Senior Chinese official says Pakistan’s security challenges undermining investor confidence

Update Senior Chinese official says Pakistan’s security challenges undermining investor confidence
In this handout photograph, taken and released by Pakistan’s foreign ministry, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (center, right) meets Liu Jianchao, Minister of Central Committee of the International Department of Communist Party of China, in Islamabad on June 21, 2024. (Photo courtesy: MOFA)
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Updated 21 June 2024
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Senior Chinese official says Pakistan’s security challenges undermining investor confidence

Senior Chinese official says Pakistan’s security challenges undermining investor confidence
  • Liu Jianchao raises concern over the issue after several Chinese workers were targeted by militants in Pakistan
  • The Chinese official also asks political parties to work together and deal with complex challenges facing Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A senior Chinese official on Friday identified Pakistan’s internal security deficit as a major challenge undermining investor confidence while addressing the 3rd Meeting of the Pakistan-China Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM), which brought together representatives of all major Pakistani political parties.
Liu Jianchao, a prominent Chinese political figure, serves as the Minister of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China, a key position that involves managing relationships with various political organizations around the world.
He arrived in Pakistan on Thursday night to co-chair the JCM meeting, focusing on the progress and future direction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Liu voiced concern over Pakistan’s internal security situation, as militant groups in the region have targeted Chinese nationals working on various CPEC projects around the country in recent years.
“We need to improve security and the business environment,” he said while addressing the forum. “Security threats are the main hazards to CPEC cooperation. As people often say, confidence is more precious than gold. In case of Pakistan, the primary factor shaking the confidence of Chinese investors is the security situation.”
“Without security, the business environment cannot really improve,” he continued, adding this may undermine development in the longer run.




Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar (right) meets a senior Chinese Communist Party leader Liu Jianchao in Islamabad, Pakistan on June 21, 2024. (@ForeignOfficePk/X)

Earlier, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar told the meeting the CPEC enjoyed full political support in his country while members of several rival political factions sat around the conference table.
However, the Chinese official also urged Pakistani politicians to work together to deal with the complex challenges facing the country.
“In the turbulent world of rising uncertainties, stability within a country is essential for the development of that country,” he noted. “Faced with complex internal and external challenges, Pakistan is navigating carefully the turbulent rivers and treacherous shores. Only when all political parties in a country join hands to ensure political and social stability can there be sustainable development.”
Liu also mentioned the “Western social media,” saying it had a huge impact on younger generation and was eroding the foundations of China-Pakistan friendship.
He pointed out the strategic nature of relationship between the two countries had yet to translate into mutual understanding and affinity between their people, emphasizing exchange programs on multiple levels to foster greater friendship.
The Chinese official said his country wanted to upgrade CPEC and take it to the next level of development to benefit the people of the region.
He praised Pakistani law enforcement agencies for capturing suspects who have “so badly sabotaged” the security situation in the country.
He also expressed optimism that the two sides would continue to cooperate with each other, adding that Pakistan would remain a major destination for Chinese businesses and investors in the coming years.
JIANCHAO MEETS PM SHARIF
The Chinese official met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad to discuss bilateral relations and the ongoing progress of CPEC projects, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement. 
Sharif noted it was a matter of “great satisfaction” that there was complete political consensus in both countries about CPEC.




Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (right) meets a senior Chinese Communist Party leader Liu Jianchao in Islamabad, Pakistan on June 21, 2024. (Photo courtesy: PMO)

“The Prime Minister underlined that early completion and implementation of all ongoing, as well as new CPEC projects, would contribute significantly toward Pakistan’s economic growth and inclusive development,” the PMO said. 
Sharif also stressed the importance of enhanced exchanges between Pakistan’s and China’s political parties to share experiences, build capacity in various sectors and adopt people-centered governance structures, the PMO said.
Sharif later hosted a banquet in Jianchao’s honor and for the Chinese delegation, which was also attended by representatives of major Pakistani political parties.

ARMY PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT FOR CPEC
Liu separately met Pakistan’s Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in the eastern city of Rawalpindi, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said.
The two discussed matters of mutual interest, including regional peace and stability, and reviewed progress on CPEC, the state-run media said.
“The COAS reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the strategic partnership with China and pledged full support for the successful implementation of CPEC, a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI),” APP said.
Liu commended Pakistan’s efforts in maintaining regional peace and stability, acknowledging the support of the country’s armed forces in providing security to Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan, APP reported.




Security personnel inspect the site of a suicide attack near Besham city in the Shangla district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on March 26, 2024. (AFP)

The Chinese official expressed satisfaction regarding the overall progress on CPEC projects, reiterating Beijing’s commitment to its timely completion, the state-run media added. 
Liu’s trip to Islamabad comes only days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his five-day visit to China where he met with the top political leadership along with a number of investors and representatives of top technology companies.
The two countries principally agreed to usher CPEC into its second phase, expanding beyond the initial focus on infrastructure and energy to include broader economic and social development goals.
The new phase emphasizes rural revitalization, agricultural modernization, industrialization and green development, among other things.


