Resolutions passed in the International Kashmir Conference organised by UKPNP in Leeds, England.
Conference: Growing extremism, intolerance and fundamental rights; and future of South Asia.
Renowned human rights activists, thinkers, lawyers, journalists, authors, political leaders with forward looking approach participated.
United Kashmir People's National Party(UKPNP)
Date: 19 July 2022 Our Ref: DrSCH/7-2022
Plate of POJK people is full problems, they have no interest in proxy politics and proxy struggle, Dr Shabir Choudhry
UKPNP leader and President of Foreign Affairs Committee, Dr Shabir Choudhry said, ‘people of Pakistani Occupied Jammu and Kashmir are suffering from oppression, injustice and enormous social, political and economic problems; and they have no interest in proxy struggle and proxy politics purpose of which is to divert attention away from the local issues’.
Dr Shabir Choudhry was referring to social media reports in which it was reported about 'sit in' Tetri Note on 22 July; and possible response of the POJK authorities. In this context it was alleged that Sardar Shaukat Kashmiri and ‘Dr Shabir Choudhry Group’ were behind this ‘sit in’ and promoting this cause.
Dr Shabir Choudhry said, there is no such thing as ‘Dr Shabir Choudhry Group’. ‘We are all united under the leadership of Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri; and we have no time to support proxy politics and the proxy struggle of those who in collusion with the Pakistani secret agencies have brought havoc in Kashmir’.
UKPNP leaders further said, ‘We are pro people and pro peace party, and sincerely want to fight and promote the issues which directly concern local people. It is sad to note that whenever, local people start speaking about local problems of Pakistani exploitation, oppression, injustice electricity, shortage of clean water high prices and hold rallies and public meetings against occupiers, the JKLF groups divert attention from the local problems and hold rallies and sit ins near the LOC, as if solution to our problems lie in Srinagar’.
There are serious human rights abuses taking place in various parts of POJK, including in Muzaffarabad and in Neelam Valley; and Wasim Malik of Muzaffarabad is so much humiliated and frustrated that he wants to go back to the Indian side of Kashmir from where his grandparents came, and yet champions of proxy war and proxy struggle can only see wrong doings taking place in Srinagar.
Sadaqat Mughal Kashmiri has pointed to a number of wrongdoings by the local officers in the Neelam Valley, but the ‘proxy warriors’ have no courage to hold a demonstration there or hold a ‘sit in’ to support victims of the Neelam Valley. They have no courage to speak out in favour of Waseem Malik who because of ill treatment wants to go and live on the other side of the divide. END
Tel: 0044 7790942471 Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
United Kashmir People's National Party(UKPNP)
Date: 19 July 2022 Our Ref: DrSCH/7-2022
Plate of POJK people is full of problems, they have no interest in proxy
politics and proxy struggle, Dr Shabir Choudhry
UKPNP leader and President of Foreign Affairs Committee, Dr Shabir Choudhry said, ‘people of Pakistani Occupied Jammu and Kashmir are suffering from oppression, injustice and enormous social, political and economic problems; and they have no interest in proxy struggle and proxy politics purpose of which is to divert attention away from the local issues’.
Dr Shabir Choudhry was referring to social media reports in which it was reported about 'sit in' Tetri Note on 22 July; and possible response of the POJK authorities. In this context it was alleged that Sardar Shaukat Kashmiri and ‘Dr Shabir Choudhry Group’ were behind this ‘sit in’ and promoting this cause.
Dr Shabir Choudhry said, there is no such thing as ‘Dr Shabir Choudhry Group’. ‘We are all united under the leadership of Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri; and we have no time to support proxy politics and the proxy struggle of those who in collusion with the Pakistani secret agencies have brought havoc in Kashmir’.
UKPNP leaders further said, ‘We are pro people and pro peace party, and sincerely want to fight and promote the issues which directly concern local people. It is sad to note that whenever, local people start speaking about local problems of Pakistani exploitation, oppression, injustice electricity, shortage of clean water high prices and hold rallies and public meetings against occupiers, the JKLF groups divert attention from the local problems and hold rallies and sit ins near the LOC, as if solution to our problems lie in Srinagar’.
There are serious human rights abuses taking place in various parts of POJK, including in Muzaffarabad and in Neelam Valley; and Wasim Malik of Muzaffarabad is so much humiliated and frustrated that he wants to go back to the Indian side of Kashmir from where his grandparents came, and yet champions of proxy war and proxy struggle can only see wrong doings taking place in Srinagar.
