Chabahar Port- A joint Iran- India Initiative to Outsmart Gwadar

By Tariq Niaz

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Iran in late May and signed a series of twelve memorandums of understanding (MOU) which centered upon the Iranian Port of Chabahar. In addition to bilateral MOUs, PM Modi also signed a trilateral transit agreement with Iran and Afghanistan which allows Indian goods to reach Afghanistan through Iran. The expanding Indian economic cooperation with Iran reflect on its changing foreign policy initiatives in the fast evolving geopolitics of the region and its response to much hyped China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and development of Gwadar Port in Baluchistan. 

"Zarb-e-Azb is Not Only an Operation But a Wholesome Concept", Gen Raheel Sharif

BY NewsDesk

Pakistan Army chief, Gen. Raheel has declared that operation Zarb-e-Azb is not only an operation but a wholesome concept. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Op Zarb-e-Azb is not only an operation but a wholesome concept. It ultimately aims at breaking the syndicate of terrorism, extremism and corruption.", he said. He was addressing to a seminar held at a hotel here in Gawadar.

Pakistan Army Will Pay Every Price To Make CPEC Reality: Gen Raheel

By Shahzad Masood Roomi
“We are aware of all the campaigns against CPEC and I vow that the security forces are ready to pay any price to turn this long cherished dream into reality,”

This was stated by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Friday while he visited the HQ of newly raised Special Security Division (SSD) in Pakistan Army which has been given charge of security responsibilities of CPEC projects.

COAS was given a detailed briefing over raising of the force and the security threats faced by the CPEC project. Gen Raheel, after briefing, instructed SSD to take all possible measures to make all CPEC related projects secure including the security of work force involved in the projects.

Pakistan's Military Diplomacy in Action

Pakistan's military diplomacy came in action more vividly when COAS Pakistan Army Gen Raheel Sharif presented Pakistani case on terrorism and regional security in London.

According to ISPR, COAS General Raheel Sharif, IISS and House of Commons has an interaction regarding terrorism, security issues and other regional matters.  Speaking at the occasion, COAS  stated that the success of Op Zarb e Azb had discernible effect, to continue pursuing sleeper cells across country.

While speaking to the participants, he emphasized that "Our environment and context needs to be understood". He reiterated the resolve of eliminating terrorism. "Want to finish terrorists and their nurseries." Gen Raheel also express his desire that international community would help Pakistan. "I expect International community to play its part for regional peace too."

"While we are fighting various terrorist groups, no new entities can be allowed to emerge. Terrorism a global issue, warrants global response", COAS said hinting towards the transnational nature of modern terrorism which has wrecked havoc in Pakistan as well.

International terrorism runs a very well-connected financial networks to sustain their activities. On this international funding Gen. Raheel maintained that it is something where every country will have to play a role for long term success. "Funding of all terrorist organizations has to be checked by all for long term success. We are against use of proxies and won't allow it on our soil.", He said clearly hinting a departure from Pakistan's policy of 1990's for Afghanistan.

He also talked about CPEC project and said it will be a game changer  and would bring prosperity for the entire area. He also ensured the participants that Pakistan Army will do everything to make it success.

Iran's Desire to Join CPEC, A Big Dent in Indian Foreign Policy

“Pakistan has invited Iran to become part of the CPEC and help strengthen border markets, upgrade railways, build warehouses and open/upgrade border crossing points,” sources of the Ministry of Commerce revealed to Pakistani media.

It is notice worthy that two countries are already in process to chart out a long term strategic plan to enhance bilateral trade. Pak-Iran Joint Working Group and Technical Committee on Trade is contemplating this plan. The prospects for progress on this plan has been further increased as Iran has entered a landmark deal with world powers on her nuclear program which in turn has paved the way of lifting the sanctions against Iran.

Last meeting of Pak-Iran Joint Working group was held in August where they agreed on the need of implementing the bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), including promotion of transparency and establishment of a mechanism that issues prior notification.

Pakistan has stressed the need of establishing regular freight train service between Zahedan (Iran) and Quetta (Pakistan). Some progress has been made in this regard as well during the latest meeting but the frequency of operations of this freight train will have to be increased and Iranian inclusion in CPEC would contribute chiefly in achieving that. This will also make these freight operations more economical by introducing concessionary fares as has been proposed by Pakistan already.

“The Iranian delegation will convey all proposals and suggestions to the authorities concerned in their country and inform about the decisions later,” said the official in the Ministry of Commerce.

According to the official, Iran has also shown interest in linking itself with the CPEC to expand its border markets with regional countries.

Implications for Indian Foreign Policy in Iran:

Now this is a big dent to Indian efforts to isolate Pakistan in the region. Iran is approaching China for assistance and cooperation along with seeking some Chinese investment in Iranian infrastructure. Earlier, on 2 Sep. it was reported that Iran has agreed to becoming part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In fact, under the present geopolitical milieu, both Iran and China can work together. China can give investment and economic boost to Iran while Iran can provide access to Turkey and Europe by acting as land bridge. In this scheme, Pakistan will serve as pivot. It is high time for New Delhi to revise its strategy against Pakistan otherwise there are all the indications that it will be India who will remain isolated in Chinese driven Asian integration via infrastructure development!

Any attempt to obstruct or impede CPEC will be thwarted: Gen Raheel

Pakistan: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Friday said that Pakistan and China have a common enemy and we will defeat it jointly. 

He expressed his views at the grand reception hosted by Chinese military attaché Major General Qi Huajun on the 88th anniversary of the PLA here in Islamabad. The army chief, who was chief guest, said the people of China rendered great sacrifices for their country.

“Pak Army and PLA form edifice of our strategic relations. Together we can defeat the nefarious designs of the enemy. Eliminating the East Turkistan Independence Movement (ETIM) is its manifestation.,” he said adding, “Our friendship will further grow in these testing times.”

The army chief said that Pakistan and China enjoyed strong cordial relations, adding that “our friendship will grow stronger in these testing times. We will defeat nefarious designs of forces detrimental to us. The PLA is one of the best armies of the world."

Commenting on the strategically important, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the army chief said the project would benefit the entire region, adding that the corridor was being developed at full speed.

“I reiterate our resolve that any attempt to obstruct or impede this project will be thwarted at all costs,” he noted. The army chief said that the economic corridor project would maximize dividends of geo-strategic locations.

CPEC has emerged as one of the key strategic development project in the region and holds the key for Pakistan to transform its precarious-looking economic profile. For Pakistan to maintain a credible deterrence against arch rival India, an economic turn-around remains a strategic requirement. This is why Pakistani leadership is aggressively pursuing this project. Last year, Indian defense budget surpassed Pakistan's total annual spending. This is where CPEC is going to play a significant role in uplifting Pakistan's economy.