Lahore, July 02, 2021 (PPI-OT): A Seminar on “Abraham Accords: Israel-India Nexus in Indo Pacific and Implications for Regional Security and Interests of Pakistan” was jointly organized by Regional Integration Center, University of the Punjab, Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, and Golden Ring Economic Forum. Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar welcomed the guest speakers and emphasized on creating a dialogue on the geopolitical issues. The focus of discussion evolved around maritime environment in Indian Ocean, the US China rivalry and it’s implications for Asia Pacific, Growing influence of US-India cooperation in Indo Pacific and involvement of Israel in Indo Pacific post Abraham Accords.
The experts agreed that this emerging situation and increasing role of QUAD in the Indian Ocean pose clear threat to the interests of China, Iran, Russia and Pakistan. The logical response to the evolving situation defining geostrategic landscape of this region is cooperation of these states making a golden Ring based on their geo economic interests. Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid Chairperson, Department of Political Science, Punjab University emphasized the strategic role of CPEC for Pakistan in this entire situation which is strategic target also in wake of this political and strategic environment.
President Golden Ring Economic Forum Lt. Gen. (R) Sikandar Afzal highlighted the philosophical and historical background of Abraham Accords insinuating the growing role of Israel in the region. Chairman GREF Mr. Hasnain Reza Mirza introduced the role and purpose of the think tank, Golden Ring Economic Forum. Dr. Zainab Ahmed, Research fellow GREF explained the conceptual transformation from Asia Pacific to Indo Pacific and it’s implications for Pakistan and how geo-economics now precedes geo politics to transform the geo strategic landscape. Gen (R) Muhammad Yusuf highlighted the interests of Israel in the region and it’s implications.
Lt.Gen (R) Ghulam Mustafa, Geopolitical analyst explained the roles of the US CENTCOM and INDO PACIFIC COMMAND and their operations encircling China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan. Prof. Dr. Rana Eijaz Ahmad highlighted the weaknesses of Pakistan’s institution which hinder preparedness to deal with evolving situation. Dr. Farid Malik, Former Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation emphasized how Chinese model has so many lessons for Pakistan.
Dr. Hasnain Ahmed explained the ideological and conceptual sensitivity of Israel for Pakistan’s society. The session was moderated by the Director, Regional Integration Centre (RIC) Dr. Fouzia Hadi Ali. In his concluding remarks Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar, Pro Vice Chancellor and the Patron-in-Chief of RIC, Punjab University emphasized on cultural intercourse of golden Ring states to facilitate diplomatic and economic ties.
For more information, contact:
Registrar,
University of the Punjab
Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99231102
Fax: +92-42-99231103
E-Mail: registrar@pu.edu.pk
Website: http://pu.edu.pk/