Pakistani Prime Minister Kakar’s Rare Xinjiang Visit

The recent visit by Pakistan’s interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar to China has been hailed as a diplomatic triumph for Islamabad.

During the third Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing in October, Kakar had the opportunity to engage in discussions with the presidents of both China and Russia, further strengthening ties and exploring potential investments. This whirlwind trip also took Kakar to places that few foreign dignitaries have had the privilege to visit before him.

In Particular, Kakar’s late October visit to China's Xinjiang region holds importance in the context of the international community’s stance on the repression of Muslim minorities native to Xinjiang. As one of the few leaders from an Islamic country to visit the region, Kakar's presence sent a strong message that Pakistan stands with Beijing and will not criticize its neighbor.

The recent visit serves as evidence that Pakistan is committed to maintaining a close relationship with China, even in matters concerning Muslim minorities. By offering Friday prayers in Xinjiang, Kakar not only showcased solidarity with China but also highlighted China's desire for Pakistanis, who are predominantly Muslim, to have no apprehensions regarding the treatment of their fellow Muslims in the region.

Since 2017, China has pursued an aggressive campaign to root out alleged Islamic extremism in Xinjiang. Authorities’ overly broad definition of “religious extremism” led to the extended detention of Muslims, largely the native Uyghur population, for innocuous reasons such as having religious content on their smartphones, studying Islam abroad, or sporting headscarves (for women) or long beards (for men). In so-called re-education camps, Uyghurs reported being forced to drink alcohol and eat pork products, breaking strong religious taboos. Some have said they were explicitly forced to denounce Islam as part of being “cured” of alleged extremism. 

The practice of Islam remains heavily curtailed in Xinjiang today, with security cameras prevalent inside and outside of mosques. Fasting during Ramadan or even attending Friday prayers are still viewed as warning signs that a person is ripe for radicalization.

In other contexts, reports of discrimination against Muslims abroad have sparked angry protests from Pakistanis, who are keen to show their solidarity with co-religionists. But Beijing has taken special care to keep Muslim-majority countries quiet as it cracks down on Uyghurs.

Kakar’s visit demonstrates Pakistan's unwavering support for its ally while emphasizing its willingness to coordinate on sensitive issues. It also signifies China's efforts to ensure that Pakistani citizens feel reassured about the well-being and rights of their fellow Muslims in Xinjiang.

In addition, Kakar signed 20 agreements with China, covering a wide range of areas, including year-round operations of the Khunjerab border crossing, coordination on the Afghanistan issue, and peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine. Other agreements addressed building a lunar research station together, a currency swap, infrastructure, mining, industry, green and low-carbon development, health, the digital economy, development cooperation, and agricultural exports to China.

These agreements not only highlight Pakistan's commitment to deepening its relationship with China but also pave the way for significant economic development. In particular, the renewed commitment to develop Gwadar port showcases Pakistan's dedication toward harnessing its strategic location and becoming an important hub in regional trade.

During Kakar's recent visit, Pakistan took a significant step toward addressing Chinese concerns over the security of its nationals and investments in Pakistan by indicating willingness to establish formal contacts and an intelligence-sharing mechanism with China to ensure the security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

China has long been concerned about the safety and protection of its investments in Pakistan, and has continuously urged for concrete actions to address these concerns. During Kakar’s visit, Chinese leader Xi Jinping informed the Pakistani delegation that Beijing was willing to strengthen cooperation and boost ties but urged it to guarantee the safety of Chinese organizations and personnel working in the country. "We hope the Pakistani side will guarantee the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Pakistan," Xi said.

According to Xi, an "upgraded version" of CPEC should be pursued by the two countries, fostering collaboration in industrial parks, mining, agriculture, and renewable energies, as well as the swift execution of significant infrastructure projects.

To address some of China’s security concerns, a draft bill pertaining to CPEC security has been meticulously reviewed in Pakistan and has now received final approval. This signifies a proactive approach by the Pakistani government in addressing China's concerns and further strengthening bilateral ties.

Pakistan’s understanding of China’s security concerns and its move to establish a joint security mechanism reflect a significant step toward fostering better understanding and trust between the two nations. In the past, security incidents targeting Chinese interests in Pakistan have created confusion and strained relations. However, Pakistan’s aim to enhance coordination on the security of the CPEC with China is expected to bring satisfaction to authorities in Beijing.

By establishing formal contacts and implementing an intelligence-sharing mechanism, both countries can work together to enhance cooperation in countering potential threats to CPEC. This collaboration will not only ensure the safety of Chinese personnel but also contribute to the overall success and sustainability of this vital economic corridor.

The proactive approach taken by the interim government to focus on topics of significance to Beijing demonstrates not only Pakistan's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations but also its readiness to prioritize the shared interests of the two nations.