China is expected to place "significant importance" on stabilizing its relationship with the United States during this year's two sessions, a foreign policy expert in the US said, as other analysts called for improved dialogue between the two nations. The National People's Congress, China's top legislature, will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, while the meeting of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body, will take place on Saturday. Both meetings will be held in Beijing. The annual two sessions will unveil China's policies in areas including the economy, military, trade, diplomacy and the environment. China is expected to seek more constructive ties with the US, said Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Institute for China-America Studies. "The first step toward making a constructive relationship is to stabilize that relationship," Gupta told China Daily. He said the administration of US President Joe Biden seems to be competing "very strongly and maybe unfairly" in the trade and technology fields, however, "in the broader US-China relationship, they want to add stability to it, and I should think China welcomes it". "I think the Chinese side values the fact that the White House is interested in not adding to the tensions but in trying to ameliorate those tensions and have a more stabilized relationship," he said. US-China relations had "derailed a little bit because of the balloon incident", Gupta said. On Feb 4, the US shot down an unmanned Chinese civilian airship, despite China's repeated explanations that its entry into US airspace was an unintended and isolated incident caused by force majeure. Gupta said he saw the incident as a passing phenomenon and a temporary setback to the relationship. "So, coming out of the two sessions, I foresee China placing, not overriding importance to the US...
Blinken offers to help Central Asian states reduce reliance on Russia
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday promised US support for jittery Central Asian nations to reduce their reliance on Russia as he warned that any wavering on Ukraine could embolden Moscow elsewhere in the former Soviet bloc. Days after the anniversary of the Russian invasion, the top US diplomat met jointly with counterparts from all five Central Asian nations, where Moscow has long been the top power and magnet for workers, and where neighbouring China also has a growing influence. At the meeting in Kazakhstan’s icy, windswept capital Astana, Blinken announced $25 million in new funding, on top of $25m announced in September, to help Central Asia diversify trade away from Russia. The initiatives include English-language education, the development of electronic payment systems, and training for returned migrant workers. Meeting the foreign ministers of all five nations — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — Blinken said the United States backed their “sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity”. “I reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Kazakhstan, like all nations, to freely determine its future, especially as we mark one year since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in a failed attempt to deny its people that very freedom,” Blinken told a news conference with his Kazakh counterpart. Blinken said while he had no information that Russia planned to expand its war beyond Ukraine, the invasion showed the need to build “strong, resilient societies” in Central Asia. “Had we failed to stand up in support of the principles that Russia was violating by invading Ukraine, that would have created, I think, a greater prospect that Russian aggression would point in other directions,” he said. On a day in the pre-planned capital, earlier known as Nur-Sultan, Blinken entered an imposing blue-domed palace to see President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev, who voiced “appreciation” for US backing of...
How is China moving from Brown to Green Projects: Lessons Learned
Matrix Report Recently a webinar in Pakistan on “The Need to Switch towards a Greener Future: Lessons from China” highlighted discussions by local and international climate experts and policy officials on China emerging as a global leader in renewable energy and green development and its renewable policy model, which could open up more vistas of investment in Pakistan. In 2015, on the occasion of COP, President Xi, while pledging carbon neutrality, committed that China would emerge as a leader in green development. And today, China is leading the world as a producer and investor in green technology and finance. The shift to green technology has created additional 54 million jobs globally so far, showing the immense multifaceted potential of green development. Below are the following lessons learned from China as a guide for Pakistan: China offers a leadership model from micro to meso-level, in managing resources efficiently and addressing the growing threats of environment and climate change, which Pakistan must learn from and include in its best practices. Agriculture and food security were crucial elements of green CPEC as CPEC was not restricted only to trade and energy. By developing renewable energy, Pakistan has enormous potential for green development, and Chinese businesses are also interested in investing in such projects there. However, it requires commitment, cooperation, and appropriate policy-making decisions. Green financing needs to be a mainstream economic and financial strategy in Pakistan, given that climate change is now a macro-economic danger rather than an environmental one (as demonstrated by the most recent floods). The Pakistan Energy Council underwent its first energy audit resulting in 35% less energy consumed. Hence, it is imperative to continuously conduct such audits to identify unproductive methods and boost energy efficiency. Pakistan was the first to receive cash flow from China under BRI’s energy projects aimed at wind and solar...