Sadaqat Mughal Kashmiri has pointed to a number of wrongdoings by the local officers in the Neelam Valley, but the ‘proxy warriors’ have no courage to hold a demonstration there, or hold a ‘sit in’ to support victims of the Neelam Valley. They have no courage to speak out in favour of Waseem Malik who because of ill treatment wants to go and live on the other side of the divide. END
Tel: 0044 7790942471
Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
Lives of those who challenge Pakistan state narrative are at risk.
Dr Shabir Choudhry. 12 February 2022
Human rights activists and dissidents who live in Europe and dare to challenge policies of the Pakistani state are in danger. They must not assume that because they live thousands of miles away from Pakistan, therefore, they are safe.
Pakistani ruling elite, their foot soldiers and proxy warriors intimidate, harass and attack those who oppose and defy the state policies of Pakistan. This happens in nearly all European countries where dissidents with conscience reside and expose wrongdoings of those who promote extremism, violence, religious hatred and intolerance.
This victimisation can be in different shapes and forms. In extreme cases, dissidents could be killed, and it will appear to be an accident or a suicide. Easy way to frighten and intimidate them is by arranging a burglary in their houses or shops. In some cases, they burn their business. In addition to that, a systematic and nefarious propaganda campaign is unleashed on social media and in society to alienate these rebels or human rights activists.
In some cases, these human rights activists are denied passports, and other relevant papers which adds to their problems. Their family members and friends are cautioned to maintain their distance if they want to avoid problems and social stigma.
Tentacles of those who want to silence all voices of dissent are spread over many continents. One such loud voice of Karima Baloch was silenced in Toronto forever; and many were intimidated and silenced for some time.
Another strong Baloch voice was silenced in Sweden, and that had a ripple effect on many other dissenters. The most recent, and much publicised incident was that of Ahmed Waqass Goraya, who lived in Holland, and systematically exposed wrong doings of the Pakistani establishment.
A detailed investigation led by Metropolitan Police Counter Terror Command resulted in arrest and subsequent trial of Muhammad Gohir Khan, who lived in East London.
A British court in London heard that a ‘hitman’ of Pakistani origin was hired to kill Ahmed Waqass Goraya. The ‘hitman’, Muhammad Gohir Khan, was offered £100,000 to assassinate Ahmed Waqass Goraya in Rotterdam, Holland.
A jury in London Crown Court, after hearing the proceedings of the case, unanimously found Muhammad Gohir Khan guilty of conspiring to kill the Pakistani dissident Mr Goraya.
Muhammad Gohir Khan exchanged around 2,000 WhatsApp messages with his ‘handler’, who was known as ‘Mudz’. In these messages they ‘discussed and agreed to the contract killing of a Rotterdam based Pakistani blogger and activist’. He confirmed that he joined the ‘project’ because of the financial gains, otherwise he did not know who Ahmed Waqass Goraya was; and what was his crime to deserve assassination.
In the messages Muhammad Gohir Khan asked his ‘handler’ or the middleman to provide him with a ‘tool’ (gun) that he could accomplish the task of killing
Mr Goraya. In reply, Mudz or Muzzammil wrote: “It’s not a SHARK… A little fish… Little knife / hook / worm with a string is enough.”
What this meant was that a knife should be sufficient to complete the ‘project’. After the completion of the project, Muzamil who was also known as ‘Ali’, ‘Zed’ and ‘Papa’ was to receive 20% of the total bounty. It means £80,000 for the ‘hitman’ and £20,000 for his ‘handler’, Muzzamil.
To simplify this task, in my opinion, those who were behind this might have allocated £200,000 for this project. The boss gave go ahead to Mr A. Mr A took his share, which could be up to £50,000. He delegated this task to Mr B, who took his share and delegated it to Mr C. He, after taking his share, delegated it to Muzzamil or Mudz.
Even if the target was successfully eliminated, still there was no way anyone could reach back to the Boss. It means, the man behind this may never be revealed and punished.
Just over a year ago, I had a phone call from one Pakistani. After some salutations, he said, I know you are an ardent supporter of an independent Jammu and Kashmir, and in that context, you criticise Pakistani policies. In my opinion, you are not anti-Pakistan or a traitor, but sadly you are in touch with those who are anti Pakistan and agents of enemies of Pakistan. If you are a well-wisher of Pakistan, and don’t want to be listed among those elements then help us to trace these people and teach them a lesson.
