Tag: (ISSI)

Islamabad, October 13, 2021 (PPI-OT): China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organised Launch of the Special Edition of its PIVOT Magazine titled “Seventy Years of Pakistan-China relations” on October 12, 2021. Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, Dr. Moeed Pirzada and Mr. Faraz Zaidi, DG China Division delivered keynote speeches.

During his introductory remarks, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC, extended his gratitude to all the participants for gracing the occasion. He said that CPSC has been publishing the quarterly PIVOT magazine since January 2019. The magazine primary focuses on various facets of Pak-China relation. This edition culminates the series of events held in connection with the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and China. He added that he takes this opportunity to extend his heartiest congratulation to the team of CPSC for their hard work.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, DG ISSI, said that Pak-China relationship has a greater importance in all our diplomatic relations, and China is very special to us that is why we dedicated a centre to work particularly on all facets of Pak-China relations. He added that Pakistan and China have shared future and connected destiny.

In her keynote address, Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, former Ambassador of Pakistan to China, stated that PIVOT Magazine is a comprehensive publication and great source of information that cover all nuance of Pakistan-China relations. Overviewing the bilateral relationship, she said, our leadership in 1950s understood the strategic importance of China for the stability of the region. She added that the way Pakistan resolved border dispute with China was the first step that gave China confidence to work with Pakistan on areas of common interests.

Mr. Faraz Zaidi, DG China Division, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, extended his appreciation to the team CPSC and highlighted that 2021 is significant for both the countries as its marks 70th anniversary of the establishment of Pak-China relations and centenary of the foundation of Communist Party of China. He stated, Pakistan and China are iron brothers and strategic partners. He highlighted that that Pakistan was the first country that confidently supported President Xi’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He commended CPSC for being at the forefront of highlighting Pak-China friendship.

Dr. Moeed Pirzada, senior anchor-person, in his keynote, extended his congratulations to the Chief Editor of the PIVOT Magazine for the launch of timely edition and mentioned that the magazine is very informative and substantive. He praised farsightedness of late Prime Minister Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as he established profound contacts with China and settled border disputes.

He underscored that Mr Bhutto contemplated in 1970s that China would be a key power for regional stability. He added that China-Pakistan relations initially was only technical, military and limited to strategic cooperation but since 2014 both the states have established extensive economic relations. He underlined that we need to convince the world that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an initiative that would improve the quality of life of native people, promotes regional connectivity and are open for western world to invest in it.

Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, in his address praised CPSC and ISSI for naming its flagship publication as PIVOT, which he highlighted is what Quaid had sought Pakistan’s role to be in the world. He said that China’s emergence in the last three decades at global stage is a fascinating story and Pakistan could also accomplish successes with the same speed by following the path of China and overcoming some of its weaknesses.

He described CPEC as natural extension of ancient Silk route. He underlined that China is a peaceful country and strives to avoid war. He stated it is China that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Pakistan in time of difficulty. He mentioned our support for China does not mean we are joining any anti-west club but should be see through the prism of CPEC which dividends will not only limited for Pakistan and China but for the whole world. At the end he congratulated the Chief Editor and the whole team of PIVOT magazine for the launch of special edition of the magazine. In the end, Ambassador Khalid Mehmood, Chairman BoG ISSI, presented Institute’s mementos to the worthy guests.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

Islamabad, October 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) held a Panel Discussion on ‘Conversations on the Evolving Situation in Afghanistan: China’s Role in Afghanistan’ which is the eighth in a series of conversations CAMEA will be having on Afghanistan – under its Conversations on the Afghan Peace Process series.

The distinguished speakers included: Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, Pakistan’s former Ambassador to China, Mr. Wang Shida, Deputy Director, Institute of South Asian Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), Dr. Haiyun Ma, Associate Professor, Frostburg State University, Dr. Haroun Rahimi, Assistant Professor of Law at the American University of Afghanistan. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI also participated in the discussion.

During her opening remarks, Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA stated that the situation in Afghanistan has drastically changed with the Taliban takeover and US withdrawal. While the Taliban have established an interim government, the real test for the Taliban has only just begun – which is certainly not limited to the capture of power, but is more about legitimacy, recognition, acceptance, and performance. Even within the confines of the current Taliban dominated set up, a lot will depend on whether the Taliban can deliver – in terms of governance, foreign relations, human rights and more importantly CT assurances.

