Pakistan, China urged to take extraordinary steps for CPEC security
International Symposium “China – Pakistan All-round Cooperation under the Unprecedented Centennial Changes” held
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: An International Symposium on “China – Pakistan All-round Cooperation under the Unprecedented Centennial Changes” was organized by 2nd Muztagata / Mefung Forum at Kashi University, Kashgar, China. A large number of scholars participated from China and many other countries, especially those hosting BRI.
As an interim arrangement, CPECTTCM Secretariat has been proposed, located at ‘Research Center of CPEC (RCCPEC), Kashi University, P. R. China’ and ‘Center for South Asia and International Studies (CSAIS), Islamabad, Pakistan’
During the Symposium, participants spoke about various aspects of BRI and CPEC, including the significance of cultural and educational exchanges in order to consolidate the benefits of CPEC. For this purpose, a new arrangement, CPEC Think Tanks Cooperation Mechanism (CPECTTCM) was launched. As an interim arrangement, CPECTTCM Secretariat has been proposed to be located at ‘Research Center of CPEC (RCCPEC), Kashi University, P. R. China’ and ‘Center for South Asia and International Studies (CSAIS), Islamabad, Pakistan’.
It was also consented to have two focal point persons till a more elaborated arrangement is made. The focal persons include: Prof. Dr. Chen Ruihua, Director Research Center of CPEC (RCCPEC), Kashi University, China, and Dr. Shahid Hashmat, Vice President Center for South Asia and International Studies (CSAIS), Islamabad; Senior Adviser, Pakistan Cultural Communication Center, School of Communication and Journalism, Tsinghua University, Beijing; Visiting Professor, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China; and Advisor Center for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA), Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Pakistan.
CPECTTM aims at to promote ‘Iron Brother Relationship’ and strengthen ‘Strategic Alliance’ between China and Pakistan, in general, and to fortify and enhance support for China – Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, through cooperative and innovative collaboration among leading Think Tanks, and Study and Research Centers working on various aspects of construction of China – Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in particular, and in concert with development of “the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)”, in general.
CPECTTM’s aims is to promote ‘Iron Brother Relationship’ and strengthen ‘Strategic Alliance’ between China and Pakistan, in general, and to fortify and enhance support for China – Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
At present, there are more than 20 Pakistan Research and Study Centers functioning in various universities in China and numerous conferences are being held in China to commemorate Ten years celebrations of the launching of BRI / CPEC. Similarly, HEC Pakistan has established Six China Study centers at different universities of Pakistan. In addition, there are some other institutes and centers in the private sector. Though much a strict regulatory mechanism is required to ensure quality and credibility. China has also established Confucius Centers and Confucius Classrooms to promote Chinese language and culture in Pakistan.
During the symposium, most keynote speakers, especially Chinese scholars highlighted ‘challenges and opportunities for CPEC’. Among other factors, a great concern was emphasized on political turmoil, economic uncertainty, security for CPEC projects and lack of long term planning and effective governance in Pakistan. The speaker suggested that besides improving all such areas, Pakistan and china must make robust security arrangements to provide completely secure and safe environments for CPEC projects and other Chinese citizens working in Pakistan.
It was expected that Kashi University. Located in Kashgar, the start point of CPEC in China, will continue to play an important and pivotal role in promoting CPEC, in general, and in enhancing the cooperation among CPEC Think Tanks through CPECTTM.