I told him that I do not interact with anyone who is anti-Pakistan or a traitor. It is sad that those who criticise Pakistani policies and demand fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan are projected as anti-Pakistan and traitors.
He ignored my comments and demanded to have details of a man called Rashid Murad, who runs a TV called RMTV, and broadcasts a programme called Kharian Kharian.
I told him I have never met him and have no details about him. Also, I said, even if I had his address or other details, I would not provide it to anyone. It is not my role, and I do not betray my friends. He interrogated me for some time, but I did not entertain him.
Many people were assigned this task of gathering information about critics of Pakistan. I cautioned some friends to be cautious. It is sad that some people changed their stance to suit the needs of Islamabad, hence, now they are in their good books.
My message to all true nationalists of Jammu and Kashmir is that be on your guards, enemies of our struggle can harm you and your business.
According to the BBC the Pakistani officials refused to comment on this case. I don’t blame them. What can they say about this shameful incident? Perhaps the wrong person was chosen for the job, and Mr Goraya was lucky.
Government officials claim there is no clampdown on freedom of speech in Pakistan and the army denies interfering in politics, but human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about a series of violent attacks in Pakistan on journalists and activists who accuse the military of manipulating the country’s electoral system. The threat to Pakistani dissidents extends to those outside the country too, BBC commented.
Dr Ayesha Siddiqa, a Pakistani academic and a critic of Pakistan says that the British Police told her that they had “credible information” that there was threat to her life if she was to travel back to Pakistan. She told the BBC: “there was a contract on my head given to some Afghan warlords to be eliminated on return to Pakistan… if the temperature was raised I could be targeted in the UK as well.”
Both Ahmed Waqass Goraya and Dr Ayesha Siddiqa believe the Pakistani secret agencies were behind this, as there was ‘no one else to suspect.’
Like Mr Goraya, Dr Siddiqa told the BBC she believed the Pakistani intelligence services were behind the threat, “I have no one else to suspect.”
Writer is President Foreign Affairs Committee, United Kashmir People’s National Party, author of many books, political analyst and human rights activist.
Email: Drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
Hypocrisy or negligence of ‘nationalists’ of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Shabir Choudhry
11 February and 11 Shaheeds. One was hanged by India, and 10 were killed by Pakistan.
1. On 11 February 1984 Maqbool Butt was hanged by India. That is one shaheed.
2. On 11 February 1990, 3 Shaeeds, namely Farrakh Qureshi, Liaquat Awan and Sajjad Anjum were killed in Chakothi, Muzaffarabad by Pakistan.
3. On 11 February 1992, 7 shaeeds namely, Khani Zaman, Altaf Shah, Khalil Rehman, Raja Sajjad, Fareed Ahmed, Ishtiaq Ahmed and Mushtaq Rathor were killed in Chakothi, Muzaffarabad by the Pakistan army.
4. This means, out of 11 Shaheeds of 11 February, 10 were killed by Pakistan. We ‘nationalists’ of Jammu and Kashmir are so wise and loyal that on 11 February, we hold demonstrations against the country that killed one person who was accused of a murder, and remain quiet about the killings of ten citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.
5. Why are there no demonstrations against on 11 February, which killed ten citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, who were totally innocent and there were no charges of any kind against them.
6. With this double standard and approach, we expect the international community to believe us that we are true nationalists, and that we are ‘struggling’ against both countries.
7. Trust me, we are not fooling the international community, we are only fooling ourselves. With this strategy we can continue our ‘struggle’ for the next hundred years, and there will be no positive outcome, because we are walking or running in the opposite
direction.
Pakistan is going through a very difficult phase again with a begging bowl in hand. Dr Shabir Choudhry. 01 January 2022
As I am not permitted to go back to my village situated in Pakistani Administered Jammu and Kashmir, I phoned my relative to find out about my relatives, and other people in the village and in the area. After discussing family matters, I asked him about the political situation. He said, ‘Uncle situation is the same as it was 60 years ago.’
I did not understand him and asked him to explain what he meant. He said:
‘Sixty years ago, people were told that the country was going through very difficult phase, and the army needs support to defeat conspiracies of enemies of Islam and Pakistan. Now, in 2022, we are given the same sermon. Like the political and military leadership of today, the ruling elite of that time was also running to Washington and Beijing for support.’
