CHINA stopped support for Pakistan on Financial Action Task Force in the second round of discussion on the subject. To the casual observer, this change of heart on the part of China is because of Pakistan’s inability to stamp out terror financing. Not long ago, top Chinese authorities at the BRICS summit had declared that a number of Pakistan-based militant groups were a threat to regional peace.

Despite the complaints from Beijing and its anguish over these militant groups, Pakistan didn’t put a stop to these banned outfits’ activities.

The message is clear. The longevity of Pakistan-China friendship is contingent on the total annihilation of terrorist groups. Pakistan shouldn’t take the Chinese patience for granted. After all, the only hope for our floundering economy is China.

Suhail Khan Mandokhel
Zhob, Balochistan

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2018