ISLAMABAD, FEB 14: /DNA/ – Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed held a meeting with President Council of Higher Education, Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and discussed the potential of academic and research collaboration between higher institutions of both the countries.  

The two sides agreed to develop a roadmap to enhance collaboration between HEC Pakistan and Council of Higher Education, Republic of Türkiye. They discussed various areas for potential collaboration, including academic and research exchange initiatives, leadership development, and community-centric projects to foster sustainable growth in educational settings.

The two sides expressed the need for measures such as facilitating the mobility of faculty and students across the universities of both sides, developing a consortium of universities to enhance academic and research collaboration, and developing a framework for joint research programme on emerging issues of Pakistan and Türkiye. They expressed their commitment to enhancing joint academic, research, and institutional linkages.

The people of Afghanistan related with Pakistan in a way they did not with the people of any other neighbouring country, he added. Emphasizing the historical, cultural, and ethnic context of the Pak-Afghan relations, he urged the Government of Pakistan to also take a holistic sociocultural approach towards Afghanistan instead of treating it as a bureaucratic exercise. He countered the argument that Afghans did not like Pakistan

Mahnoor Ansar

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s former Special Representative for Afghanistan expressed serious concerns over the US decision to halt economic assistance to Afghanistan. While speaking at a roundtable discussion held at the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) here on Thursday, he shared that half of Afghans were dependent on international humanitarian assistance who might be forced to migrate to Pakistan because of extreme poverty with the stop to US economic assistance. “We need to be prepared for such an eventuality,” he said. Ambassador Durrani further shared that the Taliban government had already informed its employees that they would not be getting salaries for the coming three months.

Listing some positives coming out of the Taliban government, he mentioned that corruption and poppy cultivation had reduced but added that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) had reported an increase of 19 per cent in poppy cultivation last year.  He cautioned that poppy cultivation could rise further if the dire economic situation of Afghanistan remained unchanged. Ambassador Durrani shared that the immediate neighbours of Afghanistan and Russia were sustaining Afghanistan through currency swaps and border trade but warned that it was not enough for a full economic recovery of a country as large as Afghanistan.

Ambassador Durrani termed the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan as different from the relations either country had with any of its other neighbours.

The people of Afghanistan related with Pakistan in a way they did not with the people of any other neighbouring country, he added. Emphasizing the historical, cultural, and ethnic context of the Pak-Afghan relations, he urged the Government of Pakistan to also take a holistic sociocultural approach towards Afghanistan instead of treating it as a bureaucratic exercise. He countered the argument that Afghans did not like Pakistan. “If Afghans hate Pakistan, why do we issue 3,000 visas a day to Afghans?” he remarked.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Aarish U. Khan, the Head of the Afghanistan Program at IRS, expressed his hope for improvement of economic relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Referring to the recent US announcement to rescinded certain waivers to sanctions against Iran, including the ones accorded to the Chabahar Port, he argued that it will make Afghanistan more reliant on Pakistan’s ports for trade with the rest of the world. In his concluding remarks, President IRS Ambassador Jauhar Saleem emphasized the historical brotherly relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan and called on both the governments to tap into the potential of the people-to-people and business-to-business relations between the two countries rooted in the longstanding historical and cultural connections between the two countries.

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI, FEB 14: /DNA/ – Another 30 Sri Lankan students have reached Pakistan to pursue MBBS degree in Pakistani medical universities under Allama Iqbal Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students. The students arrived at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.

These scholarships are a portion of the comprehensive educational programme entitled Pakistan-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme (HEC). The Sri Lankan students will pursue their medical education in top-notch medical institutions of Pakistan like DOW University of Health Sciences, Karachi and Liaquat University of Medical Sciences, Karachi. Both of these institutions are accredited by Sri Lankan Medical Council (SLMC).

There are another 456 Sri Lankan students enrolled in Pakistani universities, under this scholarship programme, in all major disciplines, including Medicine, Engineering, Business Studies, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, etc. The students were selected through a competitive selection process keeping in view their basic eligibility criteria for enrolment in Pakistani universities. The incoming Sri Lankan scholars were given a warm welcome at the airport.

Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer

Dr. Muhammad AkramZaheer’s Geopolitical Conflicts: A Quest to Understand the Struggle of Influence presents a comprehensive analysis of contemporary geopolitical dynamics. The book compiles articles previously published in various national and international newspapers, bringing together a wealth of insights into global power struggles. Covering a diverse range of topics—including major powers like the U.S., China, and Russia, as well as regional players such as Pakistan, India, Iran, and Saudi Arabia—this work serves as an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and informed readers interested in global affairs.

