Tag: (ISSI)

Islamabad, September 30, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), Pakistan organised a Book Launch on ‘Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations: Pitfalls and the Way Forward,’ authored by Dr Huma Baqai, Associate Professor Social Sciences, IBA Karachi and Dr Nausheen Wasi, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi. Other distinguished speakers included, Dr. Jochen Hippler, Country Director FES, Ambassador Retd. Asif Ali Khan Durrani, Senior Research Fellow, IPRI. Mr. Zahid Hussain, freelance journalist and Ambassador Retd. Qazi Humayun.

The event was moderated by Ms. Amina Khan, Director Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at ISSI, who was of the opinion that the book is timely and relevant contribution. She said that book explores the various aspects of the Pak-Afghan relationship as it brings forth thirteen diverse perspectives from experts across the border.

During his welcome remarks, Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry appreciated the work FES has done in Pakistan. He said that the political landscape in Afghanistan has changed and Afghans as well as the neighbours of Afghanistan are yearning for peace and stability. The postulate that there can be no military solution in Afghanistan still holds. He said that there is a firm consensus that an inclusive set-up needs to be in place for sustained peace in Afghanistan. He said that Counter Terrorism is an area of crucial importance not only for the US but all neighbours of Afghanistan.

Furthermore, he stated that for Pakistan in particular, there needs to be an assurance from the Taliban about the TTP that they will not be given space to operate from Afghanistan. He further said that the Taliban need to be aware that regional stability can bring in huge benefits. Afghanistan is truly the heart of Asia and can be the lynchpin for connectivity in the region. He remarked that the approach the US is presently taking might create huge instability in Afghanistan and if the Americans have their way, the Taliban government might collapse and Afghanistan will revert back to pre-2001. He said that the region has to play a collective role particularly in terms of humanitarian, technical and financial assistance.

During his welcome remarks, Dr. Jochen Hippler said while talking about the Pak-Afghan bilateral relations, there is a consensus in opinion that there has been a serious mistake in viewing the relationship primarily through government-to-government relations. He opined that in fact the government-to-government relationship may be less important and that the Afghan government is artificial and not really as relevant as was thought. What happened in August this year merits this argument. He further opined that the bilateral relationship has been influenced by the internal changes and internal contradictions there and that we can learn from the events in Afghanistan.

He said when we discuss the Pak-Afghan relations we should be aware that this bilateral dimension not only has a regional dimension to it but is also a matter of global politics. He said that it is very difficult to discuss Pakistan and Afghanistan relations without bringing in China and India, and sometime Iran. He was of the opinion that the bilateral relationship between both the countries sometimes have a negative as well as positive dimension to it.

Referring to the Soviet invasion, Dr. Hippler said that Afghanistan has also remained an arena of global politics in the cold war era. He further said, in the post 9/11 era, the reason of American and NATO invasion was more of rhetoric than real one. He said that after the fall of Kabul, the matter of Pak-Afghan relationship, in the regional and global text, is now more important than before. If policy makers all over the world want to make reasonable policies and not repeat mistakes of the past in regard to Afghanistan, this book is extremely timely, he concluded.

While introducing the book, Dr Nausheen Wasi said this book is very timely and the aim of this book was to identify certain gaps in existing literature and the verbal discourse and to focus on the ills of both societies. She further said that there was a need to analyze why Pakistan’s narrative was not being projected correctly. The book offers a comparative narrative literature analysis which shows that while Afghans view the Pak-Afghan relations from a bilateral lens, Pakistan views it from a multilateral perspective.

Hence, the task was to find a mating ground for both sides and bridge the perception gap which exists. She said that the thrust in Afghanistan has changed and the situation is evolving rapidly. There is soon going to be chaos in Afghanistan and old patterns are once again rearing their heads. She hoped that the objective of the book – which is to level the playing field for future discourse-, is achieved and it provides an avenue from where debates which are aimed at addressing the existing problems both sides face can be initiated.

Ambassador Retd. Asif Ali Khan Durrani, in his remarks said that, this book gives a flavour of what has happened after the signing of agreement between Taliban and United States. He mentioned that both Pakistan and Afghanistan can take several steps related to the politics and culture to strengthen the bond which both countries already share. He highlighted that at this stage accessibility is a major problem for Pakistan and the kind of accessibility which Pakistan provides to Afghanistan, it cannot have from any neighbouring country.

Similarly, Pakistan does not share the same kind of accessibility with any other country in the region. He further said both Pakistan and Afghanistan share common challenges and they have similar strategies to resolve them. At this stage Taliban are looking for foreign aid and they should be provided with it. He said that as mentioned in the book that there are certain economic problems in the country and Pakistan should work on making certain strategies to deal with the emerging economic crisis. In conclusion he congratulated all authors for coming together for a very timely and important book.

