The Kashgar incident

Once again the friendship between China and Pakistan withstood an irritant that otherwise was read too much into by inimical regional and global analysts.

The ugly violent incidents that occurred on the last weekend of July in Kashgar left at least 22 dead and scores injured. The local Chinese officials dubbed the incidents as terrorist acts and referred to them as having received training in terrorists’ camps in neighbouring country. All the attackers that belonged to Xinjiang’s Uighur minority group were killed by Chinese security forces in the aftermath of the incidents.

Pakistan condemned both the heinous attacks and committed to extend ‘full cooperation’ to Beijing in countering the rebels. Indian and US print and electronic media exploited the incidents in a bid to create rifts between China and Pakistan, however, the two ‘all weather friends’ doused such moves with mature and responsible interaction to allay such nefarious designs.

China ’s Foreign Ministry on 3 August acknowledged Pakistan ’s commitment to root out extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestation.

Pakistan and China enjoy exemplary friendly ties which have not only sustained over sixty years but also continue to expand and become even deeper with each passing year. This year has been declared as the year for celebrations of Pak-China diplomatic relationship wherein both countries will hold a series of commemorative activities covering various fields. Despite having different social set-ups, ideologies and religions, Pak-China relationship has stood the test of times. Pakistanis always look towards Chinese brethren with great respect and admiration in a friendship that is based on mutual trust, understanding and convergence of interests on all issues.

QASIM JANJUA

Islamabad