China's sincere ties with Pakistan just can't be described only as "deeper than oceans, higher than Himalayas and sweeter than honey". They are much above all these metaphors. If, however, one tries to Describe Pak-China relations, one would have to borrow words from the spiritual world to explain this deep and dependable friendship.
In this manner, Pak-China ties can be described as some kind of a spiritual relationship which doesn't wane whatever the circumstances. Neither conspiracy, nor negative propaganda can cause decline in this strong bond of time-tested friendship which has stood the test of times.
Now let us analyse as to how much deep this friendship is and what makes us believe that it is more of a spiritual relationship that can't wither away with the passage of time.
The first and foremost example of these cordial ties can be witnessed in the common behaviour of Chinese people vis-a-vis the people of Pakistan. Those who have had opportunities to visit China will fully endorse this contention. The people of China have immense love for the people of Pakistan as if they were born together as twin brothers. The present Chinese leadership uses the term "Iron or Steel Brothers" for this infallible relationship which is not mere symbolism but a concrete reality as proved in practical terms.
Yes, practically it has been proven that both China and Pakistan are time-tested friends. Apart from the friendly people-to-people contact, the practical manifestation of Pak-China friendship is spread over a long, unending series of development projects of all scales, mega as well as medium scale projects particularly those projects in which the contemporary world's finance leaders and lenders have been imposing tough preconditions (conditional ties' is the technical jargon) that would impede the creation of smooth environment for the final launching and takeoff of such development projects. China has filled this void and vacuum with the help of its powerful economic base and capacity and has undertaken projects for Pakistan's development and economic turnaround on easy terms and conditions. ie with complete sincerity. By easy terms and conditions it means providing financial and technical support without any negative conditionalities or without any preconditions that smack of imperialistic, hegemonic mannerism. Obviously, the Chinese' ever-willing co-operation in all measures and dimensions spells out total sincerity on the part of Chinese friends who are determined to transform Pakistan into the region's (or Asia's) economic tiger without any ego issues. The ongoing projects speak for themselves. Look at their size and direction. All of them are going to strengthen Pakistan economically as well as strategically.
For example the 40 plus billion dollar package of Economic Corridor and the allied projects, are going to be some of the modern wonders of the world not only that they would bring in such a huge investment in the country but because they will also lead to creation of thousands of job opportunities. And, by the way, CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) is not just a network of roads. It is a much broader set of projects and schemes. CPEC is rather an umbrella project, spreading over entire Pakistan from South to North comprising several projects on energy, infrastructure, health, education and clean drinking water etc.
However, there are some misconceptions about CPEC that it is the name of a single road or a rail alignment or that it is aimed at competing with other ports or that it is being executed through loan money etc. All these opinions are ill founded. The authentic information about the route and alignment of CPEC project says that it will go further to the upcountry in the north through N-85 and MS connecting Gwadar with Quetta. Both of these sections of highways are under work and will be completed by 2016 on priority basis which will also connect our existing infrastructure. The road network under CPEC is aimed at bridging those missing links which create hindrance in establishing connectivity of Gwadar with the rest of the country. In this backdrop, it won't be wrong to describe CPEC as transformation of Pakistan from geo-strategic position into geo-economic position. The fact is that it is through CPEC that China offers opportunity to Pakistan to meet the energy crisis by adding 10400 MWs of electricity mainly on the basis of cheap coal and hydel energy projects spread all over the country. Besides those mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, these projects include 900 MW Sukki Canari in KPK, coal projects in Thar Sindh and energy projects in Balochistan, GB and Kashmir etc to be completed by the year 2017/18 and additional 6645 MWs of early harvest projects for energy are on the actively promoted list with China's collaboration. Moreover, the deposits of coal reservoirs in Thar will be exploited through CPEC. Gwadar's significance will attain its zenith as Gateway of CPEC and new Gwadar International Airport will make it a smart port city having commercial and tourist facilities like Singapore or Dubai. Technical and vocational school will also be established here for skills' development of Baloch people.
The people of Pakistan will be happy to know that China is not only providing technical know-how and expertise but also contributing financially and by sending its manpower where necessary ( some semi-skilled or unskilled Chinese workers are comparatively more well-versed in handling sophisticated equipment and working on specialised projects).
Now the Chinese President is due in Pakistan. The theme of this visit is the creation of a new paradigm in Pak-China relations focusing on economic growth and development. The visit rather marks the beginning of new geo-economic relations between both countries. It is yet another golden opportunity for Pakistan to learn from China's remarkable economic growth especially from its model of social solidarity and political stability. Moreover, Pakistan is the first country among various other countries that would be visited by the Chinese President. This clearly reflects the importance of Pakistan and the depth of Pak-China relations. As for lasting peace in the region and in the world, the Chinese President's visit will give tremendous boost to efforts for peace.
One is left with no choice other than commending the wise and timely steps undertaken by the government of Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif for strengthening the already cordial and strategic ties with China in a diversified way.
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