Pakistan calls for stronger global action on social development at UN

Pakistan calls for stronger global action on social development at UN
Updated 30 sec ago
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Pakistan calls for stronger global action on social development at UN

Pakistan calls for stronger global action on social development at UN
  • Senior Pakistani diplomat tells the world body lack of resources hindering global social development efforts
  • Pakistan calls for an overhaul of the international financial system, seeks debt relief for developing nations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday urged the international community to step up financial and structural support for developing nations struggling with social inclusion, warning that a lack of resources is holding back efforts to reduce poverty and economic disparity.
Speaking at the 63rd Session of the Commission on Social Development, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that despite decades of international commitments to social progress, inequality remains widespread.
He pointed out that 65% of the world’s population lives in countries where income disparities are growing, while 57% of people in these nations report distrust in public policies, making social cohesion even harder to achieve.
“We are conscious of how indispensable social cohesion is to achieving prosperity and sustainable development,” Ahmad said, adding that Pakistan has prioritized poverty eradication, employment generation and social inclusion with a strong focus on social protection.
He highlighted national initiatives such as the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, micro-financing schemes, universal health coverage, and e-governance reforms, aimed at improving public service delivery and economic stability.
Ahmad emphasized that the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha this year in November presents a crucial opportunity for world leaders to move beyond rhetoric and implement practical solutions for global social progress.
He called for stronger commitments to expanding social safety nets, noting that nearly half of the developing world lacks access to basic protections. He also urged greater support for labor rights, including minimum wage guarantees, protections for informal workers and equal pay policies, arguing these measures were essential for sustainable economic development.
Pakistan also stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in governance, linking these to efforts to combat corruption, improve public service delivery and reform tax policies.
Ahmad further called for an overhaul of the global financial system to make it more equitable, pressing for comprehensive debt relief for developing nations and the reallocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) toward social welfare programs. He also underscored the importance of investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, particularly for vulnerable economies.


International Atomic Energy Agency chief arrives in Pakistan to discuss nuclear cooperation

International Atomic Energy Agency chief arrives in Pakistan to discuss nuclear cooperation
Updated 37 min 52 sec ago
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International Atomic Energy Agency chief arrives in Pakistan to discuss nuclear cooperation

International Atomic Energy Agency chief arrives in Pakistan to discuss nuclear cooperation
  • Pakistan is has benefitted from IAEA’s technical cooperation program covering nuclear medicine and energy
  • Pakistan seeks inclusion in Nuclear Suppliers Group, says its atomic program meets global safeguards criteria

ISLAMABAD: Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a two-day official visit, during which he is scheduled to meet key political leaders, attend seminars, and visit a nuclear power generation site, the foreign office said.
The IAEA is the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, overseeing global efforts to promote safe and peaceful applications of nuclear technology. Pakistan has cooperated with the agency since 1957 and maintains an active civil nuclear power program under its safeguards.
While Pakistan is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it has voluntary safeguards agreements with the IAEA and actively engages with it on nuclear security to ensure its facilities meet international safety standards.
“Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano @rafaelmgrossi, has arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit,” the foreign office announced on X, formerly Twitter.
“Pakistan is one of the largest recipients under IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Program, covering nuclear energy, health, water resource management, food & agriculture. His visit deepens Pakistan-IAEA partnership on peaceful uses of nuclear technology.”
During his visit, Grossi will hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
He will also participate in seminars hosted by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). Grossi’s itinerary includes visits to the Chashma Nuclear Power Generating Station (CNPGS) and Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Oncology Lahore (INMOL), a medical facility that offers free cancer treatment.
Pakistan, which is a member of the IAEA Board of Governors, has been advocating for inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), arguing that its nuclear program meets international safeguards criteria.
The country actively engages in IAEA conferences, policy discussions and technical workshops, reinforcing its commitment to peaceful nuclear applications.


Pakistan, Bangladesh plan to launch passenger and cargo shipping services as ties warm up

Pakistan, Bangladesh plan to launch passenger and cargo shipping services as ties warm up
Updated 12 February 2025
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Pakistan, Bangladesh plan to launch passenger and cargo shipping services as ties warm up

Pakistan, Bangladesh plan to launch passenger and cargo shipping services as ties warm up
  • Pakistan and Bangladesh were once one nation, but split in 1971 as a result of a bloody civil war
  • Ties between both nations have warmed up since PM Hasina’s ouster due to an uprising in Aug.

