Nawaz Sharif’s love for China is well known as he has been showing a keen interest in relations with China recently. During the 6 days visit to China on 12th May 2017, the agenda was disclosed. He praised President Xi’s efforts quoting, “We welcome President Xi’s ideas on the important contemporary issues. Pakistan and China enjoy a special and strategic partnership. We have applauded and endorsed the launch of OBOR route. We are proud that together with China we are implementing its flagship CPEC project.” He further said that China and Pakistan hold a special relationship of trust and friendship.
After Nawaz’s visit, Shahbaz Sharif, CM of Punjab, Pakistan visited China from July24-29 for a meet up with Zhang Gaoli, China’s Vice Premier, Sang Tao, Minister of Department of Communist Party of China and Zhang Yesui, Vice Foreign Minister. He was praised immensely for his rapid decision taking abilities. Total 7 agreements and MoU were signed between the two countries. According to the Reuter report “The unprecedented warm welcome extended to Shahbaz suggests the ruling Communist Party has developed personal links with the PML-N leadership, which would continue for a long period.” CPEC project will play a major role in strengthening relations between two countries. Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa(KPK) and Sindh will be the major regions of focus. Domestic agitations report that Senate leaders from various provinces are objecting over the confidentiality of the CPEC project. According to them the project lacks transparency and is said to be Punjab centric because Punjab is the electoral playground for PML-N. Also, the PML-N party is Sharif family dominated and major investments in Punjab will help the win the 2018 elections.
But in the recent turn of events, Pakistan politics is again going through a turmoil. PM Nawaz Sharif was disqualified from the PM’s responsibility due to the accusations of him and his family involved in illegitimate international money movement. Meanwhile, Petroleum and Gas Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has been appointed as the PM for which the results were nearly confirmed to be one sided as the opposition has no upper hand as the PML-N and allies hold a majority of 209 out of 342 seats. These events clearly show that Nawaz Sharif is adamant on the continuation of the projects with China and indirectly influence the politics through his brother just like Sonia Gandhi-Manmohan Singh scenario in India.
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