FARUKH SHEHZAD

LAHORE, FEB 11: A Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony was held between Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and Regional Integration Center (RIC), University of the Punjab, Lahore at Lahore.

The Regional Integration Center and CGSS will collaborate to enhance the connectivity with Eurasian countries in spheres of education, culture, media, policymaking, economy, ecology, security, technology, research, sustainable goal development, human capacity development, business development and law fare.

It was agreed that CGSS and RIC will jointly organize various activities on key regional issues. Both the parties will collaborate to organize Cultural & Research Exchange Programs, Certified Courses, Diplomas in Various Regional Languages and Online/Physical Lectures with Foreign Scholars. Furthermore, extensive research on Eurasian Region will also be conducted.

University of the Punjab, Lahore and CGSS will jointly organize and facilitate reciprocal visits of the representatives from the Eurasian countries to Pakistan and vice versa. Furthermore, University of the Punjab, Lahore with the help of CGSS will establish various Centers of Excellences on bilateral basis with collaborating countries.

Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore and Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad signed the MoU on behalf of their institutions.

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COURTESY CGSS

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LAHORE, FEB 10 (DNPK) - On 10th February 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony was held between Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and Institute of Communication Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore at Lahore.

It was agreed that CGSS and ICS Department will work together to promote joint training programs focusing on the capacity building and skill development of the students. Several programs will be designed for the portfolio building of the students.

Furthermore, it was decided that both the parties will initiate and support training programs and events for the academic as well as co-curricular upbringing of the students. Moreover, CGSS will also provide certified Internship programs to the students of ICS Department.

Both the parties will arrange students and faculty exchange programs from different Universities of China and other Asian countries.

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COURTESY CGSS

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 10: The cost of withdrawing money from ATMs has increased as a few banks in the country have started charging an unannounced fee to users who choose to get printed receipts from the machine following cash withdrawal.

The move, which is likely to help banks improve earnings and cut costs, caught customers by surprise as they were charged Rs2.5 for choosing to receive the receipt. They were later sent a text message, citing that the amount had been deducted.

It may be mentioned here that the receipt shows the withdrawn amount and available balance whereas a user can opt out of receiving it.

According to local media reports, the central bank took immediate notice of the development but has said that banks may continue to implement the scheme if the new practice did not contradict any of its directives.

“State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued no directives to commercial banks to charge (fee) against the service for balance inquiry through ATMs,” the regulator said. “However, the banks have the right to charge against services on the condition that the charges do not contradict any of its (SBP) directives.”

Earlier on Tuesday, the SBP clarified that no instructions were issued to banks for charging customers any amount on balance inquiry through ATMs.

The clarification came after reports emerged that the SBP had asked the banks to deduct Rs2.5 on each transaction or balance inquiry through ATMs in wake of service charges for the slips.

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COURTESY whenwherehow

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• Bridging the digital divide with DSU sponsorship to strengthen TCF’s Alumni Development Program (TCF-ADP) with “Tuition-Free Scholarship and Laptop”

KARACHI, FEB 10: The DHA Suffa University (DHU) and Tech Saeein announced today a joint initiative to partner with the Citizen Foundation (TCF) to support merit-based scholarship and equip the best student with a state-of-the-art laptop personal computer.

Exclusive

Editor-in-Chief

Farukh Shehzad

From the last two years, coronavirus pandemic has been spread all over the world and we saw a huge number of people have lost their lives.

Heads of the governments of the entire world had put strict lockdown in their areas of living to curb the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus.

High-level government officials from around the world issued several kinds of SoPs for its people to follow on a regular basis.

Health workers, doctors, and other relevant departments told people that wash your hands for 20 seconds during every few hour to stay safe.

Doctors from all over the world emphasised people about avoiding unnecessary gatherings and spend most of your time at home to stay safe.

Doctors and heads of government of the entire world said that always wear a face mask when you go outside in the market.

Doctors and Health departments of all countries said that do not shake hands every time when you meet with your friends and family members, because when you shake hands it helps coronavirus to jump onto your body.

NEW TREND OF GREETINGS

During this time of coronavirus, I noticed that a new trend to express greetings is taking place in all over the world, especially in the western world and this trend has also been shifting towards Pakistan as well from western world high-level heads of states.