KARACHI: Pakistan and Bangladesh have decided to launch passenger and cargo shipping services between the two countries, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) said on Tuesday, amid a thaw in ties since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.
The statement came after a meeting between Bangladesh High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan and PNSC Chairman Sultan Ahmed Chawla, aimed at discussing avenues for enhanced maritime cooperation between the two nations.
Pakistan and Bangladesh were once one nation, but they split in 1971 as a result of a bloody civil war, which saw the part previously referred to as East Pakistan seceding to form the independent nation of Bangladesh.
In the years since, Bangladeshi leaders, particularly ex-PM Hasina, chose to maintain close ties with India. Ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh have warmed up since Hasina’s ouster as a result of a student-led uprising in August, witnessing a marked improvement.
“A key outcome of the discussion was the decision to initiate passenger and cargo services between the two countries, facilitating smoother travel and boosting people-to-people connectivity in trade, industry and ship agency matters,” the PNSC said in a statement.
The development follows interactions between top officials of both countries on bilateral and multilateral forums.
The head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif twice since taking office on Aug. 8. Last month, Pakistani and Bangladeshi envoys held a meeting in the United Arab Emirates, wherein they proposed direct flights from Dhaka to Islamabad and Karachi.
In January, Pakistan and Bangladesh signed a landmark agreement to establish a joint business council, during the visit of a Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) delegation to Dhaka. The Trade Corporation of Pakistan has also signed a memorandum of understanding for rice export to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Khan expressed optimism about the positive impact of the recent developments, noting that enhanced maritime connectivity will further strengthen bilateral trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries, according to the PNSC.
Chawla reaffirmed the PNSC’s commitment to supporting regional trade initiatives and emphasized the corporation’s readiness to facilitate seamless logistics between the two countries.
“The meeting concluded with both sides reiterating their dedication to exploring new opportunities for collaboration in the maritime sector, aiming for a prosperous future for Pakistan and Bangladesh,” the PNSC added.


Pakistan inaugurates newly renovated Karachi stadium ahead of Champions Trophy

Pakistan inaugurates newly renovated Karachi stadium ahead of Champions Trophy
Updated 11 February 2025
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Pakistan inaugurates newly renovated Karachi stadium ahead of Champions Trophy

Pakistan inaugurates newly renovated Karachi stadium ahead of Champions Trophy
  • In addition to new pavilion, 350 LED lights, two digital replay screens and over 5,000 new chairs have been installed at the stadium
  • Champions Trophy will be staged from Feb. 19 to Mar. 9 in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, while India will play their matches in the UAE

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday opened the newly renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi, ahead of the 50-over Champions Trophy tournament.
The facility features world-class dressing rooms for players and match officials, complemented by high-quality hospitality rooms, according to the PCB.
In addition to the new pavilion, 350 LED lights and two digital replay screens have been installed at the stadium to improve broadcast quality, besides the addition of over 5,000 new chairs to enhance spectator comfort.
The eight-team Champions Trophy will be staged from February 19 to March 9 in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, although arch-rival India’s matches will be staged in the United Arab Emirates after they refused to play in Pakistan.
“This upgrade is a testament to our vision of elevating Pakistan’s cricketing venues to international standards,” PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement.
“The National Bank Stadium, which last saw a major overhaul during the 1996 World Cup, now stands as a modern, world-class facility that will not only host domestic and international matches but also provide players and fans with a top-tier experience.”
Pakistan last held a major tournament in 1996, when it co-hosted the World Cup with India and Sri Lanka, before a forced hiatus over security concerns.
Nearly 5,000 dedicated workers contributed tirelessly to transforming the Karachi stadium, ensuring its full operational readiness for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Naqvi said the “incredible” workforce behind the stadium’s transformation deserved immense appreciation.
“Their hard work has made it possible for us to proudly present the National Bank Stadium as a world-class venue, ready to welcome top cricketing action,” he added.
Last week, Pakistan also opened the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore after a 117-day renovation work, during which LED floodlights, larger score screens, new hospitality boxes and upgraded seating were installed.


Pakistan and Uganda challenge World Anti-Doping Agency listings, review clears Uruguay

Pakistan and Uganda challenge World Anti-Doping Agency listings, review clears Uruguay
Updated 11 February 2025
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Pakistan and Uganda challenge World Anti-Doping Agency listings, review clears Uruguay

Pakistan and Uganda challenge World Anti-Doping Agency listings, review clears Uruguay
  • All three were put on WADA's watchlist in September 2024 over "outstanding non-conformities" to the agency's updated anti-doping code
  • The Olympic committees of Pakistan and Uganda have notified WADA they plan to "dispute the allegations of non-compliance against them

MONTREAL: The World Anti-Doping Agency's announced Friday that a review committee recommended the removal of Uruguay from its compliance watchlist, while Pakistan and Uganda vowed to fight accusations of code violations.
All three were put on WADA's watchlist in September 2024 over "outstanding non-conformities" to the agency's updated anti-doping code.
Some of the states' legislation was also alleged to be in conflict with those rules.
In a statement, WADA said Uruguay's national anti-doping organization provided information and documentation that showed "critical corrective actions had now been corrected in full."
As such, the agency's Compliance Review Committee recommended the withdrawal of a notice of non-compliance against Uruguay.
If the Executive Committee agrees, there would be no sanctions applied to Uruguay.
The Olympic committees of Pakistan and Uganda, meanwhile, notified WADA they plan to "dispute the allegations of non-compliance against them, as well as the proposed consequences, and the conditions of reinstatement," the global anti-doping body said.
The two cases would be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for consideration "in due course."
No penalties will be imposed until the court rules.
There are currently four signatories to WADA's code that are non-compliant: Cameroon and Russia, the International Federation of Basque Pelota and the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation.
Sanctions bar non-compliant nations or organizations from hosting major sporting events and from flying their flag at sporting events.