Organization of Islamic Cooperation sg’ a great honour for Pakistan to host the 48th session of OIC's foreign ministers, which 4b attended by 48 countries plus China as special guest, but that doesn’t change the fact that-this ‘group stomp the mos toothless ofits kind allover the world and hardly has any fathers at al ints Cap t0 show forits work for the so-called Ummah.” [Daily Times} me ‘The two-day summit of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad aided witha resolve to promote and protect the common interests of the Muslma World, and support the Sduses of Palestine and Kashmir. OIC Seeretary General Ibrahim Taba’Sgi “Palestine remains high cn the agenda of OIC and was discussed thoroughly. All participating sfinisters reiterated their support fr the Palestine cause. The question of Jammu and Kashmir was thoroughly discussed. This is a just ‘quse.It has our full support. The conference reaffirmed our stance. and reiterated support for the right of naunit people to self-dterminaton.” Ina joint declaration, the partilpants rejected terrorism and attempts to atribute it to any country, religion, nationality, racéotbiiliztion. The 48th OIC summit was attended by foreign ministers and delegates from STadamie ‘countries and observer states. The Declaration, which captures the summit's theme of "Perffiering for Unity, Justice and Development," represents the assessment of the global political, see humanitarian, economic, and technological jseues. The participants vowed to unify efforts to,addre3s the common challenges faced by the Muslim seri and t upold the rights and intrest pf sk miosis in the non-OIC countries. The OIC ‘would pursue a shared vision for greater soalaleonomic, scientific, and technological development and integration within the Muslim world and-beyond. The declaration welcomed the unanimous decision of UN General Assembly to proclaim Mai 3s well eh 15 as International Day to Combat Islamophobi as the Islamabad summit’s decisigt’o appoint a special envoy in this regard. Rejecting terrorism, it reiterated the OIC's strong position against attempts to equate the legitimate struggle of people for self- determination with terrorism. ‘The ‘declaration welcomed the operationalization of the Afghanistan ‘Humanitarian Trust Fund, wiiich was signed in March 2022 in Islamabad. It also pointed out the member states’ views on the devastating social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the climate cfange on developing countries, and called for concrete actions on coronavirus saccine equity, debt.relief, countering of illicit financial flows and fulfillment of climate financing commitments as{ell a technology transfer and capacity building Xashmir ag aleitine The oe the Islamic world’s call for an Israeli withdrawal from all occupied territories and the ia ‘siallshtnent of a separate Palestinian state under the Arab Peace Initiative which was proposed by Saudi iain 2002 and endorsed by the Arab League. It also reaffirmed moral and diplomatic support for sulfeting Muslim communities, such as the Rohingya of Myanmar, and underscored the urgency of resolving intra-Muslim conflicts, such as the war in Syria Imran said international law was on the side of People of Palestine and Kashmir, adding thatthe United Nations Security Councits resolutions backed th Hight of the Kashmiris to seifdetenmination through a plebiscite, However, Ye international minunity never ensured that right was given. He said, "We have failed both the Palestinians and the Pople of Kashmir am sad to say that we have been able to make no impact at all” The former PM said ser counties did "not take the OIC seriously" because "we are a divided house and those powers it "We (Muslims) are 1.5 billion people and yet our voice to stop this blatant injustice is 1 Scanned with CamScannerinsignificant”. He said Indi iio apa tee alain changing the demography in occupied Kashmir by bringing #2 settlers unless the OG wae one has Pushed about it because they think we ae ineffective." He eautioned tha "daylight robbery in Palestine”. sues, human rights abuses would keep happening such as the Islamophobia a ing ‘i , ™ merbotla i maa tae ea which the OIC has achieved a considerable global consensus, especially combat Islamophobia, called the Tana rae a pee ee 1 ‘rocess. The UN General ly als unanimous resolution to declare March 15th International Day Tee ae tne pnebiat iD OIC previously instituted an Observatory on Islamophobia and sponsored interfaith harmonycynd Sialogue among populations at the global level. Imran Khan said the world was now realizing th giro ‘was a reality and more needed to be done to combat it. It w: able to combat this image of Muslims. "What should have Been done wasnt, hg pbs of Muslin countries should have taken a stand on this. Unfortunately, this narrative of [shia errors, Islamic radicalization, this narrative went on unchecked." In response to this wave Tophobia, Imran said, some Muslim heads of state said they were moderate Muslims. "When yopsey-aps, you automatically say there are some extremist Muslims.” There were moderates, liberals, contey¥iives and fanatics in every human community, he said. But it was only Muslims who were "bilded based on their religion", he added. Muslim states had made the "biggest mistake” by “ae the narrative because of which Muslims residing in Western countries suffered, he said. ‘any terrorist incident by Muslims happened, [it] immediately meant that every Muslim [was] How could the whole community be responsible for some fanatical deed by some extremists? fRasKed. "They were able to vilify our religion and yet there was no coherent response from the Musk Ye (d." Referring to the recently passed UNGA resolution, the premier said he hoped that from no cds, the Muslim community would be able to | put forward its narrative and explain to the We@ywhY Islamophobic acts, including "insulting Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) hurts [Muslims] so mt a Afghanistan and Ukraine “ > A new Cold War had almost s bi ¢ world could be divided into blocs, he said, stressing that unless 1.5bn Muslims took a uni id, "we will be nowhere." No other people had suffered as much as the people of Afghanistan, hé said, adding that for the first time in 40 years, there was “no conflict" in) the war-torn country. "The, only, danger now is through the sanctions [imposed on Afghanistan) and non- recognition", which could¢aye'a humanitarian crisis, he cautioned. He said it was "extremely important” to stabilize Afghanistal fuse it was the "only way we are going to be able to stop intemational ferorism from Afghan Yoil". "Let's not be delusional that some other country can come in and Bh dre wvernment that can take care of terrorism through'ydrones. The only way is a stable Afghanistan go\ terrorism. “age ‘ho knows the Afghan character should be cautioned, please do not push the people of Afghaniftan. they feel their sovereignty is being threatened." The former premier called on the OIC to, ive the Afghan people and include them in the international community, saying he belie the " ie bf Afghanistan are strong enough to evolve and go in the right direction.” Talking about te on ‘War in Ukraine, former PM Imran suggested that the OIC foreign ministers should discuss how thSbddy could "mediate, try to bring about a ceasefire and an end to the conflict", If the war continued: ‘ would have "great consequences for the world", he cautioned, "All countries that are non-partisan are special position to be able to influence this conflict." He again repeated his suggestion that the foreigt ministers discuss the issue, adding that he would also talk about it with Chinese Foreign Minister ‘Yi about how the OIC, along with China, "can influence the events in Ukraine and stop this and bse some ceasefire and resolve this conflict". 