Third term as Prime Minister (2013–2017) Nawaz Sharif

1 third term prime minister (2013–2017)

1.1 domestic policy

1.1.1 social policy
1.1.2 economic policy

1.1.2.1 overview
1.1.2.2 fy 2013–14
1.1.2.3 fy 2014–15
1.1.2.4 fy 2015–16
1.1.2.5 fy 2016–17
1.1.2.6 privatization
1.1.2.7 communications , development
1.1.2.8 pakistan vision 2025
1.1.2.9 nuclear power policy
1.1.2.10 fata reform




1.2 national security , defence policy

1.2.1 karachi operation
1.2.2 operation zarb-e-azb


1.3 foreign policy

1.3.1 neighboring countries

1.3.1.1 china
1.3.1.2 india

1.3.1.2.1 2016 indian kashmir unrest


1.3.1.3 afghanistan


1.3.2 united states
1.3.3 europe
1.3.4 muslim world

1.3.4.1 saudi arabia


1.3.5 russia

third term prime minister (2013–2017)

on 7 june 2013, nawaz sharif sworn in unprecedented third term after resounding election victory of pml-n. after being sworn in, faced numerous challenges, including bringing end drone strikes , taliban attacks while tackling crippled economy. speculation rife new government may need bailout international monetary fund restore economic stability.

domestic policy
social policy


us secretary of state john kerry shakes hands sharif in 2016, @ intercontinental hotel in davos.

unlike sharif s previous 2 governments underpinned social conservatism, sharif s third term credited 1 of social centrism. called future of pakistan 1 underpinned educated, progressive, forward looking , enterprising nation . in january 2016, moved punjab government s policy of banning tablighi jamaat preaching in educational institutions , in february 2016 enacted law provides helpline women report abuses husbands , others despite criticism of conservative religious parties.

on 29 february 2016, government hanged mumtaz qadri shot dead salman taseer in 2011 on opposition blasphemy laws. according bbc news, move hang qadri indication of government s growing confidence in taming street power of religious groups. disliking of religious conservatives, promised perpetrators of honour killing s punished severely . on 9 march 2016, washington post claimed sharif defying pakistan s powerful clergy unblocking access youtube, pushing end child marriage, enacting landmark domestic violence bill, , overseeing execution of man killed salman taseer criticising blasphemy law. on 28 march 2016 sunni tehreek led protests of 2,000 islamic fundamentist protesters staged three-day long sit-in @ d-chowk in islamabad against execution of mumtaz qadri. demanded sharif government accepts demands, included implementation of shariah in country , declaring mumtaz qadri martyr. in response, sharif addreased nation claiming let clear spreading outrage, fanning fire of hatred, inciting sectarianism , creating problems citizens without doubt dealt means of law.

—nawaz sharif

on 16 march 2016, sharif s government declared hindu festivals diwali , holi, , christian festival of easter, public holidays, time magazine called step significant step country s beleaguered religious minorities. on 6 december 2016, pakistan s prime minister nawaz sharif approved renaming of quaid-i-azam university s (qau) physics centre professor abdus salam center physics. sharif announced professor abdus salam fellowship established include 5 annual funded pakistani phd students in field of physics. in response, council of islamic ideology crtised sharif s move claiming changing department s name not set right precedent.

on 5 january 2017, sharif stressed need operation zarb-e-qalam fight extremism , intolerance in society through power of writers, poets , intellectuals. addressing pakistan academy of literature, sharif said in society flowers of poetry , literature bloom, diseases of extremism, intolerance, disunity , sectarianism not born, sharif announced rs. 500m endowment fund promotion of art , literary activities in pakistan. on 9 january 2017, government denied visas international preachers tablighi jamaat conference in lahore. jamia binoria criticised sharif government s decisions.

on 11 march 2017, sharif in address @ jamia naeemia urged islamic scholars spread true teachings of islam , take firm stand against causing disunity among muslims. sharif called progressive , prosperous muslim world, asking religious scholars come forward take war against these terrorists logical end.

economic policy


overview

sharif inherited economy crippled many challenges including energy shortages, hyperinflation, mild economic growth, high debt , large budget deficit. shortly after taking power in 2013, sharif won $6.6 billion loan international monetary fund avoid balance-of-payments crisis. lower oil prices, higher remittances , increased consumer spending pushing growth toward seven-year high of 4.3 percent in fiscal year of fy2014-15.

