International Relations

The United Nations Convention on Nuclear Disarmament has not reached any agreement. Russia has blocked the adoption of the Joint Declaration, questioning the draft document of the convention.

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is reviewed every five years. Its purpose is to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. 191 countries have signed this treaty.

Under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it prohibits participating countries from reducing their nuclear stockpile and purchasing other nuclear weapons.

Russia has objected to the draft document, citing serious concerns over military activities around Ukraine's nuclear plant, especially Zaporizhia.

A review meeting was also held in the year 2015. The participants also could not reach an agreement.

The United Nations Conference on Nuclear Disarmament was to be held in the year 2020 after 2015, but due to Corona, it was done in 2022.

A four-week conference in New York failed to reach a consensus. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has expressed grief over the lack of agreement.

Russia occupied Ukraine's Zaporizhia Nuclear Plant just days after the war began. Only after the consent of all the countries involved in the convention is the draft document finalized and given the form of the document.

The convention required the approval of all countries. Several countries, including the Netherlands and China, expressed disappointment that no consensus had been reached.

Saudi Arabia has once again extended its hand to help Pakistan, which is facing economic crisis. Saudi Arabia will invest one billion dollars in Pakistan.

This information has been given by tweeting on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia.

According to a release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, "King Salman of Saudi Arabia has given instructions for investment of one billion dollars in Pakistan. He has directed to provide this help to the economic condition of Pakistan and for the people there.''

According to the release, this information was given by the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia during a phone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan on Thursday, August 25, 2022.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan talks over the phone with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto on Thursday, August 25, 2022.

During this conversation, he informed the Foreign Minister of Pakistan about the instructions of King Salman. At the same time, the two leaders also discussed on promoting bilateral relations. Regional and international issues of common benefit were also discussed between the two leaders.

Saudi Arabia has already helped

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have strong relations since the inception of Pakistan. Since the 1970s, these relations have strengthened even further.

Whenever Pakistan's economy is in trouble, Saudi Arabia comes forward to help it.

After the fall of Imran Khan's government in Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif, who became the Prime Minister, did his first foreign tour to Saudi Arabia. During this visit, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had managed to get a relief package of $ 8 billion from Saudi.

Saudi Arabia had deposited three billion dollars in the State Bank of Pakistan in December 2021 under the last loan agreement.

Apart from this, in the year 2021, when Pakistan was in a difficult economic crisis, its rupee was falling against the dollar and foreign exchange reserves were running out, even then Saudi Arabia had stepped forward and helped it.

In October 2021, Saudi Arabia gave financial assistance of $ 4.2 billion to Pakistan. This help was announced during the visit of the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan to Saudi. This help was in the form of cheap loans and borrowed oil.

The Taliban has said it has yet to find the body of the former al-Qaeda chief, al-Zawahiri. However, their investigation is on.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Thursday, August 25, 2022 that the Taliban has yet to find the body of al-Zawahiri.

"Investigation in this matter is going on and still not completed," he told reporters. Whatever information is available about this will be revealed only after the investigation is completed.

"Everything was destroyed where the attack took place, no bodies were found," a Taliban official spokesman said.

American claimed

On July 31, 2022, the US claimed to have killed al-Zawahiri in a drone strike in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

The US Central Intelligence Agency had conducted an anti-terrorist operation. The death of Zawahiri was confirmed by US President Joe Biden himself.

Biden said, "Zawahiri's hands were painted with the murder of American citizens, now the people have got justice and this terrorist leader is no longer alive."

Officials say Zawahiri was in the balcony of a safe house when two missiles were fired from the drone.

Taliban officials said after the US claim that the drone attack had happened, but the house was empty at the time of the attack. Taliban officials said the drone attack took place on an empty house.

A Taliban leader told Reuters news agency they did not confirm the US claim of Zawahiri's presence at the time of the attack.

On the question of security of Indians in Sri Lanka, India has said that the security of all Indians present there is the priority of the government. The government said it was monitoring developments in Sri Lanka.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday, 25 August 2022 that the safety of all Indians outside India and in Sri Lanka is of paramount importance.

In a press conference held in New Delhi, he has advised all Indians who have gone to Sri Lanka to take precautions.

He has also advised that Indian travelers check all important things like currency conversion and fuel situation there.

"Our High Commissioner is in touch with the local administration of Sri Lanka. I don't think anybody has been attacked in Sri Lanka. We have issued guidelines to Indian citizens in this regard.''

Shocking situation of intolerance in Pakistan

Terming the incident of abduction of a Sikh woman in Pakistan as worrying, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said that the level of religious intolerance in Pakistan is shocking.

He said that he considers the incident another example of religious persecution against the minority community in Pakistan.

On the other hand, India has reiterated its old stand regarding talks with Pakistan, saying that it is necessary to have a terrorism-free environment for talks with Pakistan.

