MINSK, AUG 21 /DNA/ – Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, called on Aleksandr Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus, during his official visit to Minsk from August 19-22, 2024. The meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the House of Representatives of Belarus, the Foreign Minister of Belarus, and the Ambassador of Pakistan to Belarus.

President Lukashenko extended a cordial welcome to the Pakistani delegation and fondly recalled his recent meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan in Astana. He emphasized Belarus’s readiness to expand multifaceted bilateral relations, including economic cooperation, agriculture, industry, and educational and cultural exchanges.

The Honorable Speaker conveyed warm greetings from Pakistan’s leadership to President Lukashenko and highlighted the potential for further strengthening bilateral cooperation. He stressed the significance of locally manufacturing Belarusian agricultural machinery, including tractors, in Pakistan to meet the growing demands of the market. Furthermore, the Speaker expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in learning from Belarus’s expertise in industrial development and agricultural innovation, and he expressed a desire for collaboration in research.

Highlighting the importance of people to people contact, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stressed the need to streamline the visa process for Pakistani students and businessmen, for an efficient system to facilitate easier travel and exchange between the two countries.

The discussion between the leaders also focused on enhancing agricultural cooperation. Pakistan side expressed interest in importing high-quality Belarusian agricultural machinery, known for its efficiency and reliability. The meeting underscored the potential for increased economic and industrial collaboration. President Lukashenko shared the possibility of establishing multi brand centers in Pakistan for the sale and maintenance of Belarusian machinery with the possibility of joint production facilities in Pakistan.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq noted the importance of such initiatives in boosting Pakistan’s industrial sector and improving bilateral trade.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the ties between Pakistan and Belarus, recognizing the historical and cultural connections between the two nations and expressing a mutual desire to build on this foundation.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing their readiness to continued dialogue and cooperation to further enhance the bond between the two nations, including collaboration in multilateral forums.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 20 /DNA/ – As Pakistan nears its centennial year of independence, engaging in thoughtful discussions to envision a prosperous future becomes imperative. This Catalyst Conversation, organised by the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad, was designed to facilitate such discourse. The session was guided by insights and expertise of Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Chairman Sanober Institute and former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan.

Air Marshal Zahid Mehmood (Retd), moderator for the session and Director at CASS, initiated the discussion by reflecting on the creation of Pakistan — a saga marked by struggle and sacrifice under the guidance of visionary leaders. He stressed that as Pakistan approaches its centenary, it is crucial for all Pakistanis to learn from the past 77 years and chart a forward-looking course aligned with the original vision of its founders and the aspirations of its people. He also highlighted that the responsibility for Pakistan’s development extends beyond policymakers and national leaders to every citizen.

On the main subject ‘Pakistan of 2047,’ Distinguished Speaker, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry (Retd), discussed the formidable challenges and potential strategies for envisioning a prosperous future for Pakistan. During his talk, he noted the difficulty in predicting the nation’s future given the current political and economic climate and regional conflicts.

Ambassador Chaudhry stressed the importance of having a clear vision and long-term socioeconomic development plans, similar to those implemented by nations like the United States, China, and Singapore. He outlined several critical challenges facing Pakistan today, including inadequate devolution of power; substantial portion of the population not contributing to the tax base; excessive reliance on donor aid to balance economic shortfalls; and lackluster export growth. Additional issues highlighted included weak economic growth; water and food insecurity; bureaucratic barriers for the private sector; non-competitive knowledge economy, and insufficient development of human resources.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s potential was underscored by its young population, rich natural resources, and strategic geographic location. Ambassador Chaudhry advocated for a citizen-centric approach, as originally championed by the country’s founder — Quaid-i-Azam.

Ambassador Chaudhry outlined several key reforms needed to transform Pakistan’s potential into reality, including stable political governance through decentralisation; economic self-reliance; living within means; continuity of economic policies; and ease-of-doing business to facilitate the private sector. He also called for streamlining regulations; enhancing tax compliance; non-partisan accountability; and significant investments in human development, particularly in education and skill development for youth in emerging technologies such as AI. The speaker concluded by stating that with these reforms, Pakistan could look forward to a peaceful and prosperous future by 2047, marking the centennial of its independence. Conversely, without such reforms, the future remains uncertain.

