Issue No 2- 2015

VIPUSKNI K

Association of Pakistani Graduates from and CIS

70th Anniversary: Victory Day in Great Patriotic War NO ONE IS FORGOTTEN! NOTHING IS FORGIVEN! КТ Е ЫТ! ЧТ Е ЩЕ!

“We achieved victory in the most just war of the twentieth century, a war Estimated of liberation for the sovereignty and Causalities Total War Deaths: independence of our Motherland. We Around 80 Million need to remember the lessons of this war. They teach us to look for a bal- By Nations of The ance between strength and reason World : 30,000,000 and they warn us that becoming an China: 15,000,000 accomplice of violence and extremism Germany: 8,000,000 : 5,720,000 has immensely tragic consequences. Dutch East Indies: Our entire post-war history teaches us that no country can 3,500,000 Japan: 2,870,000 build a safer world for itself alone, and even more so, can- British India: 2,087,000 (India, Pakistan, Bangla- not build its security to the detriment of others. President desh) Vladimir Putin on Victory Day French Indochina: 1,600,000 : 1,363,500 Philippines: 807,000 Great Patriotic War: Romania: 800,000 Hungary: 580,000 A Deceive Strength of World War II France: 550,000 By Ashique Hamdani Italy: 454,600 United Kingdom: 450,900 : 418,500 Korea: 430,500 Mr. Sergey Lebedev , Executive Secretary The Great Patriotic War accrued be- Lithuania: 350,000 of Commonwealth of Independent States tween the Soviet Union and Germa- Czechoslovakia: 325,000 (CIS), after the CIS Summit in Minsk on ny and fought with support of their Greece: 563,500 October 25, 2013, briefed media about the respective allies. Germany attacked Netherlands: 301,000 decision to declare 2015 the Year of the the Soviet Union on 22nd June 1941, British Burma: 272,000 Commonwealth of Independent States with the expectation of a short mili- Latvia: 230,000 veterans of the Great Patriotic War of tary campaign, but the war pulled on Austria: 120,000 1941-1945, to celebrate the 70th anniver- for several years and ended with the Ethiopia: 100,000 sary of the Victory Day by the head of complete defeat and breakup of Ger- British Malaya: 100,000 states. many. : 97,000 The Great Patriotic War became a decisive Due to the fact that the entire indus- : 88,000 factor of World War II (1939-1945), which try of the USSR, at that time, Estonia: 50,000 was the most brutal military conflict in worked for the military, thus Soviet Singapore: 50,000 human history and the only one in which army was able to significantly Canada: 45,400 two atom bombs were used by America increase its arms production. Australia: 40,400 against Japan. In the final stage of the war (1943 - Albania: 30,000 Estimates of the total number of casual- 1945, the Soviet Union start to fight Bulgaria: 25,000 ties for the World War II, suggested as not to defend its land but to attack New Zealand: 11,900 around 80 million, including both sol- Germany. South Africa: 11,900 diers and civilians. Many civilians died of Norway: 9,500 disease, starvation, massacres, bombing Thailand: 7,600 and deliberate genocide. Soviet Union’ Denmark: 3,200 lost around 30 million, just under half of Brazil: 2,000 all the casualties in the war. Seven million Luxembourg: 2,000 died in Europe from other causes and 7.5 Iraq: 500 million Chinese perished under the heel Ireland: 200 of Japanese imperialism. The loss of the Iran: 200 global economy was more than $ 4 tril- : 200 lion. It destroyed more than 10,000 cities, Iceland: 200 towns and villages, besides a large num- Mexico: 100 ber of agriculture and industries in Eu- Switzerland: 100 rope. After the libera- tion of Leningrad Soviet Army en- tered into Czech- oslovakia, Po- land, and finally in Germany. Soviet concurred Berlin on May 8th 1944. German Army announced unconditional surrender ever, the Russian army had stronger der. The crushing defeat at Stalin- before Soviet Army that brought an resistance than expected by the Ger- grad was unmatched in scale, spur- end of war with victory of Soviet Un- mans. From June 22nd, 1941 till 18th ion. Following major battles ac- November 1942, the German army ring the Soviet drive towards victory crued during the course of Great was able to win over large areas, In May 1945 Berlin finally fell. Patriotic War:- which included Lithuania, Latvia, The famous photo of two Soviet sol-  The defense of the Arctic (29 Estonia, Moldova, and diers unfurling a red flag over the June 1941 - November 1, 1944); . After this, German troops Reichstag became an iconic image of marched into Soviet Union, with  The Blockade of Leningrad (8 World War II. It’s argued that the September 1941 - 27 January target to occupy and Lenin- 1944); grad, despite the failure of Russian picture didn’t capture the actual mo-  Battle for Moscow (30 Septem- Army at the beginning of the war, ment of Soviet glory but was staged ber 1941 - 20 April 1942); the Germans failed to achieve their a day or two after the storming of  Battles of Rzhev (January 8, targets. Leningrad was taken during the building, and even retouched by the German blockade, but the city 1942 - March 31, 1943); the Soviet propaganda machine. The did not let the Germans to win it.  The Battle of Kursk (July 5 - Au- flag is claimed to originally have gust 23, 1943); Battle of Moscow, Leningrad and Novgorod lasted until 1942. been a tablecloth brought by the  The Battle of Stalingrad (July 17, Imbalance of power, since the 1st photographer himself. Still, this was 1942 - February 2, 1943); world war was major causes of  Battle for the Caucasus (July 25, a symbol of the USSR’s triumph… World War II, triggered by the out- 1942 - October 9, 1943); the victory that came at a colossal come of territorial disputes among  Byelorussian operation (June 23 colonial powers to grasp resources of cost. - August 29, 1944); Asian, African and Latin American The number of Soviet deaths was at  Battle for the Right-Bank countries. first grossly distorted – the figure Ukraine (December 24, 1943 - USA, France, England, China Stalin gave in 1946 was seven mil- April 17, 1944); (Chiang Kai-shek), Greece, Yugosla- lion. The USSR’s losses are now esti-  Budapest operation (29 October via and Mexico, and British India mated at about 30 million, account- 1944 - 13 February 1945); were allied in Anti-Nazi Alliance,  Baltic Offensive (September 14 - which were joined by the Soviet Un- ing for half of all WW2 casualties. November 24, 1944); ion after German attack upon The memory of the war, referred to  Vistula-Oder operation (January Czechoslovakia, Poland and finely as the Great Patriotic War, is partic- 12 - February 3, 1945); on USSR. ularly venerated in Russia. In the  East Prussian operation The Soviet troops held out against USSR the end of the war was consid- (January 13 - April 25, 1945); the enormous German army, deci- ered to be May 9, 1945, when the  Berlin operation (April 16 - May mating and wearing it out, until a 8, 1945) German surrender took effect. The The German attack was swift, how- relieving force encircled the city date has become a national holi- compelling the invaders to surren- day – Victory Day – and is com- memorated in a grand military pa- rade on Red Square. The Embassies of CIS countries in Islamabad Pakistan including the Azerbaijan, Belarus, , Kirgizia, Russian Federation, Tajiki- stan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are jointly hosting a grand reception on 70th Anniversary of Victory day in Islamabad. AZERBAIJAN IN GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR

During the war, Azerbaijanis showed courage and heroism not yev, Ziya Bunyatov, Geray only on the frontline, but in the back front as well. A battalion Asadov, Melik Maharramov of 87 jet fighters and 1224 self-defense groups were created in and Mehdi Huseynzadeh, the country in a very short period of time. More than 600,000 generals Mahmud Abilov, young Azerbaijani boys and girls were sent to the front between Akim Abbasov, Tarlan Ali- 1941 and 1945. Divisions from Azerbaijan have walked from the yarbeyov and Hajibala Zeyn- Caucasus to Berlin.About 130 Azerbaijanis earned the name of alov and many others "", 30 more deserved the "Order of brought honor to the history Honor". Some 170,000 Azerbaijani soldiers and officers were of the Azerbaijani people. awarded various USSR orders and medals. Such people as Hazi Much has been done in the Aslanov (twice the Hero of the Soviet Union), other Heroes of country, to direct the economy towards the frontline. the Soviet Union - Israfil Mammadov, Aslan Vezirov, Adil Guli-

ARMENIA IN GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR In the period from June 1941 to May 1945, over 500,000 Armeni- ’ contribution in the victory included major army ans were drafted to the Soviet Ar- commanders, such as twice Hero of the Soviet Union marshall my, about 200,000 of them were Hovhannes Baghramyan, Hero of the Soviet Union marshall of killed in the battles. A hundred armored troops Hamazasp Babajanyan, aviation marshall Ser- and six Armenians were awarded gey Khudiakov (Armenak Khanferyants), Hero of the Soviet Hero of the Soviet Union, includ- Union fleet admiral Ivan Isakov (Hovhannes Isahakyan). ing legendary pilot Nelson Ste- Armenia sent six motor- divisions to the frontline, including panyan and Marshall of the Soviet the 39th Tamanyan division that reached Berlin. About 100,000 Union Hovhannes Baghramyan who received the award twice. ethnic Armenians were involved in the resistance movement in Twenty-seven Armenian became full cavaliers of the Order of WWII from the Armenian communities worldwide and fought Glory. as part of the allies’ armies

UZBEKISTAN IN GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR TAJIKISTAN IN GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR

From 1941 to 1945, during the Great Patri- More than 270,000 residents of Tajikistan took part in the Great Patriotic War of 1941- otic war, 1,433,230 people from Uzbekistan 1945 and some 70,000 of them died in bat- tle. 54 of residents of Tajikistan were given fought in the Red Army against Nazi. As the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Be- sides, 15 other Tajikistan’s residents were many as 263,005 Uzbek soldiers died in the Full Holders of the Order of Glory. battlefields of the Eastern Front, and

32,670 went missing in .

KYRGYZSTAN IN GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR armament, industrial products, and the zones for evacuating population. Kyrgyz SSR welcomed more than 300 000 of immigrants of various national- From June 22 1941, the whole Soviet Union as well as Kyrgyzstan start- ities. Since the first days of war, nations ed undergoing serious tribulations. Fascist Germany attacked USSR organized volunteer patriotic movement for craving for worldwide domination. That is how the Great Patriotic War funds collection, which was constituted by for freedom and independence of motherland began. monthly contributions of daily fees. By the end of 1941, Kyrgyzstan produced 85% of  More than 90 000 valiant soldiers from Kyrgyzstan per- all antimony produced in the USSR. Almost ished. every and detonator contained  More than 10 000 warriors awarded by orders and medals antimony from Haidarkhan, which became  73 kyrgyz soldiers received the highest title of the Hero of the main supplier of this strategic metal. Resources and reserves of the Soviet Union agricultural, industrial, and meat &dairy products significantly de- creased in the war period. Nevertheless, during the period 1941-1945,  21 people became Cavalries of the Order of Fame of all three Kyrgyz SSR became one of the most important bastions of USSR’s degrees. economy. Home front workers also supplied the soviet army with sugar In order to supply the war front, the Soviet Government set a goal to turn beet, butter, meat, cotton, wheat, etc. More than 30 factories and plant union republics at the home front into powerful military-industrial were evacuated to Kyrgyzstan. A new railroad connecting Kant & arsenal at breakneck speed. Central Asia, as well as Ural and Siberia Rybachie was built. were supposed to become home front’s areas of military hardware, BELARU IN GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR

Belarus was the scene of many destructive wars. In contemporary history and garrisons, blew up 1,355 tanks and the largest and most brutal was the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945, a armoured vehicles. Particularly extensive most significant part of the Second World War 1939-1945. The Great was the Partisan Operation "Rail War" for Patriotic War was fought between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics the massive destruction of the enemy's (the USSR), including Belarus (the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic, railway communications in the occupied BSSR) on the one hand and Germany with its Axis allies on the other territory; over 11,000 German trains were from 22 June 1941 to 9 May 1945. In Belarus, military operations were derailed. Estimated 70,000 people fought conducted from 22 June 1941 to 28 July 1944. The war started as a result in the urban underground organisations. of Germany's attack on the Soviet Union and for the Soviet people it was They collected intelligence on the enemy, a war of liberation against the aggressors. The aims of Nazi Germany disseminated anti-Nazi propaganda, car- were to destroy the Soviet Union as a military and political power, to ried out subversive activity. Minsk re- Germanise the European part of the USSR, and either to exterminate or sistance fighters with the assistance of to resettle the bulk of its population. partisans killed the General Commissar of Belarus, Gauleiter Wilhelm Kube. In view of its significance the Belarus- Belarusian resistance against the occupation was unprecedented in scale ian resistance was called the Third Front, and Belarus the Partisan Re- and character. The Partisan movement involved 374,000 fighters and public. played a major role in undermining the Nazi regime. Representatives of The initial phase in the liberation of Belarus began in the autumn of various Soviet nationalities and anti-Nazi fighters from many European 1943, when the Soviet troops liberated the south-eastern part of the re- countries participated in the in Belarus. The hidden public. The final phase in the complete liberation of Belarus from the partisan reserves numbered over 100,000 local civilians annually. There Nazi invaders was the Operation Bagration (23 June – 29 August 1944), were over 20 partisan-controlled zones which the Germans failed to con- when the Red Army together with the partisans defeated the German quer. By the end of 1942, partisans controlled 30% of the occupied terri- Army Group Centre. The Soviets had 2.4 million men, over 36,000 guns tory and by the end of 1943 over 108,000 sq km (59%), of which 37,800 and mortars, 5,200 tanks and self-propelled guns, and about sq km were completely cleared from the enemy. The partisan activity was 5,300 aircraft. The German side had 1.2 million officers and men, 9,500 directed by the Central and Belarusian Partisan Headquarters. The sup- guns and mortars, 900 tanks and assault guns, and 1,350 aircraft. During port to Belarus was given from the unoccupied districts of the Soviet the offensive the Red Army entirely destroyed 17 Hitler's divisions and Union. Direct air communication was established with the Soviet hinter- three brigades; 50 German divisions lost over half their strength. land. Over 50 partisan airfields were built during the occupation. From 105,000 troops were destroyed in the Minsk pocket and 40,000 troops March to September 1942, through the Vitebsk (Surazh) Gate – a 40 km during the Bobruisk offensive. Operation Bagration resulted in the libera- corridor between Velizh and Usviaty free from the occupiers – 35,000 tion of Belarus, the major part of Lithuania, a part of Latvia, and eastern people were evacuated from Belarus into the Soviet rear, partisans re- ceived arms and supplies, and agricultural produce came from Belarus to TURKMENISTAN IN GREAT the Soviet rear. Partisans inflicted heavy damage to the enemy - they annihilated hundreds of thousands of Hitlerites, raided 948 headquarters PATRIOTIC WAR Over 500 Turkmen veterans MOLDAVA IN GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR of the Great Patriotic War In 1941, Romania seized the territories of Bessara- that participated in bia, northern Bukovina and Transnistria. Romanian the largest war operation un- forces, working with the Germans, deported or exter- der the code name of minated about 300,000 Jews, including 147,000 from Bessarabia and Bukovina. Of the latter, approx- “Bagration”, exterminating imately 90,000 died. The Soviet Army re-captured the fascist grouping called the region in February–August 1944, and re- “Center” and liberating Bela- established the Moldavian SSR. rus and part of Latvia, Lithu- ania and Poland.