Ambassador Qazi Humayun, while speaking at the occasion gave a brief overview of the history of the conflict in Afghanistan. He said that the Americans went wrong when they picked Karzai to deal with the situation in Afghanistan because he failed to deliver. He also mentioned that the US further failed in Afghanistan when it initiated the war in Afghanistan. Moreover, he said that now the Taliban are in power and they have improved a lot and they should be given a chance.

Dr. Huma Baqai, Associate Professor, IBA Karachi, while expressing her views said that this edited book is a very valuable addition to the current literature on the subject. She went on to say that the book focuses on the plight of the Afghan people and puts forward an objective blame free perspective about the situation. Dr Baqai further said that the great game has inflicted so much misery on the people of Afghanistan unfortunately.

Eminent Journalist, Zahid Hussain, while expressing his views about the book said that after the Doha agreement had taken place, it was very clear that it would be the end of the American war in Afghanistan. Moreover, he said it was expected that there would be a protracted civil war in the country post US withdrawal. He said the war started in 2001 was a revenge attack by the US and that the US was not very clear about its involvement in Afghanistan and the American public was also mislead into believing that it was a successful war. Moreover, he said that Pakistan always maintained the stance that there was no military solution to the problem. Importantly, he said that the US and Pakistani interests diverged and converged throughout the US involvement in Afghanistan.

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, September 29, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) had a Panel Discussion on ‘Conversations on the Evolving Situation in Afghanistan: US Role in Afghanistan’ which is the seventh in a series of conversations CAMEA is having on Afghanistan – under its ‘Conversations on the Evolving situation in Afghanistan’.

The distinguished speakers included: Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Dr. Elizabeth Threlkeld, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the South Asia Program at the Stimson Center, Dr. Anatol Lieven, Senior Research Fellow on Russia and Europe at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, Mr. Shehzad Qazi, a public opinion researcher based in the United States, Mr. Faiz Zaland, Professor in Kabul University, Mr. Tameem Bahiss, Analyst specializing Afghan and Pakistani affairs and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors ISSI also participated in the discussion.

During her opening remarks, Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA said the situation in Afghanistan has drastically changed, with the Taliban takeover of the country, followed by the complete withdrawal of US forces. The US departure has left many questions unanswered, where its implications are yet to be fully felt in the region and beyond. Although the Taliban appear to have achieved their goal of expelling foreign forces, however, the real test for the Taliban has only just begun, which is certainly not limited to the capture of power, but it is more about legitimacy, recognition, acceptance, and performance.

Even within the confines of the current Taliban dominated setup, recognition for the government now may not depend on inclusion, but whether they can deliver in terms of governance, foreign relations, human rights and more importantly CT assurances. Domestically, a lot will depend on how the group formulates its policies towards Afghan institutions like the army, police, bureaucracy etc. While we are all aware of the role the US has played in Afghanistan over the past two decades, the current policy appears to be determined by recognition of the group as the de facto government of Afghanistan, as stated by Secretary Blinken. While it remains to be seen how the relationship will evolve, it is necessary for Washington to remain engaged with the group.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, while expressing his views stated that since the US has withdrawn from Afghanistan and the government has collapsed, there has been a debate about the hasty US withdrawal. President Biden has defended the US decision to withdraw and rejected all the related criticism. He further said that there have been attempts to scapegoat and malign Pakistan in this regard.

Ambassador Chaudhry was of the view that there are a couple of things that the US will have to address, which include, how far it holds itself responsible as it cannot absolve itself. The US has not achieved the entirety of its objective of creating a liberal democracy. He also said that if the situation deteriorates and non-state entities take over, in that case the US objective will be totally finished, therefore the US must honour its commitment. He also said that it is for the US to engage, incentivize and provide humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people.

Dr. Elizabeth Threlkeld, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the South Asia Program at the Stimson Center in her remarks stated that there are multiple views about the situation, however, for twenty long years; the US was not appreciated for the role it was playing. She further said that it is important to note that there is a silver lining as the US interests are largely aligned with regional powers, although there may be differences in how they must be achieved.

She said the world community wants a middle ground for engagement as it is difficult to have carrots and sticks both. Moreover, she said that the US has three key interests, which are mainly, preventing terrorist attacks, stability in Afghanistan and the prevention of negative fallout in case the situation worsens; like refugee influx. And also the US desires preventing a return to the 1990s era. She was of the view that US must ensure that the Taliban deliver, however, the Taliban seem to be resorting to their old ways.

Dr. Anatol Lieven a Senior Research Fellow on Russia and Europe at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, while expressing his views said that movements of Afghan resistance have really proved true while looking at the situation in Afghanistan. He said that the middle way to engage with the Taliban is that money and recognition both have to be offered.

