29/11/2018
PRESS RELEASE
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Seminar on Pakistan’s Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities in the Context of Security Dynamics
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Punjab University’s Pakistan Study Centre organized a seminar on Pakistan’s Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities in the Context of Security Dynamics. Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Kuszewska, an expert on South Asia from Institute of Middle and Far East, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland delivered the keynote lecture.
Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, Vice-Chancellor, University of the Punjab, in his presidential address underlined the significance of South Asian region in the global socio-economic prospects. He also highlighted the forth coming benefits of CPEC for the nation as win-win model for both China and Pakistan. Our country should be well prepared in the field of education and technology to harness true fruits of the mega project. Through collaboration in the fields of education and research, universities of both countries can exchange students and faculty to enhance the mutual cooperation which will ultimately lead to augment people to people contact between the two friendly neighbouring countries.
Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Kuszewska analyzed in detail the most crucial aspects of contemporary security dynamics with special reference to Pakistan's foreign and domestic policy. She also shed light on the challenges and opportunities in this regard. She suggested that Pakistan should act as a smart power to balance relations between China and United States. She also signified the importance of cultural diplomacy which Pakistan should use for enhancing peaceful South Asia. Unfortunately in the presence of Narindera Modi India, the prospects for peace between Pakistan and India are quite depleted. The dream of regional integration and cooperation is also shattering away. Discussing CPEC, she said that Pakistan should be treated as partner. under the CPEC the underdeveloped areas of Pakistan like Balochistan and KPK are going to get major share of total benefits of the flagship project of belt and road initiative.
Director, Pakistan Study Centre, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chawla, Dean, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, and Director, Pakistan Study Centre, University of the Punjab, introduced and welcomed the keynote speaker. In his concluding remarks, threw light about security dynamics of South Asia with special reference to relations between Pakistan and India. He specially emphasized the need for building soft image of Pakistan in the world. Pakistan as a nation and its capacity is not inferior than any great power. The security dilemma between Pakistan and India is conspiracy hatched by the British and specially last governor general Lord Mountbatten. The Kashmir dispute has also its roots in British conspiracy. The Kashmir dispute must be solved under the light of UN resolution. The perpetual contention between the two nuclear neighbors is haunting the security paradigm of the whole region. CPEC has brought bright prospects of benefits not only for Pakistan but also for whole region. Joining hands for economic cooperation may also lead towards lasting peace.
Faculty and students of several departments and the Centre actively participated in the discussion.
