ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a seminar emphasized that Pakistan must not miss out on the enormous opportunity presented by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project despite the ruling elite’s strong social and economic links with the West, which have previously impeded progress on the multi-billion-dollar project.
The remarks were made during a seminar titled “Navigating Challenging Times: US-China Relations and Pakistan,” organized by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) in Islamabad. The event brought together lawmakers, former diplomats, retired military officers, academics, and regional trade and international relations experts to discuss the complexities of US-China relations and their impact on Pakistan.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute, emphasized that the future lies in regional economic connectivity. He stressed the need for Pakistan to open its borders, avoid a new cold war, and redefine national security to include human security, climate change, energy, food security, water scarcity, population, and education. Senator Mushahid highlighted the strategic strength of the China-Pakistan relationship, stating that China needs Pakistan and vice versa.
Retired Lieutenant General Muhammad Masood Aslam, former Corps Commander Peshawar, emphasized that Beijing has its own strategic interests that drive strategic and economic investments in Pakistan. He noted that the rivalry between the US and China has led to a closer relationship between the US and India, which has complex implications for Pakistan and the broader geopolitical landscape of South Asia and the Indian Ocean.
Aslam urged Pakistan to prioritize economic diplomacy and make it the main pillar of its foreign policy. He stressed the importance of focusing on areas such as food security, climate change, health, technology provision, counterterrorism, and poverty alleviation. He emphasized that Pakistan’s diplomacy must be closely linked with its economy.
Political analyst Afrasiab Khattak echoed the sentiment that Pakistan’s historical connections and economic dependence on the West have hindered its transformation. He stressed the importance of not missing the great opportunity presented by CPEC and suggested that Pakistan should diversify its economic relations with the Middle East, China, and neighboring countries as part of its transformation.
Khattak also warned of a potential new cold war and expressed concerns that Pakistan could be used by the Western world against China, cautioning that militancy structures still exist within the country. He called for fundamental policy changes and maintaining relations with all neighboring countries, including China, Afghanistan, Iran, and even India.
Farhatullah Babar, a leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former senator, emphasized the need for Pakistan to prioritize regional peace and trade, which are essential for economic development. He called for a review of the country’s economic model, stating that the current model is not conducive to growth.
Amir Rana, Director of PIPS, highlighted the challenge Pakistan faces in balancing its relations with the US and China. He noted that while the US is an old ally, China is Pakistan’s neighbor. Rana pointed out that vested business interests in Pakistan are primarily tied to the West, creating a critical challenge and obstacle to transformation.
 The seminar shed light on the importance of seizing the opportunities presented by CPEC, navigating the complexities of US-China relations, and redefining Pakistan’s foreign policy to prioritize regional economic connectivity and cooperation.
