‘Blasphemy’ incident: Chinese companies resume work after brief halt

AJK PM Majid accuses Indian media of attempting to strain Pak-China relations.

MUZAFFARABAD:

Chinese companies on Sunday resumed work on several reconstruction projects in earthquake-hit areas of Muzaffarabad after a brief halt following an alleged blasphemy incident.

The incident, which was reportedly the result of anti-Chinese sentiments in the city, occurred on Friday near the Chinese camp.

Locals, while talking to The Express Tribune, claimed that a global conspiracy was being hatched in the city to dent friendly relations shared by Pakistan and China.

They called on the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government to investigate the incident and bring those who were behind this ‘plot’ to book.

AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majid, while addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the Central Press Club’s newly elected body, reiterated the close ties shared by both countries, adding that both he and his people were keenly awaiting the arrival of the Chinese premier.

“We will never let China down. The people of AJK have great respect for their Chinese counterparts, whose efforts in bringing smiles back onto the faces of our earthquake victims will never be forgotten,” said Majid. He added that he was keenly awaiting the arrival of the Chinese premier.

Majid’s pleasant disposition then turned to one of anger, as he accused the Indian media of hatching conspiracies to create tensions between Islamabad and Beijing. He said the media, in highlighting the blasphemy incident, had indicated its intentions to marginalise and weaken Pakistan. He added that it was the media’s responsibility to protect state interests.

Majid announced a Rs1 million grant for the Central Press Club.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2013.