ISLAMABAD, FEB 19: /DNA/ – As the global order shifts, Pakistan must adopt a pragmatic, multivector foreign policy to balance regional and global relationships while enhancing its international standing. This approach, coupled with internal balance, enables mutually beneficial cooperation with powers like Russia and leverages opportunities while addressing challenges. This, however, also reinforces the need for a more inclusive global order that accommodates emerging powers and diverse regional interests.

This was discussed during a hybrid seminar, “The Evolving Pakistan-Russia Relationship in a Changing Global Order,” at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad. The seminar was held as part of the 1st Pakistani-Russian International Conference, jointly organized by the Institute of International Relations, Kazan Federal University, Russia, and the Department of International Relations, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Karachi.

The session, chaired by Prof Dr Fakhr-ul-Islam, former director Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar, was addressed by Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, vice chairman, IPS, Prof Dr Adam Saud, dean Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad, Brig (r) Tughral Yamin, former associate dean, Centre of International Peace and Stability, NUST, Dr Saira Nawaz Abbasi, senior assistant professor, Bahria University, Islamabad, and Taimur Fahad Khan, research associate, Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad.

In his keynote address, Dr Adam Saud noted that the global transition of power and strategic alignments is leading the world toward multipolarity. This transition unfolds various avenues of cooperation for countries to advance their national interests and marks the importance of maintaining balanced relationships with regional and global powers. However, this can only be pursued through a multivector foreign policy for Pakistan.

He stressed the need for Pakistan to prioritize economic and political stability as a foundation for sustained foreign engagements under this approach. In this context, Russia presents viable opportunities to build on defense cooperation, energy partnerships like the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline and discounted Russian crude oil imports, trade, technology, infrastructure, and agriculture collaborations, and potential trilateral projects with China, such as the Trans-Afghan Railway and North-South Transport Corridor.

However, with this evolving landscape, several challenges persist, including Russia’s ties with India, sanctions affecting joint projects, low bilateral trade, limited people-to-people connectivity, terrorism, energy security, and geopolitical realignments.

Brig (r) Tughral Yamin noted that disrupted supply chains, higher prices of commodities like wheat, edible oil, and fuel, halted defense contracts, and increased geopolitical pressures after the Russia-Ukraine War also adversely affected Pakistan’s economic ties with Ukraine. However, he noted that Pakistan adopted a pragmatic approach, in line with its broader multivector foreign policy, by diversifying its imports, shifting to Russia and Kazakhstan for wheat supplies, and recalibrating its diplomatic strategy to balance ties with Russia and Ukraine. This has enabled it to navigate challenges while safeguarding economic and strategic interests.

Endorsing this, Dr Saira Nawaz emphasized that Pakistan and Russia can also address shared challenges by leveraging international forums like the SCO, BRICS, and UN. This would strengthen bilateral ties, enhance strategic autonomy, diversify alliances, and counterbalance Western influence while advancing shared goals.

While supporting this viewpoint, Taimur Fahad stressed that the priority must be addressing domestic challenges to strengthen Pakistan’s global positioning. To maximize these opportunities, internal balance manifested by institutional strength, rule of law, economic resilience, social cohesion, human development, and infrastructure development are crucial for Pakistan.

In concluding remarks, Khalid Rahman highlighted that while the global system has undergone significant shifts since 1945, the core governance paradigm, centered on national interests, remains largely unchanged. He noted that the prevailing paradigm fails to offer a sustainable model for long-term stability. In this context, Pakistan and Russia’s evolving engagement approaches underscore the need for an alternative governance approach that prioritizes human-centric development, equitable global policies, and inclusive multilateralism that accommodates emerging powers and diverse regional interests.

Foreign Office says Islamabad has extensively engaged the Afghan side to ensure smooth repatriation of Afghan nationals

Asnar M Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: In response to media queries regarding remarks of the acting Afghan Cd’A on mistreatment of Afghan refugees by Pakistan, the Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said Pakistan had noted the remarks made by the acting Afghan Charge d’ Affaires in Islamabad, about Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.

His assertions regarding mistreatment of Afghan nationals are misplaced. ‘I would like to remind him that Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghans for decades with respect and dignity, while extending traditional hospitality, sharing its resources and services such as education and health, even with very little international support’.

The Spokesman further said as regards aliens, Pakistan started IFRP in 2023, and put in place appropriate mechanisms to ensure that no one is mistreated or harassed during the repatriation process. In this connection, we also extensively engaged the Afghan side to ensure smooth repatriation of Afghan nationals.

While Pakistan has done what it could, we expect interim Afghan authorities to create conducive conditions in Afghanistan, so that these returnees are fully integrated in the Afghan society.

The real test of Afghan authorities would be to ensure that rights of these people about whom the Afghan Cd’A talked are protected in Afghanistan, he added.