KAZAKHSTAN IN GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR

environment three times. It finished Kazakhstan citizens were among those who the first minutes of war accept- war by the colonel, the commander of ed battle on the western border, and among those who stormed the Reichs- the 9th Guards shooting division. tag building in Berlin. The victory over The Germano-Italo- From the first days of war in the territory of the areas of the USSR occupied Japanese block of aggressors was by the enemy there was a guerrilla movement which thanks to mass charac- reached by the price of huge efforts ter, organization, submission of the plans to problems of command of the and victims of the people of an anti- Soviet Army gained strategic value. Participated in it and Kazakhstan citi- fascist coalition. The biggest losses zens: in the Leningrad region more than 220 Kazakhstan citizens, in Smo- were suffered by the USSR — over 27 lensk region — over 270, in Ukraine, in Belarus — about 3000. About 300 million people. About 410 thousand Kazakhstan citizens were participants of a resistance movement. from them — were Kazakhstan citi- For feats in the Great Patriotic War over 11600 people of a rank the Hero of zens. Lessons and conclusions from the Soviet Union, including 497 Kazakhstan citizens, among them 97 Ka- history of war have to be never forgot- zakhs were awarded. To the first of Kazakhstan citizens on July 22, 1941 the ten. Years of heaviest of the soldier rank of the Hero of the Soviet Union was appropriated to the commander of and greatest of victories have impact on all subsequent development of the 19th tank division to major general K. A.Semenchenko, and the last (on humanity. December 11, 1990) to a panfilovets, the senior lieutenant of B. Momysh-ula who in the fall of 1941 in a battle of Moscow with the battalion visited an Lahore Welcomes Russia A report on visit of Ambassador of Russian Federation Dr. Shahid Hasan

Ambassador of stan in trusted Russian Federa- partnership. Ear- tion His Excellen- lier in his presen- cy Mr. Alexey tation, Mr. Yurivich Dedov Habib Ahmed paid four days briefed the audi- visit to Lahore on ence about activ- the invitation of ities and achieve- Mr. Habib Ah- ments of Russian med Honorary Federation Hon- Consul Lahore. orary Consul of- His Excellency e fice-Lahore. participated in several events in- 55th Anniversary cluding symposi- of PFUR at BZU um, seminar and Department of Mass Communication Bahuddin victory day celebrations. Zakriya University, invited Russian Ambassador Annual Report of Office Honorary Consul Lahore Alexey Yurievich Dedov along with Mr. Habib Ambassador of Russian Federation in Pakistan Ahmed, Honorary Consul, to share his views on His Excellency Mr. Alexey Yurivich Dedov valued the friendly relations and cooperation between Pakistan and Russian Federa- tion, particularly in area of ed- ucation and academic coopera- tion. Russian Ambassador was the Chief Guest in celebration of 55th Anniversary of Peoples Friendship University of Rus- sia. In his address ambassador stated that it was immensely delightful to witness drastic improvement in educational system of Pakistan. He also extended his support to Paki- stani students who wish to pursue higher education in Russia. During the talk, the activities of Office of Honorary Counsel of Rus- Ambassador extended his sincere gratitude for sian Federation in Lahore. He was addressing a inviting him to interact with enthusiastic youth of special meeting in which Annual Report of the Pakistan. Mr. Habib Ahmed warmly appreciates Office office Honorary Consul was presented. the contribution of PFUR and said that PFUR Head of Russian trade Office in Pakistan Mr. Yuri was the only university in the world which stated Kozlov and other officials of Russian Embassy in its purpose of establishing to give young people Pakistan including Mr. Alexi Afencive Mr. Vadim from Asia, Africa and Latin America, especially Fenchenko and Mr. Alexi Drokov also participat- from poor families, an opportunity to be educated ed in the event. Ambassador applauded efforts of and to become highly qualified specialists. Mr. Habib Ahmed in bringing Russia and Paki-