And that new trend is “SHAKING ELBOWS OR TOUCHING ELBOWS” which means when two men meet at any place they touch their elbows to express greetings instead of doing shake hands because according to these high profiles govt officials shaking hands during the meeting is a dangerous act and it helps coronavirus to walk onto our body.

And this new trend of “SHAKING ELBOWS OR TOUCHING ELBOWS” is gaining rapid popularity in Pakistan’s society and culture as well which is quite alarming for us being a Muslim.

But at the same time these high profiles, well-educated govt officials of all countries believe that by “SHAKING ELBOW OR TOUCHING ELBOW” is a safe activity and it will not make any damage to us, they think the shifting of coronavirus thru touching elbow to our body can not happen at all.

Now here the question is raised and what we need to figure out that does this newly established trend of expressing greetings has any solid basis?

Does it okay to adopt this new greetings trend for the rest of life or not?

These are the few alarming points and questions and people must find their answers because everyone knows that finding answers to the questions always put you on the path of truth and that’s what we all need to do today.

WHAT I BELIEVE:

For me, it is very simple and clear that if the coronavirus due to shaking hands is shifted from one person to another person than it (coronavirus) could also shift by touching elbow and shaking elbow of two men when they meet.

At the time of meeting with someone to express greetings if touching elbow for you is a safe activity and keeps you safe from coronavirus then at the time of the meeting between two men shaking hands should also be a safe activity.

Shaking hands is a much better way and highly natural act of a human being to express greetings at the time of meeting with someone.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

So, I think we all should come back towards natural and Islamic act of shaking hands when we meet with someone because it is much better, beautiful and safe act as compared with touching elbows at the time of meeting with your friends and family to express greetings.

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 10: The Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) on Tuesday organized an Online Conference on ‘Evolving Strategic Environment in the Indian Ocean Region and Significance of AMAN Exercise 2021’.

The Conference was held at an important time when the seventh edition of the Multinational Maritime Exercise Aman-2021 will be held in Pakistan from February 11 to 16, 2021.

The Conference highlighted the potential and importance of the AMAN exercise by the Pakistan Navy as well as the significance of the current geopolitical & geostrategic environment in the Indian Ocean Region.

In the Opening Remarks, the Regional Geopolitical Analyst & Member Board of Experts CGSS Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan said that the diversity of panelists having rich experience showcase the positive and productive role of CGSS in highlighting Pakistan’s maritime potential at the global level.

The former Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral (retd) Asaf Humayun presented the keynote speech and highlighted the significance of AMAN exercise for regional peace and security. He said that the complex nature of maritime security requires collaborative efforts by the regional and extra-regional powers. He said that Pakistan is playing a key role in enhancing maritime security cooperation. He also elaborated comprehensively on the recent major developments in the international geopolitical landscape.

Vice Admiral (retd) Asaf Humayun concluded by appreciating the efforts of the Pakistan Navy in organizing and conducting the AMAN exercise and stated that in this changing scenario of cooperation, coalition, containment, and confrontation, Pakistan has been holding AMAN series of joint maritime exercise with its focus on eliminating maritime terrorism, piracy, drug trafficking, arms smuggling besides natural calamities. AMAN brings the navies of diverse nations together in its spirit of maritime cooperation. He said that this effort would boost maritime cooperation at the international level.

The former Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral (retd) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao discussed the geostrategic significance of the western Indian Ocean region and important aspects of the ocean including the Gulf sea lanes, Suez connecting the Atlantic and Indian Ocean through the Mediterranean, the choke points, cape routes, and ocean economic resources.

Vice Admiral (retd) Iftikhar elaborated the important Gulf oil trade routes i.e. Strait of Malacca, Strait of Hormuz, and Babul-Mandab strait as the key chokepoints. He also highlighted the importance of the AMAN exercise by stating that it is directed towards addressing common maritime challenges in the region.

Moreover, it is an inclusive platform that is open for all Countries. The focus of this series is on maritime diplomacy and peace. AMAN plays a prominent role in creating a positive image of Pakistan, especially in the maritime realm.

