PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD, SEPT 23: Two
sessions were conducted on the second day of the two-day international
conference (21st-22nd September) on ‘’Pakistan – Eurasian Heartland
Connectivity: Towards Socio-Economic, Academic, and Legal Cooperation’’ held at
Area Study Center (Russia, China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar,
Peshawar.
The main goal of the
International Conference was to enhance closer cooperation and connectivity
within Eurasian countries. The objective was to deliberate upon the ways and
means for enhancing trade, economic, cultural, educational, and industrial
links between Pakistan and the Eurasian heartland for shared growth and
prosperity.
The theme of the first session
was Developing Trade and Economic Connectivity. Dr. Nadeem Ahmed Ch, Pro-Vice
Chancellor, University of Sialkot was Chair of the session.
He stated that Pakistan desires
stronger relations with regional countries. He discussed the benefits and
opportunities that Central Asian Republics can offer for Pakistan. Likewise,
Pakistan has pivotal position for Central Asian countries in many fields.
Andrei Metelitsa, Ambassador of
Belarus to Pakistan addressed the audience online. He stated that Belarus is
enhancing its diplomatic efforts and global outreach for better regional
integration. He stated that Eurasian Economic Union plays a vital role in
regional connectivity and Belarus is also member of that forum.
Andrei Metelitsa stated that Asia
is an important region for Belarus because of immense mineral potential and
economic opportunities. He also
enlightened the audience about Pakistan-Belarus relations (economic, academic,
military cooperation) and prospects for enhancing deep cooperation.
Prof. Dr. Mahboob Hussain,
Chairman, Department of History and Political Studies, University of the
Punjab, Lahore gave speech on Reviving Historical Silk Routes with Central
Asia. He gave a detailed historical background
of the Silk route, connecting many countries.
He stated that such routes are
vibrant in the present times and enhance socioeconomic and cultural linkages
among different nations. Prof. Dr. Mahboob stated that Central and South Asia
have great historical and cultural linkages.
The legacy of great dynasties in
South Asia were established in Central Asia.
He discussed that trade routes have created more cooperation than
challenges. He also shared analysis on
revival of Silk Route in the contemporary times and gave suggestions for
enhanced connectivity.
Professor Sohail Shahzad, Former
Vice Chancellor, Hazara University and Professor, Law College, University of
Peshawar enlightened the audience about Legal Framework for Regional
Cooperation and Existing Problems. He stated that international laws are the
direct outcomes of trade.
He stated that for competitive advantage in products
and its trade, international laws help to resolve conflicts among countries. As
demand and supply of products require regulatory or legal regimes. Prof. Sohail
Shahzad stated that the rule of law and order is significant to sustain
economy. Therefore, trade regulations are necessary to manage economies of
states worldwide.
Dr. Hussain Shaheed Soherwordi,
Chairman, Department of International Relations, University of Peshawar enlightened
the audience about Central & South Asian Regional Connectivity: Relevance
& Prospects for Economic Cooperation.
He stated that there is an international
academic disconnect. Therefore, connectivity is a dire need of time because
international relations dynamics are changing. He stated that there is an
international academic disconnect.
Hussain discussed that BRI, CPEC,
CASA, TAPI, all are connectivity or development projects that will enhance
regional and people-to-people contacts.
Mr. Hassan Daud Butt, Chief
Executive Officer, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade
(KP-BOIT)shared his views on Enhancing Regional Connectivity: Towards a
Regional Arrangement for Cross-Border Economic Activities. He highlighted
despite sharing geographical proximity, we live in a least integrated region.
The region needs to be integrated
with the aim to promote trade relationships as a prosperous and more developed
South Asian region can help the region in creating better employment
opportunities. Economic growth will also
help in playing a major role in bridging the trust deficit.
He also highlighted that
Connectivity of Policy is possible through forging strong synergy and
broadening extensive consultation for harmonizing policies that we need to
develop dynamic, multi-pronged approach to adopt new policy instruments and
formulate structural reform in order to make space for added growth and
sustainable economic momentum on “win-win principles”.
Lastly, he recommended that
Academia, think tanks and research organizations need to play a significant
role in enhancing better cooperation from the grassroots to the top-level
administrative units.
Prof. Dr. Adam Saud, Dean,
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad gave
online speech on Pakistan-Eurasia: Building Greater Trans-Regional
Connectivity. He gave a detailed presentation on Pakistan’s economic and
strategic potential.
He also explained Pakistan
relations, military cooperation,and trade linkages with Eurasian
countries. Dr. Adam also discussed
recent developments between Central Asia and Pakistan for inclusive economic
progress projects.
He shed light on Afghanistan’s importance for
trans-regional cooperation. He stated that people-to-people connectivity is
significant. In this regard, best example can be witness from China-Pakistan
friendship.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khan,
Professor, Department of Politics & International Relations, International
Islamic University, Islamabad expressed his views on Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
Contours for Eurasian Region. He stated that foreign policy is the instrument
of international relations between states. Likewise, diplomacy is the
instrument of foreign policy, which paved the way for political achievements
and economic uplift.
