Dear reader, online ads enable us to deliver the journalism you value. Please support us by taking a moment to
Chinese president cancels Pakistan trip, India visit still on
ISLAMABAD: Following consultations between the governments of China and Pakistan, the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the country has been cancelled in light of the ongoing protests in Islamabad led by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT).
“The visit stands cancelled which is most unfortunate,” Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz told the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee which met at Parliament House today.
Aziz told the committee that until yesterday (Thursday), arrangements for the Chinese president’s visit were in tact and the government of Pakistan was trying to shift some of the meetings to Lahore due to the situation in Islamabad.
Senior government sources had also earlier confirmed the cancellation a day after confusion began as to whether the Chinese president’s visit, which was scheduled from September 14-16, had been called off or delayed.
A senior official close to President Mamnoon Hussain had confirmed to Dawn that the state banquet scheduled for September 15 in honour of the Chinese president also stood cancelled.
Senior officials from both countries had met at the Foreign Office in Islamabad on Thursday where they had decided to cancel the visit after discussing all its aspects including the situation in Islamabad.
The final decision from Pakistan’s end was taken by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after consulting his foreign policy and security advisors.
The development comes as Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri have themselves given assurances that there would be no attempt on their part to create an impediment for the Chinese president’s visit. Imran and Qadri have both paid tributes to the Chinese president and have said that China was Pakistan’s closest friend.
The Chinese president is still slated to travel later this month to India as well as Sri Lanka. This will be his first visit ever to South Asian countries after taking office as the president of China.
AP adds: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang sidestepped a question about the postponement, saying the visit hadn't been formally announced.
The visit would've been Xi's first to Pakistan, a longstanding ally, since taking office last year.
He is scheduled to visit India in late September amid warming relations between the Asian giants. India and China have largely shelved a border dispute that led to a war in 1962.
Comments (77) Closed
Big victory for the Establishment!
Thank you Imran for spoiling our relations with our closest ally and biggest investor. Would the Goldsmiths like to invest in Pakistan?
All sane people in Pakistan understand why this happened, however all other insane people (who are calling for Jihaad) in Pakistan must be blaming conspiracy theories against US, India and maybe even China!
Thank you Imran, Qadri and Nawaz for yet another Grand Embarrassment. Keep scoring points at the expence of Pakistan.
Very sad to hear that. Please Pakistan people resolve this issue. Put nation in the front. Do something.
Thank you PTI and TUQ!
Objective achieved Mr. Khan and Mr. Qadri? You two should be celebrating now.
I think Chinese has realized that its useless to talk with such week PK. So they are now waiting for a right man to command pakistan. It would also help to avoid the corruption and commissions of the ministers.
First reward for PTI and PAT. mubarak ho!
Yet another bad news.
All weather friend
You should also tell the world why the trip was actually cancelled. PML (N) told them to divert the trip to Lahore, so Sharif can meet him at his 'palace' in Raiwind. Under the current circumstances, anyone from outside would perceive that there is a threat, which is why the tour is being moved. Was this action necessary when Imran and TUQ had clearly stated that Chinese President will get a standing ovation from the protester and flowers will be presented by them to him.. May be Nawaz and his men were scared that this way Imarn and TUQ will look better infront of Chinese President. Patwarion ki siyasat iss mulq ko kiss nehj per leja rahi hay...
This would actually have been great for democracy and may be acted as a way to diffuse tensions.
I wonder if Imran Khan & Tahit Qadri feel any shame or guilt for what disgrace & economic damage they both have brought to our country. Their criminal behavior is going to cost Pakistan & our future generations, for a very long time.
Writing on the wall, "NS govt's days are numbered".
President's visit will be rescheduled when there is a new stable and legitimate government in place which is capable to honour bilateral accords.
A big failure for the government.
thanks to imran khan who lacks the ability to think beyond waziristan. shame for the entire nation. your assurances that no troubles would be created during the visit of Chinese head of state carry no weight as only a fool would trust you. what a loss for the country.
Mission of Imran and Qadri on the quidance of their masters in West, was to distrup Pakistan/China relationship
Chinese President was to sign to very important protocols
This was not acceptable to their masters in West
Now that the mission of Imran and Qadri is complete you will see them, packing up in next few days
@Ahmed @shafiq : Your country has become a laughing stock, world's clown.
After Srilankan PM new blow for Pak, still time to revisit policies
I fail to understand the statement "India visit still on". How does this connect in any way his cancellation of visit to Pakistan? India - China bilateral trade is $100 Bn. China would be out of mind to miss out on it. The visit in Pakistan didnt take place due to the political drama in your capital. Visiting India and Pakistan have no correlation whatsoever.
Look. . . who wins when there is a choice between a foolish friend and and a wise enemy.
We should be self reliant because in Naya Pakistan there is no room for begging bowls. Now IK will emerge on the international scene as a true Pakistani leader.