Russian Federation and host of the symposium, said the Russian victory was the victory for humanity. It actually saved the humanity because had the fascism won the war, the globe would have become a different place. Russians suffered over 7.4 million deaths dur- ing that war but still held on because of their emi- nence courage and will to fight, he added “We pay tribute to those Soviet people, who sacrificed their lives in fighting against Nazism. 70th Anniversary of the great day of victory against Nazism is an asset of whole of mankind on this earth. Today we stand for peace, freedom and prosperity of nations”. Former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri said it was an existential threat posed by six times bigger enemy that had pushed Pakistan into pro-west alli- ances. Russians had played a very important role in the Tashkent Declaration, he said, adding Pakistan’s Core principal university was uniting people of differ- ent nations, races and religions by means of knowledge; training qualified specialists in various spheres of activity; forming personalities, who love their native countries and are friends of Russia; who are familiar with the achievements of world culture; who boost the ideals of humanism, democracy and peoples’ friendship; and training young people, capa- ble of working in any country of the world and using their creativity in the context of interconnection of civilizations and diversity of modern society. Earlier, Mr. Munir Bhatti, Bahuddin Zakriya University La- hore Campus chairman, extended his sincere thanks for such an effective talk by Russian Ambassador. He also invited further delegations from Russian Federa- tion to BZU Lahore in order to form academic rela- tion between Pakistan and Russian Federation. ties with Russia had started improving ever since Mushar- Prof. Dr. Hasan Shah, and senior graduate Dr. Shahid Ha- raf took over and he became foreign minister. “Pakistan san welcomed the graduate, Dr. Najul hasan presented his stood by the Russians when the West put pressure on Iran book to CEO of BZU, and Mr. Imtiaz ul paid vote of thanks and wanted to attack it. His views were also supportive of on occasion. Russia during the Iraq crisis. These were signs of thaw and Symposium on 70th Anniversary of Great Patriotic War it had continued ever since,” he said and added: “The ties Speaking at the symposium to celebrate 70th anniversary of had ups and downs but now they are much stable.” victory in the Great Patriotic War against Fascism 1941-45, Mian Mohammad Somoro, Senator SM Zafafr Lt. Gen R Ambassador of the Russian Federation His Excellency Alex- Salludin Sati and Amjad Islam Amjad the audiences. Dr. ey Yurievich Dedov, the Russian forces saved humanity in Ashraf Nizami, Dr. Shahid Hasan and others graduates the war against Nazism. Russians fought and won the his- from CIS countries also participated in symposium. toric war seven decades ago and saved humans from exter- mination camps. Mr. Habib Ahmed, honorary consul of the

Seminar organised by Pakistan Russia Friendship Fo- day repent this policy and I stand vindicated now. The rum country was cheated in the name of Islam in Afghani- A seminar on socio-economic and cultural relation- stan and one should hope that the same mistake is not ship between Russia and Pakistan was organised in repeated in Yemen. Should that happen, it would be

Lahore by Pak-Russia Friendship Forum. The Chief disastrous for the country,” he warned. Talking about Guest Ambassador of the Russian Federation high- cultural ties between both countries, he said Leo Tol- lighted position of his country on various bilateral and stoy, Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Nikolai Gogol were international issues. “Russia supports Pakistan’s household names in Pakistani literature. “No student peace efforts in Yemen and its role in Afghanistan to of literature and human conscience could ignore their bring stability in the region”, he said while speaking at contribution to the world of literature and under- seminar . standing of human beings and society. The Russians Earlier, Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali, former foreign minis- were also running the biggest Pakistan Studies Centre ter, told the audience Pakistan had fought the Russian outside Pakistan”, he added. army on the basis of lies – the warm waters theory. Mr. Habib Ahmed, honorary consul for Russian Fed- “The National Assembly records show that I have al- eration in Lahore, said that time for fighting wars for ways opposed that theory because it was nothing but ideological purposes was gone and it was time for manufactured lies. I maintained that Pakistan will one business and economic development. Both countries needed to bury the past and work for betterment of their people through business and economic development. Both coun- tries had a lot to offer to each other and it was time to explore every avenue, be it economic, social or cultural, he concluded. Mr. Qadeer Seghal, Ms. Salam Awan, Zia Haider Rizvi and Iftikhar Bukhari addressed the event

Lahore

Celebration of 70th Victory day in Great Patriotic War Seminar in Lahore Peshawar: Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM) “PAKISTAN IS BRINGING PEACE AND made a diplomatic scoop by STABILITY IN THE REGION”: RUSSIAN inviting Russian Ambassador to Pakistan for a first ever lec- AMBASSADOR LECTURED AT AWK UNIVERSITY ture in the Province. Ambassa- MARDAN dor Mr. Alexy Dedov spoke Paracha who is now Chairman of Journal- ism & Mass Communication Department at Abdul Wali Khan University. Be-sides hundreds of students, dozens of profes- sionals, who had graduated from Soviet Universities, came to Mardan to greet the Ambassador from towns and cities across the Province. The ambassador gave a detailed lecture on Russian’s foreign policy and talked about the contemporary world about ‘Pakistan-Russia Rela- issues, such as Syria and Afghani- tions New Prospects and stan. He said that his country was Challenges’ at the spectacu- striving hard for the peaceful settle- lar event where faculty and ments of disputes in Middle East and students actively participat- Afghanistan. The Ambassador said ed putting question on vari- that Russia and Pakistan share same ous aspects of the relations. approach and interest on many is- It was the first visit of a Rus- sues of global importance. The am- sian Ambassador to Khyber bassador also answered the questions Pakhtunkhwa in many dec- of participants. Responding to a ades. After 40-year of hostil- question about the economic corri- ity during the Cold War dor, he said that he has known where Pakistan was in the through media that there is a dispute anti-Soviet Union camp and going on between KP and the central had been instrumental in the government over the route, but he Soviet pullout from Afghani- hoped both will reach a consensus. stan in 1980’s, relations be- Answering a question of a participant tween the old rivals are im- about Pak India Relations, the am- proving. Vice Chancellor bassador said that his government Professor Dr. Ihasn Ali re- welcomes the dialogue process and ceived the honorable guest. initiatives taken by both countries for The visited was organized by peace and stability. veteran journalist Shiraz

211th Anniversary of Kazan University

Kazan University celebrates its 211th anniversary this year. Over the years world-known personalities in science, literature, arts such as Y. Zavoiski, L. Tolstoy, S. Aksakov, I. Simonov, P. Melnikov- Pechersky, V. Khlebnikov, M. Balakirev and many others have stud- ied here. Kazan is a hospitable city that can compete with any Euro- pean capital in infra-structure development and clean environment. SOUTH PUNJAB WANTS BUSINESS WITH RUSSIA Ambassador Visited Multan, Sahiwal, Harpa, Faisalabad

