Yearly Archives: 2023

 SUMMARY of the article “What China wants from Pakistan,” by Khurram Husain, published on November 9, 2023

The crux of what China seeks from Pakistan is akin to its goals with other nations – maintaining a perpetual trade surplus in its favor. This is evident through the stark numbers; Pakistan has accumulated a trade deficit with China approaching $90 billion since 2010. Contrarily, Pakistan maintains trade surpluses with countries like the US, UK, and the EU. This trade deficit with China is a relatively recent development, with China’s position as Pakistan’s largest trade deficit partner solidifying after 2010. Few countries worldwide sustain trade surpluses with China. Unlike nations like India, which have protected their trade interests by avoiding bilateral free trade agreements, Pakistan has deepened its association with China and increasingly relied on Chinese credit. China’s commitment to Pakistan in development finance, including budgetary support, stands at $70 billion since 2000, with $56 billion pledged during the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) era. This trend suggests that China’s purpose is to sustain this loss-making relationship, enabling Pakistan to accumulate more significant deficits each year. » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Two Struggles” by Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Published on November 5, 2023

The article highlights the parallel struggles of Palestine and Kashmir, two longstanding disputes originating in 1947, both rooted in the right to self-determination and resistance to foreign occupation. The genesis of these conflicts can be traced back to British geopolitics. In the case of Palestine, the Balfour Declaration in 1917 expressed Britain’s intent to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine while preserving the rights of non-Jewish communities. However, Israel has consistently disregarded these commitments, including the UN resolution for a two-state solution. In Kashmir, the dispute arose when the Maharaja hesitated to join Pakistan despite the state’s Muslim-majority status. India deployed forces, and the matter was taken to the UN, which called for a plebiscite. However, India has refused to comply with UN resolutions, and the conflict remains unresolved. The commonalities between these disputes are striking, including territorial and religious dimensions, defiance of international community will, and strong US support for the occupying powers. While there are differences, such as » Read More…