FARUKH SHEHZAD

ISLAMABAD, MAR 25: An Online International Conference on “Regional Connectivity Strategy: Pakistan & Uzbekistan-A New Regional Commitment" was jointly organized by the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, and the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The online conference was commenced with the welcome remarks by Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan.

He appreciated the initiative of organizing the conference & expressed his gratitude to the institutions for their participation in enhancing bilateral ties between Uzbekistan & Pakistan. He also mentioned that this conference will identify new areas of cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and also suggest the role of both countries in Afghanistan peace process.

In his opening remarks, Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad stated that Regional connectivity is the key catchword in today’s political and economic discourse. Pakistan has a cultural and religious affinity with the Central Asian Region and in this aspect, Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations have significantly improved in recent times. He emphasized that it is the need of the hour to effectively implement and execute the practical aspects of joint projects that interconnect all regional partners.

Mr. Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan also shared his point of view. He highlighted that Pakistan and Uzbekistan must support bilateral dialogue for the Afghan peace process. This support should also be extended and highlighted on all international platforms as well.

This will initiate a new paradigm of international trade, regional connectivity, and economic cooperation in the region. Furthermore, it will become a pathway for sustainable development and progressive economic growth in Afghanistan. He appreciated Pakistan’s vision for building and developing bilateral ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan to maximize benefits and to capitalize on the geographical importance of this region.

Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Director of Area Study Centre (Russia, China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar highlighted that For Pakistan connectivity with Uzbekistan means connectivity with all other CARs.

Pakistan is naturally facing Central Asia and considers itself part of the process of regionalism reinvigorated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Central Asia.

He also mentioned that it is also important to harmonize and coordinate cross-border policies for smooth border crossing between Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It will result in Pakistan and Uzbekistan maximally benefit from the regional integration plans like CAREC, BRI, Eurasian Union, and ECO due to their significant geographies in respective regions.

He suggested faculty/scholar exchanges, cultural exhibitions, book fairs, movies, plays and sports, and direct flights between the two countries for a positive impact on overall relations.

Alisher Kadirov, Head of the Department of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan discussed possibilities of Uzbekistan and Pakistan cooperation for the peace process in Afghanistan.

He emphasized that Uzbekistan has always wished for peace and stability in Afghanistan. Economic and regional cooperation between Central Asia and South Asia is important for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the entire region.

He also emphasized that there are significant cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. These cultural ties must be explored and highlighted by initiating cultural exchange programs between both countries. He also briefly discussed the positive impacts of the Mazar-e-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar rail route and its potential role in the economic development of the region.

Mr. Timur Rakhimov, Head of Department of the International Institute of Central Asia suggested measures for the Afghanistan peace process. He was of the view that first and foremost, dialogues and negotiations must take place on a national and regional level. The International community and neighbors of Afghanistan can play a significant and crucial role in the smooth peace process for Afghanistan.

He emphasized that the people of Central Asia and Afghanistan share a mutual bond based on culture, religion, and traditions. Today, Afghanistan is seen as the key element for enhanced international transport that will eventually connect Central Asia and South Asia. Furthermore, the implementation of the Mazar-e-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar rail route will provide an opportunity for mutually beneficial partnerships.

Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, Member Board of Experts, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and Regional Geopolitical Analyst stated that Uzbekistan-Pakistan bilateral relations have been further strengthened during recent times because of the better political understanding, improvement in bilateral trade, phenomenal rise to tourism and joint efforts to bring peace and harmony in the region especially in Afghanistan.

Pakistan and Uzbekistan have been jointly working to achieve sustainable regional connectivity by avoiding spillover repercussions of the end game in Afghanistan. Both countries have been pursuing an Afghan own & Afghan-led solution for the future of Afghanistan, especially after the US withdrawal.

He emphasized that Afghanistan has been a stumbling factor for greater regional connectivity which must be now resolved for greater regional integration, prosperity, and poverty eradication for which Pakistan and Uzbekistan have been jointly playing important roles.

Mr. Rustam Khuramov, Head of the Department of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan highlighted that Afghanistan is becoming a symbol of cooperation in the region. From the point of view of Central Asia, many opportunities must be explored. He highlighted that South Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world when it comes to its international cooperation, GDP growth, and contribution to the global economy.

