I am pleased to reactivate my "China Radio Internationa Listners' Club Gilgit Pakistan again. I hope you would forward your suggestions and important news/information with regards to Pak-China relations, trade, commerce, culture, tourism or any other important aspect of mutual interest.
With the passage of time the site will be improved to address the needs of multiple interests.
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has already drawn up a blueprint to make the 335 km stretch Karakuram Highway between RaikotBridge to the Khunjerab mountain pass, a 30-meter-wide road from its present width of 10 meters. The campsite team arrived in Gilgit and selected the following site for the Camps.
Mobilink's milestone of reaching 20 million customers exemplifies the telecom sector's status as one of Pakistan's most formidable growth engines. The exponential growth of this sector signifies a trend throughout the developing world. According to World Bank estimates, between 1993 and 2003 the private sector invested a staggering $230 billion in telecommunications infrastructure in the developing world. In this regard, Mobilink has invested over $2 billion in developing its network across Pakistan, generating employment for thousands.
`Reshaping lives' - revolutionizing the rural areas
The impact of Pakistan's telecom revolution on the economic and social life of the Pakistani populace is immense as mobile phones do not depend on a permanent electricity source a major benefit particularly in the rural areas where electricity supplies are unreliable. Mobilink's network extends across more than 6,000 villages located in the interiors of Sindh and the Punjab and the Northern Areas.As a result, trade networks have broadened and the need for traveling long distances has been reduced
Zouhair Khaliq, CEO of Mobilink Pakistan, elaborates on the implications of greater connectivity within Pakistan, particularly for rural subscribers. "People who never had the ability to make a phone call or own a phone are now able to do so. This changes the way they do business, it changes the way they lead their lives, it changes the way they relate to their business partners and their loved ones."
From 2005 to 2006, Pakistan's telecom industry contributed around $1.3 billion in duties, taxes and royalties to the exchequer. Moreover, the rapid growth of this sector has opened up a broad swathe of employment opportunities ranging from engineering to marketing, effectively overhauling the employment landscape of the country.
The paradigm shift brought about by the telecom revolution cannot be underestimated as low income groups are able to participate in it too and enjoy its benefits. Unlike the once much vaunted idea that the elusive benefits of economic growth would `trickle down' to the masses, in the telecom sector, the benefits are direct and immediate. In the rural areas methods of doing business have been forever transformed, the once isolated rural dwellers are now connected with the rest of the country, helping to bridge the chasm between urban and rural and amply demonstrating Mobilink's apt assertion of `reshaping lives'.
Mobilink PCO breaking new ground
In an effort to find innovative ways to serve low income groups in semi-urban and rural areas, Mobilink has launched the PCO self employment scheme. Under this scheme, an individual can buy a fixed wireless phone with a prepaid connection equipped with tariff posters, a pen, a calculator, a notepad and a Rs 600 scratch card and then generate an income by charging for calls. "It's business on the go," explains Zouhair. Anyone can buy it for as little as $100 and start business within the hour literally. There is nothing more to do when he or she has filled out all the regulatory requirements of getting a connection.He can start this up outside his tea shop, or perhaps a widow can set it up outside her home."
The PCO programme will span across 1,200 cities, towns and villages, enabling access to communication in rural and underdeveloped areas of Pakistan. Projects like the PCO scheme illustrate how the telecom industry can help to recalibrate Pakistan's stark urban-rural imbalance as such projects not only allow connectivity but also provide a means of generating income for rural dwellers. "It has been said that if you give fish to a hungry man he will be hungry again tomorrow; but if you teach him how to fish, he will be able to feed his whole family for generations," said Zouhair at the launch of the PCO project.
Mobilink's $250 million bond offering the first of its kind
Mobilink's international bond offering in November 2006 was the first unsecured borrowing ever by a Pakistani corporate. Attracting rapturous and unqualified praise at home and abroad, its unprecedented success has effectively burnished Pakistan's credentials as a rewarding investment destination. AsiaMoney Magazine hailed it as the `best high-yield deal of the year' while EuroWeek described it as `one of the most popular Asian issues of the year.'