In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Javaid Ahmed, President of CASS, Islamabad, pointed out dual nature of the challenges Pakistan faces, with both known and unknown elements. He stressed the immediate need for action and the pivotal role of think tanks in fostering foresight and developing a balanced perspective for the nation’s future. He remarked on critical imbalance in the national narrative, which often oscillates between two extremes, underscoring the importance of grooming current and future leadership to better address these difficulties.

In the question and answer session, participants and speakers agreed that understanding Pakistan’s challenges is essential for planning and executing future actions that will steer the country toward a prosperous and stable future, ensuring balanced development that includes contributions from all sectors of society.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 20 /DNA/ – Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, who is currently on a visit to Pakistan, called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar today.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to CICA’s vision for a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security in Asia. He emphasized the need for conflict prevention; addressing the root causes of endemic disputes; and finding sustainable solutions for lasting peace and development in the CICA region. He also emphasized the significance of preventive diplomacy, multilateralism and regional collaboration in addressing emerging global challenges.

Secretary General Sarybay appreciated Pakistan’s active and constructive role in CICA and briefed the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on the ongoing activities and the future outlook of CICA.

Shamim Shahid 

PESHAWAR, AUG 20 /DNA/ – Afghanistan’s ministry for foreign affairs in a statement has reacted strongly to the Asif Durrani’s recent remarks on the repeat of 9/11, as world turn back to Afghanistan, terming a move of provocation and jeopardising relations between the two countries neighbours to each others.

 Zia Ahamd Takal the Taliban deputy spokesman for foreign ministry in a statement issued at Kabul on Tuesday, said “Mr. Durrani should know that it is the responsibility of diplomats to ensure that provocative media statements do not jeopardize the relations of the two countries’.

The Taliban leaders governing Kabul, issued the strong worded reaction at the time when skirmishes, closure and exchange of hot words between security personnel of both the neighbouring countries at Torkham and other crossing points is the routine matter. Bilateral trade is on decline whereas Pakistan is accused Afghanistan of providing sanctuaries to militants who are carrying out deadly terror acts especially attacks against security forces.

 The statement said that the recent comments made by Pakistan’s Special Representative Asif Durrani, concerning Afghanistan’s security and economic situation are both provocative and misaligned with the ground realities, seemingly aimed at misleading the public perception regarding Afghanistan. “ In fact, the issues and concerns he attributed to Afghanistan are more likely to be present in Pakistan. 

Afghanistan is now a safe and stable country, focused on achieving economic self-sufficiency by utilising its own resources rather than being reliant on foreign loans and aid. The Afghan government has successfully neutralized the ISIS-KP, insurgent group, within Afghanistan”, the statement said “However, addressing ISIS-kp hideouts along the theoretical Durand Line could lead to the complete elimination of this threat. It’s worth noting that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issue is an internal matter of Pakistan, requiring a domestic solution”, the statement further said.  

The Afghan government has already shown its goodwill to by taking tangible actions to foster positive relations. Thereafter, Pakistan’s effective agencies should adopt rational and pragmatic approaches to address this issue. Mr. Durrani should know that it is the responsibility of diplomats to ensure that provocative media statements do not jeopardize the relations of the two countries.

 According to Pakistani media Asif Durrani the special envoy of Pakistan to Afghanistan in a meeting with former Pakistani ambassadors said on Sunday that after the Ukraine war and Palestinian genocide, the priorities of the international players changed. 

“In fact, Afghanistan is no more in the news. Forget about front or back pages, even in the inner pages Afghanistan is absent.” I think it can push back Afghanistan to pre-9/11 conditions and which in fact then give birth to 9/11,” Durrani warned.

Pakistan’s special envoy Asif Durrami in response to a media querry regarding  his assessment on the Taliban rule and their possible international acceptance, Durrani was of the view that they were moving in that direction. “We should not forget that they are faced with tremendous challenges. Number 1, they are not recognised by any country, secondly, when they came to power, their coffers were empty, thirdly, they were not expecting of a meltdown of Ashraf Ghani government.”. “On the balance, if you look at it during the past 3 years, I think the security situation in Afghanistan has improved, there is less corruption, which is internationally acknowledged,” he further said.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 20 /DNA/ – The China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a book launch for “Xinjiang ke Khushal Uyghur,” authored by renowned columnist and author Ms. Naz Parveen. The event was graced by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed as the chief guest. Distinguished speakers included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Prof. Zamir Ahmed Awan, founding chairperson of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance; Professor Dr. Azhar Ahmed, Independent Analyst; and Ms. Nabila Jaffer, Research Analyst and Lead of the China Program at the Institute of Regional Studies Islamabad.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood expressed gratitude to the guests for attending the book launch. He highlighted three key aspects: Firstly, the unique and cherished relationship between Pakistan and China — marked by strategic mutual trust and mutual support, nurtured by successive generations, and strengthened by transformational initiatives like CPEC. Secondly, Ms. Naz Parveen, the author and director of China Window, has made notable contributions through her writings and facilitated deeper understanding of China’s culture and traditions. Thirdly, this book contains her detailed account based on observations and experiences particularly in Kashgar and Urumqi, and debunks many of the motivated narratives emanating from the West regarding the treatment of Uyghurs in China’s Xingjian Region.