The former Ambassador of Pakistan to Maldives and the former Director General National Institute of Maritime Affairs Vice Admiral (retd) Syed Khawar Ali Shah profoundly discussed the evolving strategic environment in the Indian Ocean Region and the significance of AMAN 2021. He said that the Indian Ocean has distinguished regions and thus a bulwark created against hegemonic designs. He also explained China’s role in connecting the region through trade linkages and financial assistance.

Vice Admiral (retd) Syed Khawar Ali Shah said that the strategic maneuvering of China is rising in the Indian Ocean that has also increased the economic activity. He said that Indians see the Indian Ocean as their lake and have started establishing bases in Mauritius, started increased engagement with Myanmar, etc. They are trying to match the Chinese, however, they lack economic power. Admiral Khawar stated that the main driver in the present era is the geo-economics rather than geopolitics. China’s maritime silk route under the BRI is extremely important in this regard, which has a key role in connecting nations.

The former envoy also explained the legal aspects and laws related to the sea. He concluded that there is the need to cooperate at a bigger level to attain peace and stability of the region in which Pakistan is playing a huge role by AMAN exercise to demonstrate peaceful co-existence.

The Regional Geopolitical Analyst & Member Board of Experts CGSS Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan gave an analysis on the strategic role of the Pakistan navy in CPEC and the Indian Ocean region. He said that the CPEC project is revolutionizing the connectivity and regional discourse.

Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan also highlighted the integrated efforts of the Pakistan Navy for the defense of the Country’s seafronts and providing security to the CPEC project including the Gwadar port. He said that the success of CPEC is directly correlated with Pakistan Navy operationalization and channelization. He further stated that the Pakistan Navy being the custodian of blue economy coastal areas, shores and waters is utilizing all possible means and resources to safeguard the country’s security and commercial interests of CPEC. 

Its strategic partnership with China and Turkey is a game-changer. Global and regional developments like the emerging Asian NATO comprising of India, the US, Japan, and Australia, activation of the US warship in the Arabian sea, Indian conflicting socio-economic policies against BRI and CPEC, widening geopolitical US-China competition, and last but not the least the booming Indian US strategic dialogue partnership all have compelled Pakistan Navy to start its rigorous modernization with sustainable cooperation with China to promote regional peace and harmony.

The Senior Research Fellow NIMA Kanwar M. Javed Iqbal comprehensively talked about enhancing maritime and security cooperation among the Indian Ocean Countries. He explained that IOR has immense significance. He elaborated on the prospects of cooperation through BRI that provide new avenues in harnessing connectivity in IOR and its littoral states.

Furthermore, he also explained the positive role of China in maritime diplomacy. He discussed the strategic importance of the Gwadar port that will allow China to solve its Strait of Malacca dilemma.

Kanwar M. Javed Iqbal concluded that peace and stability are needed to increase maritime economic growth. He also said that maritime non-traditional issues need cooperative and collaborative effort at the regional and international levels. He appreciated the Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitment in combating threats at sea through the series of AMAN.

The Conference was moderated by the Research Executive CGSS Minahil Shawal Afridi, and was attended by more than 80 participants from all across Pakistan.

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COURTESY cgss/dndnews

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ADNAN HAMEED working on promoting Soft Image of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 9 (DNPK) - The Government of Japan has conferred the 2020 Autumn Imperial Decorations, “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” upon Mr. Zafar Mahmood, visiting Professor at the Department of Japanese Language, National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Islamabad, in recognition of his significant contribution towards the promotion of Japanese language in Pakistan and strengthening friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan.

 H.E. MATSUDA Kuninori, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, on behalf of the Government of Japan, on February 9, conferred the imperial decoration “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” upon Mr. Zafar Mahmood. The conferral ceremony was held at his official residence with limited participants of family and close friends of the decoration recipient, while taking infection prevention measures against COVID-19.

Mr. Zafar Mahmood’s ties with Japan began when he started his studies in the Nagoya University through a scholarship program offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan in 1979. After graduation, he extended his stay for over 10 years working for NEC. In 2000, he joined the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan (MAAP) and has been working to promote educational exchanges between Japan and Pakistan. He also assisted the Embassy of Japan select talented Pakistani youth for future MEXT scholarship students and provided pre-departure sessions for the selected students.