He further said that there are different levels of recognition and the US needs to work through the region, which is not about moral commitment but self-interest as the threat of terrorism and civil war also loom in the present situation. He said that the Taliban will need a number of modern technocrats as well as create a cultural space. Moreover, he said that the Taliban appear to have learned the lessons of 9/11 and there is a significant chance of achieving goals of the international community pertaining to the Taliban if they work together with the international community.

Mr. Faiz Zaland, Professor in Kabul University in his remarks said that the US withdrawal was hasty and achievement regarding democratizing Afghanistan was not institutionalized. US invested in people instead of institutions in its attempt of democratizing Afghanistan. He said that if US does not have any, it must create leverages over Taliban and it can be done by engaging with the group. He also said that Sanctions on Taliban mean sanction on the women and children of Afghanistan.

Mr. Tameem Bahiss, Analyst specializing Afghan and Pakistani affairs while expressing his views said that engaging with Taliban and keeping Doha agreement in place will have value in keeping Taliban accountable. He said that one core interest of the US is ensuring that its influence in the region does not die with withdrawal from Afghanistan. The US’s current approach of imposing sanctions is counter-productive. The better option is to clearly communicate with the Taliban regarding its realistic demands. All the steps of the US regarding Afghanistan must be clear and realistic. The Taliban have a clear ideological red line which the US must know that Taliban are not willing to compromise. He also said that in order to keep the Taliban accountable, the US must continue engagement which will also help in engaging a broader alliance.

Mr. Shehzad Qazi, a public opinion researcher specializing in crisis and transitional countries based in the United States, while expressing his views stated that the US does not have a fully developed Afghanistan policy right now. He said that the administration is focused on immediate goals such as safe passage of US citizens who were left behind, providing limited amounts of humanitarian assistance, and of course monitoring ISIS-K as it looks to formulate its so-called “over the horizon” counter terror policy. He further said that with the myriad domestic challenges that the administration is trying to overcome, including stabilizing the economy and passing major economic legislation this year, the short term outlook for Afghanistan includes a lot of uncertainty via US interests and actions. Events more than a fully formulated policy will dictate US next steps there he said.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors ISSI also participated in the discussion and while expressing his opinion stated that one thing is certain that the world has come full circle and Taliban are back in power in Kabul. He said the question arises that is the US is going through the last phases of its American century which is the very large question. Moreover, he said that one thing that everyone agrees on is that the credibility, reputation and reliability of the US have been severely dented.

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, September 29, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at ISSI represented by its Director, Ms Amina Khan and the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies (ACPSS) represented by its Director, Dr Mohammed Farahat on September 29, 2021. Cooperation between the two organizations concerns the establishment and promotion of regular relationships in academic and research fields in an institutionalized framework.

Director General Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry welcomed the signing of this MoU as a constructive and useful collaboration between CAMEA and ACPSS. He extended his commendation to both directors and their teams and hoped that this association would produce quality research and dialogue for mutual benefit. He mentioned that we are connected with more than 60 institutions of the world. He mentioned three ways in which both institutions can collaborate: institutional dialogues, public talks and joint research.

Dr Mohammed Farahat Director ACPSS expressed his gratitude. He also briefly outlined the workings of and was optimistic about future collaboration in joint research. He said that the entire team at ACPSS looks forward to a fruitful partnership with both CAMEA and the ISSI. He thanked Director CAMEA, Ms Amina Khan for her enthusiasm and drive.

Ms Amina Khan, Director, CAMEA also spoke on the occasion emphasizing the need for shared research and discourse on issues of regional and international importance affecting Pakistan and Egypt. She hoped that the collaboration between CAMEA and ACPSS would further enhance ties between Pakistan and Egypt in a concrete manner, translating into a productive partnership which is mutually beneficial.

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, September 28, 2021 (PPI-OT):A delegation of Pakistani and Afghan students visited The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) as a part of the International Summer School organized by the Political Science department, the University of Peshawar in collaboration with Hanns Seidel Foundation on September 27, 2021.

Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA gave a detailed presentation on the working of the institute and centre. She also briefed the delegation on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director China Pakistan Study Centre at ISSI was also present at the occasion. The session was followed by an interactive session.

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, September 25, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Web Talk on “Pak-Tanzania Ties’ under ISSI’s Distinguished Lecture Series today. The talk was delivered by H.E Muhammad Saleem High Commissioner of Pakistan to Tanzania and Ms. Tanzeela Qambrani, Member Provincial Assembly Sindh also took part. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI was also present.