asian development bank tributes gradual growth in economy continued low prices oil , other commodities, expected pick-up in growth in advanced economies, , alleviation of power shortages. however, sovereign debt of pakistan has increased dramatically, total debts , liabilities swelled rs. 22.5 trillion (or $73 billion) august 2016. sharif administration issued five-year $500-million eurobond in 2015 @ interest rate of 8.25% , in september 2016, raised $1 billion floating sukuk (islamic bonds) @ interest rate of 5.5%.

the sharif administration has either signed, or negotiating fta s expand trade liberalisation.

 turkey: turkey-pakistan free trade agreement
 south korea: south korea-pakistan free trade agreement
 iran: iran-pakistan free trade agreement.
 thailand: thailand-pakistan free trade agreement.
 malaysia: pakistan-malaysia free trade agreement expansion.

fy 2013–14

sharif along cabinet members barjees tahir , saira afzal tarar.

according pakistan institute of legislative development , transparency, quality of governance has marginally improved during sharif s first year in power within overall score of 44% in assessment of quality of governance in pakistan. scored highest in disaster-preparedness, merit-based recruitment, , foreign policy management, while received lowest scores on poverty alleviation , transparency.

pakistan s gdp growth rate fy 2012–2013 3.3%, despite business confidence in pakistan reaching three-year high in may 2014 largely backed increasing foreign reserves crossed $15 billion mid-2014. along that, in may 2014 imf claimed inflation has dropped 13 per cent compared 25% in 2008, foreign reserves in better position , current account deficit has come down 3 per cent of gdp 2014. standard & poor s , moody s corporation changed pakistan s ranking stable outlook on long-term rating.

however, in fy 2013–2014 pakistan received foreign direct investment of $750.9 million, 12.9% less amount country received in corresponding preceding fiscal year. on 9 february 2014, international monetary fund said pakistan has met of quantitative performance markers, economy showing signs of improvement , reform program remains broadly on track.

it striking reforms have continued despite disruptive domestic political challenges on last year, , heightened security threats islamist terrorism.

sharif made 2 major appointments; s.m muneer chief executive of trade development authority of pakistan , rizwan ahmed chairman of trading corporation of pakistan, enhance pakistani exports. on 9 april 2014, world bank claimed pakistan s economy @ turning point, growth recovery underway, projected gdp growth approaching 4 percent, driven dynamic manufacturing , service sectors, better energy availability, , revival of investor confidence. inflation steady @ 7.9%. fiscal deficit contained @ around 6 percent of gdp due improved tax collection , restricted current , development expenditure. current account deficit remains modest, @ around 1 percent of gdp, supported strong remittances , export dynamism, , external position improving since monetary , exchange rate policies switched gear towards rebuilding reserves last november.

on 4 july 2013, imf , pakistan reached provisional agreement on $5.3 billion bailout package aimed bolster pakistan s flagging economy , perilously low foreign exchange reserves, contrary election promise not take more loans. on 4 september 2013, imf approved $6.7 billion loan package revive ailing economy. loan given on three-year period. on imf s demanded pakistan plans carry out various economic reforms, including privatising 31 state owned companies.

fy 2014–15

pakistan s economic expansion financial year (fy) 2015, ended on 30 june 2015, led services growth in manufacturing slowed. industrial growth hobbled slowdown in large-scale manufacturing 3.3% owing continued power shortages , weaker external demand. resilience of small-scale manufacturing , construction sustained industrial growth @ 3.6%. agriculture growth remained modest @ 2.9%. private fixed investment slipped equal 9.7% of gross domestic product (gdp) 10.0% year earlier because of continuing energy constraints , weak business environment has depressed investment several years.

on 25 march 2015, moody s corporation upgraded pakistan s dollar bonds rating 1 notch stable positive. asian development bank projected 4.2% economic growth current financial year 2014–15 against target of 5.1%. second year in row sharif administration missed key goal in face of failure introduce reforms in areas of energy, taxation , public sector enterprises.

on 3 may 2015, economist published report outlining pakistan s economic performance. highlighted pakistan s economic performance said economy grow 4.7% next year, fastest rate in 8 years. consumer prices rose 2.5% in between january march 2015, smallest increase more decade. twice year central bank has lowered benchmark interest rate. said government of nawaz sharif takes credit economy s new stability. has stuck imf programme agreed in 2013, few months after came power in pakistan s first-ever handover 1 civilian government another. foreign-exchange reserves have more doubled, $17.7 billion.

a privatisation drive stalled last june resumed in april, when government sold stake in hbl pakistan $1 billion. three-quarters of bids came foreign investors. pakistan s stock market has doubled in dollar terms since start of 2012, in large part such foreign interest. economist said progress in providing economic stability encouraging. pakistan needs sustained growth of 5–7% year if markedly cut poverty-at last count, quarter of pakistanis below poverty line.