4 Scanned with CamScannerEconomic recovery Tivough its affliated and subsidiary bodies, such a the Islamic Development B; : tied to deal with issues of poverty, health, education, di Timea as aay also resolved to facilitate the post-pandemic econcm! trade and energy spheres, which will help member sta developmental issues that are included in the UN Sustainable Development Goals ‘China stands with Palestinians’ The Chinese foreign minister stated: “On the Kashmir issue, we have once again heard the c ae Isamic friends. China shares the same aspiration.” Chinese Foreign Minister Wan that naintaning friendly relations lies at the heart of the traditions of China, "China ean agidtyfoget the support of the Islamic world in the United Nations,” he said, assuring unwavering-assituhice for the Muslims in Palestine. "China stands with the Palestinian people for a two-stategoldQion.” Regarding Afghanistan, Yi assured that China stands with the w: ar-torn country for all res le assistance and cooperation for peace, development and reconstruction. He revealed that Chines 0 far, donated 1.3bn coronavirus vaccine doses to 50 countries and promised 300 million more ?"We are also investing $400bn in 600 projects in the Muslim world." More than 54 countries, @bsald, are a part of the One Belt One Road Initiative, which is a global infrastructure devel lopment strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013. The Chinese minister stressed that clashes on nations should be avoided via negotiations and dialogue, which is also what China is in favo ‘China stands ready for cooperation with the Islamic world," he vowed, adding that the cor ready to work for regional security, Subility, and development. Talking about the Russia-Ukegli¢ ‘onflict, Yi said that China supports hegotiations between the two countries. The Eighth Extraordinary Session of the Islamic‘ S@mit Conference was a conference organized by Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OICYS@ IsKimabad on 17 December 2021. The session was Organized in the wake of the Afghan Tabehaty takeover of Afghanistan, and the humanitarian and tconomie crisis which followed. USA an jiropean countries did not recognize the Taliban regime, tnd imposed strict economic sanctio: the Taliban, and had restricted access to Afghan assets and development funds worth billio lars. These sanctions led to fears of an economic and itarian emergency in the / In October 2021, the United Nations estimated that, based on ‘ports by Food and Agricultiite Organization and World Food Programme, around 22.8 million Afghans were in danger of being affected by food shortage and loss of livelihood. Re Meeting was a great Secdsion for the Muslim World to meet and support the causes of Kashmir and Orne: #8 well as condemning extremism. It was also a great support by Saudi Arabia that heads the OIC, and the s relations that had developed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have now iirroved. Wea fmember thatthe problems of the Muslim Ummah can only be resolved by unity, elping ea ‘seduce poverty and illiteracy in order to fight extremism. It is true that the Muslims outed worldwide aie Kashmir ase the topic India-Pakistan, Palestine, or ciate Muslims fighting with each other as in Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc. ime tintington had predicted an inter-civilizations clash, what we are witnessing is also odd be Hon clash. Sectarian and ethnic rivalries must be relinquished. The Muslim interest sho ‘Yen the top priority. This would bring respect for the Muslims and bring prosperity as well. Scanned with CamScanner1 as in Bastern Europes 21 oyment 0 - defend itself ageinst cro is oie Trash wc oes to Ute United Sut re resisting handing Over ATO iter sovietoade T NATO nations including the Unit Td have left this issue the ditional t00PS edition oor sandy invasion. Howe, due tothe potential reno of Rss A or Rasp 1 on ari, Uxsaine ba oP ed by the ns for of goverment Si et made jets Which i y wal 8 ge scat OCT, band over all is MIG-29 fighter jets jeanding Figs i mate Caren, Roland is Te Other hand, Russia has cateZet ld he We ore fea ef neon notmgirect attack on its sovereignty and va et err Jt a be pr ofthe Ukranian war by Proven ster ti0s az ret ee ally, Rect the NATO Secretary-General has tt apart ari i ss impane to present wat be i According 7 0 Ukraine. in ar ro A ee mc eR tutors ne sa miliary and economic support Form “ig western allies as its domestic for ; | oe reserves and essential ‘commodities have exhausted afi, ebout ‘two months of the kan ppalled troops aw} from Kyiv ‘and shifted most, gftyevfocus of its war to eastern ‘Ukraine, after — ‘defeats near the capital. Tis push into the geigiown as Donbas ‘could mean a protracted 1 a foes ive aeady wiggeed burapiaian catanrope, the east, reducing Mariupol to ruins, but they have failed to inflict defeat on sstiaes military. Preparing for 9 reinvigorated Russian ‘onslaught on the east, ‘President Volodymyr Zeletisky vowed: "We will fight for every. ‘metre of our land. Rusia declared its main goal was the "libefation of Donbas" - broadly referring to Ukraine's eastern ijons of Labansi and Donetsk. Moe \hara third of this area was already sized by Russian-backed separatists ina war that began in 20)4{\pow Russia wants to conquer all of it. The Russian leader's initial q2iMas to overnun Ulraine and depose its government, ending for good its desire to join the Western defensive alliance NATO. But he ailed to capture the capital Kyiv and has now shifted his ambitions to Urine east and south, Ru is ied fo ave taken control of 93% of Luhansk region and 54% of ones When he war bp woh of fc esters repens Wer in Ukrainian hands. The rest was sm by scant, wh aed Resin iced salts rng a war tat began eit Years ag. Just re ,Presdeal Putin recognised the entirely of the two easter regions as independent of Why does Pua rant a neutral Ukraine? Since Uktatne “achic i {irs cher independenee in 1991, as the Soviet Union collapsed, it has gradually veered toward Tic balt th EU and NATO, Rusia leader has sought to revere tha, seeing the fl! of Lain sth "detain of historia Russa. He as claimed Rusians ‘and Ukrainians are be denying Ukraine ig history: "Ukraine never had stable traditions of genuine statehood,” twas his pressure ae on Ukraine's pro-Russian leader, Viktor Yau President in Ferrets Uslon in 2013 that led to protests that ultimately uta te Ubeaians : Russia then seized Ukraine’ Separatist rebellion in the en seized Ukraine's southern region of Crim iggered ‘Serums neat laimed 14,000 lve, As he prepared ie ade is eer, ‘nation’ claiming that NATO oe eee deal and accused NATO of threatening "our historic future 85 betweed Geely, the United States and ‘TO countries wanted to bring war to Crimea Scanned with CamScanner_—_ es eo" yhat’s Putin's problem with NATO? for Putin, the West's 0-member deteasive military alliance, he per dtensiv itary aan sane am ps ise sy i Shed i wae i NATO tum the clock back 10) ant igexsnard expansion. removing i forces and military infrastructure from member aie ivgce from 1997 and not deploying “strike weapons nest Healy aes unneeded fastem Europe and the Baltics 2 Tianna Corer Europe, In resident Putin's eyes, the West promised back in 1990 that NATO. , ommise’ would " gr but did so anyway. That was before the collapse of the Soviet Union, eos - emda fatten Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev only Feferred to East Germany in the context oe i orbachey sai later hat "ihe tpi of NATO expansion was ever discus" mete ies eee A. Sanctions Against Russia The EU, US, UK and other Western nations have targeted Russia's exigmy im a variety of ways: S «eRussia's central bank has had its assets frozen and as ‘are shut out of the international SWIFT payment transfer network ‘ f Russian oil and gan EU aims to cut gas imports by two-thirds ‘© The US has banned imports of within a year; and the UK aims to phase out ‘Russi by the end of 2022 ssia's Nofd,Stream 2 gas pipeline, a major investment by «Germany has halted approval on Ru both Russia and European companies ‘cover the EU, UK, US and Cana Russian airlines have been barred frorhsigsPo0 vt President Putin and his dauehtes: da Foreign Ministe * Personal sanctions have been imposes Serge Lavrov and many other iginjls wy «items with both @ : the export of dual-use g004s a eae pa or een imposed by the UK. BU and US. Group - 2 private © Military goods and miercenari®’ 1 civilian and militgsy e, such as vehicle ‘The UK is also, irhgosing sanctions ‘on Russia's Wagner i ita to function as a pmbor the Russian 0 ta “ao us UR BUI © Flights: has al + Layal : high fashion anda. Ts om ‘pom Russia, including voak % joned than 1,000 pel ” jigarchs. ~ who oa 7 JK is Chelsea FC Us, BU and UK have ns y business by the UK 8 Oe in Targeting individuals: The es, including wealth sanctioned bY | Smacieed and ee te nih-profile olga sient imi us a yas consid rearan Abramovich. ASS belonging Russie BU, UK an (er Bis sesidened sit minister Ses Las 0 beech atte ity Ros imiting the sale of “20! 