Regional countries have come to the forefront to play a more prominent role in Afghanistan and one such country is China. Since 2014, China has moved away from its limited role, to a more proactive one by not only supporting but also facilitating the Afghan Peace process by being a part of a number of trilateral and multilateral initiatives. Beijing’s growing tilt towards Afghanistan can also be attributed to political, security and economic interests, primarily concerns regarding the fear of transnational terrorist groups such as ETIM as well as challenges to connectivity projects such as the CPEC.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, in his opening remarks stated that the top priority at this point in time is to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which, if left unattended may turn very ugly. He also pointed out that an area of concern is the possibility of the Taliban government collapsing if timely technical and financial assistance is not provided. This may lead to a civil war and resulting instability- something which all of Afghanistan’s neighbours are concerned about. He went on to say that the approach taken by Western countries to push the Taliban to deliver and not facilitate them is contradictory. Another area where China is well positioned to deliver is on counter terrorism, Ambassador Chaudhry highlighted.

Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi while expressing her views said that the Taliban have very limited experience in dealing with economy and governance because of which they need to be assisted. At the same time the Taliban cannot be expected to resolve the evolving crisis in Afghanistan without any foreign assistance. Hence, it is in all stakeholders’ interest to make sure that Afghanistan does not face any humanitarian crisis. She went on to say that, the international community has been stressing for an inclusive government and therefore, there should be a broad based government in Afghanistan so that there are brighter prospects of peace and reconciliation in the country.

The Taliban cannot balance the trust deficit all alone which is why the international community must also soften to find a common ground. Moreover, their resources should be unfrozen slowly and they should be provided economic and humanitarian assistance. The fact that no regional country has yet formally recognised the new Taliban government shows that there is a regional consensus regarding Afghanistan. A war-ravaged and developing country cannot be expected to suddenly become a model of human rights. The requirements of every country’s population are different depending upon their history, culture and other realities.

Mr. Wang Shida, while expressing his views said that the Taliban regime faces a lot of challenges. The first of these is the formation of an inclusive setup which will determine the stability of the Taliban regime. Presently, the question of whether the Taliban can be trusted remains. He said due to limited resources, the Taliban are facing a severe economic challenge which should come as no surprise given that Afghanistan has been at war for more than forty years.

In such conditions no country can exploit their natural resources, nor accrue financial benefits from them. It is high time for the international community to engage with the Taliban, to have a secure and peaceful region. As of now the core concern in Afghan foreign policy is about security and international acceptance. In the near future international acceptance and recognition is possible, although the US and the European countries would be the last to recognise the Taliban government.

He added that, Taliban have assured that they will not let any other forces use Afghan soil to sabotage China’s peace and national security interests; they have given the same assurances to other regional countries including Pakistan. Until now the Afghan Taliban have said that the ETIM has been asked to leave the country and this is a good start.

Dr. Haiyun Ma in his remarks said that the bilateral security relations and regional security are the top concerns for China regarding the Taliban and Afghanistan. China’s peaceful rise, the success of BRI and maintaining regional order are all interconnected with the regional security which depends on peace in Afghanistan. He said that ETIM is also a major and mutual concern for China and the Taliban; however, ETIM cannot be pushed too hard because if they join hands with ISKP it will be even more dangerous for China as well. In a way the ISKP is even a greater threat than the ETIM.

What China can do to promote security is to encourage the Taliban to perform better through using proper channels of SCO and the UN. Dr. Ma said without peace development is impossible. In the past 20 years, the so-called nation building by the US completely failed. For China, stability is a priority. At the moment, the Taliban is the only force that can control Afghanistan. It is imperative for the international community to engage with the Taliban in order to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan, he said.

Dr. Haroun Rahimi said that Afghanistan is facing a number of crises out of which the humanitarian crisis is at the forefront and needs urgent attention. There is also an impending security crisis- something which the regional countries are particularly concerned about. The mentality of the Taliban as a fighting group remains unchanged. There is also a deep trust deficit between the Taliban and the international community and this need to be rectified if they are to deliver efficiently. Regarding girls education he mentioned that, it is just rhetoric that Taliban have used in their last regime too, as they never formally said that the women would not be allowed to receive education, rather they said that conditions are not right and it will take time for things to figure out.

