Sino-Pak relations: from Bhutto to Zardari

Since assuming office, President Asif Ali Zardari has declared relations with China as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. To enhance and cement the bilateral relations, Zardari decided to visit China quarterly. The recent visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to China is the 5th in a series of visits that started since assuming the office in 2008. Zardari’s visit came at a time when Pakistan faces a difficult economic situation because of war against terrorism and when China has embarked on a policy to redefine its economic objectives with Pakistan in particular and the world in general.

It is important to mention here that since President Zardari assumed office, Pakistan and China have concluded 60 agreements. The main focus of the recent visit was on the new economic initiatives that have been launched recently. It includes building hydro dams, expanding banking operations, transfer of hybrid seed technology, roads and communication networks, cooperation in the agriculture sector by focusing on optimal utilisation of water and development of new high yielding varieties of wheat and cotton, Thar Coal Project and dredging of Tarbela reservoir.

President Zardari has continued his policy initiatives that were taken with his first state visit of China in October 2009. During his first state visit Pakistan and China signed 11 agreements on trade and economic cooperation, infrastructure projects, agriculture, mining and communication. In order to realize his objectives and to give practical shape to his ideals president Zardari visited China again in 2009. Several MoUs were signed between China and Pakistan to promote political understanding and cooperation between the two ruling parties. Zardari’s efforts were hailed by Chinese media.

President Zardari highlighted the need to cooperate in economic and energy sectors. It is worth mentioning here that during his first state visit President Zardari was greeted with 21-gun salute presented to any Pakistani head of state after over a decade.

By focusing on China on a priority basis President Zardari has continued the policy initiated by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the founder of the PPP and the prime minister of Pakistan in the 1970’s. Bhutto as foreign minister during the Ayub regime convinced the latter to open up with China. Bhutto visited Beijing and signed trade and military agreements with the Chinese government. As a result of these agreements China offered help to Pakistan in a number of military and industrial projects. Sino-Pakistan boundary agreement was signed in 1963. In the 1970’s the PPP government under Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto kept close relations with China.

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto followed in the footsteps of her father and cemented close ties with China. Recognising the efforts of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto in cementing closer ties between Pakistan and China, President Hu Jintao on October 26, 2008 said, “Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto made prominent contributions to the initiation and development of the China-Pakistan relationship, which the Chinese people will never forget.”

President Zardari has continued the Bhutto legacy of maintaining close relations with China. He has reiterated time and again that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was the person who founded Pakistan’s relationship with China at a time when China was ostracised from the international community. Zardari has given a fresh impetus to those relations by announcing to visit China every three months.

President Zardari wants to build a robust relationship with China. During his first visit, Asif Ali Zardari visited different regions of China to get an eye witness account of Chinese economic development. He hailed China as “the future of the world.” During his recent visit Zardari met business and energy leaders of China. The main focus of these meetings was joint economic projects, promoting regional connectivity, counter militancy and terrorism, harnessing new sources of energy and enhancing people to people contacts between the two countries. The president addressed a forum in Beijing whose main focus was energy security for Pakistan.

Since Pakistan is a neighbour of the resource rich countries in the Middle East, Central Asia and West Asia, the president emphasized the need to establish energy trade corridors among these countries. China has also announced 50 million Yuan grant to Pakistan to undertake new projects. The two countries also signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation. In this regard four MoUs were signed by the two presidents. They include health, agriculture, and geological survey.

The two sides agreed to hold meeting of the Pak-China Joint Economic Forum in Islamabad to decide on a host of issues ranging from currency swap to opening of branches of Chinese banks in Pakistan and relocating industries in the industrial zones. The Chinese commerce minister will visit Pakistan in this regard.

In order to fulfil Pakistan’s energy needs the China National Energy Administration will work out with Pakistani authorities modalities of tackling Pakistan’s energy needs. In order to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic ties both countries decided to set up a special committee for the purpose.

In order to enhance regional connectivity both sides discussed the 500 million dollars Karakorum Highway up gradation and the National Trade Corridor. Both countries agreed to modernise transportation and trade. In a meeting with the Chinese ministers for Water Resources and Agriculture, President Zardari reviewed progress on the hybrid seed and irrigation projects. China also decided to increase scholarships for Pakistani students.