on 5 may 2015, standard & poor s revised projections pakistan s average real gross domestic product (gdp) growth 2015 2017 4.6 per cent 3.8 per cent , upped outlook on pakistan s long-term b- credit rating positive stable . s&p attributes largely positive projections diversification in income generation, government s efforts towards fiscal consolidation, improvement in external financing conditions , performance, , stronger capital inflows , remittances. escap report published in may 2015 claimed economic growth in pakistan picked 4.1% in 2014 average of 3.7% in previous 3 years , growth expected rise 5.1% in 2015.

fy 2015–16

pakistan s gdp projected world bank grow 4.5%. in south asian growth report, world bank said, in pakistan, gradual recovery around 4.5 per cent growth 2016 aided low inflation , fiscal consolidation. increases in remittances , stable agricultural performance contribute outcome. further acceleration requires tackling pervasive power cuts, cumbersome business environment, , low access finance. in fy2016, current account deficit has widen marginally due increase in trade deficit. nevertheless, exports expected increase after 2 years of stagnation, manufacturing continues suffer under energy shortages , low cotton prices saw modest increase.

sharif @ trilateral meeting joe biden on sidelines of world economic forum in switzerland.

during trip pakistan on 10 february 2016, world bank group s president jim yong kim applauded economic policies of government, claimed pakistan s economic outlook had become more stable. on 10 march 2016, pakistan textile mills association claimed 24-hour gas supply punjab s textile mills expected increase output of regions textile industry. on 19 march 2016, sharif approved new automobile policy, offers tax incentives new entrants them establish manufacturing units , compete 3 well-entrenched assemblers. major incentive new investors reduced 10% customs duty on non-localised parts 5 years against prevailing 32.5%. existing investors, duty slashed 2.5% 30% new fiscal year 2016–17.

on 8 april 2016, government on lobbying of international development groups introduced new methodology measuring poverty increased poverty ratio 9.3% 29.5%. new poverty line equal rs. 3,030 per adult per month, rs. 2,350. on 12 april 2016, pakistan institute of legislative development , transparency survey claimed quality of governance has improved, weakest performance has been under transparency. on 14 april 2016, fred hochberg, head of export–import bank of united states visited pakistan , claimed sees lot of opportunities expand exposure pakistan.

on 9 may, world bank s pakistan development report claimed current account in healthy position in preceding few months has shown surplus compared deficit. @ same time, report claimed pakistan s export competitiveness has diminished due protectionist policies, poor infrastructure, , high transaction costs trade. consequently, pakistan exports-to-gdp ratio declining last 2 decades. has reduced 13.5% in 1995 10.5% in 2015.

fy 2016–17

on 1 november 2016, pakistan , china kicked off first trade activities under china-pakistan economic corridor project.

on 15 june 2016, msci upgraded pakistan frontier markets status of emerging markets status. according blackrock up-gradation, in our view validation of substantial positive macro-economic changes pakistan has witnessed on recent years. business times estimated generate foreign capital inflows of $475 million middle of 2017. on 11 july 2016, bmi research report named pakistan 1 of ten emerging markets of future. report projected pakistan develop manufacturing hub on coming years, textile , automotive sectors posting fastest growth. on 15 september 2016 pakistan officially become signatory of oecd s convention on mutual administrative assistance in tax matters aimed @ curbing tax evasion. in 2016 book, rise , fall of nations, ruchir sharma termed pakistan s economy on take-off stage , future outlook till 2020 has been termed . sharma termed possible transform pakistan low-income middle-income country during next 5 years.

on 24 october 2016, months after sharif government concluded $6.4 billion three-year programme, international monetary fund managing director christine lagarde visited pakistan, during maintained pakistan out of economic crisis , added continued efforts needed bring more people tax net , ensure pay fair share. 2017 ease of doing business index recognised pakistan 1 of top ten economies globally making biggest improvements in business regulations. pakistan jumped 4 ranks position last year 148th 144th out of 190 countries.

on 31 october 2016, standard & poor s, citing improved policymaking resulting in improved macroeconomic stability, raised pakistan s rating b b-. revised upward forecast of average annual gdp growth 5 per cent on 2016–2019 earlier estimate of 4.7 per cent. in response s&p s upgrade, psx s benchmark-100 index posted largest gain in history, increasing 1,406.03 points (or 3.52%) on single day.

