ISLAMABAD: A Chinese foreign ministry official Hua Chunying said on Wednesday her country would work with Pakistan to respond to rumors and disinformation directed against the two countries, reported the Associated Press of Pakistan.
The Chinese official made the statement while addressing the first China-Pakistan Media Forum that brought together journalists from the two countries via a video link to strengthen media relations between them through informed dialogue.
The participants of the gathering pledged to counter propaganda against their countries through enhanced communication and develop strong coordination by creating the “China-Pakistan Media Corridor.”
Addressing the event, the Chinese ministry official noted that some countries were spreading disinformation about the two allies and had launched a smear campaign against them.
“The disinformation has confused the people, created chaos and undermined solidarity and cooperation,” the APP quoted her as saying.
“Terming disinformation as the common enemy of mankind, she remarked that China and Pakistan needed to work together to fight back disinformation,” the report added.
The Chinse official maintained it was important for all countries to join hands to combat fake news and build a reasonable and objective international media environment.
She also asked journalists in both countries “to step up media cooperation,” adding it was “highly relevant in the current situation.”
The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong also maintained the two countries were confronting a propaganda campaign, saying that members of their media communities should work together to “promote truth, justice and fairness and become a positive force for regional peace and stability.”
Beijing, Islamabad pledge to jointly combat misinformation, create 'China-Pakistan Media Corridor'
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Beijing, Islamabad pledge to jointly combat misinformation, create 'China-Pakistan Media Corridor'
- The first China-Pakistan Media Forum warned against an ongoing smear campaign directed against the two allies by ‘certain countries’
- The participants of the gathering pledge to build the ‘China-Pakistan Media Corridor’ through enhanced communication to deal with disinformation
Pakistan parliament demands national response against ‘external sponsors’ of terror after Balochistan attacks
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly adopted a resolution on Tuesday condemning recent militant attacks in the southwestern Balochistan province, calling for an immediate national response against “external sponsors” of terror in the country.
Separatist militants launched coordinated gun and bomb attacks across multiple districts in Balochistan on Friday and Saturday, targeting security installations and government facilities. Pakistan’s State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudry said 50 people were killed in the attacks, which included 33 civilians and 17 law enforcement personnel. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s state media said on Monday that security forces have killed 177 militants since Friday.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said last week that the militant attacks, which were claimed by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army, were planned by India. New Delhi denied the allegations as “baseless,” saying it was an attempt by Islamabad to deflect from its internal failings. Pakistan regularly accuses India of funding militants in its Balochistan and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, charges New Delhi has always denied.
The resolution, tabled by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, said that in several militant attacks, evidence has shed light on the “external patronage” of militants and drawn attention to “serious concerns, particularly regarding the role of India.”
“This house demands that an immediate, comprehensive, coordinated and multi-dimensional national response be ensured against these external sponsors and internal facilitators, including funding, smuggling, and propaganda networks, bringing together the political, diplomatic, military, intelligence, legal and narrative fronts,” a copy of the resolution seen by Arab News stated.
The resolution said “terrorism” in Pakistan is being facilitated through logistical and operational support, financial assistance, training, medical treatment and propaganda networks by certain neighboring countries.
It expressed solidarity with the victims and relatives of the Balochistan attacks, praising Pakistan’s security forces for taking effective action against militants. The resolution also expressed concern over militant networks using women in the attacks.
“This house expresses profound grief, sorrow, and concern over the fact that terrorist networks are attempting to exploit women and use them against the state and society through coercion, psychological pressure and blackmail,” it said.
The resolution called for national unity and rising above political differences. It vowed that the state will not compromise on the protection of its people and national security.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by land area, has long been gripped by a separatist insurgency that has intensified in recent years. Militants frequently target security forces, government officials, infrastructure projects, foreigners and non-local workers in the area.
Balochistan is home to vast reserves of minerals and hydrocarbons, and also to the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Separatist militant groups such as the BLA blame Islamabad for exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources and denying locals a share in them. The military and civilian government reject these allegations and say they are investing in the province’s development.