He further highlighted the positive aspects of the Mazar-e-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar rail route and stated that the establishment of many new industries, creation of job opportunities, reduced travel time between Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will be achieved. Roadside infrastructure, trade opportunities, and a significant contribution to regional stability and security will also be a result of this train route.

Dr. Azmat Hayat Khan, Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Peshawar highlighted that Bukhara has a rich historical and cultural background. Business caravans, many scholars, and traders utilized this region for their trade and economic activities. He also emphasized that even today, Uzbekistan is rich in minerals and natural resources.

Dr. Azmat Hayat Khan was of the view that the year of geopolitics is gone and now is the age of geo-economy. Diplomacy is now done based on economic ties and partnerships. Furthermore, Pakistan’s future lies with Asia and its neighbors.

He also mentioned that if Uzbekistan and Pakistan are connected with the rail route it will benefit Afghanistan and the entire region. The rail route will open trade opportunities. The products of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan will have a global reach.

He specifically mentioned the cotton, fruits, and vegetables produced by Uzbekistan that can be exported to the Gulf countries. Infrastructure and industrial development is also an important aspect that will create job opportunities for the people of Afghanistan, proving to be a positive step towards economic stability.

The conference was moderated by Mr. SanjarValiyev, Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and was attended by 50 participants including students and subject experts from Pakistan and Uzbekistan. It was also viewed live on social media platforms by 100 viewers.

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COURTESY CGSS

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NEW DELHI, MAR 24: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif unilaterally pandered to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s priorities in bilateral ties, refused to mention the Kashmir dispute in their meeting in Delhi and kept Pakistan’s envoy in New Delhi out of the loop while conducting secret talks with Mr Modi through an Indian businessman, according to former high commissioner Abdul Basit.

He told veteran anchor Karan Thapar in an interview for The Wire portal on Tuesday that Mr Sharif’s senior advisers Sartaj Aziz and Tariq Fatemi were party to the unusual approach in conducting ties behind the back of Pakistan’s envoy in New Delhi.

All of them were “pandering to India unilaterally and unconditionally,” Mr Basit said in the interview, which discussed his book Hostility, a memoir of his three years posting in India from 2014 to 2017.

Mr Aziz and Mr Fatemi, had “apologetic mind-sets” and were more keen to accept “Modi’s contentions and work quickly to assuage Modi’s concerns” rather than stand up for Pakistan’s interests, Mr Basit said. Former foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry too was “brazenly apologetic and improvident” and at the time of the 2015 joint statement “wanted to deliver (to India) no matter what”.

Mr Basit said Indian businessman Sajjan Jindal played a critical role carrying secret messages bet­ween the two prime ministers, on matters ranging from meetings with Hurriyat leaders to the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. “Right from the word go Pakistan has mishandled the Kulbhushan Jadhav case,” he said and added it’s “gradually losing its credibility in the matter”.

Mr Basit spoke of how he was repeatedly and deliberately excluded from India-Pakistan meetings or communications, specifically at the behest of Prime Minister Sharif whose foreign secretary humiliated him by telling junior officers not to communicate with him without the foreign secretary’s permission. Mr Basit revealed how over the Kulbhushan Jadhav matter he received a letter of reprimand, again from a junior officer, which effectively minimised him and tied his hands.

The book will be published sometime in April but its entire contents were made available by email to Mr Thapar who said its contents were explosive.

Asked on what grounds he claimed Mr Sharif pandered to India unilaterally and unconditionally, Mr Basit said: “I watched our leader very very closely. I make this assertion on the basis of what I have seen when Nawaz Sharif came for Modi’s inauguration. It was uncalled for to unilaterally free Indian fishermen as a gesture of goodwill. At the meeting in Delhi Nawaz Sharif kept silent on Kashmir. He did not mention Kashmir even a single time. He also did not seek a meeting with Hurriyat. I had suggested he should.”

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 24: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday has said that the Pakistan resolution is a reflection of our national and historical aspirations. According to the Foreign Ministry statement, Shah Mahmood Qureshi in his message on the occasion of Pakistan Day said that this day is an important milestone for the nation and March 23 renews the sacrifices of our forefathers for the country.