on 1 november 2016, hundreds of chinese trucks loaded goods rolled sost dry port in gilgit-baltistan first shipment of china–pakistan economic corridor. on 3 november 2016, sharif government announced renault expected start assembling cars in pakistan 2018, source earlier on 6 may 2016 had told reuters pakistan under consideration new production investment. on 7 november 2016, bloomberg news claimed economy expected grow around 5 percent annually next 3 years , claimed pakistan on verge of investment-led growth cycle.

on 15 november 2016, audi, in letter board of investment, expressed interest in setting assembly plant in karachi investment of $30 million. on 10 january 2017, economist forecasted pakistan s gdp grow @ 5.3% in 2017, making fifth fastest growing economy in world , fastest growing in muslim world. on 17 january 2017, sharif travelled attend world economic forum held meetings antónio guterres, stefan löfven, ranil wickremesinghe , doris leuthard. attended seminar hosted abraaj group, investing in pakistan: new reality, sixty management executives of mncs aimed @ attracting foreign direct investment. among attendees included jay collins of citigroup, paul polman , michael rennie of mckinsey. on febuaray 6th, 2017, tyler cowen writing bloomberg termed pakistan underrated economy in world. on 16 may 2017, cpec document published dawn stated cpec includes penetration of sectors of pakistan s economy society chinese enterprises , culture.

privatization

sharif chairing pakistan-britain energy dialogue , investment conference in london.

wall street journal reviewed pakistan s privatisation plans on 25 september 2013 in article published, wsj reported islamabad plans sell 35 inefficient state-owned enterprises. officials have announced plans sell 35 public corporations on 3 years, including power companies, pakistan state oil, pakistan international airlines , pakistan steel mills. these enterprises lose taxpayers 500 billion rupees ($4.7 billion) year, while delivering poor service. inefficiencies in energy cause frequent blackouts, , supply problem exacerbated government subsidies have cost further 1.5 trillion rupees on 5 years. privatisation process led 15-member privatisation commission headed mohammad zubair, formerly ibm s chief financial officer middle east , africa. on 9 january 2014, board of privatisation commission approved divestment of shares of 3 banks along 2 other companies.

the government announced restructure pakistan international airlines, flies routes around world, including north america. pia has put out tender lease new aircraft, improve capacity , save fuel more-efficient planes. part of restructuring, pia has been split 2 companies. holding group retain 250 billion rupees in debt , excess personnel, , new pia hold lucrative landing rights , new aircraft. afterward, government plans sell 26% stake in new pia strategic partner. in february 2016, pakistan international airlines corporation (piac) converted public limited company pakistan international airlines company limited (piacl) make way privatisation, trigged eight-day long union strike. on 23 december 2016, chinese consortium won bid 40% stake in psx amount $85.5 million.

communications , development

upon assuming office, sharif launched public sector development programme (psdp) fy 2014–15 consists of construction of diamer-bhasha dam, dasu dam, faisalabad-khanewal m-4 motorway, rawalpindi-islamabad metrobus service , lahore-karachi motorway. while sharif has approved feasibility studies construction of rail links islamabad muzaffarabad via murree, havelian pakistan-china border , gwadar karachi, along other initiatives such approach roads new islamabad international airport, new gwadar international airport project, jetty , infrastructure development @ gadani, gwadar port economic free zone project, pak-china technical , vocational institute @ gwadar , quaid-e-azam solar park @ lal sohnra park phase-ii (600 mw).

on 24 april 2014, sharif s administration completed auction next-generation telecom spectrum s raising $1.112 billion process. sharif handed on 3g , 4g mobile spectrum licenses successful mobile companies – mobilink, telenor, ufone , zong – sharif claimed rs 260 billion collected in treasury every year because of new technology, technology create millions of jobs in service sector. counter competition, sharif upon assuming office addressed nation , launched prime minister s youth programme, pkr 20 billion provide interest free loans, skills development , provision of laptops.

prime minister s youth programme launched in 2013.

during 2014–15 fiscal year, sharif s government announced increase in public sector development programme rs 425 billion in rs 525 billion. psdp main instrument in government s direct control channelise funds , make developmental interventions. government provides budgetary allocations projects , programmes yield maximum benefits society in shortest possible time. while government allocated whooping rs 73 billion china-pakistan economic corridor, including cornerstone development, lahore-karachi motorway.

pakistan vision 2025

on 11 august 2014, sharif administration unveiled ambitious programme transform country economically strong , prosperous nation , enhance exports $150 billion 2025 , economic times reported. according daily times, vision 2025 based on 7 pillars are: putting people first; developing human , social capital; achieving sustained, indigenous , inclusive growth; governance, institutional reform , modernisation of public sector; energy, water , food security; private sector-led growth , entrepreneurship, developing competitive knowledge economy through value addition , modernisation of transportation infrastructure , greater regional connectivity.

