ISLAMABAD: Two-day International Conference (21st-22nd September) on ‘Pakistan ‘“ Eurasian Heartland Connectivity: Towards Socio-Economic, Academic, and Legal Cooperation’’ was held at Area Study Center (Russia, China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar, Peshawar. First day of the Conference was conducted in two sessions. The main goal of the International Conference is to enhance closer cooperation and connectivity within Eurasian countries. The objective is to deliberate upon the ways and means for enhancing trade, economic, cultural, educational, and industrial links between Pakistan and the Eurasian heartland for shared growth and prosperity.
Day first of the conference was well attended by the worthy Ambassadors of various countries to Pakistan and renowned subject experts and scholars from all across Pakistan.
The theme of the first session was ‘’Pakistan- Eurasian Connectivity: Analyzing Opportunities and Challenges†. The session was commenced with the key note address by Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmed Khan, Director, Area Study Center (Russia, China, Central Asia), University of Peshawar. He welcomed all the participants, speakers and worthy Ambassadors. He highlighted the significance of Eurasian region. He enlightened the audience about regional connectivity and associated benefits for integration because of regionalism. Prof. Dr. Shabir shed light on important multilateral regional arrangement programs, i.e., CAREC, BRI, ECO, CPEC, Mizar-e-Shareef-Kabul-Peshawar, etc. While concluding his speech, he stated that joint efforts are required to enhance research & academic cooperation between Pakistan and Eurasia.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore stated that universities are the driving force for integration and academic learning. He enlightened the audience about the Regional Integration Center (RIC), University of the Punjab, Lahore and its initiatives for joint collaboration among regions. Prof. Dr. Saleem stated that if universities strive towards enhancing research dynamics via students and faculty exchanges, it will enhance people-to-people contacts, prosperity, and cooperation.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad welcomed all participants and Ambassadors. He explained the concept of regional connectivity and also establishment of regional integration center at various universities. He stated that the aim is to have joint efforts to enhance academic cooperation, fellowship programs and research initiatives. He also highlighted the significance of Eurasian Industrial Research Center that is to establish market links between Pakistan and Central Asian SMEs sector. Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram enlightened the participants about Eurasian Legal Center, facilitating regulatory regimes and laws with other regional countries.
His Excellency Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic Uzbekistan to Pakistan addressed the audience online. He expressed his gratitude to all worthy speakers and Ambassadors. He highlighted the legacy of Zaheer-ur-din Babur, Allama Iqbal and Rehman Baba in contributing to peace, cooperation, and friendly regional ties. He shed light on the significant initiatives taken by His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan for regional connectivity. H.E. Aybek Arif Usmanov talked about the mega development projects between Central Asia and Pakistan for enhanced cooperation. He also discussed Pakistan-Uzbekistan cordial relationship in terms of trade development. – PR