Calls for peace as Russia-Ukraine conflict marks one year
Today, February 24, 2022, marks one year since Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine with his army. His justification for the invasion is based on his opposition to Ukraine becoming a member of NATO and the European Union. This has been a significant gamble for President Putin. He had anticipated that his forces would overrun any opposition and that Russia would achieve its goal in a matter of weeks. Not so. With tens of thousands of casualties, destruction of cities, and millions fleeing the country, the war has brought major headaches for President Putin. Around 8 million Ukrainians have been displaced across Europe and further afield, while thousands of soldiers have died on both sides. Various Western sources estimate the conflict has caused 150,000 casualties on each side. Europe has been more united than before, and Russia is on the receiving end of hard sanctions imposed by the West. One year on, global support for Ukraine remains strong. The invasion has been denounced by the international community at large since it began. Even Pope Francis has demanded that the conflict end right away. China, Iran, and India, close Russian allies, have attempted to distance themselves from the conflict by requesting a cessation of hostilities and the promotion of dialogue to resolve their dispute. “All parties should support Russia and Ukraine in working in the same direction and resuming direct dialogue as quickly as possible,” Beijing’s foreign ministry said, stressing that “nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought.” Furthermore, the United Nations General Assembly, overwhelmingly voted in favor of a resolution calling on Russia to end its hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its forces. Although the resolution is non-binding, the vote serves as a barometer of world opinion. Pakistan, on its part, has clearly and rightly stayed away from taking sides and has also called for dialogue between the two warring parties. It retains a...
China retaliates at US- maintains stance to de-escalate Russia-Ukraine conflict
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that China was considering arming Russia in its war against Ukraine. Beijing said the claims were false and accused Washington of spreading lies. If anything, China has called for “peace-loving “nations to act to end the conflict On 19th February 2023, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, a Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, to discuss the Ukraine conflict. He stated that “China has always stood on the side of peace and dialogue and has always insisted on urging peace and promoting talks.” As the Russia-Ukraine war approaches the one-year mark, Wang Yi also stated, “China stands by principles and does not wish to see any escalation in the conflict between the two countries.” “We do not want to see the crisis in Ukraine prolonged and expanded and are willing to work with the international community to avoid further deterioration of the situation and persistently strive for peace,” Wang added. Furthermore, in response to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating that China was considering arming Russia in its war against Ukraine (CBS News), Beijing said the claims were false and accused Washington of spreading lies. If anything, China called for “peace-loving “nations to act to end the conflict. Wang also stated that China had “neither stood by idly nor thrown fuel on the fire” for the Ukraine war. (Reuters) I suggest that everybody starts to think calmly, especially friends in Europe, about what kind of efforts we can make to stop this war,” Wang said. Moreover, he stated that there were “some forces that seemingly don’t want negotiations to succeed, or for the war to end soon”, but did not say whom he meant. Blinken’s remarks come ahead of a scheduled visit by Mr Wang to Moscow, as part of the Chinese foreign policy chief’s tour of Europe, for talks...
The Global Security Initiative Concept Paper
The ongoing global socioeconomic and political crisis calls for unified efforts to tackle the dire disorder faced by humankind. Noting that, the Chinese President has devised a strategy to ensure global security. The Global Security Initiative (GSI), put out by Chinese President Xi Jinping, urges nations to adapt to the drastically shifting global environment in a spirit of solidarity and to approach the complex and interconnected security concerns with a win-win mentality. The GSI seeks to eradicate the underlying causes of international conflicts, enhance global security governance, promote lasting peace and development globally, and encourage cooperative, worldwide efforts to provide stability and certainty in a turbulent and changing environment. Xi believes in comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. The core of his vision is to promote a concept of common security, respecting and preserving the security of every state; a holistic approach, maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains and enhancing security governance in a coordinated manner; staying committed to the UN charter and international principles; a commitment to cooperation, bringing about security through political dialogue and peaceful negotiation; and pursuit of sustainable security, address conflicts through dialogue and developmental development. Xi opines that the Cold War mindset, unilateralism, bloc conflict, and hegemony oppose the spirit of the UN Charter and hence must be resisted and rejected. Besides, the international organizations for multilateral cooperations, such as ASEAN, BRI, SCO, AU, etc., must be strengthened and sustained to address the multifaceted perils and draw out opportunities for collaboration. Below is the original concept note: I.Background The issue of security bears on the well-being of people of all countries, the lofty cause of world peace and development, and the future of humanity. Today, our world, our times and history are...