Arranged by ABN AMRO and Deutsche Bank, Mobilink's bond issue was oversubscribed by 15 times. The success of this pioneering transaction will pave the way for other corporates to follow suit, infusing the Pakistan market with a fresh competitive zeal.
A rigorous road show spanning from Singapore to Los Angeles was arranged but due to the overwhelming investor response, the deal was accelerated and priced before the Los Angeles road show. The Notes which mature on November 13th, 2013 and bear interest at the rate of 8.625% per annum will be callable at the beginning of November 2010 and include typical high yield bond covenants. The international bond will contribute towards the financing of Mobilink's continuing investment programme which is estimated at around $1 billion for 2006 to 2007.
Zouhair perceives it as a triumph not only for Mobilink but for the country as well. "What it showed was that a company which grew up in Pakistan, is run by Pakistanis and does business in Pakistan can generate that sort of interest and confidence in not only the company but also the country by implication because people knew exactly where we worked and I think it was a fantastic validation not only for the work we do at Mobilink but also for the government."
Corporate philanthropy setting new standards
Under Zouhair Khaliq's leadership, Mobilink has established exacting standards of corporate social awareness and is undoubtedly one of Pakistan's most visible supporters of charitable causes and cultural events.Over the years, Mobilink has done a great deal of work with charities and NGOs focused on health and education including The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, The Kidney Centre, the LRBT, The Citizens Foundation (TCF), Umeed-e-Noor and CARE.
In the wake of the earthquake that devastated Pakistan's northern areas a little over a year ago, Mobilink partnered with TCF and funded the rebuilding of an entire village. Since then, Mobilink has funded two TCF schools located in low income areas on the outskirts of Karachi and Lahore and has committed Rs 20 million to TCF for children's education. Mobilink has also provided the Aga KhanUniversityHospital, Karachi and the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad with equipment to help in diagnostic treatment.
The Mobilink ethos is exemplary in its support of diverse causes ranging from health, education and local heritage and culture. "We have a very rich and vibrant culture in Pakistan which is unfortunately sometimes ignored or not supported in the way that it should be. As a successful corporation, I think it is our duty to look at supporting local talent," says Zouhair. Mobilink has been the driving force behind some of the major national cultural events. It helped build the hugely successful Jazz Indus Music Awards which honours Pakistani artists and the Rafi Peer Theatre Puppet Show and will also be sponsoring this year's Kara Film Festival.
Mobilink has also contributed to the restoration of the ancient forts located at Rohtas and Lahore. In fact, Mobilink's spectacular 20 million celebrations were held at the Lahore Fort, illuminating the Fort in a way which had never been done before.
However, Mobilink's social responsibility initiatives extend to a far more personal level as a large number of Mobilink employees undertake regular volunteer work at old people's homes, a practice which they find to be immensely rewarding. This sets them apart from other corporates as Mobilink's acute social awareness is pervasive within all levels of the organization. "That's beyond any kind of dollar value to me," asserts Zouhair.
Going forward
"We would like to continue to grow and become the vision that we set ourselves about four years ago which is to be the total telecom provider to the people of Pakistan and to be the most loved brand in Pakistan," says Zouhair. Acutely aware of Pakistan's ever-changing and highly competitive telecom market, Zouhair is optimistic about the Pakistan's favourable investment environment."Now obviously these are tremendous goals; they are very ambitious but I think we have very supportive shareholders. We have an extremely conducive corporate climate in Pakistan."
Having achieved such a great deal in Pakistan's still nascent telecom market, Zouhair credits his team for their outstanding performance. "I am very proud of the team that works at Mobilink. I think that they are by far, in the 25 years of my career, some of the best people I have worked with and I feel very privileged."
Acknowledged for the breadth and insight for its work within Pakistan, Mobilink emerges as the clear-cut market leader.