Arindam Bagchi has said that India is in touch with Russia regarding the suicide bomber who was allegedly arrested in Russia to kill former BJP leader Nupur Sharma, who came into controversy after making controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad.

However, he declined to divulge further details citing security issues.

Iran's President Ibrahim Raisi has criticized the normalization of relations between some Arab countries and Israel and has also warned Israel about it.

Ibrahim Raisi spoke of relations between Arab and Israel countries during a military parade in Tehran on Iran's National Army Day.

He warned Israel there, saying, "If Israel wants to normalize relations with some countries, then it knows that its smallest actions are not hidden from us."

"If they make a mistake, we will directly strike the heart of the Jewish regime, and the power of our army will not allow them to sit in peace."

According to Iranian media, the military parade took place after a gap of two years due to the Corona epidemic, which was organized in the presence of senior Iranian leaders and military officials.

New weapons and equipment of the army were also displayed in it. During this, Ibrahim Raisi also praised Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

The enmity between Iran and Israel is well known

Iran does not recognize Israel. Whereas Israel has also said many times that it will not tolerate nuclear-powered Iran. Donald Trump ended the nuclear deal between Iran and the West. But since Joe Biden became president, efforts were on to implement the nuclear deal anew.

In March 2022, these talks were also canceled because Iran wanted the US to remove the Revolutionary Guard Corps from the list of its foreign terrorist organization, but this issue could not be resolved and the talks also stopped.

Iran has repeatedly alleged that Israel has attacked its nuclear bases and killed Iranian nuclear scientists. Israel neither denies nor confirms these allegations.

At the same time, undeclared conflicts at sea between Israel and Iran also come to the fore, in which there are mysterious attacks on ships.

Israel has been expressing its concerns about Iran's nuclear program. Israel suspects that Iran is building nuclear weapons, which Iran has denied.

Iran's eyes on Israel and Gulf countries close

In recent years, many Gulf countries have come closer to Israel. Just in March 2022, a big conference of four Arab countries was organized in Israel, in which US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also arrived to attend.

The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Egypt participated in the conference. This was the first time that Israel had organized a meeting of senior officials from so many Arab countries.

Such a meeting and close is also being seen as a new regional alliance against Iran in the Middle East. It is also being said that the meeting has also made it clear that now Arab countries are ready to increase relations with Israel without resolving the issue of Palestine dispute.

According to reports in the Israeli media, at the end of the meeting, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid told that a "regional arrangement" for protection from drone and missile attacks, sea attacks among all the countries participating in the conference. There was a discussion. Yaer Lapid was referring to Iran or its allies.

Actually, all these countries have been raising questions about Iran's activities.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE have also always been suspicious of Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner cited one of the reasons for this in his report, writing, "They are cautious about Iran because Iran has created a network of powerful proxy militia groups in the Middle East in violation of international sanctions."

In such a situation, Iran is openly expressing its hostile relations with Israel, as well as giving a signal to the Arab countries about its stand by targeting Israel.

However, on National Army Day, Ibrahim Raisi said, "Our strategy is not to attack but to defend."

"Iran's military has made good use of the sanctions opportunity to further strengthen itself and our military industry is in the best shape possible," he added.

The conflict between Israel and Palestinian fighters has begun once more. The level of shelling that is being seen this time, it did not happen in the last several years.

Palestinian extremists have fired several hundred rockets from the Gaza Strip into the territory of Israel, and Israel has responded to this by its devastating airstrikes.

The target of rockets fired by Palestine is Israeli cities like Tel Aviv, Modine, Birsheba. Israel's missile defense system is responding to attacks by the Iron Dome Palestinian side. But the ringing of the sirens of danger has not stopped yet.

Israel has carried out airstrikes at several Gaza locations. There has been loss of life and property on both sides. Dozens of Palestinians have been killed, while on the other hand at least 10 Israelis have died.

This armed conflict has started after weeks of tension between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a place that is considered sacred to Jews and Muslims around the world.

The international community has appealed to both sides to maintain peace. In the Middle East, UN peace envoy Tor Vainsland has said that there is a danger of large-scale fighting there.

But the struggle of Israel and Palestinian people is years old and should be viewed from the same perspective. Why is the dispute between Israelis and Palestinians so complicated and why is the world divided about it? To understand this, we need to know the history of Israel and Palestine.

How did the conflict begin?

Jews were being targeted in Europe in the early twentieth century. Under these circumstances, the demand for a separate country for the Jewish people began to gain momentum. The region of Palestine, which lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, was considered sacred to all three Muslims, Jews and Christianity. Palestine was controlled by the Ottoman Empire and was largely held by the Arabs and other Muslim communities.

Amidst all this, a large number of Jews came to settle in Palestine and the people of Palestine started protesting against them.

After the First World War (1914–1918) the Ottoman Empire (the Kingdom of Osmania) disintegrated and Britain got the approval of the United Nations to take the administration of Palestine under its control.

