That is one question under discussion; but some knowledgeable sources claim that during these tough times for Pakistan, China is respecting Pakistani desire more than before as China wants to see her friendly country to overcome its multi-prong troubles, in a smooth manner.
Sources say that in May last, the US circulated names of some Pakistani individuals and organizations to be included in the UN list of terrorists that would make it mandatory for all member countries of the UN to “freeze their assets, ban their movement and deny sale or supply of arms” as it happened in Pakistan after committee’s resolution 1267 on December 10. This decision was made possible only when China removed her “technical hold” that was placed on the issue for the last few months.
Why China put this list in the cold storage for months by exercising its right to put a “technical hold” to save Pakistan from troubles? Why China blocked such a move that was unfavourable for Pakistan in May last and now why China removed it’s “technical hold” and not only paved the way for inclusion of these names in the terrorists list; but also sided with America in the decision?
Some knowledgeable Chinese and Pakistani sources at the UN say that China did what Pakistan asked in May and again in December 2008, China did what President Zardari asked China on December 4, after his meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
“US wanted to defuse India- Pak tensions and sooth India after Mumbai Incident of terrorism. During her one day unscheduled visit to Islamabad, US Secretary of State’s meeting with President Zardari was direct, tough and demanding. She asked Pakistan must show proof of being serious in combating terrorism and suggested few actions,” according to knowledgeable diplomatic sources.
On the US suggestion, President House approached China to withdraw its “technical hold” on the US circulated list for inclusion in the committee’s list. “On a request from the Pakistani President House, on December 4, China directed its mission to the UN in New York to remove its “technical hold”. On December 5, it was removed, which paved the way for the committee’s decision,” diplomatic sources at the UN told ‘The News.
It was Friday, December 5, when some Pakistani diplomats got this surprise of withdrawal of the ‘technical hold” by China. A message was sent to Islamabad that the UNSC committee had no scheduled meeting or informal meeting on the list. So, Pakistani diplomats focused on the visit of PPP Chairman Bilawal Zardari, who had arrived in New York to receive a UN award on behalf of his mother.
On December 10, he received the award at the same UN Headquarters, where some secretarial staff was busy in preparing a statement that UNSC committee has included names of three Pakistani nationals and three organizations in the list of terrorists.
Since China had removed its objection and other 14 members of the committee had not raised any objection, thus it was treated as the unanimous decision of the committee. It is not clear if the President House had consulted Foreign Ministry experts on the issue before requesting China.
However, a source close to the presidency denied that Islamabad asked Beijing to withdraw its objection in the UNSC. He said this claim is without foundation and meant to defame the democratic government of Pakistan.
When asked whether the government enquired from China the reason for its decision to withdraw its objection, he said he was not aware about it and could say anything only after contacting the presidency.