He also contributed greatly to the promotion of the Japanese language in Pakistan. As a visiting professor, he taught in the Japanese Language Department of the National University of Modern Languages. His venture has now taken more popularity as he has begun conducting the Japanese Language Capability Test (JLCT) exam in different cities of Pakistan after becoming Pakistan’s only official agent in 2018. His relentless determination has already begun to bear fruits as the number of Japanese language learners in Pakistan is increasing with the passage of time.

Ambassador MATSUDA, while speaking on the occasion, congratulated Mr. Zafar on receiving this prestigious imperial decoration by the Government of Japan. He said language plays an important role in bridging the gap among the nations and the people while fostering mutual understanding of each other’s culture, values and traditions. “It is heartening to say that the Japanese language is becoming increasingly popular in Pakistan like Urdu is in Japan. Surely this would pave the way for further consolidating people-to-people interactions.”

While appreciating the dedicated efforts by Mr. Zafar, the Ambassador said that he has been doing a great job over the years by teaching Japanese language to Pakistani people as a visiting professor at the Japanese language department of NUML. 

He expressed his sincere hope that this contribution will further promote and strengthen the cultural relations as well as people to people contacts between the two friendly nations.

While expressing his gratitude upon receiving Japanese Imperial decoration, Mr. Zafar Mahmood said “I pay my sincere gratitude to His Majesty the Emperor and the Government of Japan for honoring me with this prestigious award. I have a passion for teaching and transferring Japanese language skills to our younger generation”.

Maj. Gen (Retd) Muhammad Jaffar, Rector NUML, while appreciating the services of Mr. Zafar, congratulated him for receiving this award in recognition of his efforts for promoting the Japanese language in Pakistan from the platform of NUML.=DNPK

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COURTESY pk.emb-japan.go.jp

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LAHORE, FEB 9: Pakistan’s leading e-ticketing platform with over 4.6 million customers in the transportation and entertainment industries, Bookme.pk has been appointed ticketing partner for the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6 which commences at the National Stadium Karachi from February 20, 2021.

Bookme.pk is completely cashless and is already integrated with major payment platforms in Pakistan including JazzCash and Easypaisa to ensure a seamless checkout experience for end-users.

With a socially distant seating plan, cricket fans can now be a part of the game again as both HBL PSL 6 venues Karachi and Lahore will have 20 percent of the total seating capacity of the stadiums available for the spectators.

As announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last week, around 7,500 ticketed spectators will be allowed access inside the National Stadium Karachi per match day while around 5,500 will be able to attend each match day at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The PCB will strictly follow the government’s COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including social distancing.

In his remarks, the Director Commercial PCB Babar Hamid said “We are delighted to partner with Bookme.pk in the HBL Pakistan Super League 6. We are confident that as ticketing partners Bookme.pk will deliver top-quality services that they are renowned for to our fans who look forward all year to the HBL PSL.

“We are very happy to bring the fans back to the stadiums, despite the small number, we totally look forward to welcoming them at the two venues as they will create an incredible atmosphere which will surely motivate the players to give their absolute best. The fans will be provided the best possible arrangements amid the prevailing Covid-19 related challenges and they should turn up at the venues with full confidence while practicing social distancing protocols.”

The CEO Bookme.pk Faizan Aslam said “We are grateful to Pakistan Cricket Board for awarding us the opportunity to serve the most beloved game of our nation. Bookme is geared up to ensure contactless and secure digital services for Pakistani cricket fans so that they don’t need to stand in queues and can easily access tickets from the comfort of home with a digital one-click solution.”

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COURTESY dndnews

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 9: (DNPK) - Neelofar Shiraz, 32, hailing from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Battagram district made history on Sunday when she broke down with her hand 1,000 bricks in just 27 minutes. Her previous record is that of 150 bricks.

This is for the first time that a female sportswoman has achieved this number in less than half an hour.

Fit-Wit a local fitness centre had sponsored the event that had attracted quite a good numbers of spectators including Neelofar’s family members, her friends, coach Master Chen and the general public.

With the signal of ‘go’ from Master Chen Neelofar started breaking the bricks ‘two by two’ as on two cement blocks two bricks were perked.