He paused for a moment, and said, ‘What has changed since that time is that Pakistan lost East Pakistan, and the country is more divided, more unstable, more alienated internationally, weaker economically and carries intolerable debt burden.’
I agreed with his assessment of the situation in Pakistan. The future of Pakistan looks bleak, and the man who is supposed to be a Chief Executive of Pakistan is apparently more interested in personal vengeance and wealth accumulation.
However, one thing goes in his favour, the man has tremendous experience in fundraising. He is smart, persuasive and shrewd. In Pakistan there is a renowned welfare organisation called Edhi Foundation, which has seven decades of experience in collecting money from people and helping the poor.
Imran Khan, as the Prime Minister of Pakistan met Faisal Edhi, Head of the Edhi Foundation, and instead of providing funds for his brilliant work for the poor and the needy, managed to obtain a big amount of Rs 10 million from him.
This shows how good he is as a fundraiser. Since becoming Prime Minister of Pakistan, he has made good use of his fund-raising skills, and the begging bowl has never come back empty.
This week he is going to China with a multi-purpose visit. Apart from requesting more money from China he will also be requesting the Presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan.
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His target is to collect $3 billions from China, $1 billion from Russia and $1 billion from Kazakhstan. Despite his valuable experience, smartness and shrewdness, it is a difficult task to bag $5 billion. However, I am sure that Mr Khan will not come back empty handed, as China will provide more funds in order to protect their previous funding.
In addition to fund raising, Imran Khan will try to woo the Chinese to trust him with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is in extensive care because of the Pakistani government’s lack of interest, irresponsibility and wrong policies.
Imran Khan is not going on a state visit to China. He is going there for the inauguration of the Winter Olympics, which is boycotted by many countries of the West. Imran Khan being a former sportsman, who had not ‘seen the Winter Olympics’ wanted to see that, and use the occasion to advance his political and economic agenda. This also suited the Chinese, as they will have a smart guest among other statesmen.
During the visit, Imran Khan will not have an opportunity to meet the Chinese President Xi, or other important Chinese leaders. His team is bending their backs to get an opportunity to have a photo session with President Xi. That also looks out of the window. The Chinese side said Imran Khan could be among others in a joint photo session.
This does not serve the interests of Imran Khan and his team. They wanted to send this message that Imran Khan is still an important person in the world. If the American President doesn’t want to talk or phone ‘great’ Imran Khan, that is his loss, as other important leaders like Putin and Xi Jinping value his worth.
Imran Khan and his team don’t give up that easily. After failing to get a meeting and a photo session with President Xi, now they are trying to persuade the Chinese to, at least, let him stand next to President Xi in the joint photo session.
It is sad that the Chinese do not understand the sensitivities of Pakistani politics, and political needs of Imran Khan. So far, the Chinese don’t appear to be in a mood to oblige Pakistan with this honour, because they know what Imran Khan and his government has done to the CPEC. Their view is that our protocol team will decide who will stand where and which line.
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Imran Khan will assure the Chinese that he will fully support the second phase of the CPEC with a new enthusiasm and determination. He and his team will try to persuade the Chinese that they should trust his wisdom, as he will personally oversee the CPEC projects, and ensure the implementation.
I am sure the Chinese are not that naïve to buy this at its face value. They may know that wherever Imran Khan has taken a personal interest in affairs of Pakistan and governance, he has made a mess of that magnitude that could not be corrected easily.
While Imran Khan will try to win over the Chinese with his charm, bluffs and
maybe with a history lesson on history and culture of China or on wisdom
of Confucianism, his ‘boss’ will endeavour to win America's support for Pakistan.
Some Pakistani analysts express their surprise, as to why the country's two most powerful men are out of the country at the same time, and conducting their activities in two different countries which are opposing and competing with each other.
One view is that both countries have strong views on the CPEC and on the Belt and Road Initiative, and both are competing with each other in political, economic, arms and strategic fields. Pakistan wants to be friendly with both of them - it is like having a foot in each boat; and the ride is full of problems and hazards.
Some analysts are of the opinion that it is imperative for Pakistan to assure America that both countries have many things in common, and that their friendly relations must not be influenced because of relations of other countries.
Some Pakistani analysts even suggest that General Bajwa wanted to take Washington into confidence, as to what he and his team wants to do in Pakistan. By this they mean, future political discourse of Pakistan. In other words, what to do with this inept and hopeless government.