But before the First World War and during the fighting, the British had made many promises to the Arabs and the Jewish people in Palestine, which they could not fulfill even a small part. Britain had already partitioned the Middle East with France. This led to tensions between the Arab people and Jews in Palestine and triggered violent clashes between armed groups on both sides.

After World War II (1939–1945) and the widespread massacre of Jews at the hands of Hitler and the Nazis in Germany, there was increasing pressure on the demand for a separate country for Jews. At that time it was planned that the territory under British control would be divided between the Palestinians and the Jews.

Finally, on 14 May 1948, with the help of Britain, Israel was forcibly established in Palestine. And Palestine was annihilated by the Jews. With the formation of Israel, a local tension turned into a territorial dispute. The very next day Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Iraq attacked this area. This was the first Arab-Israel conflict. It was also called the alleged freedom struggle of the Jews. After the end of this war, the United Nations secured half the land for an Arab state.

The period of tragedy started for the Palestinians from there itself. Seven and a half million Palestinians had to flee or take refuge in neighboring countries or were expelled and evicted by the Jewish armed forces.

But the year 1948 was not the last conflict between Jews and Arabs. In the year 1956, there was a dispute over the Suez Canal and Israel and Egypt again stood opposite each other. But this matter was resolved without war.

But the Arab-Israeli conflict lasted for six days in 1967 was the last major battle in a way. The war between 5 June 1967 and 10 June 1967 saw long-term effects on many levels.

Israel won the military alliance of the Arab countries. The Gaza Strip, Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, Jordan to the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Golan Mountains from Syria came under the control of Israel. Five lakh Palestinians were displaced.

The last Arab-Israel conflict was the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Egypt and Syria fought this war against Israel. Egypt regained the Sinai Peninsula. In the year 1982, Israel gave up its claim on the Sinai Peninsula but not on Gaza. Six years later Egypt became the first Arab country to have a peace deal with Israel. Jordan followed suit.

Why was Israel established in the Middle East?

The Jews believe that this is the area where Israel is inhabited today, which God promised to give to Abraham and his descendants, their first ancestors.

In the past, this area was under attack from Assyrians (the tribal people living in present-day Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria), Babylon, Persia, Macedonia and Roman people. In the Roman Empire itself, this area was named Palestine, and seven decades after Christ, the Jewish people were evicted from this area.

With the rise of Islam, Palestine came under the control of the Arabs in the seventh century and was then conquered by the European invaders. In the year 1516, Palestine went under the control of the Ottoman Empire (Osmania Empire) and then after the First World War, on 29 September 1923, Britain occupied Palestine. Which lasted until May 15, 1948, the day after the founding of Israel on May 14, 1948.

To allow a smooth transition of power after 15 May 1948, Britain as a mandatory power was to hand over the UN Palestine Commission as the Provisional Government of Palestine.

On September 3, 1947, a United Nations Special Committee on Palestine submitted its report to the General Assembly. In this report, the committee accepted religious and historical arguments for the establishment of a Jewish nation in the Middle East.

In the Balfour Declaration of 1917, the British Government agreed to give Jews a 'national house' in Palestine. The Declaration recognized the historical connection of the Jewish people with Palestine and based on this, laid the foundation of the Jewish state in the territory of Palestine.

After the genocide of millions of Jews at the hands of the Nazis in Europe and during World War II, international pressure to recognize a separate Jewish nation began to increase.

Britain took up this issue for the consideration of the United Nations after failing to resolve the growing tension between the Arab people and the Jews.

On 29 November 1947, the United Nations General Assembly approved the plan for partition of Palestine. It recommended the formation of an Arab country and a Jewish state, as well as a special arrangement for Jerusalem.

This plan was accepted by the Jews but rejected by the Arab people. They saw it as losing their land. This was the reason why the United Nations plan could never be implemented.

The formation of independent Israel was announced on May 14, 1948, the day before Britain's control over Palestine came to an end. The next day, Israel applied for UN membership, and a year later it was approved. Among the member countries of the United Nations, 83 percent of the countries have recognized Israel. As of December 2019, 162 of 193 countries had recognized Israel.

Why are there two Palestinian territories?

The United Nations Special Committee on Palestine submitted a report to the General Assembly in 1947, recommending that the Western Galley (the mountainous region of Samaria and Judea) be included in the Arab nation.

The committee had recommended keeping the coastal plain of Ishud bordering Jerusalem and Egypt out of it.

But the division of this region was defined by the Armaistice line drawn in the year 1949. This line was drawn after the formation of Israel and the first Arab-Israeli War.

These two regions of Palestine are the West Bank (which includes East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip. These two areas are at a distance of 45 km from each other. The area of ​​the West Bank is 5970 square kilometers, while the area of ​​the Gaza Strip is 365 square kilometers.

The West Bank lies between Jerusalem and the eastern part of Jordan. Jerusalem is described by both the Palestinian side and Israel as its capital.