considering existing political challenges faced sharif , shaky democratic process in country, ownership of rather flawed vision 2025 major concern. question future political setups continue work on plan make reality, in case of change of guard @ center? each successive government in pakistan has historically made u-turn predecessor s policies. if trend prevails, vision 2025 fail translate action.

nuclear power policy

on 4 march 2017, sharif s administration approved merger of fata khyber pakhtunkhwa.

prime minister sharif has been staunch advocate of constructing nuclear reactors. in november 2013, sharif ceremonially broke ground on $9.59 billion nuclear power complex built in karachi. upon completion, reactors produce 2200mw of electricity. during groundbreaking ceremony, sharif stated pakistan construct 6 nuclear power plants during term in office. went on pakistan has plans on constructing total of 32 nuclear power plants 2050, generate more 40,000mw of energy. in february 2014, sharif confirmed iaea future civilian nuclear power plants , research reactors voluntarily put under iaea safeguards.

fata reform

on 3 march 2017, sharif s cabinet approved set of steps taken proposed merger of federally administered tribal areas (fata) khyber pakhtunkhwa , 10-year rs. 110 billion development reform package fata. under reform project, jurisdiction of supreme court , peshawar high court extended fata.

national security , defence policy

according analysts, public expectations of nawaz sharif sky high grips pakistan s pressing problems, such rampant terrorism, multiple insurgencies, economy in free fall, lack of electricity , debilitating foreign policy. on 9 september 2013, sharif proposed dialogue pakistani military create civil-military partnership, putting military , elected government on same page first time in pakistan s history. had far yielded few results. on immediate basis, sharif reestablished national security council sartaj aziz being national security advisor (nsa). furthermore, sharif reconstituted cabinet committee on national security (cns), military gaining representation in country s politics. according political scientist , civic-military relations expert, aqil shah, sharif did former chairman joint chiefs general karamat had called in 1998.

prime minister sharif announced open unconditional talks taliban, declaring them stakeholders rather terrorists. pml-n s conservative hardliners chose blame , nato causing terrorism in pakistan. peace effort encountering problems before had ever begun. pakistani taliban s supreme council released demands cease-fire, include release of imprisoned militants , withdrawal of pakistani military tribal regions. former , current government officials criticised sharif not yet laying out clear vision of how country should handle more 40 militant groups, many of them made of violent islamic extremists.

on 15 september 2013, 6 days after sharif s proposal talks taliban, roadside bomb killed high-ranking pakistan s army general , officer near border afghanistan. major-general sanaullah khan, along lieutenant colonel , soldier, killed in upper dir district after visiting outpost near border. taliban spokesman shahidullah shahid claimed responsibility bombing. on same day, 7 more soldiers killed in 4 other separate attacks. in press release, chairman joint chiefs general shameem wynne , chief of army staff general pervez kayani, had earlier warned sharif not adopt surrender strategy, publicly warned government military not allow taliban set conditions peace. general kayani stated: no-one should have misgivings let terrorists coerce accepting terms. according media reports, nawaz sharif in favour of holding unconditional talks taliban whereas general kayani favours direct military action. general kayani stated pakistan not coerced talks , long militant groups carry out attacks on soldiers, military respond brute force.

pakistan desires peace , tranquility both within , outside borders needed socio-economic development goals achieved. cannot afford distracted in fulfilling our national objectives. @ same pakistan never compromise on sovereignty , independence.

on 16 december 2014, 7 members of tehrik-i-taliban pakistan conducted terrorist attack on public school in city of peshawar killed on 130 children, making pakistan s deadliest terrorist attack. following attack sharif – consultation political parties- divsised 20-point national plan of action included continued execution of convicted terrorists, establishment of special military courts 2 years , regulation of madrasas.

on 11 march 2015, rangers held raid on 9 zero, headquarters of muttahida qaumi movement part of karachi operation. according express tribune on 21 march 2015 sources in federal government said sharif along military establishment had decided accelerate operation against muttahida qaumi movement , other militant wings in political parties.

karachi made crime-free city , operation continue achieve objective, going ahead without being deterred incidents happening there. crime rate of extortion , kidnapping falling down in city.

between 24 december 2014 25 march 2015, based on national action plan, government arrested 32,347 people on different charges in 28,826 operations conducted across country. during same period pakistan deported 18,855 afghan refugees while federal investigation agency (fia) registered 64 cases money transfer through hawala, arrested 83 people , recovered rs. 101.7 million. in total, 351 actionable calls received on anti-terror helpline , national database , registration authority verified total 59.47 million sims. on 28 march 2016, suicide attack jamaat-ul-ahrar @ park in lahore killed 70 people on evening of easter sunday. analysts believed sharif s desire maintain stability in punjab led him turn blind eye towards groups operating in punjab. following attack pakistan rounded more 5,000 suspects , arresting 216 people.

