Dr. Rasheed Ahmed Khan (IR Expert): For the first time, China and the Central Asian states will be connected through China Pakistan Economic Corridor. This mega project is likely to bring about a revolutionary change in the region, not only economically but politically and culturally as well. Trade between Central Asia, West Asia and South Asia along with China through Gawadar port will have a big positive impact on our economy. CPEC is aimed at great regional change. Pakistan is also facing the challenge of instability in Afghanistan. Since the USSR invasion in Afghanistan, Pakistan is hosting a huge number of Afghan refugees despite its limited resources. Pakistan has graciously hosted millions of Afghan refugees over the past four decades, despite facing economic and security challenges. 

Najam-ul-Saqib (Former Ambassador): The relationship between Pakistan and China is based on friendship, shared values and care for people. After the independence of China in 1949, Pakistan shared its expertise with Beijing in different fields. Prime Minister Imran Khan in his interview conveyed two main messages. Firstly, Pakistan needs to follow China as a role model to eradicate the menace of corruption. Secondly and more importantly, despite pressure Pakistan would not change or downgrade its relations with China. The statement of Prime Minister has been well received in Beijing. After the disintegration of Soviet Union, United States became the sole superpower. China only focused on boosting its economy. In the recent G-7 and Brussels meetings, US president Joe Biden clearly stated that the United States and its allies will work together to counter China. China is an emerging global power and it is time that Islamabad strengthens its relations with Beijing. China's Belt and Road Initiative has been extended to more than 80 countries that will bring an economic revolution. China only wants peace and will continue to work for peace across the globe.

Dr. Zahid Anwar Khan (IR Expert): It is a very critical time as far as the situation in Afghanistan is concerned. The foreign policy of Pakistan towards Afghanistan is very clear that it wants an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. The Prime Minister has conveyed a clear message that Pakistan will be a partner in peace and not in conflict. There is no denying the fact that peace and stability in the region is directly linked with a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. Need of the hour is that world powers and stakeholders play a role in this regard. Pakistan must design its policy keeping in view the post withdrawal situation in Afghanistan. Pakistan is not at all in a position to host further Afghan refugees as it is already hosting over 3.5 million of them. International community and humanitarian organizations should assist in providing protection to Afghan refugees and ensure their timely and safe return to Afghanistan. The Afghan government must improve the conditions of its country for repatriation.  

Dr. Abdul Wajid Khan (IR Expert): Prime Minister Imran Khan has conveyed a crystal clear message that Pakistan will not be part of any conflict in Afghanistan in future. It is the responsibility of main stakeholders in Afghanistan to work for peace and stability in the land-locked country. The situation in Afghanistan is very critical and the post-withdrawal scenario will definitely have impact on Pakistan. There can be a risk of the influx of Afghan refugees to Pakistan in case of anarchy. It will create additional burden on Pakistan's economy and will also have its security implications. The government needs to take measures to restrict the movement of Afghanistan refugees in the country. Pakistan is playing its role to make the intra-Afghan dialogue successful. India has always played the role of a peace-spoiler. India is also involved in terrorist activities inside Pakistan.