The Gaza Strip is a 41 km long area, whose width varies between 6 to 12 km.

Gaza has a 51-km border with Israel, seven kilometers with Egypt and 40 kilometers along the Mediterranean coast.

The Gaza Strip was taken over by Israel in the 1967 war. In 2005, Israel relinquished its hold on it. However, Israel controls the influx of people, goods and services from the Gaza Strip to air, land and sea in every way.

The Gaza Strip is currently a territory controlled by Hamas. Hamas is Israel's armed group that does not recognize Israel's pact with other factions of Palestine.

In contrast, the West Bank is ruled by the Palestinian National Authority. The Palestinian National Authority recognizes the international community as the government of the Palestinians.

Has there ever been an agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis?

After the formation of Israel and the displacement of thousands of Palestinians, the Palestinian movement began to take root in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and Arab countries.

This movement had the support of Jordan and Egypt.

After the 1967 war, Palestinian organizations such as 'Fatah' led by Yasir Arafat formed the 'Palestinian Liberation Organization'.

The PLO initiated action against Israel, first from Jordan and then from Lebanon.

But these attacks targeted all targets within and outside Israel. There was no discrimination between Israel's embassies, players, its airplanes.

The Israeli targets were attacked for years by the Palestinians, and finally in 1993, the Oslo Peace Accord was signed by the PLO and Israel.

The Palestinian Liberation Organization promised to abandon the path of 'violence and extremism' and accepted Israel's right to live with peace and security. However, Hamas does not accept this agreement.

After this agreement, the Palestinian National Authority was formed and this organization got the right to represent the Palestinian people on international forums.

The president of this organization is elected by direct voting. The Chairman appoints a Prime Minister and his Cabinet. It has the authority to manage civic amenities in urban and rural areas.

East Jerusalem, historically considered the capital of the Palestinians, was not included in the Oslo peace settlement.

There is a deep dispute between the two sides regarding Jerusalem.

What are the main points of dispute between the Palestinians and the Israelis?

The delay in the formation of an independent Palestinian nation, the settlement of the ghettos in the West Bank and the security cordon surrounding the Palestinian territory are the reasons that hamper the peace process.

The International Court of Justice in The Hague has also criticized Israel's security cordon around the Palestinian territory.

In 2000, when the last serious effort was made to reconcile between the two sides in the presence of President Bill Clinton at Camp David in the US, it was clear that this is not the only obstacle in the path of peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis. .

At the time, Bill Clinton had failed to reach a compromise between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Yasir Arafat. The issues on which there was disagreement between the two sides were the issue of Jerusalem, the border and land, the ghettos and Palestinian refugees.

Israel claims that Jerusalem is its territory. It says that since the capture of East Jerusalem in 1967, Jerusalem has been its capital, but it is not recognized internationally. The Palestinian side wants East Jerusalem to be its capital.

The Palestinians demand that the Arab-Israeli war that lasted six days, or the situation before June 4, 1967, determine its boundaries, which Israel refuses to accept.

Jewish settlements have been settled by Israel on occupied lands. They are illegal under international laws. More than half a million Jews live in these settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The actual number of Palestinian refugees depends on who counts it. The PLO says that their number is more than one crore. Half of these people are registered with the United Nations. The Palestinians say that these refugees have the right to return to their land. But the land they are talking about is Israel today, and if that happens, what will happen to its identity as a Jewish nation.

Is Palestine a Country?

The United Nations recognizes Palestine as a 'non-member-observer state'.

The Palestinians have the right to participate in General Assembly meetings and debates to improve their chances of subscribing to UN organizations.

In 2011, Palestine applied for full membership but it did not happen.

More than 70% of the United Nations General Assembly members recognize Palestine as a state.

Why is America the main partner of Israel? Who has the support of Palestine?

For this, the importance of the pro-Israel vigorous lobby in America has to be understood. Public opinion in the US also supports Israel's stand.

Therefore, it is virtually impossible for a US president to withdraw support from Israel.

Apart from this, both countries are also military allies. Israel has received the most help from the United States. This help comes in the form of arms purchases and money.

However, in 2016, when the Security Council was voting on criticism of Israel's Jewish settlements policy, the Obama administration did not exercise its veto power.

But after the arrival of Donald Trump in the White House, the relationship between the two countries got new life. The US moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. With this, America became the first country in the world to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

In the last days of his term, President Trump was successful in normalizing Israel's relations with wealthy Arab countries.

However, since the Biden administration took power, Israel has adopted a strategy to distance itself from the risky conflict in Palestine. Experts say that the Biden administration sees this as a problem that requires huge political capital and what will be achieved is not sure.

US support to Israel continues, but the Biden administration's diplomacy appears to be a precaution. However, after the current violence, Biden may face criticism from his party's left wing, which have been critical of Israel.