karachi operation

the sharif government launched pakistan rangers led operation on 5 september 2013 in karachi aimed @ rooting out crime , terrorism megalopolis. first phase ended on 10 august 2015 , second phase started on 14 august 2015. during first phase, ranger s claimed have conducted 5,795 raids during had apprehended 10,353 suspects , recovered 7,312 weapons , 34,8978 rounds of ammunition. prominent among raids conducted ones on mqm headquarters 9 0 , offices of sindh building control authority (sbca). first phase saw total of 826 terrorists, 334 target killers, 296 extortionists arrested during period. rangers expanded sphere against kidnappers, arrested 82 abductors , securing release of 49 people captivity. report further claimed target killing in city had dropped drastically on 80%. on 23 august 2016, officials claimed had arrested 654 target killers affiliated muttahida qaumi movement s (mqm) armed wing since 4 september 2013.

operation zarb-e-azb


sharif @ conference on afghanistan in london.

the negotiations between taliban , sharif administration collapsed after execution of 23 frontier corps taliban on 17 february 2014, relations between administration , taliban escalated further after 2014 jinnah international airport attack. operation formally launched on 15 june 2014 after sharif administration prepared three-front operation: isolating targeted militant groups, obtaining support political parties , saving civilians backlash of operation. 2014 wagah border suicide attack has been deadliest retaliation against operation far.

foreign policy
neighboring countries

sharif upon taking oath prime minister launched peaceful neighbourhood initiative improve ties neighbouring countries of india, afghanistan, iran , china. on 12 may 2014, sharif met iranian president hassan rouhani amid tensions between 2 neighbours following kidnapping in february 2014 of 5 iranian soldiers extremists took them across border pakistan.

the cultural affinity among our peoples huge asset. shared geography , history have culminated in unique synthesis of cultures , traditions. must therefore, place our people @ centre of saarc processes. saarc must capture imagination of our peoples , contribute creating strong , mutually beneficial bonds.

on 27 october 2016, sharif hosted 15th ministerial meeting of carec proposed open skies agreement between countries.

china


xi jinping, welcomed 8 jf-17s upon entering pakistani airspace in 2015.

chinese premier li keqiang first world leader visit pakistan , congratulate sharif on victory in 2013 elections, upon return beijing chinese premier announced investment of $31.5 billion in pakistan in countries energy, infrastructure , port expansion gwadar. according express tribune projects worth $15–20 billion started include lahore-karachi motorway, gwadar port expansion , energy sector projects launched in gadani , 6 coal projects near thar coalfield. newspaper further claimed government has handed on pakistan army task of providing fool-proof security chinese officials in balochistan, pakistan in bid address beijing s concerns , execute investment plan in province, 38% of funds.

on 8 november 2014, sharif led delegation beijing inked 20 agreements amounting chinese investment reportedly worth $46 billion. sharif announced pakistan s china fight against east turkestan islamic movement. on 24 june 2015 , again on 1 april 2016 china blocked india s move in united nations ban jaish-e-mohammed chief masood azhar, chinese action in consultation pakistan. on 25 june 2016, pakistan become full member of shanghai cooperation organisation. on 4 september 2016, pakistan s cabinet has given go-ahead negotiating long-term defence agreement china.

india


indian prime minister narendra modi prime minister of pakistan, nawaz sharif.

sharif inherited country geo-political challenges, u.s withdrawal , election of new leadership in afghanistan , election of narendra modi, prime minister of india . upon controlling office sharif promised relations neighbours, launched trade talks india promise of liberalising trade relationship. sharif met manmohan singh on sidelines of united nations general assembly in september 2013 no major agreement reached. sharif took significant steps improve relations, in particular consensus on agreement of non-discriminatory market access on reciprocal basis (ndmarb) status each other, liberalise trade on 26 march 2014 times of india reported pakistan military has pressurised sharif stop trade liberalisation india.