7 rights. s Scanned with CamScanner© Olt and gas: The US is banning all Russian of and gas imports and the UK will phase OW Ruseian ofl imports by the end of 2022. The EU ‘which gets a quarter ofits oi and 40% ofits gas from Russia, says it will switch t0 alternative SoppitS rand make Europe independent from Ruvvian energy "well before 2030". Germany has put on ‘hold permission for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to open. Financial measures: Westem countries have frozen the a tring its 630bn (£470bn) of foreign curency resef¥eS, Thi ee pe atart ofthe year. That in tur, has pushed up the PU ‘of imported ee serosa’ rate of inflation. The United States hat bared Ruggidhgtem rsking debt payments using the $600m it holds in US ‘banks, making it harder for tug ite intemational loans. Some Russian banks are being removed from the imcmatiops 3 irancial messaging system Swift, which is used to transfer money across borders. ay ll delay payments to Russia for energy expors «+ Other UK sanetions include: major Russian banks excluded from th ncial system; all Russian banks have had their assets frozen. What are companies doing? A growing number of international opis including McDonald's, umber of other Western brands Coca-Cola and ‘Starbucks have suspended trading in Russia. Howe' including Marks and Spencer, Burger King, and hotel groups, MagYoit and Accor say they can't pull out {fom Russia because their businesses there operate ‘under complexsiranchise deals ‘Who has expelled Russian diplomats? Following theyelease of images of mass killings in Bucha, Germany announced it would expel 40 Russian d Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said the ship and those who follow its images showed “unbelievable brutality on the Russian leaderst propaganda." France announced it would expel So Rossise diplomats. Lithuania expelled the Russian Embassador. These moves follow an ealieg Fated round of expulsions of Russian diplomats by several EU countries. So far, nine aoe is and the US have together expelled over 250 Russian diplomats and embassy workers. ‘ How has Russia reacted to the yas and expulsions? Russia's President Putin has said he will vo es rend’ nations pay @ONe imports of Russian gas i oubies which would push up the value of the currency. Formet pt ‘tri Medvedev said Russia is planning retaliation for its diplomats ‘oducts until the end of 2022, includ being expelled. Russia bene Yed exports of more than 200 pr telecoms, medical, sehngbereanil electrical equipment and timber. In addition itis blocking és, and banning Russian firms from a payments to fori ‘who hold government bon Mt has stopped foreign investors who hold billions of dollars worth of sets of Russia's central bank, to stop it is has caused the value of the rouble to slump by 22% and led to a 14% overseas sharel stocks and selling them. & Why isn't NATO sending troops fo Ukraine? wee Because Ukraine isn't a NATO member, the alliance isn't obliged to come to the country’s defence. NATO countries fear that if their troops confront Russian frees in Ukraine, it could lead to a” valet Between Russia and the West. NATO says its members ve ‘determined to do all We Support Ukraine,” but must ensure the war doesnt "sate beyond Ukraine's borders. This is why Nv rejected imposing a no-fly zone over ‘Ukraine. However, it has approved sending four new attlegrouPs © Siovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania - three of which border Ukraine - doubling NATO's P in the region. Ss & Scanned with CamScannerwhy i 't Ukraine a NATO member? NATO offered Ukraine a path towards membership int 2008. Afier Ru: Unraine made joining a priority. But this hasn't happened, mainly because of Russia's ton Standing opposition. One of Russia's demands before the invasion was that Ukraine should never be allowed to join = something the alliance refused to support, Russia fears NATO is encroaching on is tertory by taking on new members from eastern Europe, and that admitting Ukraine would brin ng its forces into its backyard. Ukraine's President Zelensky has accepted his country can't join NATO at present, $ annexation of Crimea in 2014, ‘Weapons sent to Ukraine ~ defensive missiles and £25m to help ci pay its armed forces. The UK has already supplied more 1 The UK said it would provide 6,000 new as also given body armour, helme{4 ad Boots. In addition, the UK has deployed Sky Sabre, a long-range air defence system to Poldhdrysfong with 100 military Personnel 10 operate it, The US initially sent $200m (£152m) and theh gd father $350m (£267!) ct Stinger anti-aircraft missflég and body armour. The US has since announced a $lbn (£760m) security aid package. This inc! re sophisticated longer-range SES reat 38 Switchblade anti-tank drones. The Czech Reymdbile Says itis supplying weapons worth S45m (£34m), including tanks and infantry fighting vehiclesi{FYs}. The EU has said it will spend up to {30m euros (£376m) to fund the supply of weapons to Une: It is the first time in its history that the EU has helped provide arms for a warzone. Germa nya tOeHfas dropped its long-standing restrictions on Supplying weapons to a combat area. The Netherlands Beteium, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Slovakie are among those also sending military equipment, axgin than 4,000 shoulder-mounted NLAWAanti-tank missiles. It has also sent some Starstreak missiles. it hi os, weapons. This included Javelin missiles, ‘ammunition, fuel and rations. 2 Eastern Europe Even before the latest deplos ‘are agreed, NATO already had troops stretching from the Baltic publics in the north t in the south. They were stationed there in 2014, after Russia's annexation of Crimea. NATOshas sent elements of its 40,000-strong Response Force to Eastern European camttes bordering Rus\jeqtid Ukraine, I has 100 fighter jets on high alert and 120 ships. including three to aot ZOUNS patyllingYhe seas from the far north to the eastemm Meediterrancan, The US has committed ‘© sending moy to Europe - joining the existing four multinational battlegroups NATO has in nia, Lat iwania and Poland, and its multinational brigade in Romania. & Will China support Russia? Russia is increasingly looking for allies as the war in Ukraine intensifies and nemationsl cnet Tritiots bite. China has sought to keep a diplomatic distance from the conflict, choosing abstain iy UN vote condemning Russia's invasion. But if it chose to do 30, how far could China help Russia by ®xPanding its military and economic ties? China has relied heavily on Russian mil si euceanaea Tnlemise its armed forces, made increasingly necessary by the imposition of US r cuiaeaneaaens Smbargoes in the wake of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, About 80% of China's 7 Scanned with CamScannerternational Peace 1 arms exports - its production more Int Russia between 2017 and 2021, according to Stockholm from Russi vi cl cl 21% of Russia's total PRI). These Chinese purchases make up 21% of) a as Researcl ti uso But China has been gradually expanding its ome a ing occa) se world's fourth largest arms exporter. China's weapor "5 now the : ee re pones, for example, are one area that Russia would be very interested in, advanced . China's trade with Russia has been growing & China accounted for around 18% of Russia's overall trade in 2021 - almost $147bn (E11 as year. During President Putin's visit to Beijing in February for the Winter Olympics, the two said they | ‘would boost trade to $250bn by 2024. China is a major importers of grains such as id barley and RY ‘one of its most important sources is Russia - one of the world's largest producy il very recently, China had placed restrictions on the importing of wheat and barley from Rystig-because of disease ‘concems. But these were all lifted on the day the Russian assault on Ukrai ta However, as a bloc, the EU remains by far the biggest overall trading partner with Russia. In 20%), }btal trade between the two was worth almost twice as much as China's trade with Russia. ld now be changing. “It is inevitable that EU-Russia trade diminishes in the light of sanctipaS ) says trade economist Rebecca Harding. "The current crisis has just sharpened a focus withit thee ‘the need to diversify supply”. Could China buy more = energy? China is one ofthe biggest markets for Russi and coal, Just a week before the Ukraine i the two cous aged on anew Rus I worth more than $20bn, Putin also recently unveil new Rustan olan gas deals with Chipa hortanextimated$117.Sbn, However, Russias biggest on ‘atk by fr hasbeen the EU, and,tWupitis 40% of the blocs gas and about 26% of its el, Rese ‘ports of oil and gas to China hat Increasing ata rate of over 9% annually for the last five years oe sanctions are starting to bite Scanned with CamScanner= seenaannsvenensarcsnsnsnissenastet asnaunennsinimnaninannnanannnasnna ao ‘America needs China's support against Russia s Ukrainian conflict has reduced the US-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific ad tous of Taiwan's independence and Hong Kong democracy on the back bummer (Enporarily. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Biden administration is fully focused against trey and undertaking several economic and diplomatic measures including the imposition of economic, financial, and travel sanctions against Russian entities and individuals in a bid to isolate Russia ig the global community. Presently, America needs Chinese cooperation for the success of itpgaiétions against the Russian Federation which includes full adherence to American sanctions againg Russia and the termination of Chinese economic, financial, and technical cooperation with Russia. Besides seeking Chinese cooperation American officals had threatened Chine of grave conseatek iit did not t in the line of ideo conference meet American demands. On the other side, the Chinese clearly know that they gh fire and want to deal with their enemy in the neighbour's backyard. Duridg, the’ vi with President Biden, President Xi not only conveyed China’s anxiety on the US\s pélicy regarding China but also advised Biden to accommodate the genuine security concern i¢ Russian Federation. Recently, Western media has published reports of Chinese cooperation wisl\Russia to reduce the impact of US sanctions. According to experts, the United States has used all {bards short of armed conflict with Russia, however, American strategy could not realize its full ao gainst Russia without Chinese cooperation. Presently, both the US and Russia need Chij support against each other, while China has its global agenda and intends to contest Amerita With the political and material support of Russia. President Xi has delicately explained China’Sagénda that opposes the war and supports Russian interests. According to Xi, Beijing is guiqed-by”its own independent judgment and will uphold the fair principles of international relat ind is not ready to comply with American demands. China's cards are very much open e America’s actions set the path of US-China relations in the future. These points should oS ritten in America-China relations. ay Bioweapons The controversy of biow spe en the United States and the Russian Federation is on the rise after the revelation of a netwage pf US-funded bio labs in Ulsaine in recent days. According to reports, Russian military units RBekgEcovered remnants of a US bio lab in Ukraine in a special operation a few Mink ago. Russia aimed that the American government invests $ 200 million annually in 26 such trarabs in Ukraigie xccording to Russia, Ukrainians, and Americans had been working on pathogens lat spread pl 5 anthrax, diphtheria, and brucellosis. The Russian Permanent Representative to the UN ee nts regarding US-funded biological laboratories in Ukraine to the UN Security Council and urg ‘World forum to censure America for such acts violating the international laws on biological “a iterestingly, Russian claims were confirmed by the US officials in a way that the US Embassy ede splays on its website that the US Department of Defense's biological threats reduction Ge ram collaborates with Ukraine and works on the pathogen and other toxins, while the US under Canvlaty of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland has testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Fomnmiltee in recent days and said that the US was working with Ukraine to prevent Russian invading forces from seizing biological research material. China has demanded the United States immediately disclose information about its military biological laboratories located in Ukraine. Russia and China Aare of the view that the United States is secretly running biological and chemical laboratories in mainland ‘America as well as in other countries and territories to dodge the international community and is clearly ‘volved in violation of the intemational declarations on biological and chemical weapons, hence the 9 Scanned with CamScannerjean activities and take necessary steps against the f Americ tice of oat ecu’ must fae 00 inerati world power Ukraine and the ICS of Justice (ICI) has delivered its verdict, ase, cng ete mt eens ot revecide under the Coney ‘on the Un vers Rassan Fos the Crime of Genocide. The court in its binding onde i tate Freveton a all immediately suspend the military operations that it commen 4 February Rass emitory of Ukraine. The Ukrainian issue is being discussed at all as in the UN Buy Cosel (UNSC) and UN General Assembly (UNGA) during the regeMyetls. After Russian Feetaton vetoed the westem attempts twice to censure Moscow at me dN the western nations moved the ease to the UN General Assembly which not only criticized Tegime for its invasion against Ukraine but also called for the suspension of the Russian oj iTS. However, the UNGA’s resolutions are not binding 10 belligerent Russia. Ukraine also subtgitted an urgent application in the Intemational Court of Justice (ICJ) against Russia. Ukraine ple eee the ICJ that Russia is trying to justify th war by falsely claiming genocide in the Easter Ukngiag\regions of Donetsk and Luhansk and urged the forum to completely suspend Russian action agaié fainc. Ukraine was of the view that both Russia and Ukraine are signatories to the Gen vention, while the convention does not allow an invasion fo prevent genocide. According t¢ Wie, Moscow must present the evidence at the IC) validate its claim against Ukraine. Russia wn the hearing of the court and said that the ICJ did not have jurisdiction because Ukraine's re: st fel! outside the UN Genocide Convention of 1948, Russia further claimed that it acted in its se. According to analysts, the court’s verdict has a symbolic effect against Russia, because if SOW does not abide by the ICI*s verdict, the court may. Feit i othe UN Security Counail whtfe Russia holds veto hence the global community will be helpless azine the invader. ln facg Mhheted inequality at the United Nations is major source of ‘motivation for invaders as well sa }ein the provision of justice to the weak nation by the forum, oO Peace offer by Ukraine become a notvaligned and non-nuclear state, with no foreign military bases or ot enter military-political alliances and any international exercises w require exe = rises would Would seyCid © Join NATO and the BU ig Scanned with CamScannerennai tate nat Russian constitution bars discussing its stat : swith any leave Ukrainian teens £88 88 par of Kyiv’ immedist Ti yy cked