On the other hand Turkey, Pakistan, China, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Syria, Iran and many Arab countries are with Palestinian people on the issue of Palestine. There is a feeling of sympathy for the Palestinians in Arab countries.

What is the way to peace and what needs to be done for it?

Experts say that for permanent peace, Israel should accept the sovereignty of the Palestinians, including Hamas. He should end the blockade with Gaza and also lift restrictions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

On the other hand, Palestinian factions have to abandon the path of violence for permanent peace and accept Israel.

Both sides have to reach an acceptable agreement on the issue of borders, Jewish settlements and the return of Palestinian refugees.

There is no official response from the United States so far on the $ 400 billion Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Plan for 25 years between China and Iran.

But analysts say that this step will prove to be an important 'game changer' not only for the region but in the global economic system.

There is uneasiness in Pakistan over the fact that now China is turning to Iran. But Pakistan's diplomats and analysts, who have a keen eye on the issue, have categorically dismissed this suspicion.

He says that the recent China and Iran Economic Cooperation Agreement will not be an alternative to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), but will strengthen it.

Iran's helplessness and China's need

According to experts, Tehran has tried to make itself a powerful country for the new global situation by collaborating with China on long-term economic, infrastructure construction and security issues.

But while doing so, on the one hand Iran may face new sanctions from the US, on the other hand this agreement can save it from the continuous sanctions of the US.

The long-standing US sanctions on Iran have brought it so close to China. This is why Iran has agreed to sell oil to China at a lower price than global rates. So that its oil sales can continue uninterrupted and the national treasury can get a reliable source of income.

Experts say that the documents of the agreement have not been revealed yet. But the information that has been received suggests that Iran's fragile economy can help bring economic stability to $ 400 billion projects over the next 25 years.

In return, China will be able to purchase oil, gas and petro-chemical products from Iran at a discounted rate. In addition, China will also invest in Iran's financial, transportation and telecommunications sectors.

Under this agreement, for the first time in Iran's history, the two countries will collaborate in state, security and military matters through joint training exercises, weapons modernization and joint intelligence.

According to the agreement reached between the two countries, five thousand soldiers of the People's Liberation Army of China will also be stationed in Iran. But keep in mind that there are also protests in Iran, in which former President of Iran Ahmadinejad is at the forefront.

It is also speculated that perhaps Iran may be an ideal candidate to adopt China's new digital currency, the E-RMB, which has weakened the power to ignore and approve the dollar.

Remember that Iran is not currently connected to the global financial and banking system SWIFT and is not dealing with Iran.

CPEC - Plus

According to Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, President of the Pakistan-China Institute, the Iran-China strategic agreement is a good step for the region and also positive for Pakistan's interests, as it will strengthen regional economic cooperation, centered on Pakistan.

Mushahid Hussain hoped that it would help strengthen Gwadar Port's role in bringing stability to Balochistan and promoting regional cooperation with China, Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asian countries.

He further stated that it was unfortunate that India did not renew the IPI (Iran-Pakistan-India Pipeline) due to US pressure (when David Mulford was the US Ambassador to India on January 25, 2006). Instead opted for a nuclear deal with the US. India had removed the then minister Mani Shankar Aiyar who was a supporter of IPI.

Rejecting uneasiness about CPEC in Pakistan, Mushahid Hussain said that the Iran-China agreement would make CPEC more meaningful. Because both of these agreements are not for competition or rivalry, but both are aimed at strategic cooperation with China.

'Preparing to compete with world power'

Says India's famous defense analyst Praveen Sahni, "I think it would be wrong to see this agreement in the context of regional tensions in the Persian Gulf." China has always avoided supporting or opposing anyone in the Iran-Saudi rivalry. The main reason for China's increasing presence in the Persian Gulf is its economic affairs.''

He says that China and Saudi Arabia also signed major economic deals a year ago. But this new agreement of China with Iran reveals another important point. That is, instead of singlehanding Tehran, US sanctions have pushed it even further into China's camp. Therefore, the importance of this agreement is not only important for the region, but it also appears to be preparing to compete with the world power.

Says Praveen Sahni, "More details of the agreement are not currently available, so it cannot be compared to CPEC." Nevertheless, the major difference is that the basic interests of both the parties are connected. China needs oil, which it will get from Iran at cheaper rates.''

"In return, Iran wants to invest in its economic, oil production, infrastructure and trade, which China will provide," says Praveen Sahni. There is economic cooperation in China-Iran relations, which is not the case with China and Pakistan. What kind of role will this difference play, at the moment nothing can be said about it.''

According to him, "Iran has the resources that China desperately needs, that is, hydrocarbons." Pakistan has no such wealth. Therefore, in terms of economic matters, relations between Pakistan and China are very different from relations between China and Iran.''

According to Praveen Sahni, however, there has been much discussion on whether the corridor based on Pakistan, Iran, Central Asia will lead to economic development and improvement in the region.