Mobilink, a part of the Orascom Telecom Group, is Pakistan's leading cellular service provider with more than 54% of the total market share. It has a customer base of more than 20 million members as of November 2006 and provides the most extensive coverage footprint across Pakistan with more than 1250 cities, towns, villages and countless destinations and true International Roaming in over 100 countries with more than 300 partner operators. Orascom Telecom, Mobilink's parent company, has grown to become a major player in the telecommunications market and is a leading mobile telecommunications company operating in seven markets in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
GILGIT, June 2: A team of Chinese engineers will examine the 18
megawatt (MW) Naltar hydroelectric power plant before its
inauguration by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. Project manager Ghulam
Mahdi told Dawn that the project, completed in association with
Chinese engineers, is ready to be commissioned within days but will
first be examined by experts.
Completed in three years at a cost of $19 million, the project will
meet the area's electricity needs for three years since the demand
will increase as population grows.
Therefore, said Mr Mahdi, an additional 14.1MW hydel project has
been proposed on the same riverhead, which would cost $26.8 million.
A financial grant has been sought in this regard from the government
of Japan. Official sources said the Pakistan government had
sanctioned Rs120.376 million for the engineering design and
preparation of tenders for the 80MW Phandar hydropower project,
170kms west of Gilgit.
The project would provide electricity to parts of Ghizar district,
Gilgit and Diamer of the Northern Areas.
According to the sources, 122 hydropower schemes with a total
capacity of 773MW are being planned on tributaries of the River
Indus in the Northern Areas.
Most of these have less than 5MW capacity, while 17 potential sites
have been selected for 10MW projects.
Other than the Phandar project, the most promising projects are a
32MW plant at Naltar, a 28MW project at Basho and a 33MW plant at
Harpo.
Reportedly, feasibilities for these projects are being prepared in
collaboration with a German company GTZ.
On the Happy occasion of 50th Anniversary of the Imamat of His Highness Prince Karim aga Khan, I say congratulations to the Ismialis worldwide & wish you all a joyful and properous life ahead.
I also extend my felicitations to the Tajik Ismailis of the Zinjiang Province of China.
We hope for growing & further strengthening of friendly and coordial relationship between the two great neighborers (Pak-China) in Asia.
14-15th August are unique and special i the history of the people of the sub-continent, as both Pakistan & India got independence from the British rule in the sub-continent.
The British introduced many good things here, such as Railay system; Airways; Regular Police; Regular Army; Regular Navy and Regular Airforce & Modern Indutries etc. They also introduced and strengthned man evils, such as landlordism; fuedalism and capitalism etc.
Hoever, liberty and freedom of thought is the most important in political, social, cultural and economic arena. So the Independence and freedom from external rule 60 years ago can be termed as the biggest Blessing of Allah for the people of the sub-continent.
Each year we celebrate the independence day as we do this year too. But each and every citizen of our nations need to think and assess our achievements and challenges. The things that we acquired and the things that we lost. It should be a day of accountability besides celebrating and expressing our joys over the gift of liberty.
I would like to greet the people of both nations of the sub-continent with hopes for better friendly and brotherly relations for the development and prosperity of our common masses.
Before the Golden Sun Rise, Let me decorate each of the Rays with wishes of Success, Prosperity, Barakat, Salamati and Happiness to you and your family members.
I am pleased to inform you that CRI's Urdu Service has announced its Qiz Competition about the Beijing Olympic Games 2008. This covers the period from Nov 2007 to 1st May 2008. The winners will get the opportunity to visit Olympic Stadiums and to meet famous Chinese players. Even ordinary prize winners will also be eligible for diffrent prizes. You are therefore, invited to take part and win prizes. The questions are:
1. What are the aims & objectives of the Administrative Comittee of Beijing Olympic Games?
2. When (from which to which dates) will the Beijing Olympic Games be held?
3. How many volunteers had registered until the end of July 2007?
4. What is the slogan of the Olympic Games?
5. What are the names of the five Fuwa (Good luck)animals?
6. How many Stadiums are required for Beijing Olympic Games?
7. What is the alternative name of the the National Stadium for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olymic Games?