His Excellency Mr. Alexey Yuri Dedov, ambassador of the Rus- sian Federation in Pakistan, has visited recently South Punjab and Faisalabad. He addressed Multan, Khaniwal and Faisala- bad Chambers of commerce and industries. He visited archeolog- ical heritage of Harpa and met several business delegation. During his visit to chambers of commerce and industries, he viewed that bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russian Federation are heading in right direction, however, direct link between the business communi- ties of the two countries is re- quired to enhance bilateral trade. Addressing the members of the MCCI, KCCI and FCCI on differ- ent occasions during his visit, he mentioned recent developments on political, parliamentary and diplomatic fronts and said that both countries have close con- tacts and negotiations are continuing on various opment etc. Russia’s Honorary Consul HabibAh- issues and problems. He welcomed the proposals mad said that Pakistani products such as mango, of businessmen to enhance bilateral trade and cotton, meat, dairy and handicrafts have much assured that Russian Federation will give a serious opportunities to export for Russian Federation. consideration to these valuable and practicable Quoting energy crisis, he said that trans-national suggestions for the benefit of the two countries. projects such as CASA-1000 and TAPI gas pipe- Regarding a question on stuck up amounts in Rus- line are mega projects and Russia is willing to pro- sian Banks, he said that this issue has two-way vide technical and financial support in addition to dimension and could be resolved only through helping Pakistan in oil and gas exploration. Presi- bilateral negotiations. dent MCCI Mian Iqbal Hassan said that despite Mr. Yuri Kozlor, trade representative of the Rus- security challenges, Pakistan, particularly south- sian Federation explained in detail the huge op- ern Punjab offers nest opportunities to investors. portunities of bilateral cooperation between Paki- Latterly Engineer Rizwan Ashraf President FCCI stan and Russia and said that Pakistan Steel Mills welcomed the guests with brief introduction of and Guddu (Muzaffargarh) Power Plant are exam- Faisalabad and FCCI. ple of our cooperation and close linkages. He said that Russian Federations can help Pakistan in the fields of Geology, transport, Infrastructure devel-

“Pakistan-Russia Relations: Opportunities and Challenges” Dr. Azmat Hayat Khan@ IPRI Guest Lecture

 Russia is an important country for Pakistan, as regionally Russia is a super power and globally it’s a regional power. Islamabad can have cordial relations with all regional states by improving its ties with Russia.  The former Soviet Union did not break, it was a political change from the top. None of the former Soviet Union states asked for separation. It was a political change be- cause there were no demonstrations and demand for inde- pendence, they were simply given independence.  Some scholars say that Soviet Union was the continuation of Tsarist state, while Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is the continuation of Soviet Union. The char- ter of CIS outlines that external borders would be manned by Russia and internal borders would be transparent; bekistan. Russia can have access to Persian Gulf via equipment and training of the security forces would be pro- Gwadar. Middle East is important for Russia because of oil vided by Russia. and politics. Middle East can serve as a market for Russian products.  Russia still considers Afghanistan and Central Asian Re- During Cold War Pakistan-Russia relations had seen many publics (CARs) as its backyard. After their withdrawal from  strong enough to topple a government. ups and downs. Incidents such as Soviet Union support for Afghanistan on Pashtunistan issue, the U-2 incident and  Pakistan should not give too much value to implications of Pakistan’s support for Afghan Mujahideen had shaken the India’s relations with Russia on its relations with Pakistan. confidence of both countries. India has its own value to the Russians and Pakistan has its The Central Asian borders are not natural. They are admin- own importance. States protect their national interests and  so does Russia. istrative borders and were finalised by Stalin in 1939. Rus- sia fears ethnic or religious violence in the CARs. The eth-  As the US withdraws from Afghanistan, a vacuum is being nicities overlap all over CARs, and if the ethnic or religious created and Russia fears instability in CARs. Therefore, for issue becomes violent in CARs, it would open a Pandora Moscow, Pakistan is of great importance since it can assist box. There will be influx of refugees in Russia and weaken for stability in Afghanistan and CARs. Russia believes that their system and Moscow is scared of it. the only country which can bring stability to Afghanistan is Pakistan. This provides an opportunity for the improve-  The militant movements in CARs, such as Islamic Move- ment of relations between the two countries, and Islama- ment in Uzbekistan and Lal-e-Badakshan in Tajikistan are bad should avail it. neither politically organized to run a system, nor militarily exports to Pakistan are only 1%, and Pakistan’s exports to  Trade, education and military technology are areas for co- Russia are 0.06%. There is an opportunity for Pakistan, operation between Pakistan and Russia, and offer a lot of because Russia has a market of more than 12,000 billion prospects. Russia wants to invest in Pakistan in technology, USD. Russian market needs Pakistani products but there is drip irrigation, desert farming and agriculture. Russian a need to have a robust policy to tap the Russian market. Afghanistan the Soviet leaders said that they had strategic There are prospects of raising the bilateral trade to 3-4 bil- interests in Afghanistan, and India was looking after those lion USD. interests. One can say that, Afghanistan is as important for Russia as Mexico is important for the US. Hence there is no  Cooperation in education is an opportunity to develop peo- way they can ignore Afghanistan. ple to people contacts. Exchange of scholars and sending Pakistani scientists to Russia will promote bilateral cooper-  For Russia, Pakistan is important in two ways. One is eco- ation. Presently less than 500 Pakistani students are in nomic, because it serves as an outlet for CARs and Russia Russian universities, which is a very small number. would never desire instability in CARs. Russia wants to see CARs economically strong and politically stable. The crisis  Military technology is an area which offers potential for which took place in Andijan was economic in nature but cooperation. In 1965, former Soviet Union gave Pakistan was given a religious color. Another reason which makes amphibious tanks, now Russia has lifted the arms embargo Pakistan important for Russia is the strategic location of and is ready to give helicopters. Pakistan. Because of its geography, Pakistan can provide an  After the US withdrawal, Russia wants to play a major role access for Central Asian resources towards the Middle East in South Asian region. Moscow still considers former Soviet and Indian Ocean. Even Russian goods can reach the out- republics as its territory, and Afghanistan as its backyard. side world through Pakistan. Russians do not want any hostile power in their backyard.  Iran has linked Mashhad to Sarakhs, and if Mashhad is Any movement, which is a threat to peace and stability of linked to Quetta via Herat, and Kandhar, Pakistan, Iran Russia and CARs, is perceived as hostile. and Afghanistan will get connected. If Zahedan, and Paki-  Pakistan’s importance has enhanced because Moscow be- stan are connected through rail it will connect Pakistan to lieves that Pakistan can play its role in bringing peace and Russian railway system. Russia is looking for an opening stability in the region, provided Islamabad plays its cards through Iran or CARs mostly from Turkmenistan and Uz- well. PAKISTAN, KYRGYZ- TAJIK AMBASSADOR H.E. SHERALI S STAN AGREEDN TO JONONOV ADDRESSED RCCI BOOST TIES Ambassador of Tajikistan Sherali S Mashadi during his visit to Cham- Jononov has said that Pakistan is to ber on Tuesday. Senior Vice Presi-

