Ex-FM Kasuri: Pak-India-China cooperation vital for regional prosperity
Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri emphasized that peaceful coexistence among Pakistan, India, and China is crucial for unlocking regional connectivity, stabilizing trade, and combating poverty in a region facing significant economic challenges. He made these remarks on Monday in Lahore during an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations and the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The gathering included diplomats, scholars, and policymakers such as Chinese Consul General Sun Yan and Zafaruddin Mahmood, founding president of the Understanding China Forum (UCF). Kasuri, who also chairs the UCF, suggested that Pakistan's recent diplomatic and defense achievements position it to pursue constructive engagement across South and Central Asia. He lauded China's development, attributing it to visionary leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to citizen welfare, highlighting people-centered governance, theoretical innovation, leadership development, and peaceful development as key pillars. Kasuri also drew historical parallels, contrasting the Chinese Communist Revolution with earlier global revolutions and noting Mao Zedong's adaptation of Marxism and Deng Xiaoping's reforms under "Socialism with Chinese characteristics." Under President Xi Jinping, China has shifted towards proactive global engagement, focusing on high-quality development and initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, former principal secretary Fawad Hassan Fawad expressed concern that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has realized less than 25% of its potential, with promised gains not yet secured. Other notable speakers included former provincial finance minister Salman Shah and former foreign secretary Shamshad Ahmed Khan.
The discourse highlights the perceived economic benefits of regional cooperation, particularly involving China, Pakistan, and India. It frames improved diplomatic ties as a prerequisite for enhanced trade and poverty reduction. The analysis of China's development model, presented as a blueprint for success, emphasizes governance, innovation, leadership, and peaceful engagement. However, the stated underutilization of CPEC's potential, as noted by Fawad Hassan Fawad, suggests a gap between strategic ambitions and implementation realities. This raises questions about the effectiveness of governance structures and execution capacity in realizing large-scale development projects. Future regional economic integration will likely depend on overcoming such implementation challenges, navigating geopolitical complexities, and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits, rather than solely on diplomatic pronouncements. The long-term sustainability of these initiatives will be tested by their ability to foster genuine, inclusive growth and address local socio-economic needs.
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