8. What concept can be derived from the Stadiums for Beijing Olympic Games?
9. Which six cities are the co-organizers of the Beijing Olympic Games?
10. Which Beijing Olympic Games events will take place in Hongkong?
Hi
If you are radio listener or want to listen any urdu radio station
then must join our forum. This is first forum regarding in pure urdu
language.
URL is
www.dxingwolrd.info/forum
If you feel any difficult then must contact me.
Regards
Zahoor Solangi
Hi dear Friends!
I hope you are all ok and enjoying by litening to the CRI's Urdu
Service Beijing.We are getting closer day by day to the Beijing
Olympics and those members who had participated in the Quiz
Competition should listen to the programs more carefully and regularly.
You may be one of the lucky person to be selected for the vsist to
Beijing 2008 Olympics Games.
I wish you all a good time.
Ahmed Jami Sakhi
President,
Karakurum Listners Club,
Gilgit Pakistan.
Cell # +923465343851
Plz join radio urdu forum and contribute in CRI section http://www.dxingwolrd.info/forum
Ahmed Jami Sakhi <jami@...> wrote:
Hi dear Friends!
I hope you are all ok and enjoying by litening to the CRI's Urdu Service Beijing.We are getting closer day by day to the Beijing Olympics and those members who had participated in the Quiz Competition should listen to the programs more carefully and regularly.
You may be one of the lucky person to be selected for the vsist to Beijing 2008 Olympics Games.
I wish you all a good time.
Ahmed Jami Sakhi President, Karakurum Listners Club, Gilgit Pakistan. Cell # +923465343851
Zahoor Ahmed Solangi
Al-Sadiq Institute of Information Technolgy
G 9/2, Karchi Company,
Islamabad
Phone # +92512504447
Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
Adab Arz
China Radio International (Urdu) and Voice of Turkey (Urdu) have
announced a quiz contest, if you answer all question correctly then you
have chance to visit China or Turkey for 15 days free. Quiz is not
difficult, Just to listen radio programs and answer questions.
For further information please join our radio forum in Urdu.
http://www.dxingworld.info/forum
Zahoor Ahmed Solangi
Thank you to forward address of your great
website. It is well designed and seems to be unique for Urdu listeners and Lovers.
However, if you use Noori Nastaliq Font will be better. I have become a member
of your forum and have started learning operating the various links in this
great site.
Wish you a success in this endeavor
Ahmed Jami Sakhi
Academic Administrative Officer
Professional Development Centre, North
Universtiy Road, Konodass, Gilgit
Northern Areas, Pakistan
Email: Official jami@...
Private: ahmedjami_sakhi@...
ahmedjami2004@...
Ph # 92-05811-54132-4 Ext:3026
Fax: 92-05811-54135
Cell # 03465343851
From: CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan@...
[mailto:CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan@...] On Behalf Of Silangri Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 6:18
PM To:
CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan@... Subject: [CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan]
Visit China and Turkey
free of cost.
Adab Arz
China Radio International (Urdu) and Voice of Turkey (Urdu) have
announced a quiz contest, if you answer all question correctly then you
have chance to visit China
or Turkey
for 15 days free. Quiz is not
difficult, Just to listen radio programs and answer questions.
For further information please join our radio forum in Urdu. http://www.dxingworld.info/forum
Zahoor Ahmed Solangi
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 269.24.2/1471 - Release Date: 5/28/2008 5:33 PM
There are several scholarship programs that help us go for higher
studies leaving behind all the financial worries.
The website http://www.scholarshiponnet.com lists out all the popular
scholarship programs available globally and guides us through the
application process to fulfill the dream of furthering our academic
interests.