In addition, he wants to reassure Washington that the CPEC and relationship with Beijing will not jeopardise relations with America. Furthermore, he must emphasis
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that Islamabad will not be part of any agenda that can harm the American interests; or let the CPEC or Gwadar be used against America.
Some experts are of the opinion that one task of Imran Khan is to assure the Chinese that they will not take dictations from America or the International Monetary Fund to endanger the joint ventures of Beijing and Islamabad.
Beijing will be reluctant to trust the Pakistani government because of past lies, mistrust and let downs. For example, after the Dasu terrorism in which many Chinese died Pakistan said, bus tyre burst which resulted in accident. The Chinese did not agree with that, as they knew it was a terrorist attack, and they demanded compensation for the families of the deceased.
Apart from that, in certain contracts between China and Pakistan there were some secret agreements which must not be shared with any other country, or with any international organisation or made public. It is an open secret now that Pakistan, under pressure from the IMF and to obtain more funds Pakistan shared those secret details with the IMF.
In view of this, the political environment for both Imran Khan and General Bajwa
will not be very comfortable. Despite all the odds, I believe both will not come back
empty handed.
Writer is President Foreign Affairs Committee, United Kashmir People’s National Party,
author of many books, political analyst and human rights activist.
Email: Drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
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CPEC is dead, is it?
Dr Shabir Choudhry 27 January 2022
Pakistani political, military elite and businessmen have stopped investing in the CPEC, which clearly indicates that these projects are not economically viable, claims Farooq Trimizi. His contention is if these projects were economically beneficial then why is it that the Pakistanis with money are investing elsewhere and not in Pakistan.
He further wrote ‘the more Pakistanis learn about the true costs of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the less inclined they are to want to participate any further than we already have. 1
Perhaps this was an overstatement. The CPEC was not dead. Those who appointed Imran Khan as the Prime Minister of Pakistan wanted him to accomplish certain tasks, which included sabotage of the CPEC. Within one year of his appointment, the economy of Pakistan was minus, and Pakistan was back to the IMF with a begging bowl. The CPEC, which was supposed to be a ‘game changer’ for Pakistan was put on the back burner, and later it was shifted to intensive care.
After observing these changes taking place in Pakistan, the writer, Farooq Trimizi asserted that the CPEC was dead. It was not. China with its military and economic power will not let the CPEC die, as it is fundamental to the success of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
It must be noted that the BRI is very carefully planned and ruthlessly executed by China to achieve its ambition of becoming a great military and economic power which enables them to call economic, military and strategic shots in certain areas of the world. The ruling elite in Beijing strongly believes that they deserve to be acknowledged as a Great Power status.
After flirting with China for some years Pakistan’s top ruling elite has rediscovered that China could not replace America. China is a good neighbour with some common interests with Islamabad, and that relationship should continue, but the ruling elite has many more things in common with America and the West.
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In other words, it will be foolish to put all eggs in Beijing’s basket, which has different culture, aspirations and future ambitions, as that may not be in consonant with the lifestyle, culture and agenda of the ruling elite of Pakistan.
It is true that friends and foes change with time. When national interests clash between friends, then friends can become enemies. Historically Pakistan has changed pay masters and friends. Some Pakistani officials claim that among those countries which want to invest in the CPEC projects include Saudi Arabia and UAE. They don’t tell people how much Saudi Arabia and UAE have invested in India, and how close they have become over the past year.
These ‘genius’ people think Saudi Arabia and UAE want to invest because of two reasons: “First it aims to help Pakistan to stabilize its economy. Second purpose is to have an upper hand in the geo-political chessboard particularly against Iran by investing and giving bailout packages to Pakistan.” 2
Nong Rong, Beijing’s envoy to Islamabad had a meeting with General Bajwa, where both discussed CPEC, bilateral relations and Imran Khan’s three days visit to China 3 February to 5 February. Imran Khan shall participate in the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics scheduled to take place in China.
Apart from that, Imran Khan will endeavour to iron out obstacles between China and Pakistan, especially on the issue of China Pakistan Economic Corridor. There are serious issues like security of the Chinese employees working in Pakistan, pace of many projects, which are not functioning and more loans.
