Bahawalpur, September 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Department of International Relations at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur organized a webinar on Pakistan’s Geostrategic Importance: Challenges and Opportunities. Lt. Gen (R) Muhammad Ashraf Saleem was the guest speaker. The webinar was attended by Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob, Chairman Department of International Relations, Dr. Muhammad Ijaz Latif, faculty members and students. The online interactive session included debate and discussion on understanding Pakistan’s geo-strategic importance from regional and global perspective.
The webinar was inaugurated by Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob who appreciated the Department of International Relations on organizing a webinar focusing on the importance of Pakistan in South Asia by virtue of its position. He talked about Pakistan being the one nation which has faced the brunt of past Afghan wars. He also reiterated that it’s time for the world to let Pakistan benefit from the reconstruction and reformation in Afghanistan. The Vice Chancellor concluded his remarks by saying that it’s a good sign for Pakistan that the war in Afghanistan has come to an end.
Lt. Gen (R) Muhammad Ashraf Saleem, in his keynote speech highlighted the importance of the topic by discussing how geo-strategy aims at enhancing the security and prosperity of a nation. He was of the view that in order to make the most of its geostrategic position, Pakistan must focus on achieving good governance. He also mentioned that a combination of military power, strategic power and national will, helped Pakistan to stand strong when NATO was in Afghanistan. He shared his insight on how Pakistan has been able to formulate a successful foreign policy throughout.
Responding to the question from audience he mentioned that Pakistan has much potential in enhancing her soft power through establishing facilities for foreigners to come in universities providing technical education. Furthermore in response to another question he shared that having lesser foreign intervention in Afghanistan the contemporary administration will be able to bring peace in Afghanistan through economic development easing Pakistan regarding her western border. He urged the international community to see that Pakistan has been the largest contributor to peacekeeping.
He concluded his discussion by re-emphasizing Pakistan’s increasing geo-strategic significance in changing regional scenario in the wake of transformation in Afghanistan, increasing role of China through CPEC in BRI. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ijaz Latif, Chairman Department of International Relations, concluded the session and thanked Vice Chancellor, Lt. Gen (R) Muhammad Ashraf Saleem, faculty members, students and all the participants.
In his remarks he highlighted the fact that geostrategic position acts as a crucial factor determining foreign policy choices of a state. He mentioned that Pakistan is endowed with a number of factors strengthening its geo strategic position in the region. He was of the view that in the current scenario Pakistan will have to be very vigilant about external influence on her land. He also stated that Pakistan will have to be very cautious in her foreign policy decision making and needs to focus on strengthening economic links with Central Asian republics.
For more information, contact:
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB)
University Chowk, Gulshan Colony, Bahawalpur,
Punjab – 63100, Pakistan
Tel: +92-62-9250235
Fax: +92-62-9250335
E-mail: info@iub.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iub.edu.pk/