Domestic stability is critical to advancing the development of Pakistan, this has been echoed by the head of the CPC’s international department, Liu Jianchao during his recent visit to Pakistan. This visit came in the wake of the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China during which key decisions of mutual pertaining to development were agreed. Liu Jianchao’s visit is to prepare the ground for the implementation of these decisions; this is why internal stability plays such an important role.
Liu Jianchao is a diplomat and he also plays a major role in the CPC which is the ruling political party of China. It is the internal stability that he highlighted as essential for Pakistan to overcome all the current problems and step into a new model for its development during the third meeting of the China-Pakistan consultative mechanism on the CPEC. He stressed the problem of enhancing the security situation to attract investment and noted the necessity of the political institutions’ and parties’ adaptability.
Liu’s comments encapsulate the following paradigm that nothing can developmental or economic progress in Pakistan unless stability is attained within the country.
The Pakistani government has introduced the concept of the “Five Es” to focus on five critical areas that can help achieve common goals for the people of both countries. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for collaborative efforts. Liu emphasized that party-to-party contacts are an essential component of bilateral relations. By understanding each other’s development philosophies, political parties in both countries can play a crucial role in turning strategic blueprints into reality. This approach fosters mutual respect and a deeper understanding, facilitating smoother cooperation and implementation of joint initiatives.
One of the notable announcements made by Liu Jianchao was the provision of scholarships and vocational training for Pakistani youth by the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC). This initiative is expected to cultivate a skilled workforce, which is essential for the successful execution of CPEC projects.
Investing in education and vocational training aligns with the broader goal of sustainable development and economic empowerment, ensuring that the youth are well-prepared to contribute to and benefit from these projects.
The meeting saw an unprecedented consensus among all political parties in Pakistan, including Tehreek-e-Insaf and other opposition factions. This unity reflects a collective commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and countering any adversarial intentions against China-Pakistan cooperation. The presence of key political figures such as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Tehreek-e-Insaf Senator Syed Ali Zafar, Maulana Fazlur Rehman of JUI (F), MQM’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, People’s Party’s Hina Rabbani Khar, Stability Pakistan Party’s Manza Hassan, National Party’s Senator John Muhammad, and senior politician Afrasiab Khattak highlighted the significance of this meeting.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed optimism about the second phase of CPEC, believing it will further solidify the Pak-China friendship. Maulana Fazlur Rehman highlighted the national consensus on CPEC, affirming that Pakistan-China relations transcend political differences. Senator Ali Zafar from Tehreek-e-Insaf emphasized the urgency of accelerating project timelines, reflecting the collective commitment to the timely completion of CPEC projects.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, in his opening remarks, highlighted the significant employment opportunities created by CPEC, underscoring the tangible benefits already realized. The consensus demonstrated at the meeting on sustainable and enduring Pakistan-China relations is essential for securing Pakistan’s future.
This unified stance among political leaders underscores the importance of internal stability for continued development and prosperity.
Liu Jianchao’s assertion that internal stability is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s development is a critical observation. Without a stable internal environment, attracting investment and fostering economic growth remains a formidable challenge. It is imperative for Pakistan’s political leadership and state institutions to work towards national reconciliation and embrace peaceful dialogue to resolve differences. This approach will create a conducive environment for development, encouraging both domestic and foreign investments.
The path to prosperity lies in maintaining internal stability, which will pave the way for the successful implementation of strategic initiatives like CPEC. By ensuring a secure and stable environment, Pakistan can unlock its full potential and achieve the shared goals set forth in its partnership with China. The collaborative efforts between the two nations, rooted in mutual respect and understanding, are poised to bring about significant changes, fostering development and economic growth.
Finally, the recent diplomatic engagements between Pakistan and China underscore the critical importance of internal stability for development. Liu Jianchao’s visit and the consensus among Pakistani political parties highlight a unified commitment to this goal. By focusing on internal stability, improving security, and fostering political flexibility, Pakistan can attract investment and achieve sustainable growth. The collaboration between Pakistan and China, especially through initiatives like CPEC, represents a promising pathway to prosperity, provided internal stability is maintained. This strategic partnership, rooted in shared goals and mutual respect, is essential for the future development of both nations.
The writer is graduate in Media Studies from NUML.