With each strike of her right hand, the bricks came down splitting into four and as the number raised her supporters and family members cheered loudly to boost her morale.

With the 500th strike of her right hand, tore apart the 999th and 1000th bricks and the whole stadium echoed with thunderous applause.

It is a great moment for Pakistan, said Imtiaz Ahmed CEO of Fit-Wit who also announced Rs50,000 for Neelofar. We have recorded the entire event and we will send it to the Guinness Book team so that they could include it as the world record in brick breaking category, Imtiaz further said.

No one in the world has broken 1,000 bricks in a row, he further said.

By doing 1000 bricks in less than half an hour, Neelofar Sherazi has set an example for the girls who are reluctant to follow their passion and feel scared in this male-chauvinistic society. While talking to media, she said she has not been approached by any government official, however, she hoped her talent would be recognized at national and international levels.

She started formal training in November 2018. Daily, Neelofar spends around two hours to practising this art, which is less common in Pakistan particularly among women.

Neelofar said in her childhood, she used to be a shy girl and always cried when someone bullied her.

 “Whenever in class or playground someone intimidated me, I became so upset that I spent hours crying and rubbing my eyes and I did this so often that it affected my eyesight.”

In order to overcome her fears of bullies, Neelofar resorted to brick breaking, “something my family or my friends and colleagues had never heard of before nor would have approved it had I not persisted.”

I want to make a world record of breaking eight blocks with a single strike, she said. Currently, she is practicing five.

At a local club of Islamabad Neelofar received training from a Martial Arts veteran Master Chen. Terming Neelofar an unusually strong-nerved, persistent athlete, Master Chen said she was doing great by practising daily without fail.

Though she doesn’t regularly attend training sessions at the club, but at home she practices without fail. She has performed at various events and won huge public applause, he further said. When she came to my training centre she was in critical condition having had a recent eye surgery. Brick breaking in a way gave her a new lease of life, said Master Chen.

About Pakistani women, Neelofar said they have great talent to make their mark in the world, we only need to support and recognize their talent.

Neelofar spends Sundays in the kitchen preparing various dishes, helping her mother. She is also a volunteer and works for social service and community development.=DNPK

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ISLAMABAD, FEB 9: The Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) organized an Online Conference on “Changing Dimensions of International & Regional Discourse, A Critical Analysis and Policy Options for Pakistan” on Monday.

In her opening remarks, the Project Executive CGSS Palwasha Nawaz highlighted the importance of the conference and explained that it is of utmost importance to understand the transforming dynamics of international as a strategic discourse in the post-COVID-19 era.

Moreover, she said that the conference aims to analyze the policy perspectives of the incumbent US administration.

The Director General (China) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad Mr. Muhammad Mudassir Tipu comprehensively discussed the role of China in addressing the key regional issues. He explained the role of China in regional connectivity. He highlighted that in a short period of six to seven years, we have completed excellent mega projects related to infrastructure, energy, agriculture, etc.

Moreover, the second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will focus on agriculture, science, and technology, and socio-economic development, these are the projects that promise development in Pakistan.

Mr. Muhammad Mudassir Tipu also said that China’s financial and technological industry is enormous particularly when the global economy is in crisis due to COVID-19, which provides a lot of opportunities for other states to collaborate. He also explained that China has granted a lot of concessions through which Pakistan can export commodities to China.

Moreover, he also highlighted the prospects of cooperation in the IT sector of both States. He also suggested that over time, both nations should identify the sectors to enhance cooperation. He further highlighted the aspects of the development of the Gwadar port that has huge potential to connect many regions in the future.

The Senior Analyst & Journalist Mr. Rahimullah Yousafzai discussed the Afghan issue and the role of Pakistan. He also explained the regional policy framework vis-à-vis the current dynamics of the region. He highlighted the role of Pakistan in the Afghan peacemaking process and described the round of talks held between the US-Taliban and peace deal in detail.

Mr. Rahimullah Yousafzai also said that both Taliban and Afghanistan were waiting for President Biden to decide the future policy discourse. The Taliban wanted the US to keep its promise of release of the Taliban prisoners.

However, the release led to violence as they go back to their training camps. He also highlighted that the United States can ask for new deadlines but it is vital to ensure that the Taliban fulfill their commitment. He concluded that Pakistan is an important stakeholder in the Afghan peace process and the US also considers it as a core partner in negotiating with the Taliban.