on 16 may 2014, sharif telephoned narendra modi , congratulated him on bjp s impressive victory in general elections in india. during conversation, sharif invited modi visit pakistan, becoming among first leaders so. sharif attended inauguration of modi on 26 may 2014. first time since 2 countries won independence in 1947 prime minister 1 state attended such ceremony in other. after meeting, 2 counterparts agreed enhance co-operation in field of trade. on friday 5 september, sharif sent total of 15 cases of mangoes modi , other indian leadership attempt sweeten relationship ,

by 8 october 2014, 20 civilians killed , thousands forced flee homes after pakistani , indian security forces started heavy shelling, both sides blamed other shooting. on 20 november 2014, sharif blamed india having inflexible approach towards resolution of kashmir dispute. according barkha dutt during saarc summit 2015, sharif , modi held secret hour long meeting, hidden media. on 10 december 2015, in major breakthrough, pakistan , india announced resuming dialogue on outstanding issues, ending two-year long stalemate, decision came during sushma swaraj s visit islamabad attend heart of asia ministerial conference. on 1 april 2015, narendra modi made surprise stopover in lahore meet sharif on birthday, first visit pakistan. modi , nawaz held brief meeting @ latter s raiwind palace. first time indian premier visited pakistan in more decade. modi attended wedding ceremony of sharif s grand daughter.

on 25 march 2016, balochistan s home minister sarfraz bugti announced have arrested indian naval intelligence officer working research , analysis wing. person named kulbushan yadav allegedly involved in financially supporting terrorists , confessed involvement in karachi unrest. same day through statement india s ministry of external affairs claimed individual has no link government since premature retirement indian navy. india demanded consular access him. on 29 march 2016, sharif government released six-minute video of yadav apparently confessing raw s involvement in country. on 1 april 2016, pakistan confirmed security agencies have arrested several suspects believed working india s r&aw.

2016 indian kashmir unrest

a screenshot of 2016 kashmir unrest.

relation s between india , pakistan escalated killing of burhan wani indian security forces on 8 july 2016. after killing, anti-indian protests started in 10 districts of kashmir valley. protesters defied curfew attacks on security forces , public properties. unrest led standstill in bilateral relations. indian home minister rajnath singh accused pakistan of backing unrest in kashmir. tension s reached boiling point on when militants attacked army base in indian-controlled side of kashmir , killed 18 soldiers, setting off war of words between pakistan , india. indian army military operations head lieutenant-general ranbir singh claimed there evidence attackers members of islamist militant group in pakistan.

addressing unga session on 22 september 2016, sharif demanded independent inquiry , un fact-finding mission investigate extrajudicial killing , brutalities perpetrated security forces in indian occupied kashmir.

we demand immediate release of kashmiri political prisoners; end curfew; freedom kashmiris demonstrate peacefully; urgent medical injured; , abrogation of india s draconian laws

after sharif s unga address, india s junior foreign minister m. j. akbar criticised sharif glorifying burhan wani. tension s between pakistan , india further escalated report s suggesting move of moblisation of military equiqment both sides.

afghanistan

on 15 november 2014, sharif greeted afghan president ashraf ghani , pledged support afghan president on attempt bring taliban negotiating table. al jazeera reported leaders pledged begin new era of economic co-operation, ghani saying 3 days of talks had ended 13 years of testy relations . 2 countries signed trade deal aimed @ doubling trade between kabul , islamabad $5 billion 2017, while 2 countries pledged work on power import project , trans-afghanistan pipeline. during visit sharif , ghani watched cricket match between 2 countries. during start of june 2016, cross-border shootings between afghan , pakistani forces left 3 people dead after tensions escalated on pakistan s construction of fence s across durand line. on 20 june 2016, pakistan completed construction of 1,100-kilometre-long trench along pak-afghan border in balochistan.

united states

president obama , prime minister nawaz sharif of pakistan in 2014

at invitation of barack obama, sharif paid official visit washington d.c 20 23 october 2013, marking commitment of both leaders strengthen us-pakistan relations , advance shared interests in stable, secure, , prosperous pakistan , region, read press release of white house. voice of america reported sign of improvement in ties, has decided release more $1.6 billion in military , economic aid pakistan suspended when relations between 2 countries soured on covert raid killed al-qaida head osama bin laden inside pakistan in 2011.

on pakistan s request united states temporarily stopped drone strikes in north-western pakistan. in march 2016, 1 of many foreign policy successes, united states senate blocked bid derail sale of f-16 falcon s pakistan senate foreign relations committee chairman bob corker, continued vow block use of funds finance deal.

we extend every pakistan can eliminate terror soil.

on 21 september 2016, gop congressman s ted poe , dana rohrabacher moved bill in congress designate pakistan state sponsors of terrorism . 3 day s later, united states senator john mccain assured former pakistani president asif ali zardari bill before senate branding pakistan sponsor of terrorism not succeed. mccain emphasised legislation should not seen deterioration of us-pakistan relations since sponsors of resolution small minority within senate.