separatists wor ced Ukraine will never agree to cain eee ri 80 presiens a3 ond Urine will nr ae ng snr ei mc Pe 2 ten oad President Zelensky has said he is prepared ee ! languages of other neighbouring countries. as as his declared aim is “liberating” Uksaine’s © the Russian mi ssian minority language status, al0ns ‘The Russia-Ukraine conflict has triggered severe human ri tha be r Ta Ruetar of he Usman people mich seated be wort snibamanten gt eae to experts, every passing day ads tothe suferings and mixers ofthe Ukjian people Recenily, the Russian Permanent Presentative to the UN accused Ukrainian authorities of siaging provocations against the Russian Federation including the issue of violation of basic human rights, discoveries of ist graves, tne orturing of Russian prisoners of war by Ukrainian troops and civilians. Although. Rost blatantly an ed the international laws and UN declaration through invasion of Ukraine, but pretends to bE Victim of invasion and conspiracy and has blocked efforts of international community for the restoration Brpeace in the region, Russia had invaded an independent andrei nalon, ‘although they are weak, yet they are not ready to give in to Russian war ‘machine, a ‘A recent report by the UN Department of Booman He Affairs (DESA) has revealed that the tect from the war in Ukraine could dramatically’ wrsen ‘ceonomie outlook for the developing entries already facing economic challenges 26 1 COVID-19 pandemic. The report clearly rt the cd sums borrowed at that the ricb nations were able to suppOrt heir pandemic recovery with recor from investing in sustainable development. The report indicates that presently on average, the poorest Se a cin pay aed rest on their debt, while the figure is 3.5 Pin coer nations. TBE revemweny-fist century has wimessed unpredicsbi¢ Peroent for reply due tothe emsergence of He Jabal COVID-19 pandemic which shares he global vumstances mainly nae i of collapse. Most ofthe developing nations economy while pushing the developing €° wn pealtheare, and education toward s, jes tothe 08° < , jal protection Givened their development Bude, and fe we (ice of development in third-world nations. which badly vie into exteme poverty in 2021, COVID-19 mitigation campaigns, : illion pe ee rN report the pandemic bad Pu 77 lor sy such 28 So Lanka, alos, liant on ‘omic challenges. The world forum has while the numerous ‘third world nations fe as oon Turkey, Eouadoy)South Africa, and others 2% facing sen0¥* Cnable development, clean infrastructure, stressed thendeveloped world for massive Gnvestment in St es 10 do $0 for reduction of social prétectién and public services while ea evi worl “While the eruption ofthe Ukrainian inequality, tinemployment, overnys. ‘on the imported energy and food grains. gies ae fol for ‘he developing nations, mos" oo aa ‘sith Ukraine, the fourth-largest Russia: the largest exporter of oll and gas get wities and fuel rocketed high in all parts exporter of food grains, hence the prices Eressemial commadli ress hunger, and broadening gap ® “increases in or the world and likely to result in further inc between the rich and the poor. ints sage world are OVE: NATO was founded in 1949 Sic Ra er, ie Ff ns Pe! os BAO Ra Ae eB i ‘Anew Cold War has certainly besun. Scanned with CamScanner, ye supporting the cris oat Vaile no Saat have led to wars. Some jan crisis. While no One would b toan fortunate hi " anak Ussing hase pas always taken irrational steps t0 suaons hat hve jared 0 a wwar, the fact is HALT goctrine of vrilitary-industral ee en, it ich WSs ee Was ( anatyts mig 10 Cy joining nO wil not bring S810" he nee ened weapons OF rec Ad the BU, but the Amer policies ba 0 toe, Te ee nave affected the ames worldwide. Who is cespasble for sinaion Orne 28 gow. What s needed is 0 solution ofthe catastrophe throue! ee. the mess ™m! it os | ce | ao” Ch | a = __ ae Pakistan America relations |‘ A ane ae f America blaming di in doldrums once agairf“because of yerica blat Aero dF nin 3 T of Pakistan to condemn Russia for ‘Ukraine. ‘Munir Akram referred to selective application of the (At ( nd ‘however, regretted the war and ‘asserted that diplomacy CO7. \d‘avert the military conflict. On 8 Pakistan has been held responsible by ‘America for saner's ‘ultimate defeat. Imran Khan described the Paki takeover as “breaking the chains of vaveey”. Trump had accepted, ‘although belatedly, Pakistan's efforts against terrorism, but Bi Aaa vot even call the former PM Khan. ‘The US wants Pakistan not to recognize the Afghan Taliban who came t0 power Jast year, while pressing io-Win War: The re women's rights and other democreticprifciples, Zahid Hussain, the author of N Paradox of US-Pakistan Relations rduhnnistan’s Shadow, seid that relations were ot their lowest ebb. “There is lack of hope thatthe velations will get better, as the things are not moving towards approchement between both countries. Todays 6 don’t see the strategic relat ! rapprochement fet ean we don’t see gic relations between the US: is ony atransatignal relation rows” he ‘said, Pakistan has been long accused of playing & double pain ihe fight gens terrorism, on one hand being a supposed ally in the US “war on tent a 5 ns. Ce ‘the Taliban, and allowing them to live and regroup on Pakistan soil) akin denis the: ie CT coi and analyst, said: “Since 9/11, the US hes e we = po stan is perceived to h: ‘ against a supeypoier in Afghanistan, the superpower ePPeas tobein no mood to forgive sr forget” i “The lastfime U.S.-Pakistan relations tur i fer forces withd ne US. ed cold was in the from, istan and the U.S. rie ted nastnnt ; fen no longer needed Pakistan's support and regional ctigeene | oll jis S. withdrawal fror i workelosely, Washington Ee rer pel nolantg ee eerie iar forced the countries ron again appear to be distancing from each other on major issues “Afghanistan has long been the lens 4 Michael Kugel igh which Washing i it i, xs sa erate nin a ee ee Seocdhunnig hele ot lntwititic w lobal power is vita i armed nation of Some in Afghanistan to its Sete trait onder fet fo mata balances aid to Pakistan, according to the on te US commited moe than $2 lems. From the start of the. 18 Embassy in Pakistan, With U.S, stay in civilian and lg .S. assistance suspem Scanned with CamScanner2018 and civilian aid reduced te about $300 million for 2022, Pakistani authorities have aunties for help. As Russian troops started invading Ukraine, [former] Paks Pre Mince Khan visited the Kremlin seeking closer ties and economic assistance. Khan said Pakistan ilesninne import wheat and gas from) Russia despite widespread international santions. Ofte 193 UN member vara Tal voted in eatly March to condemn Russian ageresion in Ukraine, but aia Spspicuously missing fom the lis Khan has defied intemationa cals for Pakistan to conden Ihe Russian invasion, saying, "What do you think of us? Are we your slaves .. that whatever you say, we wll do?” [VOAI ° ae ley said last Peas that “we need to prevailed. In September, ‘American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark M fully examine the role of Pakistan sanctuary” in understanding how the Talib US. Secretary of State Antony Blinken similarly said that “This is one of he ypings we're going to be looking at in the days, and weeks ahead — the role that Pakistan has niggtoe the last 20 years.” He added tat the U.S. government would also be looking at “the role weave Want to see (Pakistan) play in the coming years and what it will take for it to do that,” signifying hat a review of how ts enege Islamabad in the future was ongoing. In the Senate, 22 See proposed a bill calling for Afghanistan's new Taliban government to be sanctioned(along with goveraments (hat Mave ‘ a Mil include “an assessment of support by supported the Taliban. The bill also called for a report thé a * aera conta ea, hcleding the government of Pat forthe Tlfan between 2001 and 202 4 i 1 nd ‘America wants to ensure that Pakistan doesn't TaPlly recognize the Taliban es that it exercises its leverage over the Taliban(to get the group {0 es wy interim cabinet rights and