Mr. Rahimullah also said that the US can resolve its conflicts with Iran, hereby, it can play a significant role in the Afghan peace process.  Likewise, India can shed its traditional notion of reluctance and play a positive role in resolving Afghan Crises.

The Director of Area Study Centre, (Russia, China & Central Asia) at the University of Peshawar Professor Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan shared his thoughts on “Devising and implementing regional integration policies by Pakistan: Means and way forward”. He said that CPEC is a game-changer, likewise, peace in Afghanistan will also prove to be a game-changer for Pakistan. He briefly explained the contours of CPEC and highlighted that this flagship project provides an opportunity for other regional states to integrate.

Professor Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan further said that Pakistan is more inclined towards Central Asia for regional cooperation, as India’s reluctance provides a little opportunity for cooperation in South Asia.

Moreover, he said that China is a friendly neighbor and is assisting Pakistan to build a greater infrastructure. In this regard, regional countries should integrate to harness connectivity and regional collaboration via CPEC projects.

The Chairperson of the Political Science Department at the University of Punjab Lahore Dr. Irum Khalid, briefly discussed the transforming US foreign policy approaches and analysis on Joe Biden’s administration.

Dr. Irum Khalid said that Biden has made the targets clear in his first speech. He was more inclined towards revising the policies. In this regard, she also stated that there are certain constraints in new foreign policy options for the US regarding the regional political and economic discourse. The regional politics includes the Iran conflict, Yemen Crises, Middle East, Afghanistan, China, and South Asia. She concluded that in present times, the US cannot afford any other humanitarian crises. So, it should move slowly towards reconciling the damage. She also stated that the world is now more inclined towards a dialogue of civilization rather than the clash of civilizations.

The Chairman of the Political Science Department at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) Dr. Mussawar Hussain Bukhari discussed the US foreign policy towards Asia, Objectives, and Implications. He described that mostly the policies of superpowers are based on three levels i.e., state, regional, and international. However, during the Trump regime, the policies were based on other three elements: military, economy, and soft image. He stated that the United States has lost its soft image at the international level in Trump’s tenure. He also highlighted the complexities of the region caused due to reluctant policies by India.

Dr. Mussawar also explained briefly the important contours of China’s connectivity through CPEC. Furthermore, he highlighted the regional policies and dynamics of Beijing and projects of cooperation with other South Asian nations.

The Dean Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Bahria University in Islamabad Dr. Adam Saud explained the emerging realities in the international political system. The main focus was on the shift of foreign policies in recent times. He stated that soft power is the key to international stability. He briefly discussed the important transforming realities of today’s political system that have impacted the foreign policy and behavior of the countries. For example, digitalization, Artificial intelligence, fifth-generation warfare, ecological system, environment degradation, and COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Adam Saud concluded by suggesting that Pakistan should move prudently while keeping a view of its national interest. Moreover, he said that Pakistan should have good relations with other states as well to achieve stability in Afghanistan. He suggested that Pakistan has a key position in the region and international political system because of CPEC, which is a game-changer.

The Director Silk Bank Mr. Jawad Majid discussed the role of socio-economic institutions and organizations for sustainable development in the post-Covid-19 era. He explained that in this crucial time of the pandemic, we have seen development and growth in different industries. This transformation also made the dynamics of the global environment shift.

Mr. Jawad Majid explained that in the post-pandemic era, the economy of Pakistan has gradually improved specifically in the agriculture sector.

Mr. Jawad also discussed that international organizations have assisted Pakistan in overcoming challenges caused due to COVID-19, he also highlighted the important role played by China. He also highlighted three dimensions that witnessed growth in an efficient manner including quality, positive economic construction in the women labor force, and improving efficiency at the national level in the short and medium-term. He concluded that all institutions of Pakistan have played an efficient role in combating the pandemic.

However, there should be more improvement in the policies to go along with the changing dynamics of regional and international affairs.

The Conference was moderated by the Communication & Coordination Manager at CGSS Ms. Laraib Fatima Hassan, and was attended by 80 participants.

It was also viewed live by 300 viewers on social media platforms.