on 26 july 2016, u.s senator john mccain travelled pakistan meet civilian , military leaders , discuss counterterrorism efforts in region. in oped financial times, mccain called upon , pakistani leaders not allow ambivalence , suspicion fester . adding common interests in counterterrorism, nuclear security , regional stability important , urgent. called obama administration make clear enduring commitment pakistan s stability , economic growth. mccain visited miramshah in north waziristan.

on 1 december 2016, sharif called donald trump congratulate on election white house. during conversation, trump praised upon pakistan s prime minister , people. statement released sharif s office quoted trump terming sharif terrific guy , adding pakistan fantastic country, fantastic place. trump tower put out statement saying 2 sides had productive conversation how united states , pakistan have strong working relationship in future. on 3 december 2016, dawn reported consensus national defence authorisation act fiscal year 2017 set approved united states congress recognise pakistan key strategic partner , pledges more $900 million in economic , other assistance country, bill conditions $450m assistance certification defence secretary pakistan committed fighting terrorist groups, including haqqani network.

europe

british foreign secretary william hague sharif in london.

on 30 april 2014, sharif visited london , meet david cameron, meet deputy prime minister, foreign secretary, home secretary, defence secretary, secretary of state international development , delivering keynote address @ pakistan investment conference. according press release issued 10 downing street 2 leaders agreed work support pakistan s implementation of critical economic reforms, particularly increase tax gdp ratio towards 15% , welcomed developing relationship between federal board of revenue , hm revenue , customs support this. on 24 march 2014 sharif attended 2014 nuclear security summit, addressing conference claimed pakistan attaches highest importance nuclear security because directly linked our national security. pakistan responsible nuclear weapons state. pursue policy of nuclear restraint, credible minimum deterrence. on 11 november 2014, sharif visited berlin met german chancellor angela merkel, according deutsche welle, during meeting sharif argued case more german investment particularly in energy sector, merkel expressed wariness on security situation in pakistan.

muslim world

sharif meeting iranian president hassan rouhani in saadabad palace

on 18 march 2014, bahrain s ruler king hamad bin isa al khalifa started three-day official visit pakistan becoming first visit of king of bahrain pakistan in 4 decades, during trip 2 sides signed 6 agreements hoping draw investment oil-rich gulf country.

saudi arabia

sharif said enjoy exceptionally close ties senior members of saudi royal family. on 2 april 2014, pakistan today reported pakistan sell jf-17 thunder jets saudi arabia, after kingdom had given grant of $1.5 billion pakistan in 2014. on 15 february 2014 saudi arabia s crown prince salman bin abdulaziz al-saud arrived in pakistan meet sharif vowed enhance work between 2 countries towards common issues serve both interests regionally , internationally. sharif travelled saudi arabia spend last 10 days of ramadan, on 26 july 2014, king abdullah said saudi arabia stand pakistan, leadership , people, after hour-long meeting sharif @ riyadh. sharif met muqrin bin abdulaziz al saud, while salman bin abdulaziz al saud refereed pakistan second home .

on 15 march 2015, al-monitor reported salman of saudi arabia wanted firm assurances sharif pakistan align saudi arabia , sunni arab allies against iran, in proxy war underway in yemen. salman wanted pakistani military contingent deploy kingdom defend vulnerable borders, sharif has reluctantly decided not send troops saudi arabia now. sharif promised closer counter-terrorism , military co-operation no troops immediate future. on 11 january 2016, time claimed pakistan caught between iran , saudi arabia. in first foreign trips year, high level delegation including adel al-jubeir , mohammad bin salman al saud travelled islamabad seek pakistan s inclusion in 34-country islamic military alliance , sharif struck more conciliatory tone, suggesting islamabad willing play role of mediator between saudi arabia , iran. on 19 january 2016, sharifs of pakistan (nawaz sharif , chief of army staff raheel sharif) embarked on peace mission riyadh , tehran try reduce tensions between 2 countries started execution of sheikh nimr. on 16 march 2016, zee news, claimed saudi arabia creating military alliance of islamic countries on lines of nato, asking pakistan lead proposed alliance.

russia

sharif vladimir putin.

on 20 november 2014, during visit of russian defence minister sergey shoygu led 41 member high-level delegation, pakistan , russia signed sign agreement on military co-operation. shoygu held in-depth talk sharif, afterwards sharif promised promote multi-dimensional relations russia. meeting came months after russia had lifted embargo on supplying weapons , military hardware pakistan, starting mil mi-24 helicopters. sign of improving ties, on 23 september 2016 russian forces arrived in pakistan participate in joint military exercises.