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kyrgyz- stan agreed to enhance cooperation in all areas in-cluding trade and get 1000MW energy under dent Mian Humayun Parvez, mem- economy. The agreement was CASA1000 project in 2017 and Ta- bers’ executive committee and other reached during talks between the jikistan has the potential to provide member of the chamber were also visiting Kyr-gyz Foreign Minister 1000MW extra to Pakistan on present on the occasion. Speaking Erlan Abdyldaev and Advi-sor to cheaper rates, he added. He said his on the occasion, President RCCI country was eager to enhance bilat- Syed Asad Mashadi said that both PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, a eral trade ties with Pakistan. He the countries must enhance rela- state-ment issued by the Foreign said Pakistani kinno, mango and tions in other sectors beside energy. Office said. In the delegation-level textile could get huge response in He said that current trade volume talks, the two sides discussed pro- Tajik market but Pakistani business between two the countries was mere moting economic relations, energy community needed to be more ac- $9 million and it was far behind the tive to get their share. He was ex- potential both the countries had to coopera-tion, political-level con- changing views with President Ra- enhance bilateral trade relations. tacts, regional connectiv-ity through walpindi Chamber of Commerce land and air for the promotion of and Industry (RCCI) Syed Asad people-to-people contacts, trade and tourism, the statement added. PAKISTAN, TAJIKISTAN, AFGHANISTAN TRILATERAL TRANSIT AGREEMENT

BISHKEK (INP): Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan have almost neared on the finalization of draft of the Trilateral Transit Agreement among the three countries. On April 9, the meeting of the working group of representatives of the governments of the three countries opened in Dushanbe. The meeting agreed on a draft of this agreement. "The rele- vant decision under this agreement will be made at the end of the meeting of the working group," said the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan. In January this year, Pakistan handed the draft of the proposed Pakistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan Trilateral Transit Agreement (PATTTTA) to both the Afghan and Tajik governments and sought their proposals. In the beginning of January this year, Pakistan and Afghani- stan held two days negotiations to review Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) and to search out avenues of signing Trilateral Transit Trade Agreement (ATTA) amongst Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan with an aim to enhance trade volume up to $5 billion over the next three years. Azerbaijan-Pakistan Business Forum Held in RUSSIAN CONSULATE KARACHI CELBREATED

Reception on the occasion of the Diplo- mat's Day, the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Karachi gave a reception on the occasion of the Diplo- mat’s Day. An exhibition of paintings made by Mr. O.V. Ivanov, Consul, was arranged at the consular premises. Visu- al materials related to the history of the Rus-sian Diplomatic uniform were put on display.A special edition of the BAKU, Azerbaijan: The Pa- men of his country are inter- “Ambassador” magazine dedicated to kistan-Azerbaijan Business ested to invest in Pakistan. the Diplomat’s Day was also published forum was inaugurated in Earlier, the two leaders held Baku, which will help pro- a one-on-one meeting in on the occasion. The Chief Guest of the mote economies of the two Baku followed by delegation reception was Mr. Agha SirajDurrani, countries. The inauguration level talks. During the talks, the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly was jointly carried out by the two sides reaffirmed P r e s i d e n t M a m n o o n their commitment to pro- of Sindh. The function was also attended Hussain and his Azeri Coun- mote bilateral friendship by Mr. Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Senior terpart Ilham Heydar Aliyev. and cooperation between Minis-ter, Government Sindh, On the occasion, Mamnoon Pakistan and Azerbaijan in Hussain said that Azerbaijan diverse field including ener- Ms.RubinaQaimkhani, Minister, Gov- can benefit from the experi- gy and tourism. The two ernment of Sindh,members of the Con- ences of Pakistan in differ- countries also signed various sular corps of Kara-chi, businessmen, ent sectors while the Azeri agreements. cultural and media personalities. president said that business-

AZERBIJAN FIRST LADY: AWARDED WITH PAKISTAN’S HIGH ORDER

Azerbaijan’s first lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Lady Mehriban Aliyeva has been awarded the Hilal-e Pakistan order of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Pakistani President Mr. Mamnoon Hussain signed a related order on February 11, the Heydar Aliyev Fndation told APA. Hilal-e Pakistan is the high order of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This is the first time the Hilal-e Pakistan order has been awarded to a first lady.

PAKISTAN PROPOSES TRANSIT TRADE AGREEMENT TO TURKMENISTAN

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has proposed to Turkmenistan to sign the transit trade agreement to establish trade linkages with the Central Asian coun- tries, which may be extend- ed further to Russia. The Ministry of Commerce will forward the draft of the pro-posed (PATTTTA) was held which proved fruitful. The three transit trade agreement to the Turkmen officials. sides will meet again in February in Dushanbe with This was discussed in a meeting by the Federal Min- the first draft of the trilateral transit trade agreement ister for Commerce Engr. Khurram Dastagir Khan and the final draft of agreement will be brought on table in March in Kabul where PATTTTA is expected with the Ambassador of Turkmenistan in Pakistan to be signed. The two transit trade agreements will be Aladjan Movlamov, who called on the minister in the harbinger of a new era of trade cooperation be- Islamabad here on Tuesday. tween the two regions of South Asia and Central Asia. The transit trade agreement with Turkmenistan will The minister also proposed to establish the Joint establish another trade corridor into the Central Business Forum, which will include the business- Asian states where goods will be traded with greater men of two countries to strengthen coordination be- ease and in larger quantity. In the beginning of Janu- tween private sectors. This will also provide a plat- ary, the first meeting of Pakistan-Afghanistan- form to the governments of two countries to com- Tajikistan Trilateral Transit Trade Agreement municate with a single forum for feedback and facili- tation. “Russia stands for a multipolar world” Ambassador RUSSIAN Alexey Dedov, lectured at Pakistan Institute of AMBASDOR International Affairs Karachi VISITED Karachi: An interactive session with the Russian Ambassador to PAK STEEL Pakistan Alexey Dedov was orga- nized by the Pakistan Institute of

KARACHI International Affairs (PIIA) on April 10th, 2015 at the institute.

Ambassador of Rus- Responding to a question about sian Federation in Pa- the set forth privatization of Pa- kistan H.E. Alexey Y. kistan Steel Millls, established in full support by the former USSR, Dedov called o n he informed that he had meeting Chief Exeutive Officer with the PSM representatives he Pakistan Steel Mills, came to know that the PSM was Major General (r) Za- producing at 42 percent of its heer Ahmed Khan Hi- capacity which was not bad in lal-e-Imtiaz (Military) consideration of the current eco- nomic condition of Pakistan. He here at Operations was of the view that there was no Building, Bin Qasim. need for the privatization of the They discussed the steel mill. On the current cries in current situation of Yemen, he said the role of the Pakistan Steel and had external players should be the role of the mediator between the an opinion of Pakistan combating factions and to safe- Steel management that guard the lives of locals and not how repairs and ex- to attack the country. He further pansion of this nation- added that both the presidents al asset be persuaded of Yemen and Ukraine were elected in the democratic way through investment and the military coups to topple them role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organi- opportunities. The were illegal and unjust. zation. He appreciated Pakistan’s stand visiting dignitary was He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for on Ukraine issue. given a detailed brief- bring peace and reconciliation in Afghan- Ambassador Devdov asserted that Rus- ing on Pakistan Steel. istan and cooperation between the Paki- sia would work for a multi-polar world stan and Afghanistan’s intelligence agen- rather than a unipolar world, so the cies to curb terrorism in both countries. countries could have more choices and He informed that Russia, along with Chi- much more space in order to form their na, was trying to find Pakistan a suitable polices, instead of following the dictation of just one influential power. On the issue of Kashmir, he said, “There’s lots of poten- tial for resolution of the Kashmir issue and we hope things will move in a positive direction”. The meeting was attended by the member of the Pakistan Institute of International Af- fairs, veteran journalists and representatives of the aca- demia.