DNA

Karachi, 19 Feb: The bilateral training exercise Affaa Al Sahel VII between the Special Operations Forces (SOFs) of Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) and Special Service Group of Pakistan Navy [SSG (N)] concluded with a high-intensity Final Test Exercise (FTX). Commander Coast, Rear Admiral Faisal Amin, along with senior military officials from both sides, witnessed the exercise.

During the exercise, RSNF SOFs and SSG (N) teams demonstrated advanced tactics and drills, including joint live-fire exercises, precision raid operations, and dynamic rappelling maneuvers in a simulated high-threat environment. The drills focused on counterterrorism response, hostage rescue scenarios, and coordinated maritime interventions, highlighting their ability to operate seamlessly under high-pressure situations.

The successful conduct of Affaa Al Sahel VII reflects the growing cooperation between the RSNF and Pakistan Navy. The joint exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and tactical proficiency, further strengthening the capabilities of SOFs in addressing common maritime security challenges.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 19: /DNA/ – The French Department of the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) organized a special event to commemorate International French Teachers Day. His Excellency Nicolas Galey, the Ambassador of France to Pakistan, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by the Ambassador of Romania, H.E Dan Stoenescu, and senior officials from NUML.

Earlier in the day, the French and Romanian Ambassadors H.E Nicolas Galey and Dan Stoenescu, respectively, met with Rector NUML, Major General (Retd.) Shahid Mahmood Kayani, HI(M), in his office. Director General NUML, Brig Shahzad Munir, and other senior officials were also present in the meeting. The Call-on focused on strengthening academic collaboration, promoting cultural exchange programs, and enhancing educational excellence.

Following the meeting, both the Ambassadors, along with the Rector and DG NUML, joined the celebrations of International French Teachers Day.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Dean Faculty of Languages, Dr Jamil Asghar Jami, followed by a speech from Rector NUML, Maj Gen (Retd.) Shahid Mahmood Kayani, HI(M).

The Rector paid tribute to French teachers, recognizing their invaluable contribution to language education. He emphasized that French, spoken by over 321 million people across five continents, thrives due to the dedication of its educators. He highlighted that French teachers serve as ambassadors of language, culture, and traditions, playing a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and equality in education.

“Teaching is not just a profession—it is a passion and a mission,” the Rector remarked. He lauded modern teaching methodologies for bringing innovation and creativity to language learning. He further noted that educators inspire future generations, nurturing values of diversity, solidarity, and peace. “Like athletes, language educators are champions of linguistic and cultural excellence,” he added, encouraging students to see French not only as a communication tool but also as a symbol of personal and academic achievement.

Addressing the gathering, H.E. Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France, expressed gratitude to NUML for its unwavering support in promoting the teaching of foreign languages, particularly French. He acknowledged the efforts of French teachers and the university in organizing the event.

Commending NUML’s role in fostering foreign language education, he emphasized that learning French opens doors to global opportunities and personal growth. He reiterated the importance of cultural exchanges and academic collaboration in strengthening bilateral ties.

During the ceremony, certificates were awarded to French language students who successfully qualified their DELF exams. Souvenirs were also presented to the French and Romanian Ambassadors as a token of appreciation. The event concluded with the screening of a French movie, which was enjoyed by students, faculty members, and distinguished guests.

Shamim Shahid

PESHAWAR, FEB 19: /DNA/ – Mehrab Afridi a young journalist from tribal district Khyber is begging for survival since the murder of his colleague Khalil Jibran Presidet Landi Kotal Press Club who was mysteriously shot dead by unknown militants on June 18th 2024 last. Both were receipts of threats and warning from militants who are active in the region from last two decades.

Talking  to this scribe from an unknown location Mehrab Afridi recalled that soon after mysterious death of his colleague Khalil Jibran, he in according to police high ups had left home and shifted to Islamabad along with family. However, after couple of months, he left with no option to leave the federal capital when some mysterious persons, boarding on tented glasses vehicles frequently chasing him and his children.

Mehrab said that after Islamabad he decided to shift to Lahore, Islamabad or any other place but was uncertain about his teenager children. Finally, he decided to timely disintegrate from the family. Now he living in an unknown location and similar is the position of his family members.

In response to a question, Mehrab said  that he didn’t contacted Human Rights Commission of Pakistan or any other international Human Rights protection for any support and protection. He, however, confirmed getting help from Islamabad based organization claiming helping needy journalists. He in this respect, praised high ups of District Khyber Police, who prior to Khalil Jibran targeted murder, suggested  them to leave the area due to threats from militant group.

Mehrab said that after targeting murder of his colleague Khalil Jibran and abondoning his native Landi KotalTown in Khyber, he lost his journalistic job and now facing sever hardships. Earlier he was associated with a number of media organs but now he is jobless.

Mehrab said that now he [passing through sever security, economic and other issues and on such grounds, he requested help and support from national and international bodies working for the rights of suffering humans including journalists.