Lahore, July 27, 2023 (PPI-OT): Dr Rabia Akhtar (Director of Center for Security, Strategy and Policy Research (CSSPR), The University of Lahore (UOL), recently concluded her academic tour of Australia, which was arranged by the Australian High Commission in Islamabad. The visit, held from May 26 until June 4, 2023, was aimed at promoting academic collaboration and strengthening relations between Pakistan and Australia.

During her visit, Dr Akhtar engaged in a series of meetings and discussions with Australian scholars, government officials, and media representatives in Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne. The visit provided an invaluable opportunity for her to gain insights into Australia’s academic, policy, and doctrinal directions, thereby creating awareness about the country’s approach to regional and global politics. A key aspect of her discussions revolved around Australia’s participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), a significant multilateral forum.

Through this visit, Dr Akhtar was briefed about Australia’s position within the QUAD and its implications for regional security. She took this opportunity to discuss, among other things, Australia’s approach towards China, its economic influence, and the country’s involvement in the AUKUS security pact alongside Washington and London. She also delved into the associated proliferation concerns, including potential violations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

During her stay in Australia, she met prominent Australian thinkers and experts, further enriching the academic discourse. At the Sydney Institute, she engaged with Gérard Henderson (Founder and Executive Director), who shed light on the evolution of Australian foreign policy. She also discussed Australia-China relations with Prof James Curran, who recently published a book entitled “Australia’s China Odyssey”. In an interview with “SBS Urdu Service”, Dr Akhtar highlighted the challenges Australia faces in maintaining alliances while pursuing economic diversification. Emphasising Pakistan’s commitment to avoiding bloc politics, she stated that Pakistan aspires to be a crucial regional connector, positioning itself as an important player in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Furthermore, she participated in a roundtable discussion on Australia’s national security discourse and the country’s prevailing threats at the Australian Defence College in Canberra. Subsequently, she met with HE Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri (Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Australia) to explore avenues for elevating the Pak-Aus relationship, acknowledging the need to raise the profile of these bilateral ties. The visit also included meetings at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to discuss the connections between trade, economics, and diplomacy. Defence and security matters, focusing on great power competition and disruptive technologies, were addressed at the Department of Defence and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). Dr Akhtar also discussed academic topics such as Australia’s changing views on deterrence and the impact of emerging technologies on regional stability at the Australian National University (ANU).

The visit catalysed future collaborations between UOL and international partners on security and foreign policy issues. Dr Akhtar’s findings highlighted the need for Pakistan to increase engagement with Australia given its pivotal role in the Asia-Pacific region. She stressed the importance of enhancing both official and unofficial linkages between the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations. This academic tour has undoubtedly contributed to fostering greater bilateral engagement and understanding between Pakistan and Australia.

For more information, contact:

The University of Lahore

1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan

Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.uol.edu.pk