During her opening remarks, Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA said that during the last two decades, Africa has made remarkable progress, as African economies are amongst the fastest-growing economies in the world. Hence, Africa has rightly earned the title of the “Continent of the Future.” She mentioned that one of the fundamental objectives of establishing CAMEA at the ISSI was to focus on identifying areas of mutual interest between Pakistan and Africa in keeping with Pakistan’s Engage Africa policy.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, said that the Government of Pakistan is committed to working and promoting ties with Africa. He said one of the high priority areas for Pakistan’s Foreign Office is engaging with the African continent. In this regard a number of events on Pakistan-Africa ties have been held at ISSI. He also stated that Tanzania, an important country, with an almost 30% more in area than Pakistan and a population which is a third of Pakistan’s population – has considerable potential. There is a genuine feeling of goodwill between Pakistan and Tanzania, he added.

Muhammad Saleem said that Tanzania is an important country of Africa and it is most populous country of Africa with the largest consumer market. He mentioned that headquarters of East African Community (EAC) is based in Tanzania and it also holds the temporary seat of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). He mentioned that Pakistan shares close ties with Tanzania and it established its High Commission in Tanzania in 1967 when Pakistan expressed its support for Tanzania in getting independence from the colonial rule of the British.

He highlighted that there is enormous scope of trade and investment for Pakistan in Tanzania. While talking about imports and exports between Pakistan and Tanzania he mentioned that Pakistan’s exports to Tanzania mainly include cement, textiles, rice and sugar and besides these articles, spare parts of heavy machinery and tractors are also exported. He said that imports of Pakistan from Tanzania mainly include tea, raw cotton, tobacco, edible oils and tanning materials and with a lot of potential to explore.

He went on to say that Tanzania is also working to establish a mission in Pakistan. He commended the ISSI for arranging such events and playing a role in capacity building. He mentioned that he is very keen to explore what role ISSI can play in capacity building in EAC. He remarked that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) is a substantial opportunity for Pakistan to tap into the African markets. East Africa is a gateway to exploit the business opportunities in Africa and it will open the vistas of opportunities for Pakistan to benefit from, he stated.

Ms. Tanzeela Qambrani expressed happiness that Pakistan has started connecting with the African continent. She said that it is surprising that there has not been much focus on Africa in the past in Pakistan even though the former holds great opportunities. While talking about Pak-Africa relations she said that Engage Africa is a great initiative by the Government of Pakistan. She said Pakistan has very close bonds with Africa, especially with Tanzania and was hopeful that this connection would be fruitful for both countries. She also appreciated the Pakistani community which had given her an opportunity to be part of the provincial legislative assembly without any discrimination.

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, September 25, 2021 (PPI-OT):China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a book launch event titled, “Hundred Years of the Communist Party of China – The best example of selfless service” authored by S. M. Hali on September 22, 2021. Various distinguished national and international experts attended the book launch event.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, congratulated author for producing a timely book. He lauded Mr. Hali for his various works, and roles including as an anchor. Ambassador Chaudhry underscored that during hundred years, CPC has truly transformed China.

Mr. S. M. Hali, the author of the book thanked ISSI for launching her book. In his remarks he highlighted key attributes of CPC. He underlined that CPC is a progressive party, which is not mired in archaic traditions and rules which are outdated. He emphasized that CPC has the capacity to look inwards, and apply course correction. Mr Hali said, CPC has strived continuously to make China a better place with remarkable achievements in science and technology and new endeavours to reach outer space.

Senator Nisar A. Memon, in his remarks, lauded Mr. Hali for authoring, yet another book, which he termed as an essential reading for those wishing to understand China. Senator Memon commended Mr. Hali for producing book in both English and Urdu languages, which he believed would enhance outreach of the book. On CPC, Senator Nisar noted that it has come a long way since its inception in July, 1921. CPC now has become an institutional organisation with vast grass-roots support. Political system of China is designed for people of China, and results are for the world to see.

Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC, in his remarks, said that author has produced an insightful literature on the CPC at a time when CPC is marking 100 years of its founding. He noted that the book primarily focuses on the CPC, its establishment, its manifesto and its goal and analyses Chinese democracy under the rules of CPC. He underscored that CPC has been pursuing a policy of strengthening the development of China by transforming and reforming it

Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, former Ambassador to China, in her remarks applauded Mr. Hali for authoring a book which she believed would enhancing understanding of Chinese political system and CPC in Pakistan. She noted that while two countries are close strategic partners, great work needs to be done to enhance understanding between peoples of two countries.

Ambassador Nong Rong, Ambassador of China in his keynote speech, celebrated book as an achievement of Mr. Hali and termed it is a gift to the CPC on its 100th anniversary. He said, the book discusses great accomplishments of CPC, as CPC continuously strives for global peace and win-win cooperation. He underlined that book by Mr Hali covers major changes in the last century, the challenges in common security, it interprets CPC for better understanding of China, the struggles and hardships of CPC in the last century, specially it mentions the handling covid-19 by the communist party.

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/