Apart from that, some Pakistani analysts think during the visit Imran Khan will venture to persuade the hosts that the Chinese interests will also be safe if Imran Khan remains as a Prime Minister. In addition, he will try to persuade them that there was no need to bring back ‘convicted’ Nawaz Sharif.
People of Pakistan still remember what he did and said when he was in opposition to damage the interests of Pakistan. He did not hesitate to occupy state properties and openly encouraged a civil war, issued warnings to law enforcement agencies, and even requested other countries not to help Pakistan. In other words, the man
2
is spineless, unpatriotic, power hungry, and can share a bed with Satan to stay in power.
Critics claim their sources in the Foreign Office of Pakistan confirm that a similar plea was made to Washington. The American leadership did not take the bait, as they were not in favour of Imran Khan and the current hybrid regime. After this fiasco, Imran Khan and his colleagues thought why not seek help from China.
Now, Imran Khan and his team are propagating that the CPEC is beneficial to Pakistan, and that they will start the CPEC with new determination. Also, they will restart the ‘one window’ service for all the CPEC operations, which was established by Nawaz Sharif. In view of the Pakistani analysts, Beijing is not inclined to meet Imran Khan or discuss anything related to the CPEC. The best the Chinese leadership can do is to ‘honour Pakistan’ by having a photo session with Imran Khan. 3
It must be pointed out that two major attacks last year angered the Chinese, one was the attack on a bus carrying the Chinese workers from the Dasu hydropower plant in July 2021. The other incident was an attack on a hotel in Quetta in April, where the Chinese envoy was also staying during his visit to Balochistan.
China was furious that their workers, despite many promises of fool proof security, were not safe in Pakistan. They demanded better security arrangements and compensation for the killed and injured employees. Pakistan, in principle, has agreed to pay compensation for the dead and injured employees, but no compensation plan is finalised yet.
In a meeting with Nong Rong, Beijing’s envoy, General Bajwa reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to provide full security to the Chinese workers, and ensure that there will be a ‘safe and secure environment’ for employees of all CPEC projects. 4
Pakistani officials and their supporters, generally castigate all criticism related to the CPEC by saying it is an Indian propaganda or a discourse of enemies of Pakistan. At times, the Chinese officials also call criticism of CPEC as ‘fake news’; or propaganda of those who don’t want Pakistan and China to do well.
3
On 20 January 2022, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian, in a reply to a question about slowing down of the CPEC projects in Pakistan, and because of disagreements, and non-approval of new loans and new projects asserted:
‘This is pure fake news. ‘Noting that under the CPEC framework, new agricultural working groups, information technology working groups and scientific and technological working groups have been established’. 5
In a reply to another question, Zhao Lijian confirmed that there were issues on a loan of Rs 230 billion for the Karachi–Peshawar railway line (ML-1). He said:
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‘It is a huge investment project and relevant departments on both sides are negotiating about it. 6 Some Pakistani analysts observe that the signals emerging from Pakistan’s establishment seems to be that ‘Pakistan’s economic and political orientation’ should not pivot around China, rather ‘Pakistan should retain its historical role as the country that is able to balance its relationship with both China and the United |
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States’. 7 CPEC and East India Company |
Imperialism can fall into three categories: • Colonies,
Protectorates, and
Spheres of influence.
Whether it is Imperialism, New Imperialism or Neo Imperialism, they are all bad for the territory that is confronting them. With time imperialism changed its characteristics. Neo Imperialism appears to be friendly, pro people, and does not believe in physical presence. Imperialism or occupation, whether imposed by gun boat diplomacy or by debt trap diplomacy, is bad, as it is designed to exploit resources and empower themselves.
One definition of Neo colonialism is as follows:
‘Neo-colonialism is the practice of using economic imperialism, Globalization, cultural imperialism and conditional aid to influence a developing country instead of the previous colonial methods of direct military control or indirect political control’.
In other words, neo imperialism is a system where the dominant power does not apply a direct rule. Call it influence or control, it is always indirect, and pressure or control is exercised by influencing the political leaders of the country. The dominant country provides funds to Third World countries for development, defence and economic assistance; and with time the poor countries are entrapped in a web of debt, and lose their sovereignty.