China has responded to Pakistan’s one China policy with an assurance to support Pakistan at UNO and at other multilateral forums. China has also assured Pakistan of full support in war against terrorism. While describing Pak-China relations President Hu Jintao said, “China is a friend and a strategic partner committed to the promotion of stability and economic progress of Pakistan. The two countries will continue to work together to further deepen people to people contacts.” To this president Zardari said, “It is our belief that Pakistan can act as force multiplier for China and we will continue to work towards this end.”

In order to fulfil Pakistan’s energy needs China has announced to install two nuclear reactors in Pakistan. On this president Zardari said that both the countries will honour their non-proliferation obligations while installing the reactors.

While commenting on President Zardari’s visit to China, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said, “We believe that this visit of President Zardari has consolidated and deepened the traditional friendship of the two countries as well as boosted friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between the two parties which made it very successful visit.”

Viewing by these developments which took place during Zardari’s visit to China it can be concluded that the visit was a great success. Pakistan can draw benefits from Chinese experience and development in the technological field. Pakistan needs China and China needs Pakistan as both are confronted by a hostile neighbour. The writer is a Provincial Minister Sindh & Secretary Information PPP Women Wing Sindh,

Jostling, jeering and jabbering

Hey, I have a question. Why does it always have to be the Bhutto/Zardari children who get to visit China? This truly hurts my feelings sometimes. I mean, what's wrong with my children? Why don't they ever get to fly a free flight to China? Trust me, my children are a good-looking lot too. They photograph very well, are entirely Pakistani, come from a lineage of taxpaying ancestors and, to top it all, one of them even looks Chinese! I am sure if somebody could teach them how to eat with chopsticks, they would literally shine in China. Don't you think it is a matter of human rights here? The VIP children are regular globe-trotters, whereas my poor kids haven't even seen the Karachi airport. Tusk tusk, and I thought we were a democracy.

Please don't think I have anything against the Bhutto children. Those of us who have grown up on Benazir Bhutto's politics, and find her life struggle hopelessly romantic, have sure followed the aspect of her life called motherhood. O sure we love the Bhutto/Zardari trio. Who wouldn't who has a heart? We still well up every time we see the baby pictures. But as BB's voters, what we sure don't understand is what exactly young Bilawal was doing sitting next to President Obama, or why his picture once appeared next to the Quaid's on a billboard, or why Asifa appears on a polio vaccine advertisement.

Hey, I have a question. When are they going to find something for Bakhtawar?

But then a very strong argument is: who cares? This seems to be a pretty weighty argument around here, this 'who cares?' business. Especially when there is so much going on inside the country, who really cares what the VIP kids clap at in China, or which governor they endorse on a billboard? The only people who care are the agents of the establishment, namely the J for journalists, constantly conspiring to discredit the government 24/7.

Hey, I have a question. Who was trying to discredit the government in the US when the Obama girls planned that trip to Indonesia along with their daddy? Although the trip was official with some tracing of familial roots thrown in, and was later cancelled; yet we did hear something that sounded like taxpayers' expense!

But then this is Pakistan where since time immemorial there has been a tradition of grooming the VIP children to become future leaders. So it is grooming that is happening in China these days. Hey, I have a question. Since it is OK to groom one's kith and kin while on job doing business for the country, what is wrong with Shahid Afridi's children? Why don't we allow him to groom his children on the field and rid ourselves of the cricket board? The only thing he will have to do is give them a cricket ball to chew, tie a blindfold around their heads, and let them loose around the field. The more they run around clueless, dropping catches, munching balls, and hurting their fingernails or earlobes, the more they will be groomed for the future of cricket in Pakistan.

You know, this suggestion of mine is quite a hit in the Punjab Assembly. All the MPs have decided to do some grooming and brooming while on job. The strategy is three 'J'ayed; focusing on the art and craft of jostling, jeering and jabbering. The learners can take notes if they want to. The only condition is that they will have to spell their journals with a G.

Or was it generals with a J? Hey, wait a minute, I have a question…

Jostling, jeering and jabbering

Hey, I have a question. Why does it always have to be the Bhutto/Zardari children who get to visit China? This truly hurts my feelings sometimes. I mean, what's wrong with my children? Why don't they ever get to fly a free flight to China? Trust me, my children are a good-looking lot too. They photograph very well, are entirely Pakistani, come from a lineage of taxpaying ancestors and, to top it all, one of them even looks Chinese! I am sure if somebody could teach them how to eat with chopsticks, they would literally shine in China. Don't you think it is a matter of human rights here? The VIP children are regular globe-trotters, whereas my poor kids haven't even seen the Karachi airport. Tusk tusk, and I thought we were a democracy.