girs? education, and to form an igelgsive government. Sof, he «ogo analysts, America isall male, and beyond some diversity of etlinicity, entirely non-inclusive, according overt also wants to continue to cooperate with issn ‘on certain counterterorists - te te commander horizon” operations in Afghanistan. JRis as confirmed by General Fram of US, Central Command. cae lomats that Pakistan may ren ‘There is a fear among westet intries and dipl yan into making new government and wodsrevine international efforts fo presse i ot OWS assurances about humarhgights, security and the freedoms otwonnst fe in Afghanistan which would of humanitarian aid gouges ‘the border and forestall a complete oe into power in mid-AUgUSt. lead to a huge, destabilizing influx of refugees. Since the Taliban oe goverment Pakistan has beef publicly talking about the future recognition ofthe stan, an the peace process in Afghanista). Ameticnaghep rump, had greatly appreciated Pakistan's 1% te rina suppor. Paka s saying «fut Gould not have succeeded without Pakistan's in ithe peace deal of Feb role-4sa Mediator between America and the Taliban had resule™ "ys dollars while doing none Peeidene Donald: Trump earlier had accused Pakistan of king OY itary id rea to Bid peace efforts med suspended hundreds of millions Of S077, 1g pakistan in 2018 been defended cancelling assistance worth hundreds of million” of a Kan, means one don't do anything for us, they don't do a dama thing for Mi, “war oe pakistan 75000 to Trumps rebukes by saying his country was 4rawn {t os Pian 7 Pakistanis were involved in the September 11, 2 ‘Ys contribution casualties and §123bn. Imran Khan also described the UST cy of the US In addition to economic losses, the PM high ma ole ‘Our tribal areas were devastated and millions of PEO B ognize the Taliban Scanned with CamScannerred to provide it rhe si. Pkistan contin “ stans,” he sad. Pakistan Cont tan, P pimp te securely based in) IBN Peet forthe esa es uss est itt of MTT op, pus 250,000 Sah OS assent A. the Than today re songs vat ; i nd ses eer SI won seo fom te Pakistan politica Indes worked a ‘The tit in his letter to the Prime ——, sae Noftened considerably. ome saint! in He rio the Prine Dece ene inthe Afghan peace proces. Pakistan, ul Mein een ast cal er he spent eight years in prison, in an apparent e a erdar became the Taliban's chief negotiator os it regarding terorism was to show to the world hat touuen & ver os ean ms, however, been fighting against leaps conducting ae 2 tions such as Zarb-e-Azb and ‘Radd-ul-Fassad, Terrorism has on yecause of aA a ations. Piusan ‘has suffered huge human and material losses after being forded t8’become a part of | orge 'W. Bush's pose-/I1 “you are either with us or against us” war. AméripaPhad been mindlessly | ‘blaming Pakistan for its ignominious defeat in Afghanistan. Ss Pakistan getting closer to my ‘ ‘ih Ania mito Pisa esos batnen Paes China have strengthened. Pakistan spent nll on weapons imports last ing Ita Pee Rene ate Las eens recs ates meal kistan’s air force displayed its first Cine it SOC fighter jets. Pakistan ies 25 jets. In 2010, aa ta hae usl aa ted more than $1 billion worth of ‘weapons from the : + there were no U.S. weapons sales to Pakistan, Pakistan’ lations. During the cer i a “cohen cs ipie Games in February, which seal toned Minister Khan was in the Chinese capital to sn aust oo eee Ss space, digitization, technical assistance and cake Seeements 9 have recently ex Vin panded in F the Beijing ‘Olymmp trade, investment and economic, PAKISTAN ECONOMIC ConnupoR: IcPEC) Scanned with CamScannerse nmr sume cn NUCLEAR CONUNDRUM ‘America has always opposed Pakistan's nuclear programme, which is in fact a deterrent against Indian aggressive designs. While America signed the nuclear civil agreement of 2008 with India in complete violation of the intemational law [as India has not signed the NPT of 1968], the former spumed Pakistan’s request to conclude such an agreement with it. Pakistan, thus, had to move closer to China for ruclear assistance, Pakistan is being supported by China in nuclear energy and missiles. Nuclear reactors at Chasma and Karachi have been built by China and more are being built. America does not want t0 see 4 strong nuclear Pakistan because the latter is a Muslim state and the fact that America supporis‘India as a counter-power to China. America considers China to be a peer competitor with whomit as started a ‘rade war, and with whom tensions are surmounting in the South China Sea. E Pakistan has "really been nothing short of duplicitous for years," U.S. Congressman Scott Perry has ‘aid, adding that the country was a hotbed of many terrorist groups. [VOA\. Perry recently introduced a Dill that calls for a designation of Pakistan 8,a state sponsor of terrorism. When asked why he ‘Mtoduced it now, seven months after the U.S..exited Afghanistan, Perry talked about Pakistan's ties to Russia, "While we're trying to get the world united ‘against Russia, [Pakistan] won't take a vote at the U.N. and they're actually lobbying-Russia to build a pipeline between Russia and Pakistan," Perry said. FATF ee ‘Mretica analysts say, moved to change Pakistan's status withthe Financial Action Task Force (FATE), &n international watchdog that monitors terrorist financing, in February 2018. Pakistan was placed on the Frog ss ronitoring “grey list in June that year the designation impedes economie inesinent Teen Sty and causes it financial harm, (Pakistan had also been placed on the grey list in 2008, and Fam 2012. 2015, tn ie bid to evaid being blacklisted, Pakistan has since 2018 taken actions against militar including placing economic sanctions on Lashkar-e-Taiba and sentencing the group's eal 4 {GRE Hie Sssed to 11 year in prison for tenors financing. The government has made ita Key goal ‘Some off the grey lst, passing legislation to help its case. [see the topic on FATF] imntelations between the United States and Pakistan have always been tenuous, but tensions had cd since Trump's election. America suspended most of its military aid to Pakistan for its failure to ‘Acsetsite terorist groups. America was suecessful in getting Pakistan back on the global Financial Rutan Task Force's gray list, which includes countries that have filed to curb terorist financing, ritions that had become tense in the wake of Raymond case, Abbottabad Operation and Salalah attack, ‘etetiorated after Trump. However, the short-term positive American attitude towards Pakistan 15 Scanned with CamScanneredgement by America regarding Pakistan's painstaking efforts vis-vis reaver, should stop maligning CPEC because the pro} en its exonomy. isa sovereign state, located, is provided we mend our own house fist a Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations’ et toward Taliban-Controiled Afghanistan. Though ever and subsequent diplomatic and spakisan faces difficult challenges in shaping policy ‘of a burden than an asset for Pakistan continues to back its ‘Afghan ally, the Taliban’s military take eae olation could make Afghanistan's new government Hore Islamabad.” [Crisis Group] AS Pakistan hosted a meeting of tee (roike Plus, comprising Pakistan, China, jog A fohanistan. The four countries: Expressed deep concer regarding the_sev@ie’ humanitarian and economic situation in for the people of Afghanistan. ‘Afghanistan and reiterated unwavering, ;AUNSC Resolutions, including respect (On 11 November 2021, Russia, andthe United States to discuss the latest situati “Afghanistan that is free of terrorism connectivity. allow forthe safe passage of Welcomed the Taliban's continued commitment to ‘travel to and from Afghanistan Called on the Taliban to-work with fellow Afghans to take steps to serewniie government that respects the rights of all Afghans and ised a4 oe to participate in all aspects of Afghan society. Now “iniémational community's urgent provision of humanltars (ee Nations and its specialized agencies to develop programs '° implement . connaniy'sconmiments suppor the people of Afghanistan. , atin the smnget eth een error attacks in Afghanistan and called of So