US Urged to Repair Ties With China
Wang calls on Washington to acknowledge damage to relations caused by airship hype The unofficial nature of the latest meeting between Chinese and United States senior diplomats points to the serious damage that Washington has brought to its ties with Beijing and the dire need to repair the great shortage of mutual trust, observers said. They made the observation as senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi met in "an unofficial engagement" with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the request of the US side on the sidelines of the 59th Munich Security Conference on Saturday. Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, made explicit "China's solemn position on the so-called airship incident", according to a statement by the Foreign Ministry. He asked the US to "change course (and) acknowledge and repair the damage that its excessive use of force caused to China-US relations". Earlier this month, the US military shot down a Chinese unmanned airship that was spotted in US airspace, triggering Beijing's strong protests. China reiterated that the civilian unmanned airship, due to the Westerlies — prevailing winds from the west — and limited self-steering capability, deviated from its planned course and entered US airspace. Before and following the shooting down of the airship, some senior US officials and politicians hyped the airship and China's so-called "threat" to the US. An unnamed Foreign Ministry spokesperson quoted Wang on Sunday as saying at the talks with Blinken that "the US is in no position to smear China. What the US needs to do is demonstrate sincerity and face up to and resolve the damage that its abuse of force has done to China-US relations". Wang said that "if the US continues to dramatize, hype up or escalate the situation, China will surely respond by doing what is necessary", and "all consequences arising thereof shall...
Afghanistan and World Community
By Imtiaz Gul With every passing day, the international community seems to be reconciling itself with the idea of “practical engagement “instead of formally recognizing Afghanistan’s Taliban regime. The ultra-radical militia that swept back to power in August 2021 refuses to allow girls and women back to secondary and higher education and work. For them the issue relates to their version of Islamic sharia and also rooted in the tribal culture and hence a non- negotiable under the current circumstances. The world, on the contrary, insists females must be free to pursue education and work but finds it difficult to resort to the extreme step i.e. further sanctions and disengagement. No surprise that in December (2022) the regime declined, on the eleventh hour, to receive a UN delegation in Kandahar, the literal Mecca of the militia. The internationals intended to raise the women’s’ issue with the top leadership but were politely told off. In mid-January Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, led a delegation to capital Kabul for meetings including one with the Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. She also managed to get audience with a deputy minister in Kandahar. Ms Mohammad’s visit came to the context of a harsh crackdown on Afghan women; the regime ordered most female NGO staff to suspend their activities until further. Girls had already been barred from attending universities. Women are also shut out of public parks and baths – that have been so common in cities such as Kabul and Mazare Sharif in the north. These restrictions prompted the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to say the Taliban are trying to sentence Afghanistan’s women “to a dark future without opportunity” by banning them from attending universities.” Ms Mohammed told Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in the meeting (January 18) that the purpose of her visit was aimed at “witnessing the situation up close” and delivering the international community’s message about women’s access to...
IMF: China to be largest global growth contributor
China is likely to become the largest contributor to world growth in 2023 without driving up global inflation, an official at the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday. Steven Barnett, IMF's senior resident representative in China, said the fund expects China to contribute about one-third of global growth this year, making the country the single largest contributor to global growth. According to the IMF's World Economic Outlook Update in January, the world output is forecast to expand by 2.9 percent this year, to which China is expected to contribute about 1 percentage point, Barnett said. China's growth rebound also has a positive growth spillover on other economies, he said, adding that faster growth in China can lift growth in other economies as the country buys more goods from elsewhere while Chinese tourists travel more elsewhere. "We don't think that China's rebound will drive global inflation," Barnett said. "We do not expect inflation in China to pick up that much." China's economic rebound this year is likely to be driven more by consumption than infrastructure, which means that the spillover effect on commodity prices would be less than previous recoveries, he said. Barnett made the remarks at a seminar to discuss the global economic situation and elaborate on the World Economic Outlook Update. The event was co-hosted by the IMF's office in China and the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The latest World Economic Outlook Update, released in January, has revised China's economic growth forecast for 2023 to 5.2 percent, up from 4.4 percent in October. Date: 17-02-23 Source: China Daily
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I am also a member of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. Recently, we held a meeting with the Director General of Radio Pakistan and we told them to initiate such local programs (like Constituency Hour) in regional languages to educate and inform people. Even Indian Radio can be heard in FATA which is being used for propaganda purposes and must be closed. Therefore, we should launch some standard and quality programs like CRSS that will change the taste of the listeners.