Muhammad Zamir Assadi

The sacrifice of the two security officials in a terror attack on Chinese consulate and the immediate action of law enforcement agencies signals that the people of Pakistan and armed forces are guarantor of peace, development and the long lasting friendship of both countries.

The martyrdom of Pakistani security forces in foiling the terror attack is a message for international community that country's armed forces have sacrificed greatly for regional peace, security and for the protection of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which has cultivated tangible results and benefits for the society.

The quick and successful response of brave security forces has shown that elements attempting to hamper the smooth progress on CPEC and strategic Pak-China relations will be taken down to death.

The recent significant visit of PM Imran Khan to China just after the formation of new government in Pakistan concluded that all weather friends have a strong commitment towards regional security environment, challenges and way forward.

Pakistan and China have always vowed that those who oppose the strategic relationship and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) shall never succeed as this is an initiative of peace and development not only for China but for the region and beyond.

The hostile elements failed to sabotage the time tested relationship which is promoting the economic development and social stability of Pakistan pursued with the meaningful consultation of China.

CPEC with its successful implementation has grabbed the huge attention of international community as the strategic partners are engaged to fulfill the needs of development through this economic initiative by restoring peace in the region.

Pakistani army have played a pivotal role in the country for smooth push forward of economic corridor as they have raised a Special Security Division (SSD) for providing the fool-proof security to the Chinese citizens engaged on the projects in various regions of Pakistan.

"We are totally aware of all campaigns against the corridor and I vow that the security forces are ready to pay any price to turn this long cherished dream into reality," was stated by former army chief of Pakistan General Raheel Sharif at the launch of SSD in 2016.

By launching the significant military operations in the last many years during the war on terror, Pakistani army successfully eliminated terrorist networks from the country and along the Pak-Afghan border.

Pak army has launched the military operations against banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), Al-Qaeda and many others which helped for the revival of peace in the region.

These military operations were widely acknowledged by international community which paved a way for revival of peace in South Asian region and elimination of terrorists groups.

The commitment of Pakistani armed forces for the revival of peace in the region is a clear signal that the designs of all inimical forces challenging our resolve will be thwarted with full force.

This attack was a sign of wrath by hostile forces against the successful implementation of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which have attracted more than 140 countries and international organization. The response Of Pakistan and the commitment of China have voiced that the hostile elements will never succeed and the economic initiative launched for the connectivity of hearts and mind will be pushed forward smoothly.

BRI is  inclusive way of development will help promote the common prosperity of countries, enhance exchanges  and mutual understanding  among them, mitigate international ethnic , historical and even political disputes and improve the overall environment of the region.

When BRI drives the economy towards prosperity and the people's well being improves continuously the hostile elements will find it difficult to recruit people which will threaten the foundation of their existence and gradually corrode their social influence.

CPEC, the flagship project of BRI is a 3,000-kilometer network of roads, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas from Gwadar Port to Kashgar city, northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

The four major components of the CPEC framework are: Energy (US$34 billion), Infrastructure (US$11 billion); Gwadar US$800 million; and Industrial Zones.

Since its launch, the CPEC has helped to create a conducive and favorable environment for the country, guaranteeing prosperity, a bright future and security along with a sustainable economy.

Those who have negative trends and hostilities towards CPEC must get the real dynamics of the strategic partnership that socio economic relationship under BRI is a new benchmark for China-Pakistan ties.

This economic corridor is not just meant for the upgrading the infrastructure in Pakistan but it has emerged now as a symbol of peace and development for various regions including Central Asia, East Asia and West Asia.

The economic corridor recognized as flagship project of BRI is destined to succeed despite all odds and Pakistani security forces shall ensure safety to the project at any cost.

The author is a Pakistani journalist who graduated in China Development Studies from Renmin University of China. He is also a fellow of China South Asia and South East Asia press centre.