Qureshi further said that Pakistan Resolution truly reflects our deep national and historical aspirations and desires. On this Day, we pay rich tribute to the Father of the Nation and all leaders, elders, martyrs and heroes who rendered great sacrifices for the realization of our dream.

"This Day provides us with an opportunity every year to renew our commitment to making our country true welfare, progressive and prosperous state," Qureshi added.

"On this Day, I wish to reiterate that Pakistani leadership’s vision of ‘Naya Pakistan’ is focused around economic security – for the well-being and welfare of our people," adding that "While fully resolved to protect our vital national security interests, our emphasis is shifting from geo-strategic to geo-economics.

Rather than partaking in geopolitical competition and rivalries, Pakistan is advocating co-existence and win-win cooperation."

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that our focus has shifted from geopolitical priorities to geo-economic priorities and the present government is committed to taking Pakistan on the path of development.

The Foreign Minister also said the world must take notice of blatant human rights violations being committed by India in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The Coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly become a challenge for the whole world at this time while it has also provided new opportunities for international solidarity and cooperation, he said.

In his Twitter post, the Foreign Minister also said "Let this historic #PakistanResolutionDay serve as a reminder of Pakistan’s rightful place in the world, envisioned by the visionary architects of our country: A Pakistan of peace, tolerance, progress and prosperity. Pakistan Zindabad!"

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Munaza Kazmi

Welcome to the new episode of Discovering Pakistan. Today I will be taking you to a magical land of gigantic mountains that surely remind you of your grandma’s bedtime fairy tales.

Skardu:

In the north of Pakistan, Skardu the capital of Gilgit Baltistan, is an epitome of beauty, magnificence, serenity and wilderness. It is path to the some of the world’s glorious and dangerous mountains including K2, K3 and Gasherbrum and home of Himalaya’s beautiful creatures.

After landing on Skardu Airport; a beautiful flowery piece of land surrounded by huge snowcapped mountains, stock up on dried apricots, walnuts and almonds for the long journey by road. I would advise you to request the front seat of the car for the best photo opportunities – you won’t regret it as you enter the mountain ranges in the North!

Shigar Fort:

A two hours’ drive from Skardu and you will arrive at Serena Shigar Fort, known as Fong-Khar which in the local language means the “Palace on the Rock”, it is one of Northern Pakistan’s most beautiful hotels. There you almost feel as if you have stepped in to a movie set because it is so picturesque. The settlement itself is also great to walk around during the day amidst the hustle and bustle or you can take a bicycle for a more relaxed afternoon to stretch the legs after your long plane and bus journey. 

Deosai:

For reaching Deosai, you have to get up early in the morning, since a whole day would not be enough to witness the mystic. Deosai National Park, home to the Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Ibex, Tibetan wolf, Golden marmots, Tibetan red fox and a land of lovely wild flowers. Also, it is called as land of fairies and djinns by the natives…maybe you would be lucky to get along with one.

Satpara Lake:

Next day, fill yourself with a healthy breakfast and get ready for another full day adventure, starting from Satpara Lake, there you can relax by watching the epic landscape with a cup of tea from the nearby jungle café and boat ride.

Shingrila Lake:

Next treat your eyes with a spectacular heart shaped Lake next to a Japanese style hotel; a beautiful place to dine for lunch.

Sarfaranga Desert:

In the meanwhile, you can see the world’s highest desert known as Sarfaranga Desert or the Cold Desert Sakrdu that is located at the height of 7,500 feet. One can have a breathtaking view of the sunset at the top of sand dunes with chilly winds.

Mantoka Waterfall:

Mantoka waterfall is approx 180 feet high from ground and located almost 80 kilometers away from downtown Skardu. This is the place from where Indus river enters into Pakistan. Manthoka Waterfall is one of the well-known tourist attractions of Kharmang valley. Ending the day with a warm cup of tea with waterfall in the background makes the day more memorable.

Khaplu Palace:

Next day there comes a long journey awaiting to the scenic Khaplu valley. For accommodation Serena Hotels are as luxurious as it gets, and you will find them all over the country my favorite was Serena Khaplu Palace in Gilgit-Baltistan, a Tibetan Palace, restored by Agha Khan Foundation.