Visit the website to find out the scholarship program that will suit
you the best: http://www.scholarshiponnet.com
As the business war on the air is hotting up with so many low-budget
airlines dominating the sky, the passengers can now enjoy the best
deals. The webguide - http://air.myguideforlife.com - helps you find
the cheapest and even free air tickets to make your journey ore
happier and very less expensive.
Visit the website now to find out how to get the cheap and free air
tickets: http://air.myguideforlife.com
Eid Mubarak to all of you too.
Please remember me in you good wishes.
Zahoor Ahmed Solangi
http://www.dxingworld.info/forum
--- In CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan@..., "Ahmed
Jami Sakhi" <jami@...> wrote:
>
>
> Eid ul Fitr Greetings
>
> * It is the Eid day and people are busy in a festive mood
> * A lot of smiles and happiness are writ large on their faces.
> * They are adorned in new attire and a special sweet waits for
> them.
> * I want to be happy as well but my eyes are wet as they wait
> for you and you aren't there.
> * Is it possible that you come over just for a while?
> * I want to kiss you dear and softly utter the beautiful words
> of "Eid Mubarak"
> (adapted from Farooq Kunwar's Feelings) Ahmed Jami
> Sakhi-Academic Administrative Officer
>
----- Original Message ---- From: Ahmed Jami Sakhi <jami@...> To: CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan@... Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 10:41:26 AM Subject: [CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan] Eid ul Fitr Greetings
Eid ul Fitr Greetings
It is the Eid day and people are busy in a festive mood
A lot of smiles and happiness are writ large on their faces.
They are adorned in new attire and a special sweet waits for them.
I want to be happy as well but my eyes are wet as they wait for you and you aren't there.
Is it possible that you come over just for a while?
I want to kiss you dear and softly utter the beautiful words of "Eid Mubarak"
--- On Mon, 9/29/08, salima jabeen <sj_economist@...> wrote:
From: salima jabeen <sj_economist@...> Subject: Re: [CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan] Eid ul Fitr Greetings To: CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan@... Date: Monday, September 29, 2008, 4:29 AM
EID MUBARAk
----- Original Message ---- From: Ahmed Jami Sakhi <jami@.... pk> To: CRI_ListenersClub_ Gilgit_Pakistan@ yahoogroups. co.uk Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 10:41:26 AM Subject: [CRI_ListenersClub_ Gilgit_Pakistan] Eid ul Fitr Greetings
Eid ul Fitr Greetings
It is the Eid day and people are busy in a festive mood
A lot of smiles and happiness are writ large on their faces.
They are adorned in new attire and a special sweet waits for them.
I want to be happy as well but my eyes are wet as they wait for you and you aren't there.
Is it possible that you come over just for a while?
I want to kiss you dear and softly utter the beautiful words of "Eid Mubarak"
Eid greetings and very best wishes of the Day to all the members of CRI Listners Club. We, in UK, are celebrating Eid today! Happy Eid
----- Original Message ---- From: azam tajik <azamtajik@...> To: CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan@... Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 10:48:18 AM Subject: Re: [CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan] Eid ul Fitr Greetings
Eid Mubarak to All
Azam
.
Azam Beg Tajik
Programme Manager Community Development
Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC), House No. 3, Sector C, Ghazikot Township , Mansehra , Pakistan Cell: (+92) 0344-9556600
--- On Mon, 9/29/08, salima jabeen <sj_economist@ yahoo.com> wrote:
From: salima jabeen <sj_economist@ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [CRI_ListenersClub_ Gilgit_Pakistan] Eid ul Fitr Greetings To: CRI_ListenersClub_ Gilgit_Pakistan@ yahoogroups. co.uk Date: Monday, September 29, 2008, 4:29 AM
EID MUBARAk
----- Original Message ---- From: Ahmed Jami Sakhi <jami@.... pk> To: CRI_ListenersClub_ Gilgit_Pakistan@ yahoogroups. co.uk Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 10:41:26 AM Subject: [CRI_ListenersClub_ Gilgit_Pakistan] Eid ul Fitr Greetings
Eid ul Fitr Greetings
It is the Eid day and people are busy in a festive mood
A lot of smiles and happiness are writ large on their faces.