ecsive manner, mica peu intemational terrorist groups, dismantle and eliminate thes ©» Called on the Taliban ry space to any terrorist organization operating inside the county: * uphold Afghanistan's to take a friendly approach towards neighboring countries international lw and intemational legal obligations, including universally inci fori ations and inten ye ee ‘and to protect the safety and legitimate i ‘This underlined Afghanistan, the fm mene Fkltan's Increasingly lead role in diplo assumed informal group that iplomatic efforts on Afghanistan. It Dove let Aug. Whe Fu wat attended by the US representative since the smatred by the activities of the TTP and th desires good relations with the Afghan Taliban, 3¢ fencing of the border. The ceasefire arranged by the Scanned with CamScannerathan that hated the militant activities of the TTP collapsed, while the fence erected by Pakistan has arpnad a bone of contention. Despite these acrimonies, Pakistanis concerned about the humaniunan Miss in Afghanistan, and wants the international community to recognize the new govemment because cteepvise instability and terrorism may spread that could also be detrimental to Pakistan's interests. But fmtemnational recognition would require reforms by the Afghan Taliban ‘The UN had for weeks been warning of an impending catastrophe if assistance did not reach the country in time. As remote regions are usually cut off during winter months, international concern has been rising about the fate of people residing there. The Intemational Federation of Red Cross and)Red rn trying to send assistance to remote provinces on an urgent basis butsounded lion Afghans conffdat «food UN and-ather relief felnand facilities Crescent Societies have beet an alarm that its effort is underfunded. Itis estimated that almost nine mil ‘emergency. Compounding the situation are the formidable difficulties faced by the agencies in sending funds for humanitarian assistance because of lack of banking chay inthe country. This at a time when nearly half of Afghanistan's population is in dife’need of help and i atNads contributed to ‘two-thirds face “acute hunger,” according to the World Food Programmé ‘Afghanistan's cash crunch is the fact that some $9 billion of its foreign re mostly lying in US banks have been frozen by Washington. The World Bank’s developgrent ,assistance also remains suspended apparently at the US behest. Aid that kept Afghanistan financiatty alfoat has all but come to an end, Against this grim backdrop, Afghanistan's humanitarian crisiswgnduthe danger of an economic collapse were the principal focus of the Extended Troika’s deliberatjots, Talks in the meeting between the Extended Troika and senior Taliban representatives ranged oygr\al-Key issues, principally inclusive government, counter-terrorism, economic and humanitarian human rights, girls’ education and ‘drug control 4g contol “the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan, citing continued concems over Pah terrorism and a lack of inclusivity in the male-only government in Kabul. Respect for hungh and women’s rights, freedom of speech, education of Yemen and formalsation ofthe rights of rufarifes in Afghansian are preconditions of the US tothe Taliban, Afghanistan's over $9.5 billion fubdsvtas been frozen by the US since the country fell to the Taliban in August last year. The Taliban.hav€ barred private television stations in Afghanistan from ing Voice of America (VOA) sag Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) news programmes. The bani the latest in a series oXfestihons the Islamist group has imposed on Afghan media to tite ffeedom of expression since Dutrol of the country last August. VOA, which is headquartered in Washington, as swiftly denqujed the Taliban for taking its programmes of =i mini, the samp i ‘Taliban, Approximately 23 nilion Afghans ane Ging hunger, including 3.2 million children who are suffering fom *°°0e Tacks intematonalreogsition andthe diplomats 2 has deteriorated under the malnutition ‘The Afehait Taliban's goverment one ot eon -onomic be ii would flow from it. Growing instability and ec i star impovespa gst sek heer n Pakistan, While Pakistan wats oodenion wh ‘Western count sjiban. Although this is not true, oc rr in relations with the U.S. and other sna inistan was because of Pakistan's support y vu Yet rations remain tense between America and Pakisian. Moreover, the T ban’ fl 0 take action Ality'the TTP operating from Afghan territory could ‘endanger Pakistan's intern allies, to engage ry the US. and its Western allies, £0 eng9e arly on with both humanitarian and economic wre sanctions and freezes on donor ve for the Afghan Tall Pakistan bas been ureh al 88 been urging outside powers, partic with the Taliban, lift economic sanctions, and supply Kal ssbene Pan poleymakers wan — ly ~ a coms sistance will result in the -onomy’s complete meltdov oe Liat fama esl in the Aah tbe Wes is ore Iie io Ode Cog ee mesures. Clven cass istad of sc, No) WP Authorities wll be cre rlieed no opt fr inlusve,representaive goverment 19 FsPe . v wn, worsening an already Scanned with CamScannerPakistan is well aware, ur counterterrorism obligations ‘4 to both governance and to hono\ rational concerns with rear sng of women and Bitls pene of wipe Taliban must also assuale ite security i Westert pressure is t0 Let UP Concerned inaction onthe Taliban's Par even countries such as tran, Chita and Russia that so ech en ment with the Taliban. government are unlikely to officially recognize it any te memfven tower that the U-S and its Western allies will recognize the Taliban ompromise. time $000. 7% lift all sanctions 50 lone, 8S the Taliban show no willingness tock xian is also concerned #bOM the eross-border implications of ‘Afghanistan's evonomic and digl fai hae * fanstan’s eronormic CAPSS depriving Pakistan of OPPOTMA to revive ade so Thad ‘aan badly eroded by frictions orth erstwhile Afghan President "Ashraf Ghani’s £0¥°" rowing, ie hardship could translate into Thousands, possibly hundreds ds, off iter and livelihoods in Pakistan. f tense relations defined yng dyseuring drivers: g riven “afghanistan and Pakistan have a long history of varmenty concerns, security interns geopolitical dynamics, ‘cross-bordert inter sthape Ruure prospects for Stability ¢ stan and the broader: 9 ned Afghans seeking shel “TTP. The armed group fought rend the two have a strong bond. ‘When the ese TTP men, including some prominent leaders, hip is based in Afghanistan and many members, ces, are receiving support. [/ ili wn’ as the Pakistani Taliban, has ‘A source of tension between the Afghan Taliban against Teese took power on August 15, they set fie incarcerated in Afghan jails. Much of the ‘oording to Afghan and Pakistanis journal ‘goup Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, © attacks after declaring an end to a ‘not flfling its promises, includ resumed terrorist Since it was founded in 2 both security forces and oe ‘including the believe that the TTP mn 4 ° bene hat the TTP 0,000 Pakistanis and infli ‘killed more than 80, " i against the TTP, forcing many ofits members in violence, the TTP started to escalate 1 attacks again in stan, TTP fighters intensified their assaults in Pakist Mininese workers and the Chinese ambassador to Paki jamabad. mediation of the Afghan Taliban bas not i support i ti ‘not produced an; it esrinues. If violence in Pakistan escalates, that could Smee ison Kabul [slamabd relat H ations. ach an escalation is quite likely. Scanned with CamScannerchances of a sustainable dea are slim, according to analysts. For one thins th “TP demands. These reportedly include imposition of Shara inthe tril tus those areas enjoyed betore the government merged Even iftalks start again, chances tovernment cannot accept many T reas and restoration of the semi-autonomous stat them with Khyber Pakitankhwsa province in May 2018 ‘The Afghan Talibon is woried that pressing the TTP too hard could push it toward is enemy, the cranie Sate-Khorasan Provinee(ISKP), and the TTP itsel? is apprehensive about desrtons within its rants