Moscow: The official Paki- stan Day Reception was PAKISTAN DAY CELIBRATED IN MOSCOW held at Four Seasons Ho- tel, Mos- cow on M a r c h , 2 3 , 2015. It w a s w i d e l y at t end - ed by f r iend s of Paki- s t a n , including politicians, par- liamentarians, officials, diplomatic corps, academ- ics, writers, poets, jour- nalists, business people a n d P a k i s t a n i diasporas.

55th Anniversary of PFUR

Peoples’ Friendship University (PFU) was founded on 5 February, 1960 by the USSR Government. On 22 Febru- ary, 1961, the University was named after Patrice Lumumba — one of the symbols of the African peoples’ fight for independence. Professor Sergey Vasi- lievich Rumiantsev, Doctor of engineer- ing, Honored scientist of the RF, was the first Rector of the University. He took an active part in the foundation of

KVN (a Russian improvisation comedy show «Club of the Merry and Inventive Peo- ple») were organized (later on, the PFUR KVN team became one of the most famous teams in the country). In 1966, construction of a new campus in the South-West district of Moscow was started. Professor Vladimir Frantsevich Stanis, Honored scientist of the RF, Doctor of eco- nomics, became the second Rector of the PFU. It was he who proclaimed the «cult of knowledge» at the University, heading it from 1970 to 1993. In this period, the Peo- ples’ Friendship University became a major international scientific and educational cen- tre. By 1975, the University had more than 5600 graduates, among them 4250 people the University and remained its Rector till 1970. In from 89 foreign countries. That year, the University 1960, studies for international stu- was awarded the Peoples’ friendship Order for dents started at the preparatory Faculty. On 1 Septem- achievements in training experts for Asian, African ber, the Russian language studies were introduced at and Latin America countries. The University’s name the six main faculties of the PFU (Engineering faculty, was changed to the Peoples’ Friendship University of faculty of History and philology, Medical faculty, Agri- Russia on 5 February, 1992 by the RF Government, cultural faculty, faculty of Science, faculty of Law and which is considered the University’s founder. economics). From 1993 to 1998, PFUR was headed by Vladimir The first 288 students from 47 countries graduated in Mikhailovich Filippov, a 1973 graduate of PFU named 1965. Around that time international construction after Patrice Lumumba. He held the position of the teams started to appear, the first student teams of Minister of education of the RF from 1998 to 2004, and was appointed the Primeminister’s Assistant on culture and education in 2004. In the period from 1998 to 2005, PFUR was headed by professor Dmitry Petrovich Bilibin, a 1966 graduate of PFU named after Patrice Lumumba, Honored scientist of the RF, Doctor of medical sciences. He was acting Rector till 2004, and was elected Rector of the University in 2004. V.M. Filippov, professor, Doctor of sciences in physics and mathematics, member of the Presidium of the Russian academy of education, was reelected Rector of the PFUR on 4 March, 2005, and has headed the Universi- ty since then.

55th Anniversary of PFUR

also developed systems of pre-university and further professional education. 2006 was marked by a 50000th diploma of PFUR, received by Jose Atinen- sia Villagomez, Engineering faculty graduate from Ecuador. Today Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia is one of the leading state higher educational institu- tions of Russia. It is the only university in the world every year uniting students from 140 countries. The University has a multiprofile structure of faculties and majors, typical for classical universities of the world. More than 77 thousand graduates of the Uni- versity work in 170 countries, among them more than 5500 holders of PhD and Doctorate degrees. Specialists are prepared in 62 majors and lines of study. More than 29 thousand graduate and post- graduate students from 140 countries are currently studying at the university. They represent more than 450 nations and nationalities of the world. The University is a renowned research center. It is a team of 4500 employees, among them 2826 highly qualified teachers. The University intellectual fund comprises more than 870 author’s invention certifi- cates and 150 patents of the Russian Federation in practically all fields of University scientific research. Many foreign and Russian political and public fig- ures and outstanding scholars and scientists became PFUR Emeritus Professors. Among them are presi- dents of Namibia, Angola, Sri Lanka and South Afri- can Republic, Gabon and Nigeria; prime-ministers Bangladesh, Kazakhstan; UN Chief Executive Of- ficer on Education, Culture and Science; Director of CEPES. After 50 years of existence, the University is known world-wide as a major academic and research cen- ter, many years in top-five Russian universities.

The 1990’s saw the creation of new faculties and Institutes: Ecological faculty, faculty of Economics, faculty of Law, Philological faculty, faculty of Hu- manities and social sciences, faculty of Refresher training for health care professionals, Institute of Foreign languages, Institute of Distance learning, Institute of Hospitality business and tourism, Insti- tute of Gravitation and cosmology. The University Dr. Shahid Hasan (Chief Editor; Vipusknik), with Rector of university- 1975 55th Anniversary of PFUR

BANGLADES H

INDIA

APGR&CIS Lahore, cele- brated 55th Anniversary of PFUR at BZU Campus, host- ed by Department of mass communication

Turkmenistan’s Neutrality: Conference in Islamabad

Islamabad —A thought provoking lecture on “Turkmenistan Policy of Permanent Neutrality” orga- nized by Defense and Diplomatic Studies Department (DDS), of FJWU university. DDS Department organized this program in collaboration with Embassy of Turk- menistan and Academics Society of Asian Civilization. The lecture is a part of series of events that are dedicated to 20th Anniversary celebration of Turkmenistan Neu- trality. H.E. Mr. Esen Aydogdyev, Rector International Univer- sity for Humanity and Development, Ashgabat, Turk- menistan was the guest of Honor. While other guests were Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar A. Qureshi, Head of Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, National University of Modern Language, Mr. Ashraf Ansari, Head of Academ- ics Society of Asian Civilization, Mr. Major Guvanch, Defense Attaché of Turkmenistan and Dr. Uzaira Rafique, Dean Science and Technology, FJWU. Dr. Sai- ma A. Kiani, Head of DDS Department, welcomed the honorable guests and briefed the audi-ence about the fully enjoying a strong and long history of diplomatic importance of December 12, 2015 for the people of Turk- relations. menistan. While addressing the audience Mr. Ashraf Ansari said Speaking on the occasion Mr. Esen Aydogdyev said that bilateral relations between the two countries have great this policy of ‘Permanent Neutrality’ is firstly announced potentials and both the country will benefit from each in Islamabad on the eve of ECO Summit in 1995 and Pa- other to the greatest extent. The lecture was followed by kistan was the cosponsor of the resolution at this plat- interactive question answer session. form. He briefly highlighted the important factors that In the end, Mr. Azhar Shehbaz, Assistant Professor, how Turkmenistan came through this policy as Neutrali- thanked the guest speakers. After this Dean D r. ty is a comprehensive notion to people of Turkmenistan, U z a i r a Rafique presented university souvenirs he added. He also discussed the future plans of coopera- to the guests as a token of appreciation tion with Pakistan and said that both countries success-

