Pakistan's so-called all-weather friend China is further flexing its tentacles into Pakistan by expanding its territorial ambitions via further development of Gwadar port for deploying its warships. Pakistan has no friends left in the world and, hence, it has no choice but to put all its eggs in one basket - China. This is neither good for Pakistan nor for India. It is bad for Pakistan in the sense that slowly and slowly China is going to occupy Pakistani territory, or should I say a territory of Balochistan occupied by Pakistan. Also, this CPEC investment is a bait which Pakistan has accepted and it will not be possible for Pakistan to repay this high interest rate loan. What it means is that Pakistan eventually has to accept subservience of China. China will dictate Pakistan what to do and what not to do. Chinese culture, language and influence will grow exponentially, and Pakistani Muslims will become second class citizens in their own country. As far as India is concerned, it is not a good news either because by developing gwadar port, China will be able to deploy its war ships closer to the Indian territory and in the event of a war, Indian forces will be more vulnerable to the Chinese attack. The only way to tackle this problem for India is to become more pro-active in helping Balochs to obtain separation from the clutches of Pakistan. Once Balochistan becomes a separate nation again, then Balochs should help India and stop Chinese intrusion and mitigate security concern of India.

Mr. Bajwa's statement is a step in the right direction to ameliorate relations with India.  It definitely proves two things, one being that they never supported this before but now they are yielding to this idea, and secondly, the military establishment of Pakistan has realized that they do not have any other choice but to work towards improving relationship with India to co-exist.  However, in my opinion, this gesture is not enough to achieve this goal.  This objective can be achieved only when they block and eliminate militant activities of the non-state actors in Pakistan, Military shows a sincere effort to stop abetting, financing and encouraging these lawless entities to attack on India through their proxy players across the border.  Actually, these non-state actors ought to be in the jail if they show any kind of anti-India demonstration.

Mr. Abdullah's comments about PoK is shameful, disgusting and disappointing.  It proves an adage 'grapes are sour'.  Three generations of his family ruled J & K and could not find a solution to the PoK riddle which shows lack of vision and governance.  Situation became bad to worse. Instead of pushing forward a genuine cause of India to claim the whole territory of J & K as part of India, his statement is encouraging the claim of an enemy country.  His three generations have been living in India and enjoying the prosperity of India, but has no shame in going against India's legitimate interest of this territorial dispute.  People of Kashmir should keep the inner anti-India sentiments of the Abdullah family in mind and show their rejection at the ballot box in the future elections.

It seems like King Salman is trying to open up Saudi society to a little bit more on moderate version of Islam and putting all the pieces in place to placate the non-Muslim communities in Saudi also.  Certainly, it is a step in the right direction to invite flow of investment from the outside world.  Saudis cannot survive for ever on the revenue generated by the sale of oil because its availability is going to be over one day.  However, this writer has his apprehension about the sincerity of Kingdom's intention and determination to really open up Saudi's society to the extent appreciated by all the non-Muslim communities.  The reason being that there is still no restriction or penalty imposed by the Saudi Government on the fanatic clerics who openly deliver  sermons to the Muslim community in Saudi Arabia.  Those sermons have a great influence to divert Muslims to participate in destructive activities by joining non-state fanatic militant groups.So, it appears that King Salman's efforts to bring Saudi society to a moderate Islam version ironical because  he is not doing anything to prohibit spreading the Wahhabism version of Islam.  If he is really serious in his efforts, he ought to restore the fundamental human rights to all people living in Saudi Arabia irrespective of their gender, race and religion along with allowing non-Muslims to visit Mecca and Madina.  Christians, Hindus, Jews and Budhists etc. allow everybody to visit their religious shrines, why cann't they visit Muslim religious shrines?

China blocked the petition in the UN to declare Mr. Azhar as an international terrorist should not surprise Indian authorities. The reason being that the non-state terrorist actors in Pakistan are supported by the Pakistani Military and ISI nexus, and also China has a very big investment of around $46 Billion in the CPEC project. China will not like to upset that investment project because in the long run it will serve China both its military and economic interests. With this investment, China is expanding its tentacle which fulfills its territorial expansion objective, and also it helps China to bring its armed forces further nearer to the Indian border. As we know, China has already sent thousands of workers and armed men in Balochistan to work and protect this CPEC project, Chinese languages are being taught in Pakistan along with Chinese small business are opening their operations in Pakistan. Hence, India ought not to expect any type of helping hand from China in this matter. However, India can and should play a counter-China game to help the rebels in the Western part of China which is seeking separation from China

This latest statement of the Saudi government to turn Saudi state as a moderate Muslim state is a sigh of relief for millions or may be for billions of people in this world.  The strict following of Wahhabism version of Islam by the Saudi government has created lot of problems for the whole world.  Better late than never.  Turning towards moderate ideas of Islam will make many terrorist activities disappear which means peace and tranquility in the world, and also it will save lots of innocent lives.  This decision by the Saudi government needs to be applauded by all civilized nations.  The money spent on madrasses to train martyrs will be invested for the welfare of people.  This writer just wonders if other Muslim countries supporting jihadi ideology will take a cue from the Saudis and stop assisting fundamentalists and divert their financial resources towards meaningful channels.  I think it will be a good idea if the Saudi government publishes details of its new policy explaining modern Islam - for example, their policy towards stopping Jihadi ideology through mosques and madrasses, equal rights for all genders, freedom of speech and fundamental rights, equal rights for all people practicing different religions etc.

The Saudi government officials are trying to portray its soft religious side of government by openly rejecting terrorist methods adopted by the Muslim fundamentalists. One wonders if the Saudi government is really serious about what they are trying to say. Would the world really take them on their face value and hope the terrorism will decline because of support being withdrawn by the Saudis. If what the Saudis are saying is true, then one believes that they will not preach hatred and ill will against the non-Muslims in the mosques. One will also believe, (a) they will disseminate a message of peace, love and harmony with others, (b) they will not fund Madrasses in which all the youngsters are brain washed who become future martyrs, (c) openly reject Jihad against innocent people and (d) the most appreciated gesture will be to allow non-Muslims also ( if they want to) to visit Mecca and Madina like other religions who allow people of all faiths to visit their respective shrines. In addition, one must not undermine the importance of individual freedom and exercise of basic fundamental rights enshrined under the democratic system of government. This writer, however, has his apprehension if the Saudis will be able to accomplish above cited objectives - but it will be a true test of Saudis.