itit does not continue with its hardline approach to the Pakistan government, which it wants to overthros Qs so far, there aren indeations, according fo the researcher Raza Khan, thatthe border isgay been Afduvisun and Pakigan can be resolved, asthe Taliban appears quite eager to maine Pashun ny hese. hs sue comin o esti could provide fle ground fo futher inciens that could spark tensions. Similarly, despite forts by the Pakistani government to ef@age in talks with the TTP, peace with the armed group seems quite unlikely, given intemal pressure thgnaihtain its violent dretion, And the more it escalates its attacks on security forces and civilians be "Ereater the public pressure in Pakistan will be to take decisive action, including against the TTPY¢ maint backer ~ the Afghan Taltan. Raza Khan is of the view that any further targeting of Chinese ashet3ahd proven collaboration with Uighur armed groups would also result in Beijing pushing for a strdughr€sponse to the TTP. While the Pakistani authorities seem eager to maintain close relations with Chul, domestic pressures ~ as well 3 push fom China ~ could est ina decision to recalibrate tig and could ed 1 lamabad ling tsi Fencing athe Pakistan ated fencing the porous border in QQTBN contain cross-border terrorist attacks and smuggling. {tsays it has fenced more than 90% of the‘bordet, but militants enter Pakistan and cary out attacks where ‘the border remained unchecked and ee In at least three separate incidents, Talib fighters have been seen breaking the fencing and tpéRteaing Pakistani solders in border areas. The Taliban's defence ninistry spokesperson said in a eo posted to Twitter in January that Pakistan had no right to fence the border and divide ethnic P Wing on either side. However, the rift is over the fence. Tensions increased when in late DeceRPhe? and early January Afghan border guards forced Pakistani workers to Stop fencing the border pelwegn the two countries. “The issue ofthe RorandLine is still an unzesolved one, while the construction of fencing itself crests "ifs within a nan spread across both sides of the order. It amount to dividing a nation.” Afehan Information Mir and Chief Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, referring tothe Pashtun community, the biggest @efp oun in Afghanistan and the second-biggest one in Paki a i ‘i J during a press conference, Pakistan militry spokesman, Major General Babar Ifikhar st Yttood of our martyrs ws sled in seg this fence. Itis a fence of peace. It will be completed if remain [in place}, The Durand Line was demarcated between British-ruled India and Afghanistan in 1893 bY ise ten. Afghan ruler Amir Abdul Rehman and British Indian Foreign Seereiary Monies Oty De establishment of Pakistan in 1947, Kabul has not only objected to the border demarcation, Ot TA 3 Be challenged the inclusion of Pashtun tribal areas within Pakistani borders. tas roe yen ste po en persisted, with both former Afghan presidents, Hamid Karzai and Ashraf ni, ral ee ejection of the Durand Line. The Taliban has stuck to the same traditional stance and is showing) ‘of making concessions to Pakistan. 19 Scanned with CamScanneral tl ——— de. Defending the Taliban i, the minister for system [0 e sixth gra ed from going d oc ng ees in Afghanistan, Abdul Baat Haggani their education after @ new wernment’s decisior Figter education, seid that femates will be allowed 10 resume feparae males and females is sntroduced. The Taliban have aso ‘nanned most female government pukers serartruing 10 tei jobs, resulting + alfare restriction that would result ip econo! s Aedlng $1 billion. The Taliban have Fanned women from traveling more thal 72 kilometers apr pome a fom boarding planes ifthey travel ‘unaccompal i male ‘without a male relative, Women are and the use of molt. phones in. Telative. Men and women can only Vis universities is probibited. sit public parks on separate days Freedom of expression ofl” ‘The United Nation has called the banning of international medi Liphacasts "another repressive step against the people of Afghanistan”. The website id it " development ata time of uncertainty and bios" me ~ — February 29, ‘The U.S.-Taliban agreement requis ES) required all NATO-I Inretum the ins NATO-ed troops to i | Ce go fom pledged sE¥er ties with the apie er eee ead cre 202) coups from us ss sol fT 2enoUy he allen tere otek Tea poe fom power in late 2001 when a U.S.-led backing al-Qaida leaders ace {axidghl military alliance invaded the cot eS ting the deadly September 2001 tals on be UR the Tala 1 United States. The Taliban, however, waged a d urgency. as always desi Pakistan ved to resolve he aoe eae in Afghanistan, ees should not war failing which the At an. Aft blame Pakistan for its failure differences er the Sovi Beal Cs fone ae tion left Afghanistan in 198% Detw ahaa Taliban, with pee factions thro providing Pakistan wi intervention in Afehe Stu depth: th Pakistan’ ugh A cats. Afer heel Polini supper, Soh Acre a nah % ere oven NeIMENE that would thwart oe thereby inthe Would thwart ‘any i ny Indi we ake of 9/11 by America suppor 2 Scanned with CamScannerthe war on ercrism’, Pakistan opted the policy of nite eto by Pala ant .d to de-stabilize Pakistan bys n°. Whi ain Afghanistan, trie akistan by sponsoring temo il li, se investing in A ity to Afehinistan because A fehanistan's Stability and gone Stan pining in tried to bring st ects ” ot terrorism as peace would lead to prosperity e-litked. Pa wants peace and n0t (error Drcierytagh a ee ne Successful CPEC, tage S erith Central Asia, China, Russia and Afghanistan, retum of vepon aud drag trafficking would be discouraged, Pakistan's effong rk ete egal ational security advisors (NSAs) of eight countries — Indi Ubekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan —— mata aa aie i signed a declaration tat called for Afghan territory not to be used for terism, The cin ate a eight countries called for ensuring that Afghanistan must not tum into haven for tons ara of declaration said, “Afghanistan's territory should not be used for sheltering, traning plan ye = ‘any terrorist ats.” Pakistan and China did not attend the meeting. laa Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political solution ofthe conflict in Afghanistan through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, Pakistan strongly supports ending the Afghan instability, in large part because it has hid,a destabilizing effect on Pakistan. Pakistan's economy has been suffering due to terrorism. Moreover; We have been facing the problems including illegal weapons, drugs, and refugees. Stability in Afghaistan would felp Pakistan to get access to Central Asia and make CPEC successful. TAPI gas agreement with Turkmenistan and CASA-1000 with Tajikistan depend on peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan would like to recognize Afghanistan provided the international community does so, and ‘that will happen when the Afghan Taliban take steps to counter the terrorists in Afghanistan; sind initiate reforms especially reaing women. We hope that Afghanistan does take these steps that stability comes there, and with ha Pakistan will also be able to prosper. 5¥ KISTAN-CHINA RELATIONS fits implemé n tered Phase Il of ‘wh China-Pakistan Economie Corridor (CPEC) has here are fou SHE CPEC, which is also an expansion of PHS rue project Fe pits Be industrialization, agriculture, tourism and POrS. ys ays and ralRO. energy Pil Gwwadar to Chin's Xinjiang via avast netWOCK CTT ato of sti led to Pakistan's development in the enerBY S221 se lot of HET yo stat. THE However, it must be kept in mind ani Pesme tres yd ons and OO te} i shedding. At Corove the ure lke ro immediate elit from load-shediing At prove th a race IM on the form of roads and railway I for improvies (BE focus 08 INEM ceonomic SbilNs TS Moreover, while the first phase 8S "cpg is gone is would bel oo aye ad the energy crisis, the second phase % os in Pakistan nen the SEZs that would attract a lot OF NVERTE crime § poverty by increasing employmen’: tan. progress and prosperity of Paks . Scanned with CamScanner