One of the book’s major strengths is its breadth. It provides a multi-faceted exploration of geopolitics, covering both historical contexts and present-day challenges. The inclusion of various geopolitical flashpoints—ranging from the AUKUS alliance and China-India tensions to Pakistan-Russia relations and the Iran-Saudi rapprochement makes this book a valuable reference for those seeking to understand the complexities of global conflicts. Additionally, the book excels in offering a structured and analytical approach. Each section presents a detailed discussion of the geopolitical significance of a specific issue, followed by an evaluation of its broader implications. For instance, the chapters on China’s foreign policy towards Pakistan and India and the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan critically assess shifting alliances, security dynamics, and economic interests in South Asia.

Another key strength of this work is its relevance. The author discusses contemporary issues such as hybrid geopolitics, cyber warfare, and economic coercion, which have become defining elements of modern international relations. By examining these topics, the book underscores the evolving nature of power struggles in the 21st century.

Despite its numerous strengths, the book does have some areas for improvement. While the breadth of topics is impressive, the depth of analysis in certain sections could be enhanced. Some discussions, particularly on the Palestine issue and violations of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir, could benefit from a more extensive examination of historical grievances, legal dimensions, and international diplomatic efforts. Additionally, while the book effectively highlights the role of major powers, it could delve deeper into the perspectives of smaller but strategically significant nations. For example, Central Asia is discussed in terms of investment opportunities, but the book could further explore how these nations navigate their geopolitical positioning amid the growing influence of China and Russia.

Another notable point is the book’s writing style, which is academic yet accessible. However, in some instances, the arguments could be structured more cohesively to enhance readability. Providing more empirical data, such as economic statistics or military expenditure comparisons, would also strengthen the analytical rigor of certain sections.Overall, Geopolitical Conflicts: A Quest to Understand the Struggle of Influence is a valuable contribution to the field of international relations and geopolitics. Dr. Muhammad AkramZaheer presents a well-researched and thought-provoking analysis of global conflicts, offering insights into both historical trajectories and emerging trends. While the book could benefit from deeper analysis in certain areas and a more structured presentation, it remains an essential read for those interested in understanding the shifting dynamics of global power. This book serves as an important resource for students of political science, international relations professionals, and anyone keen on grasping the complexities of the modern geopolitical landscape.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 12 /DNA/ – The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad, hosted a Catalyst Conversation reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The discussion reinforced the need for sustained efforts in advocating for their fundamental rights and dignity on the global stage.

Session moderator and Research Associate at CASS, Ms. Shaza Arif, highlighted that generations of Kashmiris have suffered under repression, militarisation, enforced disappearances, and severe human rights violations. She pointed out the deteriorating situation following India’s revocation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, which removed Kashmir’s special status and facilitated demographic and political manipulation. She further noted that India’s settler-colonial project in Jammu and Kashmir is being implemented through legal and administrative changes, demographic shifts, and technology-enabled repression.

Keynote Speaker, Ms. Farzana Yaqoob, Former Minister for Social Welfare and Women Development, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, reflected on the evolving dynamics of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, noting that while it once carried significant costs for India, these have now diminished. She stressed that Pakistan had maintained a magnanimous attitude towards dialogue, but India had shown little interest in engagement, particularly on Kashmir. She also remarked that India’s aggression had intensified over time, especially in its challenges to the Indus Waters Treaty, further exacerbating tensions in the region. Despite this, Pakistan had remained steadfast in advocating for Kashmir on international platforms, including the UN, EU, and OIC. She highlighted that Kashmiris, deeply invested in Pakistan, placed more trust in Pakistan than in themselves, and the political leadership of Pakistan had displayed unity in supporting their cause.

Ms. Yaqoob further noted that while India had effectively leveraged its media and film industry to control the Kashmir narrative, Pakistan’s coverage of the issue remained limited, with PTV being the primary broadcaster consistently reporting on Kashmir. She stressed the need for original and indigenous Kashmiri content to counter India’s influence and raise awareness of the struggles faced by Kashmiris. She cautioned that future conflicts between India and Pakistan would likely centre on water disputes rather than land, reinforcing Quaid-i-Azam’s assertion that Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein.

In his Concluding Remarks, Air Marshal Javaid Ahmed (Retd), President of CASS, noted the think tank’s role in providing valuable insights to policymakers, particularly following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. He observed that India was executing a calculated strategy on IIOJK and stressed the need for Pakistan to project its strengths more effectively and unite its intellectual resources to counter Indian actions.

The discussion was followed by a thought-provoking question and answer session, where participants talked about into the human cost of the conflict, shedding light on the profound struggles faced by individuals, families, and communities living under perpetual Indian occupation.