Defence alliance with China suggested as tensions escalate.
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD:Business leader and former president of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) said on Friday that the presence of Pakistan is perceived as a significant threat by India, Israel, and various allied nations, who find its existence fundamentally unacceptable.
He said that these powers share a common goal to weaken Pakistan, damage its economy, and limit its defence capabilities. Under such circumstances, threats to Pakistan’s sovereignty are growing, demanding urgent and compelling action.
In a statement issued here, Shahid Rasheed Butt emphasized that given the current regional and global situation, a defence agreement with China has become the most pressing necessity. China is the only country that has stood by Pakistan through every trial.
The business leader noted that Beijing has never halted arms supplies, never exerted pressure on Pakistan, never hiked prices of military hardware, and never imposed conditions in return for assistance. Unlike other global powers, China has consistently shown sincerity, friendship, and practical support, he observed.
He said that making China a partner in the fight against terrorism would be a wise move because the terrorist networks are not only entrenched within Pakistan but also enjoy foreign patronage. Projects like CPEC, which is key to Pakistan’s economic progress, are under threat due to such foreign conspiracies. That is why some countries, who outwardly appear friendly, have turned against Pakistan out of fear of CPEC.
Shahid Rasheed Butt noted that in the recent brief conflict between Pakistan and India, Chinese weapons outperformed their Western counterparts. The world has witnessed the effectiveness and reliability of Chinese technology. Consequently, demand for Chinese arms is rising globally, while many orders from Western countries are being cancelled.
He said that it is a matter of pride for Pakistan that its defence partner is a trustworthy nation, not only technologically superior but also politically aligned with us.
He stressed that Pakistan needs to adopt a comprehensive and effective strategy in the current global scenario, one that strengthens cooperation with China on military, diplomatic, and economic fronts.
To foil the designs of enemies like India and Israel, Pakistan must foster national unity and formulate policies that simultaneously safeguard the country’s sovereignty, economy, and security.
Shahid Rasheed Butt urged that the political and military leadership must jointly design a unified national strategy to counter the undeclared war against Pakistan. Now is the time to trust our faithful friends, put national interest above all else, and rise as a united nation by setting aside internal divisions.
He said that national interest must take precedence over all political rivalries and personal agendas. The ruling elite should realise that fragmented governance and internal instability only serve the interests of hostile powers. Every institution, whether civilian or military, must act with responsibility, coordination, and urgency to preserve the country’s sovereignty and future.
The former ICCI president also stressed the importance of revitalising the defence production sector through joint ventures with China. He said local manufacturing of advanced weapons, drones, surveillance systems, and cybersecurity tools should be accelerated under Chinese technical guidance to reduce reliance on imported systems.
He said the leadership must also ensure full protection of CPEC routes and installations. Any disruption in the execution of CPEC projects will directly undermine the country’s economic revival and strategic relevance. To prevent this, a special security division, equipped with Chinese technological support, should be expanded and strengthened.
Shahid Rasheed Butt added that anti-Pakistan propaganda being carried out globally must be countered with an active media and diplomatic offensive. He called for the formation of a high-level task force that includes defence, commerce, and foreign policy experts to coordinate and implement Pakistan’s long-term strategy in partnership with China and other like-minded countries.