He gave a detailed overview of
historical background of countries relationship and international relations.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khan discussed Pakistan’s foreign policy contours towards
Eurasian countries, especially Central Asian countries.
He stated that foreign policy of
Pakistan is important and laid down the foundation for cooperation between
Central and South Asia. He expressed his views that with peace in Afghanistan,
more prospects for collaboration would be created between Central and South
Asia.
The theme of the second session
was Regional Connectivity: The Academic Perspective. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem
Mazhar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahorewas the Chair of
the session.
Professor Inayat, Principal,
Khyber Law College, University of Peshawar presented speech on Lawfare
Challenges to Regional Connectivity and Counter Mechanism. He stated that we
need to understand nature and background of laws. He explained that
international law contains broad principles and norms.
No country can achieve benefits
without having connectivity and connectivity requires regulations for smooth
relationship. Prof. Inayat also shed light on the concept of regionalism. He
gave detailed overview of regulatory regimes to overcome common challenges in
present times.
Dr. Fazal Wahid, Area Study
Centre (Russia, China, & Central Asia) University of Peshawar enlightened
the audience about Afghanistan: Prospects and Challenges to Regional
Connectivity. He gave detailed overview
of Afghanistan’s situation amid historical background and recent scenarios.
He also discussed flawed U.S.
policies in Afghanistan. He stated that once Afghanistan was the hub of
regional trade activities. He suggested
that there must be an agreement between regional countries that all spoilers
must be kept out of the region so that peace in Afghanistan can prevail.
Dr. Khurram Iqbal, Head of
International Relations Department, National Defence University (NDU),
Islamabad presented speech on Regionalization in South Asia: Prospects &
Challenges for Pakistan. He gave five major reasons that hindered
regionalization in South Asia. He stated
that despite having opportunities, South Asia is the least regionalized region.
Dr. Khurram Iqbal stated that for regionalization, a strong support from global
hegemon is always needed.
However, in case of South Asia,
India has not played its productive role to promote regionalization. He also
shed light on the civilizational linkages between Central and South Asia. He
suggested that we should opt for untapped existing potential in Central Asia.
Dr. Minhas Majeed Marwat,
Department of International Relations, University of Peshawar discussed
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Regional Integration. She stated
that regional connectivity helps countries to overcome barriers.
It allows countries to enhance
cooperation in many diverse fields, i.e., transport system, smooth flow of
goods & services, ideas, and innovation. Dr. Minhas stated that CPEC will
enhance multidimensional cooperation not only between China and Pakistan, but
also other regional states.
She stated that CPEC can be a
journey towards regionalization in a globalized world. She stated that Pakistan
has been playing a significant role for regional peace and integration.
Dr. Musawar Hussain Bukhari,
Chairman, Political Science Department, Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB),
Bahawalpur gave speech on Role of Academia in Enhancing Regional Connectivity.
He stated that socioeconomic, legal and academia are playing their role for the
sake of connectivity, development, peace and prosperity.
He explained that authority,
socio-cultural dynamics and academia are the pillars. In this regard, academia has three major
roles. Dr. Musawar Hussain emphasized on the important role of academia and
researcher for regional connectivity.
Mr. Muhammad Yaqoob, Registrar,
University of Sialkot enlightened the audience about Central & South Asia
Connectivity: Exploring Grounds for Joint Ventures in Academic Cooperation. He
stated that connectivity empowers to achieve more towards shared causes and
joint ventures.
He enlightened the audience that
Central and South Asia have been connected. Mr. Yaqoob gave a detailed
background of great historical and spiritual scholars of Central Asia towards
Pakistan in terms of research, innovation, spiritual journey and peace.
He suggested that there should be
high-level exchange programs between Pakistan’s and Central Asian countries to
enhance academic cooperation.
Mr. Rahmat Ullah, Advisor to Vice
Chancellor, Director Center for Innovation and Competitiveness Studies,
University of Sialkot talked about role of universities and academia in
regional connectivity. He stated that
the trade balance between Central and South Asia must be incorporated with
right set of policy measures.
He also provided fruitful
suggestions for enhanced research and regional cooperation in many diverse
fields with the changing dynamics of regions.
Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan,
Director, Area Study Centre (Russia, China, & Central Asia) University of
Peshawar presented vote of thanks. He expressed his gratitude to all speakers,
participants, session chairs, and co-organizers for making this two-day
international conference a success.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd),
Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad
gave the closing remarks. He stated that there must be an integrated forum for
regional cooperation.
Therefore, through the joint efforts, all established
centers, i.e., Regional Integration Center, University of the Punjab, Lahore,
Eurasian Industrial Research Center, University of Sialkot, Sialkot and Area
Study Center (China, Russia & Central Asia) University of Peshawar have
been playing a pivotal role for regional integration.
The two-day international
conference was well attended by the worthy Ambassadors of various countries to
Pakistan and renowned scholars, experts, academicians, and policy makers of
Pakistan.
The conference has proved to a
milestone development as it provided a platform to integrate Ambassadors of
various countries and enhance academic learning.
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