By Adnan Rafique
ISLAMABAD: Authored by Dr. Talat Shabbir, the book “Creating Shared Futures, Pakistan China: A Journey of Trust and Friendship” was launched at Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) on Tuesday. Dr. Talat Shabbir, in his book has researched and documented the relationship between China and Pakistan in context of future possibilities and options.
Jointly organized by Eurasian Century Institute and Mishal Pakistan, the launching ceremony was attended by a small group of intellectuals and research enthusiasts to listen to the leading scholars in Pakistan. Due to Covid SOPs the event was also participated by a large number through Zoom. The event was also streamed live on the YouTube and Facebook for international participation.
Foreign Minister of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, “Dr. Talat Shabbir’s book is a brilliant and timely discourse on the multifaceted partnership and what it means for both the countries going forward. He has traced the history of this relationship since its inception and where we stand today. He has brought forth the various facets of these ties ranging from diplomatic, political, economic, to strategic.”
The Foreign Minister said further, “The book will be a valuable record and useful reading for all students of history and contemporary international relations and will help them to delve deeper into what is easily one of the most fascinating, consequential and forward-looking partnerships of our times.”
Speaking on the occasion, Director General ISSI said, “Dr. Talat has demonstrated his commitment to furthering of Pakistan-China relationship. His book argues one element stands out i.e., trust, a very rare state of mutual trust that any two neighbors enjoy”. Meanwhile, he highlighted that in recent years, people of both countries have tried to cross the barrier of language and culture, as today “Chinese universities are attracting most Pakistani students”, and as a nation “we can learn from Chinese wisdom”.
Former Defence Minister, Lt. General Naeem Khalid Lodhi, remarked, “Dr. Shabbir’s book shows that whatever happened in the world, the bond between Pakistan and China kept deepening and strengthened. And this is a unique feature of the bilateral relationship”.
Former Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid said, “Dr. Talat has aptly captured the essence of bilateral relationship. This relationship has withstood test of time and both sides have continued to support each other during their respective testing times. It is indeed a unique model in inter-state relationship.”
Professor Song Zhihui of the Pakistan Study Center, Sichuan University, while expressing his thoughts, said, “It is a scholarly work back by evidence-based research. He noted that in current times, CPEC is very significant for Pakistan and China, and both sides will continue to work on this in the second phase hoping to focus on industrial development in Pakistan”.
