All-Weather, Time-Tested, and All-Dimension friendship has passed another test. On 23rd November 2018, at 9.15 AM, few terrorists attacked and tried to enter into Chinese Consulate in Karachi. But Pakistani security forces repulsed the attack and killed three terrorists on the spot while, two policemen were also martyred. No one was able to enter the Consulate, and all of its Chinese staff members are safe and sound.
The incident was condemned widely at national level as well as internationally. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has also expressed his serious concerns and ordered an immediate and full investigation of the unfortunate incident. He asked to identify the forces behind this act of terrorism, their planners, master minds, trainers, facilitators, and financers, all need to be identified and will be dealt strictly as per the laws. He also expressed his commitment to further strengthening the deep-rooted friendship with China and continuation of the CPEC project on a fast track.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi telephoned his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi regarding the terrorist attack. He apprised Wang of the details of the attack and highlighted the prompt action of Pakistani law-enforcement officials.
Qureshi also informed Foreign Minister Wang about the deaths of the two security officials who had helped in the quick resolution of the crisis. He further assured Wang that a thorough investigation would be carried out to apprehend the perpetrators, their financiers, planners and facilitators.
Wang strongly condemned the terrorist attack and said he appreciated the quick, prompt and effective action of Pakistan security and law-enforcement forces, two of whom sacrificed their lives to protect the Chinese diplomatic mission. He said the attack was an attempt to impact Sino-Pakistani relations and to harm the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) mega-project.
The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad issued a statement on the unfortunate incident and condemned the act of terrorism. It also praised the bravery of Pakistani security forces and expressed satisfaction that Pakistan had taken measures to protect the Chinese nationals in the consulate.
The hero of the Karachi counter-terror operation was a female assistant superintendent of police, Suhai Aziz Talpur. She rushed to the site immediately after being informed of the incident and led the operation in a highly professional manner and got the situation under control quickly. She was admired for her efficient and duty fullness by the Pakistani authorities as well as by Chinese authorities too.
Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA), a notorious terrorist outfit has claimed responsibility. BLA has a track record of terrorism in past and banned in Pakistan. But is being operated from India. Even one of the injured terrorist is getting medical treatment in India. The leadership of BLA is India based and RAW is providing them training, and money for terrorism in Pakistan.
Unfortunately, the notorious Intelligence Agencies of India “RAW” and Afghanistan “NDS” are engaged in various terrorist activities in Pakistan for several years. RAW was allocated a budget of 500 million Dollars to sabotage CPEC. In a matter of fact, during the last 4 decades of Afghan-War, many other hostile intelligence agencies have developed their network and are active against Pakistan. Due to porous and lengthy border with Afghanistan, they find it convenient to enter into Pakistan and conduct their heinous crimes against the humanity.
With the rise of China as a global power, the US wants to limit China’s further development and its influence globally. BRI is a mega initiative of China for promoting connectivity, development of Infrastructure, trade, and interaction among nations throughout the world. China is opening its market to rest of world and promoting globalization, while US is reverting back toward protectionism and stick to slogan “America First”. Developing countries found Chinese approach of BRI interesting and beneficial for their own development. Till date around 100 countries and International Organizations, including UN, have recognized the BRI initiatives. With the rapidly growing recognition, Chinese influence has also gotten momentum globally and has emerged as a global political power. The US could not digest it and took it as a threat and now trying to curtail China. The US is also using other nations to counter China too. India is US “Major Defense Partner” (MDP) and working closely with the US to counter China.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being the flagship project under BRI, is also facing resistance from the US and its allies like India. Recently arrested Indian Naval Officer who was spying in Pakistan has admitted Indian official involvement in destabilizing Pakistan and sabotaging CPEC. There is evidence available, where India was involved directly or through NDS in terrorism in Pakistan.
Under the current prevailing the economic and political situation of Pakistan, it is easy to identify the disgruntled people, which they train, brain-wash and finance for such crimes. Pakistan’s constitution provides protection of freedom of expression and some people misuse it, and spread hate, extremism, and intolerance. Such notorious Intelligence Agencies It is easily find executers in Pakistan.
The message to all enemies of Pakistan is that Pakistan is fully committed to taking all necessary measures to provide robust security to all Chinese nationals in Pakistan and CPEC projects. Our brave security forces are strong and vigilant and ready to task any new challenges. Pakistan has sacrificed two precious lives to protect our most dear friends and “Iron Brother”. China and Pakistan will continue to cooperate to thwart the designs of hostile forces against their time tested friendship. We firmly stand with each other at all difficult moments in the history as well will stand with each other in future too. Nobody should try to undermine our traditional friendship.