I have been saying this for a while. Imran Khan is a trator.
He is saving his time and waiting for a write man
@Mansoor Not a fan of Nawaz and I know the election process was not perfect. However Nawaz did win the election. Both Imran and Qadri are traitors.
One more "feather" in Imran and kadri's caps! Kadri will return to Canada after doing his "job" and Imran will keep on day-dreaming about PMship. But real losers will be people of Pakistan as a result of delay or cancellation of joint energy projects.
We are sick and tired of Chinese poor quality substandard products. I think it is a blessing in disguise.
Both IK and TUQ has done irreparable loss to the country and still claim to be the sincere and honest leaders. Whose agenda you both are following?
It is a sad day indeed that non-entities like TUQ and immature politicians like IK can bring such shame to the nation due to their intransigence. Part of the blame lies surely on the shoulders of the government but the bulk of the blame certainly lies on PTI and PAT who have opened the pandoro box of anarchy in this country.
Imran and Qadri should be put in jail for their acts,
A sacrifice. Cancellation of trip is a bad news but its nothing compared to the loss inflicted by corrupt ministers, govt officials and political machinery who have looted Billion of Dollars from Pakistan over the years!! Those condemning IK and TuQ should ask PML N and PPP the same!
More load shedding more suffering ahead.
Total failure of the government. It is their responsibility to address the issues facing the country. Yet Nawaz Sharif has a habit of not reacting on time.
They just want to deal with Star leader Imran Khan of Naya Pakistan not with a fake #PM
Poor Sharif family, now how will they get there kick backs on proposed projects.
Shortcut seldom gives good results. IK should have performed effectively and shown good results with provincial government and that alone would have given him success at national level in next election. .
That's not a big deal at all. Once our political situation settle down. We can have many meetings with china..
Indicator of what is coming in future. IN India he will sign deals worth billions and in Pakistan nothing but misery. Wake up Pakistan and fix things like economy, trade etc.
The very next regional war with our enemy that is knocking on our doors today does not require bullets, army or a nuclear bomb. It will require advancement of nations on development scale in order to gain any respectable standing on international fronts. There is net being spread around us if you can see that. Wake up constrcutive Pakistan wake up! Chinese president visit was an excellent opportunity at very carefully chosen point in time. WE LOST THAT OPPORTUNITY! Join forces to crush destructive politician from any walk of life. We cannot afford that type of democracy or azadiwhen country is in war without fire power. We need education in the real sense and maturity starting from so called, politicians and leaders. Wake up Intelectural Pakistani wake up! We need to take this ship out of the hands of kids! Otherse, start collecting piles and piles of stones in 21st century for use by our children's in years to come. We started practices last few weeks anyway.
The Chinese PM realizes the illegitimacy of this present corrupt government. Better times ahead for Pakistan inshaAllah!
Do not count on China, that country is friendly with India as much as to Pakistan, We could have learned so much from China as being a next door , but then God help only those who help themselves.
@Anjum Arshi What exactly is this "Establishment"? With Nawaz coming on board, the players have changed everywhere..in government, ministers, parliament, army, intelligence, police, judiciary, provincial governments,... Can you help us understand the so called, "Establishment"?
Why is headline "India visit still on" Why paksitan is thinking he will also cancel his visit to india?
A big thanks to the nawaz corporation for not resolving the demands of the Pakistani people. Well done indeed.
Despite China being a special friend, the issue that Imran Khan and TUQ have taken up are more important as it deals with the change of correct direction for Pakistan. It is a destiny matter. The Chinese premier will come later, as after Gawadar, Pakistan is indispensable. India is only a nuisance to China that it needs to keep on a leash.
Even Our best friend is giving us some signals, only if we understand it. Chinese president going to India but not visiting Pakistan. Imran Khan should now understand that his personal ambition and frustration is costing Pakistan a lot
@AGK Let's start looking inside before questing any move made by friends. They might have chosen this time to counter regional balance of power, in our own favour. Let's spend energy crushing internal destructive forces in the hands incapable clowns, inside or outside government.
He must be wary of Ahmed shehzad
All weather friend....!!! Huh....!!!!
Sometimes the host unwillingly makes it easier for the guest to say No.
In the meantime, China has denied cancelling anything since they never released any information about an upcoming trip!
Sorry about this guys.
But there's still time Pakistan. Forget about Kashmir, syria, Israel. Forget what's happening outside your borders. Focus on yourselves. Educate your population, Awake, Rise up, work like crazy and join the comity of nations as a responsible and respected nation who brings value to this world.
Today, I see you worry about everyone and everything else other than your own people who are drowning or dying of poverty and disease.
Man, fix it and stand up. And go and challenge US and China economically.