Dr. Rahimi went on to say that their non-inclusive setup has increased resistance throughout the country; therefore keeping the cohesion between the group is a challenge for the Taliban. He pointed out that the Taliban have a minimalistic approach towards their commitment and a maximalist approach towards their need for assistance. He also highlighted how many countries have legitimate interests in Afghanistan regarding terrorism and said that the Taliban seem to be sleep walking into a disaster which is dangerous for not only Afghanistan but the region as a whole.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

Islamabad, October 06, 2021 (PPI-OT):In collaboration with the Human Security Institute (THIS), China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) organized an event on “Freedom from Want through Businesses and Entrepreneurship: Take Aways.” The seminar was a star-studded event with representation of leaders from business, entrepreneur, academic, and think tank community including: DG ISSI, Amb. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry; Director CPSC, Dr. Talat Shabbir;, DG THSI, CEO Zekaab, Rafique Ahmad,; Former DG ISSRA, Gen. Samraiz Salik; Hina Ayra, CEO BGT; Raja Amer Iqbal, President DBOM; Zeeshan Ahmed, Director Planning and Strategic Alliance; Fouzia Qazi, Executive Director Rove Pakistan Travel and Tours; Ms. Sbahat Rafiq, CEO Lampro Mellon; Faheem Sardar, Founding and managing Director TANGENT; Sam Ali Dada, President Women Chamber of Commerce and Fashion Designer (Sam Dada); Naureen Ghaffar, CEO N.G. Marketing; Maj (Rtd) Syed Ali Shazad, Director Grand City; Fouzia Noreen, CEO Creative Horizons and Chairperson of All Pakistan Furniture Exporters Association; Usman Shah, CEO Nifty Sphere Institute of Arts and Designing; Urooj Raza Sayyami, Journalist, Media Entrepreneur Trainer; Nayyar Ali, Special Correspondent, Anchor Person; Dr. Maaz ENT; Sami Ullah Khan Barki, Burki Group of Companies (Pvt) Ltd; Mian Muhammad Ali Moeen, CEO Grand Enclave Hosuing Soceity Gujrat.

Director CPSC, Dr. Talat Shabbir touched upon the subject of human security and explained its critical link to reducing poverty alleviation. He cited China as an exemplary case among the nations that worked wonders for bringing its nations out of pits of poverty. He suggested that think tanks need to provide pragmatic and actionable recommendations for businesses community of both the countries. He was of the view that the Chinese and businesses communities must invest in research and development since knowledge economy is the future.

Earlier in his welcome, DG ISSI, Amb. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry highlighted the fact that human security is such a topic that received little or no attention in Pakistan. He said that human security is a strategic issue. After the consideration of geo-economics in our foreign policy overtures, we have a new triad of national security comprising of traditional security issues, non-traditional security threats, and human security. He briefed the audience about the major events of monopoly by the industrialists at national and international level.

In his opening remarks, Former DG ISRAA, Maj Gen. Samraiz Salik ISRA stated that a visible shift of global power from west to east has taken place. He said that concept of security has also changed from state-centric to individual-centric. He said that Pakistan learn a great deal in terms of open door diplomacy from China.

During the discussion session, the speakers and the participants raised many pertinent points. They shared their own experiences with them and proposed result-oriented suggestions. All the speakers and discussants agreed that following the Chinese model blindly would be a huge mistake and Pakistan need to tailor this model according to its needs. They emphasised this fact that Chinese adapted the Socialist ideology according to their own circumstances and needs and described it as Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.

The participants noted that Chinese enacted multiple programs and strategies for their rural people and sectors; Pakistan should follow the same. There must be a national program which should be implemented with consistency irrespective of change in national political leadership. Small business must be encouraged at all levels. Business persons voiced their concerns about heavy taxations and FBR polices. They suggested that taxes should be eased and there must be FBR-friendly policies.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Rafique Ahmed said that consistency and qualified leadership are two notable dispositions that we must learn from Chinese. Beijing and Islamabad have cultural, societal, and religious differences and that must be factored in while following Chinese practices. He also stated that a gender-neutral business environment need to be ensured while, at the same, there is the need to create more opportunities for women.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

Islamabad, October 05, 2021 (PPI-OT): The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) held a web-based panel discussion on October 5th, 2021, titled “Pakistan and SDGs Targets.” The panellists included; Dr. Lubna Naz, Assistant Professor IBA Karachi; Nadeem Ahmed, Social Policy Advisor; Mr. Amir Hussain, and Ahmed Naeem Salik, Research Fellow, CSP, ISSI. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director CSP.