If you can time your luck, there may be a local polo match taking place nearby. Ask your guide for updated information – this is a popular sport in the Gilgit-Baltistan region and known popular as “Game of the Kings”.

If you are feeling more active and adventurous, there is a great panoramic view to be had at Thoqsikhar, a two-hour hike from the palace. Ask the hotel to pack a picnic lunch or start your journey early in the morning with the sun and return to the palace for a relaxed lunch in the gardens.

Next day, if you have time the day you are checking out, consider stopping at Bara, a small town just 20 minutes from Khaplu. Here you will find a wool spinning and weave center that trains and supports local women. This is also a great place to purchase a local Baltistanitopi.

MuchiluBowari:

Never forget a to drive to MuchiluBowari Rocks, they are as mighty as you can imagine, the spellbinding, magnificent, by seeing them I wondered, if these rocks are that gigantic and big, what about the Creator of them.

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OSLO, MAR 23: Last year, the state spent NOK 12 billion on consultants. The Center Party’s (SP) leader believes that power is being transferred from the ministries to the consulting companies.

According to the newspaper Aftenposten, the expenses for the annual operation of the ministries amount to NOK 6.9 billion. 

The figure appeared in a response from Minister of Finance Jan Tore Sanner (H) to SP leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum about the use of consultants by the state last year.

“The use of state consultants has become very, very high. There is far too little political debate about this use of money,” Vedum said.

Up-to-date expertise

In its reply, the Minister of Finance wrote that “consulting services are used, among other things, to have temporary access to up-to-date expertise, for example in connection with ICT projects.”

Only the use of consultants in ministries, directorates, universities, and research institutions is included in the figure.

“In general, the use of consultants can contribute to innovation and efficient use of resources in the state and to prevent budget overruns on large investments,” Sanner noted.

SP leader Vedum wants to build up competence at universities and colleges.

“It can be a conscious policy that we want a share of the study assignments in Norway to go to the University of Tromsø, for example,” he noted. 

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COURTESY norwaytoday

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 23: Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, Pakistan & Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan are jointly organizing an Online International Conference titled “Regional Connectivity Strategy: Pakistan & Uzbekistan - A New Regional Commitment”.

Renowned subject experts from Pakistan and Uzbekistan will participate as Guest Speakers, the details are as below:   

1. Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Director of Area Study Centre (Russia China and Central Asia) University of Peshawar
2. Mr. Alisher Kadirov, Head of the Department of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
3. Mr. Timur Rakhimov, Head of department of the International Institute of Central Asia
4. Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, Member Board of Experts, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and Regional Geopolitical Analyst
5. Mr. Rustam Khuramov, Head of the Department of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
6. Dr. Azmat Hayat Khan, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Peshawar, Peshawar

The Conference will be held on 24^th March 2021 at 1430 hrs. (Pakistan & Uzbekistan Time)

You are requested to join us via Zoom Application.

The Zoom Meeting ID is: 867 5617 1076 Or Visit the Link : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86756171076

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یوم پاکستان مبارک ہو!
🇦🇿❤️🇵🇰
Happy Pakistan🇵🇰Day!#PakistanDay #March23#PakistanResolutionDay
🎥2020☺️ pic.twitter.com/g6QsPyHsAR

— Ali Alizada 🇦🇿 (@Ali_F_Alizada) March 23, 2021

Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Azerbaijan. Pakistan, Azerbaijan Friendship / Dosti Zindabad, Says Farukh Shehzad / Editor-In-Chief of DIPLOMATICNEWSPK.BLOG

THE NUMBER ONE WEBSITE / MEDIA OUTLET OF PAKISTAN.

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LAHORE, MAR 23: The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) has decided to support the candidature of Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani for the opposition leader in the Senate, agreeing to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto’s contention that the majority party has the right to the slot.

After developing differences with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on the resignations and leader of the opposition issues in the Senate, Mr Bhutto-Zardari not only won JI’s support for the Senate slot but also found many other common grounds to work with the party: electoral reforms, accountability, independence of the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Kashmir cause.

