PAKISTAN and China share a deep-rooted and time-tested friendship that has only grown stronger over the years. With strategic partnerships, economic cooperation and mutual trust, the two nations have established a bond that transcends ordinary diplomacy. However, recent events, particularly the terrorist attack targeting Chinese nationals in Karachi, serve as grim reminders that this relationship faces threats orchestrated by common adversaries.
The Pakistan-China relationship is often hailed as an “all-weather” friendship. Both nations support each other on international platforms and collaborate extensively on defense and economic initiatives. One of the most prominent examples of their cooperation is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC promises to transform Pakistan’s economy, improve infrastructure, and create job opportunities, while offering China a shorter trade route to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
This partnership has made both nations targets for adversaries who view the growing influence of China and the strengthening of Pakistan’s economy as threats to their own geopolitical ambitions. Terrorist attacks like the one in Karachi aim to disrupt these strategic partnerships, creating fear and division between the two nations.
The recent terrorist attack in Karachi that targeted Chinese nationals is part of a larger scheme aimed at undermining Pak-China ties. This is not the first instance; over the past few years, attacks on Chinese workers and engineers in Pakistan have been increasing. These violent acts are aimed at scaring off Chinese investments, derailing CPEC projects, and creating tension between the two allies.
What is clear from these attacks is that they are not just the actions of fringe extremist groups but are part of a broader agenda orchestrated by forces hostile to Pakistan and China’s growing influence in the region. The enemy seeks to drive a wedge between the two countries by exploiting security vulnerabilities and creating instability.
Several regional and global actors are uneasy with the flourishing relationship between Pakistan and China. India, for example, views CPEC as a threat to its own regional dominance, especially as parts of the corridor pass through the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Western powers, particularly the United States, have also expressed concerns over China’s expanding influence in Asia, Africa, and beyond.
Additionally, there are terrorist organizations operating in Pakistan and Afghanistan that are supported by external actors who aim to destabilize the region. These groups receive both financial and ideological backing to carry out attacks, not just against Pakistan, but specifically against Chinese investments and nationals in the country. By attacking Chinese citizens, they hope to pressure Beijing into reconsidering its economic ventures in Pakistan.
The strategy behind these attacks is simple: divide and conquer. The enemy seeks to create rifts between Pakistan and China by sowing mistrust and exploiting security lapses. However, history has shown that Pak-China ties are resilient. The leadership of both countries understands the importance of their relationship and has consistently vowed to counter the threats posed by terrorism.
Both Pakistan and China have condemned these attacks, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening their ties and ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens working in Pakistan. The Pakistani government has taken significant steps to enhance the security of Chinese nationals, including setting up special security forces and increasing intelligence cooperation to preempt future attacks.
To counter the enemy’s tricks, Pakistan and China must continue to strengthen their alliance through diplomacy, intelligence sharing, and economic cooperation. Pakistan needs to address the root causes of extremism within its borders by improving socio-economic conditions and ensuring that external actors supporting terrorism are exposed and dealt with.
On the other hand, China should remain patient and committed to its long-term investments in Pakistan. By working together, both nations can overcome the challenges posed by adversaries who aim to destabilize the region.
In conclusion, the recent terrorist attack in Karachi is a stark reminder that the enemies of Pakistan and China will stop at nothing to derail their relationship. However, both countries must remain united, vigilant, and focused on their shared vision of peace, prosperity, and regional stability. The ties between Pakistan and China are not just built on economic and strategic interests but are also rooted in mutual trust and shared goals. Together, they can thwart the tricks of their enemies and emerge even stronger.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Faisalabad.
