Major, General, Retired, Ejaz Awan (Defense Expert): Pakistan is facing threats from its eastern and Afghan border. Kashmir and Afghanistan unstable security situation are the major causes of concern .The US troops are likely to be pulled out from Afghanistan in coming months and Islamabad is concerned with the post withdrawal situation in Afghanistan. We hope that there is a smooth withdrawal of troops and there is no security threat to other neighboring countries. There are terrorist elements in Balochistan which are targeting CPEC for their strategic and political interest. The Kabul government does not have control over Afghanistan and Taliban have emerged as a power in recent years. The unstable political and security situation in Afghanistan directly affects the security situation in Pakistan. Peaceful Afghanistan is in the best interest of region in general and Pakistan in particular.

Brigadier, Retired, Said Nazir (Expert on International Relations): Pakistan always believes that Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process is the ultimate solution to the Afghan dispute. Unfortunately, we have not seen any tangible results of Afghan peace talks. We must stay vigilant for any unfavorable situation after withdrawal of US troops from the war-torn country. There are many terrorist groups reuniting in Afghanistan, which is a cause of great concern for Pakistan. The success of Afghan peace process is very crucial for regional peace and stability. Pakistan has always called for making joint efforts to resolve the Afghan conflict through peaceful means. The political instability has caused violence in Afghanistan and the Kabul government has failed to maintain its writ in the state. The peace spoilers in Afghanistan are creating hurdles in the peace process. The Indian lobby in Kabul is sabotaging the Afghan peace process. Pakistan has paid a great price to eradicate the menace of terrorism. The post withdrawal political and security situation in Afghanistan would the real challenge for both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan will continue to support an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process for regional stability:

Dr. Shahid Hassan Siddiqui (Economist):  China has always supported Pakistan in tough situation. We have entered into a very significant phase of the CPEC. Industrial zones would generate massive job opportunities for Pakistani labor force. The CPEC would attract international investment, however; it is important to increase our domestic investment. The incumbent government is taking corrective measures to strengthen national economic and generate job opportunities. India is envious of Pakistan-China economic cooperation. The United States is using India as a proxy to counter China's increasing influence. The timely completion of CPEC-related projects is imperative for regional peace and prosperity. There is an international conspiracy against China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Chinese investors are reluctant to invest in Pakistan due to the opposition's immature attitude.  The opposition must refrain from making unnecessary criticism against the government.