Pakistan soldier says China link to Afghanistan could boost regional trade
A Pakistani military official named Qazi Raja, referring to trains carrying Chinese commercial goods toward Afghanistan, said that China’s connection to Afghanistan is good news for regional trade. He added that this link could create new opportunities to expand economic exchanges in the region.
However, Qazi Raja strongly criticised the performance of Pakistan’s army and government, stressing that these institutions still prefer their own interests over the welfare of the people. Saying that institutions such as DHA and the Fauji Foundation carry out positive activities, he asked whether anyone could point to practical and effective work by Pakistan’s army and government to improve people’s lives.
The remarks reflect deep dissatisfaction with the way Pakistan’s military and ruling elite manage the country, appearing to be more focused on securing their own interests than serving society. The criticism comes as Pakistan sits in a strategic position and could benefit from regional trade opportunities, particularly the gateway linking China to Afghanistan.
