China transitions from ally to trusted brother of Pakistan
Tariq Khattak
Islamabad:The former president of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Shahid Rasheed Butt, issued a stark warning on Friday about the escalating threat of war in South Asia, accusing India of actively seeking vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s defence with hostile intent.
He said that India’s current military posture is not a routine affair but part of a broader and more dangerous strategy to provoke conflict in the region.
He added that India is deliberately trying to locate gaps in Pakistan’s defences in order to deliver what it considers a decisive blow, but warned that such an adventure would prove to be a grave mistake for New Delhi.
Shahid Rasheed Butt said in a statement issued here today that India’s military drills, being conducted under the codename Operation Shield in four Indian states, are not ordinary exercises but calculated acts of provocation. These activities, he said, are being staged to escalate tensions along the border and serve as a rehearsal for potential aggression.
The veteran business leader stressed the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s strategic ties, especially with China. In his view, China is no longer just a friendly neighbour; it has become a true brother to Pakistan. He called for a deeper strategic alignment between the two nations, expanding cooperation beyond economic and infrastructure projects to include exemplary defence collaboration as well.
Butt criticized the Indian leadership for its persistent hostility towards Pakistan. He described India’s attitude as narrow-minded and rooted in a refusal to accept Pakistan’s existence since independence. He warned that this mindset continues to endanger peace and stability in the region and reflects a broader ideological conflict that cannot be ignored.
Highlighting the significance of Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence, Butt emphasized that it remains a key factor in maintaining regional balance and deterring Indian aggression. He called for continued investment in Pakistan’s strategic capabilities to ensure lasting national security and freedom.
Addressing the internal situation, Butt strongly condemned those who attempt to create chaos within Pakistan at a time of heightened external threats. He argued that individuals or groups promoting unrest during this sensitive period are working against national interests and should be recognized as acting against the country.
He stressed the urgent need for national unity, calling on political parties, civil society, and institutions to close ranks and confront the mounting challenges collectively. He warned that internal discord would only serve the interests of external enemies and that unity is the first line of defence.
Butt also urged the global community to pay close attention to the growing provocations from India. He cautioned that if India is not restrained, the consequences will extend beyond South Asia and could potentially threaten international peace and security. According to him, the Modi administration, facing mounting domestic and international pressure, is once again resorting to war hysteria to deflect attention and rally support.
He noted that India has faced both military and diplomatic setbacks in recent years. Despite this, it continues to view ceasefire agreements as temporary arrangements, meant to buy time and regroup rather than genuine steps toward peace. Pakistan, however, will not be misled by such tactics and is fully prepared to respond to any act of aggression.
In conclusion, Butt described the region as standing at a dangerous crossroads, with India’s war obsession growing unchecked. He emphasized that Pakistan must be vigilant, enhance its strategic preparedness, and above all, preserve its internal stability. The real strength of the nation, he asserted, lies in its unity, resilience, and collective resolve to defend its sovereignty at all costs.
As tensions rise, Shahid Rasheed Butt’s remarks underline the gravity of the situation and serve as a call for vigilance, unity, and unwavering national purpose.
