Pakistan’s investment in security can ensure CPEC safety for future

Editor’s Note:

A deadly suicide blast took place on Wednesday at a hotel hosting the Chinese ambassador and diplomats in Quetta in southwest Pakistan. The bomb had detonated minutes before their scheduled return to the hotel. The Pakistani Taliban later claimed responsibility for the attack. As US troops are expected to completely leave Afghanistan by September 11, what security challenges does Pakistan face following the US withdrawal in terms of its relations with China, the US and Afghanistan? Global Times ( GT) reporter Wang Wenwen talked to Yasir Habib Khan ( Khan), founder and president of the Institute of International Relations and Media Research in Pakistan, on these issues.

GT: Who exactly were the targets of this suicide blast?

Khan: As per my perspective, it is premature to claim categorically that the attack was deliberately targeting Chinese people. It will take time to gather the pieces of clues to reach a conclusion.

Besides, as far as the Taliban’s statement to claim responsibility is concerned, it does not contain any information or drop the slightest hint that the attack aimed to hit Chinese people.

So, this might be evidence that invalidates such brewing conceptions so far. But again, time will tell after the investigation progresses further.

GT: How would you analyze the security situation in Pakistan in recent years, especially regarding the Chinese people and Chinese projects in Pakistan? Is it worsening or improving?

Khan: Except Quetta and some parts of Balochistan, if analyzed on the whole, keeping in view the entire length and breadth of Pakistan, the security scenario is improving.

Meanwhile, sporadic incidents happened, like the terror attack on the Chinese Consulate General in Karachi and the PC Hotel in Gwadar, a few yards away from the Gwadar Port, which was being administered by a Chinese company where a number of Chinese people work.

Fortunately, these acts of cowardice were thwarted with no Chinese casualties or injuries.

GT: Can Pakistan ensure the safety of China- Pakistan Economic Corridor ( CPEC)?

Khan: I think so far, security coverage being extended to CPEC projects seems to be up to mark with a margin of likely further improvement in terms of intelligence- sharing and deep synergic cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Facts reveal that CPEC projects are in progress in Punjab, Balochistan, KPK and Sindh. Hundreds of people ( Pakistanis and Chinese) have been working there even during the night. In recent times, no incident has occurred that may raise a question mark on the safety and security scene.

During the last couple of years, Pakistan started to invest in its security sector apparatus and created several new armed units within the military and civilian police domains. Besides the aforementioned security measures focusing mainly on Gwadar and the larger maritime component of the CPEC, the central authorities also boosted their police capacities to ensure law and order along the corridor.

GT: What security challenges does Pakistan face after the US withdrawing all its troops from Afghanistan by September 11 in terms of Pakistan’s relations with China, the US and Afghanistan? Khan: It is believed that if any country is to be afflicted after the US withdrawal, it will be Pakistan, due to its strained relations with both the Afghani government and numerous Taliban groups, especially Tehrik- e- Taliban Pakistan

( TTP).

In recent times, after many military operations, Pakistan uprooted TTP networks and breathed a sigh of relief. In case the TTP regains its position in the territory of Pakistan after the US leaves Afghanistan high and dry, Pakistan’s security might be compromised again.

However, it is fortunate that Pakistan has almost established a deterrence in the face of expected challenges.

So, it is hoped that Pakistan will be well protected if any untowardness may ensue.

Regarding relations with China in the upcoming scenario, there is consensus that China has stood the test of time through thick and thin. Simultaneously China also cannot afford any disability in Pakistan as any unrest may negatively impact its own security and counterterrorism measures.

In terms of the US, I deem that Pakistan will continue to engage the US, because even with their withdrawal, America will continue to perpetuate its presence in various shapes to remain relevant.