Dr. Amna Mahmood (IR Expert): Pakistan and China enjoy close and friendly relations since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in May 1951. Pakistan was one of the first countries that recognized the Peoples Republic of China. Over the years, the relationship has blossomed into an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership”. Pakistan considers China as one of its closest friends and partner and Beijing considers Islamabad as its “Iron Brother”. The bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries are characterized by feelings of mutual trust, respect and goodwill towards each other. There is a regular exchange of visits at the highest level between the two nations. The strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China has grown over the past several decades. Economically, China is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and a major investor, especially in infrastructure and energy sectors. With the official launch of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the bilateral relationship has been elevated to a higher level.

Dr. Khurram Iqbal (IR Expert): Pakistan and China enjoy close and friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations and these ties are strengthening with the time. 1960 was the year when the bilateral relations between the two countries took a paradigm shift. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor will not only enhance the strategic cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad, but also open up new avenues of economic development for the people of Pakistan. It will connect Pakistan to Central Asia via the Eurasian Land Bridge planned under China’s “Belt and Road” initiative. Pakistan is continuously striving for improving cordial relations between China and United States. The United States always abandoned Pakistan in difficult times and used Islamabad only for its strategic interests, whereas Islamabad wants to establish good relations on equal footings with Washington and other world powers. Pakistan values its relationship with America but cannot isolate itself regionally by alienating neighbors with whom Washington does not get along.

Brigadier (Retd.) Said Nazir (Defense Analyst): Pakistan's armed forces are fully capable to give a befitting response to any aggression or misadventure by India. Pakistan understands that only negotiated settlement of Kashmir dispute can promote peace in the region. Indian troops are committing massive human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all neighbors. Pakistan will continue its moral, political and diplomatic support to people of Kashmir in achieving their Right-to-Self Determination.  Although, Pakistan wants peace in the region, yet its desire for peace should not be misconstrued as its weakness. Indian aggression along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary are posing serious threat to regional peace and stability. Pakistan wants to promote peace in the region through peaceful efforts. The BJP-led government in India has failed to address genuine concerns of protesting farmers and protect rights of religious minorities. 

Dr. Abdul Wajid Khan (IR Expert):  Hybrid war or Fifth generation war is being fought through social media. A few days back, India’s cruel face was badly exposed by EU DisinfoLab. The report by European organization disclosed the attempts India made to undermine Pakistan during the last 15 years within the European Union and the United Nations that also affected the image of Pakistan in front of the world. New Delhi wants to use this network to discredit countries it deems enemy, with a specific focus on Pakistan and to an extent on neighboring China. Now the western countries and international media are also criticizing the Indian policies. Need of the hour is to counter disinformation timely. It is unfortunate that Pakistan remained oblivious to the hostile disinformation warfare supplemented with a comprehensive subversion and sabotage strategy by India. In Pakistan, our intelligence agencies need to significantly realign resources and personnel to meet the challenge that India poses.