Says Praveen Sahni, "It may be a long-term plan, but there is no possibility of its benefits in the short term. Iran and Pakistan do not manufacture industrial products that Central Asian countries import, nor do Pakistan and Iran are major markets for Central Asian exports.''

He said that there is such infrastructure from China to Central Asia as well as Europe, due to which there is a network of roads and railways. He says that "it is difficult to see how the new routes of China, Pakistan and Iran, will be able to be an alternative to these old paths".

Praveen further said that the project of building Chabahar port of Iran was initiated by India because India had to use Afghanistan's mineral resources and make them better by utilizing Iran's industrial capacity.

Clearly, given the ground situation in Afghanistan, it was like a 'distant drumming'. Afghanistan's economy is not large enough for India to build a major road or railway infrastructure for the India-Afghanistan trade corridor through Iran.

He further said that Pakistan has tried its best to stay away from Iran-Saudi confrontation in the Persian Gulf and so has India.

Says Praveen, "Both sides have economic interests in this confrontation, but at the same time, there are internal issues related to this confrontation. Therefore, it is becoming more and more difficult to maintain a balance between all the sides over time. Especially when the United States decides in the next few years that it needs to increase further pressure on Iran. I don't think there is any other option than to maintain a realistic balance.''

'America pushes Pakistan and Iran towards China'

Iqbal Ahmed Khan, former Pakistan ambassador and professor of diplomacy and international relations at Lahore University of Management Sciences, says China's investment plan with Iran is part of its $ 8 trillion BRI projects, one of which is CPEC.

According to former Ambassador Iqbal Ahmed Khan, it is not correct to compare China's investment in Iran to CPEC. Because both of these are Chinese investments and both will be helpful to each other and the three countries will benefit from it.

He says, "Both China and Iran are friends of Pakistan, so Pakistan wants the project to succeed."

Iqbal Ahmed Khan further said that China's investment in Iran is not at the cost of Pakistan, so it should not be considered "zero-sum game".

On the question whether Pakistan and China will be able to bear the burden of US sanctions on Iran. Iqbal Ahmed Khan said that the main reason for China's investment in Pakistan and Iran is, in fact, the sanctions imposed by the US or attempts to ignore these countries.

He says, "Both Pakistan and Iran have been sidelined by the US, due to which we had to look for another way. Pakistan decided to make the most of its political and geographical location. On one side is China and on the other side is Iran. However, if Pakistan is a friend of China, it does not mean that Pakistan is hostile to America, but China has asked Pakistan to improve its relations with both America and India many times. However, America should also realize this.

Iqbal Ahmed Khan said that Pakistan will gladly cooperate with Iran, but Pakistan will also try to make Iran like it a member of Shanghai Cooperation Council.

"China's cooperation with Iran will directly benefit Pakistan," he says. Oil from Iran, which currently reaches China after covering 13 thousand miles. He will reach China by a safe passage of 150 miles through Pakistan.''

He said that China's investments in Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and other Asian countries and its investment in economic and trade infrastructure, from the Atlantic Ocean to the regions of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, are tangible signs of shifting the world's power.

Pakistan and Iran have an important role in this process of global change. There is also the role of US sanctions in this process of change, which is pushing these countries to the other side.''

'Iran Agreement and CPEC are natural partners'

Fatima Raza, a global affairs specialist at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, says that although the energy and infrastructure features in both projects are similar, the interests of the parties involved are different in many ways.

However, Fatima Raza said that the China-Iran agreement is a natural partnership agreement between the two countries, which could also further expand the prospects of CPEC.

Fatima Raza further said that for each party, comparing the two presents a different picture. "Both these projects provide an extraordinary opportunity for Pakistan to succeed, as it becomes a natural route for Iranian oil to reach China."

Fatima Raza said, "For China, it means a project like CPEC, which seeks to consolidate the impact of its expansion in the region, which will create trouble for US interests in the region."

Fatima Raza says the deal will help Iran meet its financial needs, which it desperately needs.

Fatima Raza said, "Both deals reinforce each other in their nature rather than being competitive, but its success depends on the parties utilizing their full potential."

'Impact on overall geo-political balance of Gulf and region'

Osama al-Sharif, an analyst at Arab News, wrote that the 25-year comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between China and Iran would have a long-term impact on the overall geopolitical-political balance of the Gulf and region.

The agreement has been signed at a time when relations between Beijing and Washington are very tense.

The deal gave Tehran a strong position on Iran's nuclear deal with the West, renegotiation and efforts to expand it.

According to Osama al-Sharif, the agreement would provide China with the opportunity to deploy 5 thousand security and military personnel on Iranian soil, which would prove to be a regional game changer.

Prior to China, Tehran signed a 10-year cooperation agreement with Moscow in 2001, particularly in the nuclear sector, which has since been extended twice.

He wrote that two years ago I joined a naval exercise with Iran, Russia and China. This new agreement will allow China to set up bases in the Gulf region as well as in Central Asia.