This indirect control is strengthened by powerful and experienced institutions like transnational corporations and global and multilateral institutions. Apart from that, other economic and financial instructions formulate such trade policies in which these poor countries find very little space to manoeuvre. Also, some powerful countries exercise their control through the Financial Action Task Force, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
In view of some Pakistani analysts, American neo-colonialism is better than the Chinese, because America is willing to share some of its wealth with and influence with allies and ‘colonised’ countries. China, on the other hand:
‘Wants to create a global system where wealth and power flow in the direction of China as a means of strengthening it relative to its main rival (the United States), even if that means weakening its allies in the process. 8
Many writers compare the CPEC with East India Company, which came to India for trading purposes. What the East India Company did to India and Indians after they got some foothold in India is a long and tragic story. Some people call the CPEC, East China Company, as they feel their aim is similar to that of the East India Company.
Many Pakistanis are concerned about hidden motives of China. They think the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is just another East India Company (EIC); and China wants to indirectly control and colonize Pakistan. Supporters of this
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argument cite threats of the debt trap, surveillance, security grid, and Chinese domination of local markets to convince others of China’s intentions.
Colonisation of the past centuries is a thing of the past. In the third decade of the 21st century no power in the world has the resources and potential to invade another country and maintain that control, like the colonial powers did in 18th and 19th Centuries.
Throughout human history we note that tribes, countries and empires invade territories for economic prosperity, glory, power and influence. As noted above, neo-colonialism does not want direct control or occupation. They want indirect control and influence to use poor countries to advance their agenda.
When the East India Company came here their intention was not to occupy any territory. With time, they saw an opportunity to occupy and plunder; and their intention and strategy changed, and they occupied the trading company.
With our colonial history and subjugation in mind, people are rightly apprehensive of China, and their future designs. However, it must be noted that when the East India Company came to the Indian Sub-Continent, the share of this region in world trade was around 27%; and after their loot and plunder when they eventually left India in 1947, the trade share was down to 3%.
When East India Company came to this region, India was known as a ‘Golden Sparrow’; and East India Company came here to request some trading rights. When China and the CPEC came, Pakistan at that time was going around the world with a begging bowl, and there was terrorism, energy crises, bad governance, political and economic instability, and future of Pakistan looked very bleak.
China did not come to Pakistan with bags full of money because they loved Pakistan, or they were very generous and good human beings. They also want to do what the East India Company or the British did. Because the Chinese came here at a time when the old brand of colonialism was no longer practical; so, they came with a different strategy, different mechanism and a smile on their face.
Imperialism of Britain or East India Company was visible because of oppression and exploitative economic policies. However, ‘neo colonialism’ of China is not
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visible to ordinary people, and the ruling elite which has made millions of dollars from the CPEC projects; and hope to earn many more millions.
Many Pakistanis feel, despite the end of the British paramountcy or imperialism in the Indian Sub-Continent, they are still not free. Among them is Afzal Sayal who think the colonialism process started by the East India Company has not ended:
‘The departure of colonial powers was nothing but a deception and merely a change of masters. After seven decades of so-called freedom, the natives of this land are still being ruled in the same exploitative manner....One of the biggest tragedies that befell Pakistan right after its inception was that those who were supposed to guard the country on the borders, ruled the nation and seized the executive and policymaking’. 9
Like many others, this Pakistani writer, Afzal Sayal, complains about lack of transparency; and feels all important decisions are made by the Chinese leadership. He thinks the Pakistanis are ‘only the spectators of this project, and not equal stakeholders. Is it not enough to suggest that we are being enslaved’? 10
Afzal Sayal thinks if Pakistan has to make an economic progress, then they have to adopt a ‘Middle Eastern model’, whereby local citizens must be involved with industrial or business enterprises who must be 51% shareholder of the projects. Similarly, if a foreign firm wants to purchase a piece of land, they must find a local partner with 51% share. The company’s workforce must include 50% of the local people. If this is not done, then he asserts, ‘no one can stop Pakistan from becoming a new Palestine’. 11
If all the projects related to the CPEC were brilliant economic projects for Pakistan, which people were told will attract massive foreign direct investment because other countries would also like to benefit from them.
Sane people of Pakistan, need ask the government the following questions:
Where is that foreign direct investment?
How many jobs were created by this foreign direct investment?
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3. If these projects were to boost the economy of Pakistan, why after so many years current account balance is still negative, and getting worse.
4. Why is Pakistan still going around with a begging bowl to seek financial help to pay interest on the loans; and to run affairs of the government?