They are adorned in new attire and a special sweet waits for them.
I want to be happy as well but my eyes are wet as they wait for you and you aren't there.
Is it possible that you come over just for a while?
I want to kiss you dear and softly utter the beautiful words of "Eid Mubarak"
I am grateful to all those CRI members,
lovers & listeners of CRI, who sent their greetings on the website of “Karakurum
CRI Listeners Club, Gilgit Pakistan”.
Please enrich the site with your posts
that are relevant to CRI or the PeoplesRepublic of China. Thanks
Ahmed Jami Sakhi
President,
Karakurum CRI Listeners Club, Gilgit
Northern Areas, Pakistan
Email: Official jami@...
Private: ahmedjami_sakhi@...
ahmedjami2004@...
Ph # 92-05811-54132-4 Ext:3026
Fax: 92-05811-54135
Cell # 03465343851
From:
CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan@...
[mailto:CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan@...] On Behalf Of parvez khalilullah Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2008
2:36 PM To:
CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan@... Subject: Re:
[CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan] Eid ul Fitr Greetings
Eid greetings and very best wishes of the Day to all the members of CRI
Listners Club. We, in UK,
are celebrating Eid today! Happy Eid
----- Original Message
----
From: azam tajik <azamtajik@yahoo.com>
To: CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan@yahoogroups.co.uk
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 10:48:18 AM
Subject: Re: [CRI_ListenersClub_Gilgit_Pakistan] Eid ul Fitr Greetings
Eid Mubarak to All
Azam
………………………………………….
Azam Beg Tajik
Programme Manager
Community Development
Swiss Agency for Development &
Cooperation (SDC),
House No. 3, Sector C, GhazikotTownship , Mansehra
, Pakistan
Cell: (+92) 0344-9556600
--- On Mon, 9/29/08, salima jabeen <sj_economist@ yahoo.com> wrote:
From: salima jabeen
<sj_economist@ yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CRI_ListenersClub_ Gilgit_Pakistan] Eid ul Fitr Greetings
To: CRI_ListenersClub_ Gilgit_Pakistan@ yahoogroups. co.uk
Date: Monday, September 29, 2008, 4:29 AM
EID MUBARAk
----- Original Message
----
From: Ahmed Jami Sakhi <jami@.... pk>
To: CRI_ListenersClub_ Gilgit_Pakistan@ yahoogroups. co.uk
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 10:41:26 AM
Subject: [CRI_ListenersClub_ Gilgit_Pakistan] Eid ul Fitr Greetings
Eid ul Fitr
Greetings
•It is the
Eid day and people are busy in a festive mood
•A lot of
smiles and happiness are writ large on their faces.
•They are
adorned in new attire and a special sweet waits for them.
•I want to
be happy as well but my eyes are wet as they wait for you and you aren't
there.
•Is it
possible that you come over just for a while?
•I want to
kiss you dear and softly utter the beautiful words of "Eid
Mubarak"
•(adapted from Farooq Kunwar's
Feelings)
•Ahmed Jami Sakhi-Academic
Administrative Officer
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
Version: 8.0.173 / Virus Database: 270.7.5/1698 - Release Date: 9/29/2008 7:25 PM
Dear Members!
You will be glad to learn that Mr. Ahmed Jami Sakhi, The Founding
President of Karakurum CRI Listeners Club, Gilgit Pakistan was awarded a
Certificate of Honor for participating in the 2008 Olympics Global
Contest. He was also awarded the second prize this competeition
sponsored by China radio International.
Mr. Sakhi has thanked and congratulated all those members who had
participated in the 2008 Olympics Global Contest.
Ahmed Jami Sakhi
President,
Karakurum CRI, Listners' Club
Gilgit, Pakistan.