After his maiden visit to the JI headquarters, addressing a joint press conference with emir Sirajul Haq, Mr Bhutto-Zardari hoped that though it was his first visit, it would certainly not be last. Dialogue is necessary among parties and the PPP has a lot to learn from the JI’s political experience spread over many decades of history.

He took the occasion to taunt Maryam Nawaz – hinting at thewidening divide that now exists between both parties and personalities – saying that “the blood that runs in his veins can never be that of a “selected,” it was rather a Lahore family that was once selected”. He was responding to a tweet by Maryam Nawaz a few days ago in which she had said “maybe another selected being anointed”.

The widening of the schism between both parties also became clearer when Bilawal insisted that the party enjoying a majority in the Senate has the right to nominate “leader of the opposition”. That is what the parliamentary tradition is and must be respected. “To us, Gilani has won the senate (chairman) election and it would soon be formalized (through court).

Continuing settling a verbal score with the PML-N, he also said that “accountability of the generals may bea new-found slogan for Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N, but this has been the demand of the PPP leadership for three generations”.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari also expressed regrets that the long march has been delayed. “After all, whose idea was it to link long march with the resignations? If that is the case, why was it not taken up when the march was originally planned? The PPP had made all the preparations for the long march and was ready for it.”

Balancing his earlier hardstand, Mr Bhutto-Zardari also said that the divisions in the opposition would benefit (Prime Minister) Imran Khan. “If someone has to reconsider his opinion and decision, it must be the one insisting on wrong decisions. The situation is ripe for change both in the National Assembly and the Punjab Assembly.”

Earlier, Mr Haq said political parties should continue talking to each other because only then solutions to “common man’s problems can be found, which the PTI in its 1,100 days rule has multiplied many folds.”

The PTI has proven that it wants a compliant judiciary, a subordinate election commission, and very subservient media.

“All these streaks not onlyreflect dictatorial mindset but are also suicidal for democracy. The opposition parties must join hands to resist them. They should find ways for legal and financial autonomy of these institutions because they are necessary for functioning democracy and welfare of common man.”

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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Turkish F16 #Soloturk will perform in #PakistanDay Parade at Shakar Parian Parade Ground Islamabad on 23rd March 2021.@soloturk @Mustafa_MFA @javerias#Pakistan #Turkey #OneNationOneDestiny pic.twitter.com/hg10N9XrUo

— Malik Ali Raza (@MalikAliiRaza) March 22, 2021

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ASHGABAT, MAR 22: Conversations are ongoing on a number of potential projects between Turkmenistan and the UK, the Department for International Trade of the UK told Trend.

"Ongoing discussions on potential cooperation opportunities in the agriculture sector have been useful to both sides, with both agreeing to continue the dialogue in the sector," said the message.

Both sides are still evaluating a number of projects, said the department.

As earlier The Department for International Trade of the UK told Trend, total trade in goods and services between the UK and Turkmenistan was 27 million pounds sterling ($35.8 million) from the second quarter of 2019 to the second quarter of 2020.

The top 5 goods exported from the UK to Turkmenistan in the reporting period were: dyeing, tanning & coloring materials (2 million pound sterling - $2.6 million), general industrial machinery (980,000 pound sterling - $1.3 million), general industrial machinery (capital) (970,000 pound sterling - $1.2 million), jewelry (970,000 pound sterling $1.2 million).

Thus, the top 5 goods imported to the UK from Turkmenistan at the same period were: metal ores & scrap (390,000 pound sterling - $517,629), aircraft (340,000 pound sterling - $451,266), inorganic chemicals (280,000 pound sterling – $371,631), ships (250,000 pound sterling - $331,813), general industrial machinery (capital) (150,000 pound sterling - $199,088).

"COVID-19 did slow down the progress of our scheduled activities due to travel restrictions, however, we’ve managed to continue our engagement via online platforms," said the department, adding that currently, the conversations are ongoing on a number of potential projects with Turkmenistan.

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COURTESY en.trend.az/

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BAKU, MAR 22: Vaccination of people over 40 against novel coronavirus starts in Azerbaijan today, APA reports.

People must register at https://randevu.its.gov.az/ to be vaccinated.

It should be noted that the vaccination process in Azerbaijan began on January 18. 

Sinovac's Coronavac vaccine is used in the country.

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COURTESY apa.az

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