5. Why have millions of Pakistanis gone down the poverty line, and they are crying out for help?
The relationship between China and Pakistan, especially on the issue of CPEC is explained by a Pakistani writer, like this:
‘CPEC is not an investment into Pakistan, it is structured as a resource extraction exercise. Here is how it works: China announces that it has invested in a project in Pakistan worth, let’s say $1 billion. That $1 billion, however, is required to mostly be spent on Chinese equipment, and labour, a significant portion of which is to be imported from China as well, with very little by way of supplies coming from the local economy’.12
He explains it further by saying that the so-called $1 billion ‘investment’ does not get in the hands of those who manage the Pakistani economy. It does not come to the Pakistani coffers; hence, it does not help the balance of payment or the economy. Instead, that $1 billion stays within China because the Chinese government and state-owned companies pay directly to the Chinese companies for equipment and salaries for the Chinese employees.
This so-called investment will appear in trade statistics, for example, as $1 billion of‘import against which Pakistan will have to arrange foreign currency from somewhere. And it will show up as a liability on the balance sheets of whichever company or government entity is contracting with the Chinese government or state- owned company’. 13
Is it not interesting that a Chinese state-owned company gets $1billion in sales; and a Chinese bank lends $1billion on high-rate interest?
What does Pakistan get:
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Investment of $0.
Imports of $1 billion without importing anything, and of course this adds to
the trade deficit.
Either the government or a Pakistani company will be liable for $1 billion.
‘PM trying to appease China before visit’, writes Shafqat Ali, a Pakistani journalist in English daily, Nation. After throwing a spanner in the works of the CPEC and destroying the economy of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ‘ordered to complete the Special Economic Zones under the CPEC at the earliest and resolve any issues or hurdles.’ Also, he ‘directed the concerned authorities to resolve issues of the SEZs on a priority basis and measures for facilitating the investors should be implemented in the given timeframe’. 14
Imran Khan is bending his back to please the Chinese before his visit on 3 February 2022. A member of Cabinet revealed that Imran Khan ‘will assure the Chinese leadership of expedited work on the CPEC projects and the safety of the Chinese people living in Pakistan. The recent meetings on CPEC and related projects have been part of the government’s efforts to appease China. We want them to be satisfied with the progress of the work on CPEC.” He has ordered removal of 37 regulations ‘to ensure one-window operation for foreign investors.” 15
In my opinion, the CPEC is carefully designed by the experts of Beijing to camouflage the real game plan and agenda, and present it to Pakistan as an attractive deal. It reminds me that this ‘attractive deal’ is just like many Chinese products, which look attractive, but with time their charm and effectives is finished.
We all know the Chinese have gained tremendous strategic, political and economic benefits from the projects related to the CPEC. However, some Pakistani individuals and organisations have also become millionaires. Wise people of Pakistan are questioning, as to what is there for the ordinary people? Has the CPEC helped the economy of Pakistan? Has it helped the balance of payment? Has it helped Pakistan to pay the loans?
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Email: Drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
Reference:
https://medium.com/@farooqtirmizi/cpec-is-dead-somebody-tell-beijing- 9e18a891ff0b
https://www.globalvillagespace.com/china-thanks-coas-bajwa-for- providing-security-to-cpec-projects/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUWifwANpa0
Dawn20January202
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202201/1246547.shtml
Ibid
https://medium.com/@farooqtirmizi/cpec-is-dead-somebody-tell-beijing-
9e18a891ff0b
https://medium.com/@farooqtirmizi/cpec-is-dead-somebody-tell-beijing-
9e18a891ff0b
TheEastChinaCompany,DailyTimes,April6th2018.
10. Ibid
11. Ibid
12. https://medium.com/@farooqtirmizi/cpec-is-dead-somebody-tell-beijing-
9e18a891ff0b 13. Ibid
14. https://nation.com.pk/26-Jan-2022/pm-trying-to-appease-china-before- visit
15. Ibid
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The Pakistani ruling elite, in a military style operation is trying to resuscitate the CPEC, which was declared ‘dead’ by some Pakistanis; and which in my opinion, was in an intensive care unit. If the CPEC is revived, it will enrich and empower some more Pakistanis; and help China to advance their national, regional and international agenda. I hope, at the end of the day, there is something for the people of Gilgit Baltistan, people of Pakistan, and especially people of Balochistan who have been neglected |
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for so many decades. Writer is President Foreign Affairs Committee, United Kashmir People’s National Party, author of many books, political analyst and human rights activist. |
