LAHORE, FEB 11: A one-day international event titled “Legacy
of Zaheer-Ud-Din Babur and Its Relevance in Contemporary Bilateral Relations
between Pakistan and Uzbekistan” was held at University of the Punjab, Lahore.
This event was jointly organized by Regional Integration
Center, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan
to Pakistan and Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.
Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan
to Pakistan visited the University and was received by Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad
Akhtar, Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore.
During the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding was also
signed between University of the Punjab, Lahore and NUKUS State Pedagogical
Institute named after Ajiniyaz Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan for
cooperation in the academic and research exchange.
Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan
to Pakistan also attended the Art Exhibition on “The Rich Cultural and Islamic
Heritage of Uzbekistan” which was organized by the College of Arts &
Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore. His Excellency appreciated the
students for their inspiring art work.
Later, an International Conference on “Legacy of
Zaheer-Ud-Din Mohammad Babur and Its Relevance in Contemporary Bilateral
Relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan” was also held.
The Conference highlighted the socio-cultural and historic
legacy and common heritage of the two countries and avenues of cooperation and
collaboration between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
The Conference commenced with the speech by Mr. Khalid Taimur
Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS),
Islamabad. Mr. Khalid welcomed the worthy guests and participants of the event.
He stated that Pakistan and Uzbekistan enjoy cordial relations and can
collaborate in other economic and social spheres as well for further enhanced
cooperation.
Prof. Dr. Faraz Anjum, Department of History and Pakistan,
University of the Punjab, Lahore highlighted the legacy which Babur bequeathed
to his descendants and which served as an example for them to follow. He stated
that Babur’s personality became an example for the latter rulers to follow.
Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, Member Board of Experts, CGSS
and Regional Geo Political Analyst stated that Babur is the most captivating
personality in oriental history. He created one of the most powerful Empire in
the history of East and was the first one to establish a divine connection with
the soil of Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar, Department of History and
Pakistan, University of the Punjab, Lahore stated Babur’s life is documented
more than any other figure in the entire precolonial Islamic world.
Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Director, Area Study Centre
(Russia China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar stated that Babur was
a man of extraordinary qualities. He was a leader, a soldier, an architect and
an administrator. Zaheer ud Din Babur was a lover of nature. He was best in
generating loyalty and devotion amongst his followers.
Dr. Mahboob Hussain, Chairman, Department of History and
Pakistan Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore highlighted the significance
of the newly established Babur Center. He stated that a framework will be
devised for academic exchange between University of the Punjab, Lahore and
Universities in Uzbekistan to find out the relevance in the shared history for
the study of the contemporary world.
A Documentary was also screened at the occasion on
“Uzbekistan-Pakistan: Shared Cultural & Islamic History” which was produced
by the students of the Institute of the Communication Studies, University of
the Punjab, Lahore.
His Excellency Aybek Arif Usmanov in his address expressed
his gratitude and thanked CGSS, faculty and students of University of the
Punjab, Lahore for their efforts in organizing this event.
He vowed to further enhance the bilateral relationship
between the two brotherly countries. He also praised the hard work of the
students for their impressive art pieces and documentary production.
Concluding the event, Prof Dr. Saleem Mazhar, Pro-Vice
Chancellor, University of Punjab, Lahore in his remarks stated that University
of the Punjab, Lahore will organize exchange programs for students and faculty.
We also plan to invite Uzbekistan scholars to participate and study in Pakistan
and also interact with the student fraternity of Pakistan.
In the end, prize distribution ceremony was held where His
Excellency Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to
Pakistan presented shields and certificates to the winners and participants of
the Art Exhibition and Documentary Production. Memento to speakers of the
Conference were also presented.
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COURTESY CGSS
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