In return, Iran will get China's technology and invest in its poor infrastructure.

The Chinese government has been strengthening its economic ties with other Gulf countries for years.

Beijing has signed cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait and has good relations with Saudi Arabia.

Osama al-Sharif wrote, "The new agreement will increase the sense of danger in the capitals of the Arab countries of the Gulf." Because these countries see Iran as a major source of instability and its alliance with Beijing will further strengthen the line between Tehran and Qom.''

Also, according to Osama al-Sharif, Israel will also feel uneasy about China's move. Both Russia and China, who signed Iran's nuclear deal, supported Tehran's side and openly violated US sanctions.

Tension between USA and China increased

Alex Lantier, an analyst with the World Socialist Organization, writes that the terms of the Iran-China agreement have not been disclosed. But these signatures came at a time when the US refused to lift the restrictions imposed by former President Donald Trump. At the same time, the differences between China and the United States came to the fore in the conference to be held in Alaska of China and America.

Speaking to the press before the summit began, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that China should accept Washington's "international order based on the rule" or else it would "have a more rigid and unstable world." Will have to face it.''

In Tehran, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in response to a question that "relations between our two countries have now reached a strategic level and China is trying to promote wider relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.''

The signing of the roadmap for strategic cooperation between the two countries shows that Beijing will enhance relations to the highest level.

China resistance

According to the Chinese government news agency Global Times, the Chinese foreign minister told Iranian officials that "China will dominate domination and opposition to hooliganism, along with protecting international justice, as well as international norms with the people of Iran and other countries."

The agreement was first discussed in 2016 between Iran's Supreme Leader Syed Ali Khamenei and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

To deepen economic ties with the Middle East, China also offered Iran to cooperate in development with its BRI program.

The Tehran Times quoted Iran's Ambassador to China Mohammad Keshavarz Zadeh as saying that the agreement "clarifies the potential for cooperation between Iran and China, particularly in the fields of technology, industry, transportation and energy." The firms have built mass transit systems, railways and other important infrastructure in Iran.

In December 2020, amid speculation about the signing of the deal, Peter Berkowitz, director of the policy planning staff of the US State Department, condemned it.

He told the newspaper Al Arabia that if this agreement was reached, it would be bad news for the "free world". Iran sows the seeds of terrorism, death and destruction throughout the region. Empowering this country of the People's Republic of China will further increase the risk.

Greeting Pakistan Day, a reply letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter written to PM Imran Khan has come from Pakistan.

Pakistan's PM Imran Khan wrote in this reply letter on 29 March 2021, "I thank you for the letter sent with the best wishes of Pakistan Day".

PM Imran Khan further wrote, "The people of Pakistan celebrate this day to pay tribute to the foresight and intelligence of their founders who envisaged an independent, sovereign state and where people can live freely and achieve their full potential To achieve it.''

PM Imran Khan wrote, "People of Pakistan also want a peaceful and cooperative relationship with all their neighbors including India. We are convinced that the permanent peace and stability in South Asia is related to the resolution of all issues between India and Pakistan, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.''

Imran Khan wrote, "It is important to create an environment conducive to a positive and result-oriented conversation. On this occasion, I also wish to convey my best wishes to the people of India in the fight against the pandemic of COVID-19.''

What was written in Modi's letter to Imran

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, wishing Pakistan Day, that India, as a neighboring country, wants a happy relationship with the people of Pakistan.

In this letter written on 22 March 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "To make this possible, an environment free of terrorism and hostility and full of trust and confidence is needed".

At the same time, President of India, Ramnath Kovind, also presented Happy Day of Pakistan in a letter written to the President of Pakistan Arif Alvi.

Narendra Modi wrote this letter to Imran Khan at a time when a new ceasefire has been implemented on the Line of Control between the two countries.

Ceasefire between India and Pakistan

In February 2021, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the two countries issued a joint statement declaring a sudden ceasefire along the Line of Control.

Since then there has been peace against the border on the border and the ceasefire on both sides is being followed in full.

At the same time, an eight-member team of Pakistan for Indus River Water Dialogue, under the leadership of Indus Water Commissioner Syed Mehr-e-Alam, is in New Delhi talks with their counterparts in India. This conversation is taking place after two years.

Recently, Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had also said in a statement that both countries should forget the old things and move forward.

Chain of wishes

Narendra Modi wrote in his letter that on the occasion of Pakistan Day, he wants to congratulate the people of Pakistan.

Modi, while addressing Imran Khan, wrote that during this difficult time, he wishes him and the people of Pakistan to overcome the challenges of COVID-19.

A few days ago, even when Imran Khan was found infected with Corona virus, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi sent his best wishes for him.

There has also been speculation that a third country may be behind the sudden warmth in the relationship between India and Pakistan in recent months.

Saudi Arabia's Deputy Foreign Minister Adil Al Zubair admitted a few days ago that Saudi Arabia is making efforts to ease tensions between India and Pakistan.