Opening the panel discussion Dr. Nigar stated that Pakistan has made considerable progress by making SDGs part of Pakistan’s national policy and strategy including the five year plan provincial growth strategies. The government of Pakistan has designed and approved a national SDG framework that envisages a national vision to priorities and localize the SDGs, approved by Pakistan’s National Economic Council through which the provinces as well as the Federally Administered areas are guided to determine their development priorities.

In his welcome remarks Ambassador Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Director General ISSI said that there is no dearth of political will and ownership in Pakistan regarding the implementation of the SDGs as it is part of Pakistan’s Vision 2025; however, more is needed to be done on the implementation part. He highlighted that as geo-economics is becoming a priority of the government of Pakistan, focusing on traditional as well as non-traditional security issues, this automatically makes SDGs as part of the overarching policy priority.

Mr. Nadeem was of the view that the current SDG framework has provided enormous opportunity for sectors to participate in the development of Pakistan and move forward. Under the current government the SDG task force and support units have been established at the federal as well as at the provincial level for effective implementation of the devised policies. This further reflects the collective political will and ownership of SDGs.

Contributing to the discussion Dr. Naz touched upon the gender related issues and rights of women. She was of the view that there is an increased need to engage men in the country in educating them to prevent violence against women as it one of the major components of the SDGs. Moreover, she said that gender equality should be of highest priority for Pakistan as it is the fifth goal and a global priority while Pakistan ranks at 151 out of 153 in gender inequality.

Mr. Hussain in his remarks touched upon various other aspects of SDGs. He highlighted Pakistan spends only 2.3 percent on education and 40 percent of children under the age of five are stunted which shows that more resources are required to achieve the set targets by 2030. Mir Hussain further said that there is need to localize the SDGs in the context of national wealth.

On the issue of climate change Mr. Salik shed light on the fact that Pakistan has made the most progress on climate action which is goal 13 of the SDG plan and has achieved the goal ten years prior to the actual date. Through a properly orchestrated and dedicated approach as well as a policy which is properly implemented, Pakistan has been able to achieve the goal on climate action and is ahead of many countries.

Concluding the panel discussion, Chairman Board of Governors, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood said that the international community regardless of their difference has been making great efforts in mobilizing their resources to shape public opinion to achieve socio-economic progress. He was of the view that while the government of Pakistan is giving more importance to the SDGs, it is lacking in its implementation due to limited resources and capacity at the local. The discussion ended on the agreement that Pakistan must keep pursuing the quest for achieving the SDGs.

 

For more information, contact:

Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)

Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan

Tel: +92-51-9202481

Fax: +92-51-9204658

E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk

Website: http://issi.org.pk/

Islamabad, October 05, 2021 (PPI-OT): China-Pakistan Study Centre hosted a 115-member delegation of on-going Course from Naval War College, Lahore at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad. Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC, briefed the delegation on the working of the institute and its five centres of excellence. Dr. Talat Shabbir also shed light on Pakistan-China collaboration in the emerging regional dynamics.

Ms. Amina Khan, Director Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) gave a talk on Afghanistan situation. She said the US hasty withdrawal and Taliban’s swift victory over Kabul have brought changes in the landscape of regional dynamics. Taliban should fulfil their commitments about general amnesty, inclusive government, not use Afghan soil against other nations and respect human rights especially women rights to get recognition from international community.

She further added that there are challenges for Taliban to govern the country and bring long awaited prosperity for the people of Afghanistan. This was followed by a vibrant Q and A session. Commodore, Syed Wajeed ul Hassan SI(M) S Bt, Naval War College, Lahore in his concluding remarks thanked ISSI for hosting the delegation.

For more information, contact:

Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)

Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan

Tel: +92-51-9202481

Fax: +92-51-9204658

E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk

Website: http://issi.org.pk/