Please don't think I have anything against the Bhutto children. Those of us who have grown up on Benazir Bhutto's politics, and find her life struggle hopelessly romantic, have sure followed the aspect of her life called motherhood. O sure we love the Bhutto/Zardari trio. Who wouldn't who has a heart? We still well up every time we see the baby pictures. But as BB's voters, what we sure don't understand is what exactly young Bilawal was doing sitting next to President Obama, or why his picture once appeared next to the Quaid's on a billboard, or why Asifa appears on a polio vaccine advertisement.

Hey, I have a question. When are they going to find something for Bakhtawar?

But then a very strong argument is: who cares? This seems to be a pretty weighty argument around here, this 'who cares?' business. Especially when there is so much going on inside the country, who really cares what the VIP kids clap at in China, or which governor they endorse on a billboard? The only people who care are the agents of the establishment, namely the J for journalists, constantly conspiring to discredit the government 24/7.

Hey, I have a question. Who was trying to discredit the government in the US when the Obama girls planned that trip to Indonesia along with their daddy? Although the trip was official with some tracing of familial roots thrown in, and was later cancelled; yet we did hear something that sounded like taxpayers' expense!

But then this is Pakistan where since time immemorial there has been a tradition of grooming the VIP children to become future leaders. So it is grooming that is happening in China these days. Hey, I have a question. Since it is OK to groom one's kith and kin while on job doing business for the country, what is wrong with Shahid Afridi's children? Why don't we allow him to groom his children on the field and rid ourselves of the cricket board? The only thing he will have to do is give them a cricket ball to chew, tie a blindfold around their heads, and let them loose around the field. The more they run around clueless, dropping catches, munching balls, and hurting their fingernails or earlobes, the more they will be groomed for the future of cricket in Pakistan.

You know, this suggestion of mine is quite a hit in the Punjab Assembly. All the MPs have decided to do some grooming and brooming while on job. The strategy is three 'J'ayed; focusing on the art and craft of jostling, jeering and jabbering. The learners can take notes if they want to. The only condition is that they will have to spell their journals with a G.

Or was it generals with a J? Hey, wait a minute, I have a question…

PPP set to observe July 5 as black day

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is set to observe July 5 (today) Black Day - when the elected government of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was toppled by Gen Ziaul

Haq.

Leadership and workers of the PPP every year observe July 5 as Black Day to pay homage to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and laud his services to the country, democracy and the poor masses. A number of events and functions would be organised on this day across the country to eulogise Bhutto. In the federal capital, the PPP has arranged functions at the National Press Club (NPC) as well as at the Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi - the place of assassination of former chairperson of PPP Benazir Bhutto.

Saleemur Rehman Meo, the PPP Human Rights Wing Punjab president, said that a programme would be conducted at the NPC and the day would always be remembered as the hallmark of great struggle of PPP workers to challenge the dictatorship and the worst trial, flogging and years-long imprisonments, they had faced.

He vowed to continue struggle to beat the undemocratic forces and blocking the course of dictatorship forever in Pakistan.Amir Fida Paracha, the PPP city president, Rawalpindi ñ the main organiser of the ceremony to be held at Liaquat Bagh, has termed the Martial Law of July 5, 1977 as a turning point in the history of the PPP.

“The credit again went to the then leadership of the PPP to reunite the scattered nation due to the worst-ever martial law of General Ziaul Haq who had trampled down the rights of people,” he remarked.

Nancy Pelosi pays tribute to Benazir Bhutto at documentay premiere

WASHINGTON, June 30 (APP): Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi paid glowing tribute to Pakistan’s martyred prime minister Benazir Bhutto as politicians and policymakers gathered at the premiere of a documentary chronicling courageous life and democratic contributions of the popular leader.“She gave hope for future of the country and was a model of women’s development,” Speaker Pelosi told the gathering including American lawmakers, intellectuals and Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani, senior Pakistani diplomats and Ms. Sanam Bhutto, Benazir’s sister and only living sibling.