Prof. Zamir Ahmed Awan, emphasized the significance of cultural diplomacy in understanding China and lauded the author for her accessible and engaging writing style. He elaborated on the rich history and cultural heritage of China’s Xinjiang region, noting how the book captures the essence of this dynamic area and encourages greater appreciation of Chinese culture among readers in Pakistan.
Professor Dr. Azhar Ahmed commended the author for her achievement in publishing such a detailed and vivid travelogue. He praised the book’s ability to transport readers into the heart of Xinjiang, making them feel as though they were experiencing the journey alongside the author. He also stressed the importance of such works in dispelling negative perceptions and promoting a deeper understanding of China’s cultural landscape.

Ms. Nabila Jaffer expressed her admiration for the book’s imaginative and artistic narrative, which she found to be a refreshing departure from typical political discourses. She highlighted the book’s emphasis on personal experiences and cultural exchanges, which she believes are crucial for fostering stronger ties between Pakistan and China.

Ms. Naz Parveen, the author, shared her motivation for writing the book, which stemmed from her experiences at China Window in Peshawar and her desire to counter the negative narratives surrounding China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims. She recounted her journey through Beijing, Chengdu, Kashgar, and Urumqi, where she was deeply moved by the warmth and hospitality of the Uyghur people and their socio-economic development, which starkly contrasted with the negative portrayals often carried by the Western media.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, the chief guest, congratulated Ms. Naz Parveen for her exceptional work and commended the book for its communicative style and insightful content. He reflected on the evolution of China, highlighting its revolutionary reforms and criticized the Western media’s attempts to demonize China. He stressed the importance of Pakistani voices in countering such propaganda and called for greater efforts to promote understanding between the two nations.

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of the China Pakistan Study Centre, introduced the book. He emphasized the importance of producing more literature on China-Pakistan cultural relations in Urdu to reach a broader audience. He commended the author’s literary skills and praised her work as a significant contribution to the literature on China’s culture.

In his vote of thanks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the ISSI Board of Governors, emphasized the profound connection between Pakistan and China, rooted in mutual trust and respect. He praised the book for its personal and thought-provoking insights into Chinese culture, which serve as a powerful rebuttal to negative narratives.

The book launch was well attended by academics, students, members of the diplomatic community, and civil society.

OTTAWA, AUG 20 : /DNA/ – The Pakistan High Commission, in collaboration with the Canada-Pakistan Association (CPA) and the Honorable Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament, proudly organized a “Pakistan Independence Day Celebration” at the iconic Parliament Hill in Ottawa on August 16, 2024. This event marked a significant moment as it brought together a large gathering of the Pakistani diaspora and Canadian nationals of Pakistani origin, united in their shared pride and joy for our homeland.

In his address, Acting High Commissioner Mr. Faisal Kakar extended heartfelt congratulations to the Pakistani community in Canada on the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan. He reflected on the monumental Pakistan Movement, led by the visionary Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which culminated in the creation of a sovereign nation where we could live with dignity, freedom, and equality.

Mr. Kakar lauded the Pakistani diaspora in Canada for their unwavering dedication and contributions, which have played a pivotal role in strengthening the bonds between Pakistan and Canada. He emphasized that the Pakistani community has not only fostered greater understanding and cooperation between the two nations but has also been instrumental in showcasing Pakistan’s positive image on the global stage.

He also took the opportunity to draw attention to the ongoing plight of our Kashmiri brethren in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Mr. Kakar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to stand in solidarity with the Kashmiri people in their just cause, urging the international community to fulfill the promises made to them and to uphold their right to self-determination.

This celebration was not just a commemoration of Pakistan independence but also a reaffirmation of the shared values, unity, and the enduring spirit of Pakistanis, both at home and abroad.