Message from India - China is our neighbor and potentially a very good friend, natural political ally and permanent economic partner, But ...Pakistan...well pakistan... is our brother. Our own blood. We dont want to harm our brother for the sake of a misplaced and false narrative of enmity. We want brotherly relations with Pakistan and together we can do an economic and social miracle. You also know it. Lets try to be better human beings and do better things for ourselves.
Come on pakistan....lets fall (rise) in love.
Are Imran and Qadri proud of their actions now?
Totally cancelling instead of postponing is a disgusting step from a country whom we have cherished as a very loyal and friendly neighbour. It speaks volume about our foreign policy failure. It also points to a sad reality that we as a nation are no more!
@shafiq - many more to come IMF / W. bank repayments are just around the corner & there is no money for them
@Usman My friend you nailed it. They are not certain about this government so they are saving their commission money. And that's why our ministers are hurt sooooooo much --- no commission.
@Moiz Omar I am.
May be Chinese president knows something that we don't.
So we push China into India hands.
A perfect goal scored by MNS and Sartaj Aziz against IK and Dr Qadri. $36 billions that Pakistan missed in the bargain does not bother Mian Sahib.
We are isolated & cornered. All our neighbours don't like our jihadi & molla monkey business. Iran, Afghanistan, India & now China(Ughiris & Turkistan muslim problem), all of them don like us. Thanks to our Foreign policies controlled by Army. Babus in Foreign Office & elected Government shall man up & do something about it. The most Imran & TUQ can achieve is to give further control of our Foreign Policy to the Establishment & make the Civilian Government irrelevant. That will be bad bad Naya Pakistan, if it still exist.
Addition in title Indis visit on reflects the India specific policy , thought process , envy Pakistsn has . When the people of Pakistan will come out with the fobia of conspiracy theories of "Yahoodo - Hanoot" ? As Pakistan is a reality on world map India is also. Both countries need to establish them selve in global competitive environment not against each other. China is much smarter than both using pak to counter USA and India for trade ... if somebody thinks that something will come free from there big mistake he is making, be practical presently China do n't see any profit in to Pakistan so visit is cancelled ,Imran TUQ don't much relevance to them .
@Zak India and China have a trade worth $100 billions and it is slated to move higher and higher!
And,India is a 'nuisance' to China?
In many a trade issue China needs India's help and vice versa..think things over before you pen?:):)
it was the main target of the Qadiri and IK. Weldon both achieved the target without ant resistance.
Globally its vitamin 'M' ( money ) only which matters for relationship between two countries. We have already burnt our fingers during Nehru regime by chanting "Hindi chinee bhai bhai ". So there should not be any allegation on IK or TUQ for cancellation. Simply its health of Pakistan economy which resulted in same .
We the Indians and Pakistanis need to realize the reality. While Qaid e azam might be being given credit by us positively by Pakistan and negatively by Indians for the partition, it is the British and western club that caused our partition. They made us permanent enemy and are playing monkey between we cats. Together the whole subcontinent would have been such a huge economic force that it would have been difficult for them to contain with, but they made us perennially disabled. At least now, when most of the facts are known or are getting known by most of the people, we know that we are children of same people. we have common heritage and culture. However hard our subcontinent brothers may try, the arabs look upon them as different muslims, if not second class. We have to be proud of ourselves, even the brand of Islam that is practised in Subcontinent, Sufi. Let us be sensitive to the needs of our common land and its people and not take any step that would harm our common welfare. If countries of subcontinent, could create a bonhomie amongst ourselves, what need do we have to worry about who is coming and who not.
@Eye opener true tell me how to change the country.
We are not weeping at the cancellation of China Presidents visit, but he is visiting our enemy India with more baskets.
There is a saying in International politics. There are no permanent friends and enemies, only permanent interests. Look as USA and Japan. USA nuked Japan and destroyed two whole cities, but they are alles now. Can you believe it? Learn my friends learn. There is no place for emotions in International politics.
It is hard to save a nation that is being systematically undermined by the very people who present themselves as saviours.
PML(N) Government should not let it go any further.Both Imran and Qadri be arrested and charged for damaging Pakistan's economy and hurting friendly relations with a friendly country like china which has always stood by Pakistan in need. Qadri has openly spoken against Pakistan's Constitution, Government and Judiciary . Imran should be charged for provoking a mutiny,revoult against the state and telling people to stop paying the taxes and stop obeying the laws of the land.
Just because Imran has won the world cup he should be made the PM.He is destroying his country more tham anyone else !
The headline reminds me of an old Raj Kapoor song, " Tum agar mujhko na chaaho to koi baat nahi, tum kisi aur ko chaahogi to mushkil hogi".
@Ikramullah - see Vish' comment above.
@Khalid Mian Really IK and TQ doing stuff at the behest of the West!!
Kapil Dev never dreams to be the PM of India although he braught World Cup 9 years before IK. Do'nt use people's affection for your skill in one field to exploit them in some other field. This is for true, IK is never a PM material. he should serve people through non political channel and God willing he will succeed.