Speaker Pelosi recalled her meeting with the Muslim world’s first and youngest woman prime minister in 1989, when Benazir Bhutto visited Washington and met with members of US Congress. Pelosi described the meeting with the young leader as a “thrill of the lifetime.” Pelosi spoke at the National Geographic Society headquarters where ‘Bhutto,’ a riveting documentary on life and work of the Pakistani icon of democracy - was screened by the Independent Television Service.
Speaker Pelosi told the audience she found Benazir Bhutto an “informal and unassuming” figure, although she was an immensely popular and fascinating politician.
She was a “great leader in the world,” Pelosi said of Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated on December 27, 2007, months after her return to Pakistan.
Ambassador Husain Haqqani, paying tribute to one of the most popular and influential leaders of the era, said Benazir Bhutto represented aspirations of the Pakistanis for modern democracy, empowerment of the poor and a model for intelligentsia. “She was a tolerant leader and had full faith in democracy, an inspiring figure for the people desiring change in their lives,” he added.
The ambassador informed the audience how the former prime minister motivated people to stand up against extremism and said she was the first politician who “fearlessly” spoke against parochialism.
Highlighting her ideas and ideals for democratic advancement, Ambassador Haqqani hoped that Pakistan would become a modern democracy as envisioned by Benazir Bhutto.
The 150-minute documentary captures the epic tale of the life, career, and assassination of Benazir Bhutto, who broke the glass ceiling as the first elected woman leader of Muslim world.
A post-screening discussion hosted by PBS NewsHour’s Judy Woodruff provided additional perspective on the film and Benazir Bhutto’s life and work. The film’s director Duane Baughman and producer Mark Siegel participated and answered questions.

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park inauguration today

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park located on Boat Basin will be inaugurated on Wednesday (today) by Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Senator Almas Perveen.

Party sources disclosed that the decision to have Senator Parveen to inaugurate the park was taken on the directive of President Asif Ali Zardari who wished that a party worker should be handed the task. Senator Parveen has long been associated with the PPP and started as a worker in the party. Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, his cabinet members and prominent citizens have been invited as guests to the inaugural ceremony.

Work on Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park started two year ago. Located on around 50 acres of land situated at Boat Basin, Clifton, the park was built under Zardari’s Green Karachi programme and is the most expensive park in Pakistan with a sum of Rs. one billion having been spent on it. However, to date, half of the park remains incomplete and yet another two million would be spent on the construction of this portion.

Officials confirmed that the cost of one tree planted in the park is Rs45000 and hundred of such trees have been planted in the park. Most of the decorative items have been imported from China. PPP’s women wing chief, MNA, Faryal Taplur, who is also the sister of Zardari, has supervised the construction and purchasing of the beautification items installed in the park.

Though one half of the portion was completed six months ago, President Zardari was invited more then four times to inaugurate the park. However, arrangements for the inauguration were postponed at the last minute as every time the president changed his mind, official concerned informed.

Benazir Bhutto inscribed into law by NA vote

ISLAMABAD: In a historic move, the National Assembly inscribed Benazir Bhutto’s name into law by its vote on Monday, unanimously passing a pro-poor bill after the main opposition party gave up a blocking amendment amid “long live” slogans for the assassinated leader.

However, the Benazir Income Support Programme Bill, based on a presidential ordinance already in operation, will need approval by Senate to become a permanent law.

An amendment in the name of the opposition PML-N’s 87 members had sought to rename the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) provided in the bill as Qaumi (national) Income Support Programme but was greeted with “no, no” chants and slogans of “long live Shaheed Benazir Bhutto” from members of the ruling PPP, and was withdrawn after Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani called for giving a legislative recognition to the former prime minister’s sacrifice for democracy.

The programme under the ordinance too was named after the former PPP leader and twice-prime minister who was assassinated in a gun-and-bomb attack on Dec 27, 2007, outside Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh park after she had addressed an election campaign rally there.

But the National Assembly’s was a rare legislative vote to inscribe a political leader’s name into a law.

PML-N member Zahid Hamid, who moved the amendment, said his party had “the greatest respect” for Ms Bhutto and her sacrifice and that her legacy should be honoured by good governance rather than by naming roads, hospitals and airports after her.

But his argument was opposed by Dr Donya Aziz of the PML-Q who saw “nothing wrong” in giving such posthumous honour to Ms Bhutto.

The prime minister said BISP was Ms Bhutto’s own idea and it was working well for the past two and half years without any fingers raised about its impartial functioning to provide financial help and other social and safety net measures to economically distressed persons and families.

“In view of the prime minister’s remarks, we withdraw the amendment,” Hamid said, paving the way for a unanimous passage of the bill when it was put to voice vote by Speaker Fehmida Mirza.