=====================
Posted through Grouply, the better way
to access your Yahoo Groups like this one.
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type_N
By Chris Buckley
BEIJING | Tue May 17, 2011 6:23am BST
(Reuters) - Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani's visit to China from
Tuesday allows Islamabad to show it has another major power to turn to just as
relations with the United States have turned increasingly strained after the
killing of Osama bin Laden.
The visit is part of long-planned celebrations for 60 years of diplomatic ties
but the vows of support from Beijing will be especially timely for Islamabad.
"This visit will be a show for the U.S., the Pakistani public and the wider
world that Pakistan has other options," said Andrew Small, a researcher at the
German Marshall Fund think tank in Brussels who has studied China's role in
Pakistan.
"There's no impression that China could step into the United States' shoes, but
it's a useful bargaining chip."
An already tense relationship with the United States, Pakistan's major donor,
was badly bruised after U.S. forces on May 2 killed bin Laden in Pakistan where
he appears to have been in hiding for several years.
Senior U.S. Senator John Kerry, speaking in Islamabad on Monday, warned that
members of U.S. Congress were asking "tough questions" about aid to Islamabad
over bin Laden, though he said ties were too important to be unravelled by the
incident.
HANDSHAKES AND SMILES
In Beijing, Gilani has no worry of any public upbraiding.
"At least, this way Pakistan can tell the United States that it still has China
to turn to, and China does indeed have to show support for Pakistan to help it
get past its current hardships," said Hu Shisheng, an expert on China's
relations with South Asian countries at the China Institutes of Contemporary
International Relations, a government think tank in Beijing.
In an address to the nation about bin Laden's death, Gilani described China as
an "all-weather friend" for Pakistan where the United States is widely
distrusted despite the billions of dollars it spends there in aid, in large part
to sustain the Pakistani military in the war against Islamist militants.
But Pakistan's government and military are too reliant on U.S. security and
economic aid -- about $20 billion (12 billion pounds) in the past 10 years -- to
risk that alliance.
Nor does Beijing want to wade into volatile Pakistani politics, risking its own
interests and alienating India, a big but wary trade partner, said several
observers.
A STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVE? NOT YET
Chinese officials and state media have indicated that they will use the four-day
visit to cast Beijing as a steadfast partner -- unlike Washington, described in
one editorial as a fickle and demanding interloper.
"U.S. opinion has not only failed to criticise its own unilateralism in this
action (against bin Laden) violating Pakistani territorial sovereignty, it has
vilified Pakistan as a scapegoat for its own rough going in its war against
terror," said an editorial on Monday in the overseas edition of the People's
Daily, China's main official newspaper.
Business with China has been increasingly important for Pakistan's troubled
economy. China has also been crucial to Pakistan's nuclear energy expansion,
despite jitters in Washington, New Delhi and other capitals.
Beijing's support for Pakistan reflects its worries about instability spilling
into its own western regions, especially heavily Muslim Xinjiang, said Hamayoun
Khan, a lecturer at the National Defence University in Islamabad who studies
China.
"Pakistan is a strategic ally of China, in terms of real politik," said Khan.
"It's a counter-weight to India, and it's a counterweight to the U.S. interests
in the region."
(Additional reporting by Sanjeev Miglani and John Chalmers in Singapore and
Rebecca Conway in Islamabad. editing by Jonathan Thatcher)
Islamabad, May 25: A team of China Radio International journalists wrapped up their comprehensive tour of Gilgit -Baltistan. On last leg of their week long visit the journalists travelled to the dammed part of Gojal, Upper Hunza, and were briefed about the ground situation by officials of the Chinese Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC).
The delegation also visited the historical Baltit Fort in Central Hunza.
Earlier this week the team of journalists visited different parts of Gilgit Baltistan and met high government officials, including Governor of GB, Pir Syed Karam Ali Shah.
The team comprised of around 20 members, including reporters, feature writers, photographers and producers.
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