United Arab Emirates Claims

In an interview to Arab News, Adil Al Zubair had said that Saudi Arabia wants peace in the entire region and is making efforts for it.

At the same time, media reports have also claimed to mediate the United Arab Emirates in negotiations between India and Pakistan.

A report by The Hindu said that India and Pakistan negotiated behind the scenes in the mediation of the United Arab Emirates.

However, India or Pakistan have not confirmed this. Analysts are also assuming that the recent events are the result of the activities going on behind the scenes.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzamman Khan has expressed displeasure over the violence in the demonstrations against India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh, saying that "some groups are spreading religious hysteria and destroying government property and the lives of people."

He said on Sunday, March 28, 2021, that violence should be stopped immediately or else the government will have to take strict steps.

There were clashes in Brahmanbaria on Sunday, March 28, 2021 for the third consecutive day against the visit of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.

At least 12 people have died in violent demonstrations so far.

Bangladesh home minister said, "For the last three days, some unruly people and groups have been damaging government property in some areas due to religious frenzy."

Those involved in the demonstrations have allegedly damaged the Upazila Parishad, Thana Bhawan, Government Land Office, Police Outpost, Railway Station, the houses of political personalities and the Press Club.

He said, "We are asking the concerned people to stop this kind of damage and any kind of chaos." Otherwise the government will take strong steps to save people's lives and property.''

The radical Islamic organization 'Hifazat-e-Islam' went on strike on Sunday, 28 March 2021, after several demonstrations against the visit of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.

The strike led to blockades and clashes in many places, but most violence took place in Brahmanbaria.

Bangladesh's home minister said, "Some selfish people are bringing orphaned children to the streets, and harassing them."

He also said that an atmosphere of tension is being created by spreading rumors and fake news on social media.

Bangladesh Home Minister said, "We think it is going against the country." We are asking you to stop it, otherwise we will take action according to the law.''

He said that the government will take steps to ensure that those who are affected by all this do not face any more trouble.

He said that for three days the legal agencies showed great restraint.

Hifazat-e-Islam denies responsibility for violence

The radical Islamic organization 'Hifazat-e-Islam' has denied the allegations leveled against its supporters in the recent violence.

Hifazat-e-Islam said in a statement that the protesters were attacked by the government people and the police.

The joint general secretary of Hifazat-e-Islam, Naseeruddin Munir, told the BBC that it was not right to accuse his supporters of attacking government buildings.

He said, "There was violence on Betul Mukarram on Friday, 26 March 2021. There was anger among many of our madrasa students after the news spread online.''

"One hour after the prayers, the students started a peaceful march," he said. When they got out of the police station, some boys, who were not students of the madrasa, were miscreants who joined the march. They were throwing bricks at the police station. Bullets were fired from the police.''

"Our students did not attack inside the police station," Hafazat-e-Islam joint general secretary Naseeruddin Munir told the BBC. I can give you 100 percent assurance for this.''

The government has acknowledged the demands of Hifazat-e-Islam many times in the past, including making changes to books and removing idols in Bangladesh.

The Brahminbaria of Bangladesh remained turbulent for the third day on Sunday, 28 March 2021, after the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Officials at the local hospital in Brahmanbaria said that two more people died on Sunday, March 28, 2021.

At least 12 people have been killed in violent protests in Bangladesh for the past three days.

Dr Shaukat Hussain of Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital told the BBC that two people injured in the clashes during the strike were brought to the hospital who died.

Doctor Shaukat Hussain did not provide any other information other than this.

'Hifazat-e-Islam'

Local correspondents say there have been clashes between supporters of the radical Islamic organization 'Hifazat-e-Islam' and security forces.

Many people have been injured in these clashes.

The strike was called by 'Hifazat-e-Islam' on Sunday, 28 March 2021, after several protests against Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh.

Local correspondent Masuk Hriday told the BBC that the supporters of the strike attacked various government establishments, vandalized them and set them on fire.

The attackers allegedly set fire to several government and private buildings, including the Land Office, Public Library and the District Crafts Academy.

Attack on passenger train

Masuk Hriday further said that the protesters also attacked a passenger train, injuring several people.

News agency Reuters reports that hundreds of supporters of 'Hifazat-e-Islam' attacked Hindu temples and a train in eastern Bangladesh on Sunday, 28 March 2021.

Trains to and from Brahmanbaria have been suspended since the incident.

The most violence in Bangladesh has been in Brahmanbaria and Hathazari in Chittagong.

On Saturday, March 27, 2021, at least five protesters were killed in a brawl with police and security forces in Brahmanbaria.

Local journalists reported that the sixth person died on Sunday, March 28, 2021. However, the BBC has not been able to confirm these claims from independent sources.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi arrived in Dhaka on Friday, 26 March 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence. There were some Islamic organizations opposing his visit.