Russia has taken serious objection to the 'leak' by the Pakistani authorities, in their media, about the visit of Alexander Bortnikov, Head of the Russian External Intelligence service, or the FSB, to
Pakistan between November 25-27, 2016.
The visit which was designed to garner Pakistani support for operations in Allepo, Syria, was compromised by pro-Saudi factions within the Pakistani establishment, according to informed sources.
According to leaks in the Pakistani media, during this visit, Bortnikov besides discussing Allepo held consultations with Pakistani military and intelligence agencies, showed interest in
Russia joining the
CPEC project, proposed that
Russia and
Pakistan initiate bilateral cooperation vis-a-vis the Gwadar port, especially with regard to transfer of goods and services, and also requested Russian access, to this port.
Russia sees
CPEC as a major challenge to its area domination by
China and is working on
Pakistan to open avenues for Moscow to get involved in the Gwadar gateway, something which has been a Russian dream for decades and was the prime reason for the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 as a first step towards reaching Gwadar.
While some elements within the
Pakistan Army are keen to get involved with Russia, the predominant mood is against Moscow, given its antagonistic relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Sources say that the
Pakistan Army is against having a close relationship with
Russia as
Saudi Arabia is and has been a tried and tested friend.
It was this influential section of the establishment which reportedly leaked the highly secret visit to
Pakistan by the head of Russia's premier intelligence service.
http://www.business-standard.com/ar...f-s-pakistan-visit-leaked-116122100121_1.html