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COURTESY dndnews

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Seymur Mammadov

Less than a month after Joe Biden took office, the Atlantic Council think tank released a report titled “The longer Telegram: Toward a new American China strategy”. The purpose of the report is to convince the Biden administration to continue to exert maximum pressure on China and, in fact, to resurrect the Cold War strategy toward Beijing. The report defines the rise of China as “the most important challenge facing the United States and the democratic world in the 21st century”.

The claims of the Atlantic Council do not stand up to scrutiny. The rise of China should be viewed not as the most important problem for the United States or a threat to the democratic world, but as a good opportunity for close cooperation in the formation of a multipolar world, the creation of a community of the common destiny of mankind, wrote Seymur Mammadov in his article published by China Daily.

The authors of the report are trying to expand the ideological differences and conflicts between China and the United States, to create an atmosphere of the Cold War between the two major powers that play a very significant role in the world economy.

It is high time for the United States to understand that the world does not revolve only around them, that there is no longer a unipolar world that the Americans are claiming. Washington should abandon the Cold War thinking and start looking for ways to cooperate with China. This is the most sensible way to address the global challenges that all countries of the world are facing amid the spread of COVID-19.

In addition, any rhetoric should be at least based on grounded facts, and not replete with unfounded accusations. Calling the very factor of China’s growth and the attempt to influence the world with their political model led by the Chinese Communist Party as a threat, the authors of the report are overly carried away in building the image of the enemy, forgetting about the picture of reality. And they look at the situation from only one “ideological” angle. Through the same magnifying glass of perceptions and prejudices of the Cold War.

And the reality is that many of China’s positive innovations being introduced in various countries of the world are in fact aimed not at changing the “political system” in certain countries, but at building and creating active business models that can serve well to stabilize the business climate on the planet. Also, China is actively funding young economies in developing countries. And the role of China in this can hardly be overestimated.

Recall that back in May 2020, at the opening of the 73rd World Health Assembly, President Xi Jinping announced that China will provide $2 billion over two years to help with COVID-19 response and with economic and social development in affected countries. Thus, China became one of the first countries in the world to express its desire to invest its financial resources to combat the global pandemic and maintain the potential of the global economy. More specifically, China tried to mitigate the negative effect of the pandemic and help African countries by showing a global, open and friendly gesture – China signed agreements on the suspension of debt service with 12 African countries and wrote off matured interest-free loan for 15 African countries.

The Belt and Road Initiative is making an even more global contribution to the potential for world economic development. In Africa alone, 46 out of 55 countries have signed agreements with China on the Belt and Road Initiative. At the same time, the initiative itself is a unique proposal for the involved countries. The bottom line is the uniqueness of the offer – most of the investments in projects in different countries are made by China itself, giving the poor countries the opportunity to compensate these investments as a long-term loan.

For some developing countries, the BRI has become the only opportunity to modernize, and sometimes even create from scratch, their infrastructure, transport communications and social facilities. Thus, in a number of African countries, thanks to the initiative, new schools, hospitals, roads and railways were built, and this led to the development of poor African countries, providing employment for tens of thousands of jobs.

Therefore, we can confidently say the opposite – Washington, as well as organizations such as the Atlantic Council, completely ignore the promising benefits of China’s innovations in various economies of the world, which opens up new opportunities for the same business in the US and European countries. The bottom line is that by raising the economies of underdeveloped countries, China is pulling these countries to the level of real cooperation, and in a more or less cost-effective format for world business. And at this stage, the business circles of the United States and European countries are indeed acquiring new markets for sales and cooperation with an already more established infrastructure, communications, and human potential. And of course it is unreasonable to refuse such opportunities that China presents to the Western world.

One way or another, all the reproaches and accusations recently voiced against China are created against the background of the policy of far-fetched statements by the US political forces interested in this and have little to do with the real state of affairs. In this sense, China, perhaps earlier than other European countries, realized this truth – cooperation is always more beneficial than confronting each other. And the United States certainly needs to respond to these examples of humane political will and meaning.

The author is the director of the international experts’ club EurAsiaAz, and editor-in-chief of Azerbaijan’s news agency Vzglyad.az.

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COURTESY dndnews

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