PFUR 55th Anniversary celebrated in Karachi

Meeting of Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia & C.I.S, KPK Chapter held in Mardan. APGR& CIS News APGR&CIS Islamabad constitutes Association of Pakistan Graduates from Russia & CIS - Organizing KPK Chapter met with Russian Ambassador Committee for 70th Anniversary of Victory Day celebration

To celebrate 70th Anniversary of Victory Day in Great Patriot- ic War, Association of Paki- stani Graduates from Russia A session of Pakistani graduates government should offer more and CIS is organising a mega from Russia was also held in the scholarships to Pakistani students event in Islamabad. meeting room of central library at and provide more opportunities of APGR&CIS has established Abdul Wali Khan University Mar- cultural exchange. The ambassa- organising committee led by Dr. Shahid Hasan. All dan. The partic-ipants had a de- dor thanked the organizers and members of APGR& CIS are tailed discussion with His Excel- the university administration for advice to contact for organiza- lence Mr. Alexy Dedov. They re- organizing such an important tional matters quested the ambassador that his event.

PFUR APGR & CIS KPK Chapter met in Mardan 55th Anniversary Celebrated in Report Engr. Iftikhar Ali Karachi : Dr. Zahid Hasan Association of Pakistani Graduates from nominated to organize district commit- Russia and CIS held in Mardan and was tee and local units. Mr. Ihsanur Raheem; participated by more than 50 graduates District Mingora-Thana-Malakand and Association of Pakistani Gradu- from different institutions of Former surrounding areas, Mr. Abu Saeed; Dis- ates from Russia & CIS Karachi Soviet Union. Engr. Iftikhar Ali, chaired trict Sawat, Mr. Hameedul Haq; District Chapter has celebrated the 55 the meeting which discused aims of As- Sawabi, Dr. Ghafoor; District Bu n e r , Years Years of the RUDN on sociation of Pakistani Graduates from Engr. Firdous Khan ; District Char- 14th February 2015 at the Rus- Russia & CIS (APGR&CIS), membership sadda, Dr. Nihaar; District Tangi- sian Center of Science and Cul- campaign, nomination of the Coordina- sherpao and surrounding areas, Mr. ture (Friendship House). tors for different districts of KP, mobili- FarooqAfzal; FATA region, Dr. Mir Many Graduates have partici- zation for celebration of Victory day in Alam; District Mardan, Dr. Khushal pated in this event. great Patriotic War. The meeting started Khan; District Peshawar and Mr. The Deputy Consul General of with recitation of few verses from the IdreesK hattak ; District Nowshera. Russia in Karachi Mr. Andrey Holly Quran by Mr. Hameed Ul Haq. These coordinators will coordinate in Fedorov and the Director of the Each participant was given the oppor- their districts and with their colleagues Russian Center of Science & tunity to introduce himself. After formal in other districts whose representatives Culture were also present at the introduction of the Participants, Engr. were not present in the meeting. It was function, dedicated to the 55 Iftikhar Ali, gave introduction of decided that after completion of mem- Years of the RUDN. APGR&CIS and briefed the participants bership in districts, a convention will be on the aim of the Association. He further called to elect provincial organization. briefed the participants on the different Other organizational matter including events and activities of Association, or- funds and celebration of Victory day ganized in Islamabad and other cities in were also discussed. Pakistan. Following coordinator were Russian Ambassador visit; Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Veteran leader of the left TAHIRA MAZHAR ALIN KHAN movement, Tahira Mazhar Ali, passed away in Lahore. Born in Lahore in a prominent family, Tahira’s father was Sir w a s r e - Sikander Hayat Khan, the prime minister of united Pun- strained from jab from 1937 to 1942, while her maternal grandfather inviting Indi- was Nawab Muzaffar Ali Khan, a prominent landlord of an women Punjab. She studied at Queen Mary School in Lahore and activists to later married Mazhar Ali Khan at the age of 16. Marrying celebrate the a student leader may have been a turning point in her life International and her political life began after marriage. Being born in Women’s Day an affluent family did not deter her from struggling for here. After the rights of the marginalised. further re- strictions on She carried on her activism for labour and women’s the associa- rights for over 60 years. It was Tahira who for the first tion during time in Pakistan observed the International Women’s Gen Zia’s Day publicly, where it was openly demanded that women reign, these be given their equal status and their rights be estab- leading wom- lished. When it came to fighting for human rights, Tahira en’s rights was unbending and her marked resistance made her a activists formed the Women’s Action Forum (WAF) as a threat to the establishment. In 1950, the Democratic new resistance movement. Zia’s oppressive re-gime and Women’s Association (DWA) was formed and led by controversies such as the Hudood laws compelled the Tahira. It is considered the country’s first women’s rights formation of WAF in 1981. “Tahira was indeed a true organsation that ran with the support of the Communist activist,” remembers I.A. Rehman. “She joined the Com- Party of Pakistan, something that Tahira was proud of, munist Party at a very young age and since then never often comparing it to internationally run organisations once stepped back from the work she was doing. After today. Other members of the DWA included Hajra the Partition too she worked on peace and was on the Masood, Khadija Omar, Amatul Rehman and Alys Faiz. peace committee between India and Pakistan.” He de- Its work was based in the grassroots in small neighbour- scribed her as a very active political person who even hoods and involved mobilisation of women and workers. participated in rallies and protests in her old age. She It is because of her work in this regard that Tahira is remained a member of the Central Working Committee seen as one of the greatest women of the subcontinent. of the National Workers Party. But though she remained Those who knew her well recall her active role in protests strong inside, outwardly Tahira Mazhar Ali’s health be- and rallies. Amid tears, her long-time colleague and close gan to turn fragile, especially after she suffered a stroke. friend ‘Baji’ Naseem Ashraf Malik recalled Tahira and On Monday, March 23, she passed away at her house in said she was “history personified”. In the 1960s, Ayub Shah Jamal, Lahore. Tahira Mazhar leaves behind a Khan banned the DWA for its stance on his rule. Later, daughter, Tauseef Hyat, and two sons, Tariq Ali, a re- during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s regime, though there was nowned writer, and Mahir Ali, a journalist in Australia. more freedom of movement and expression, the DWA

a great human being, he trained many professionals in the field Professor Mofiz Uddin Ahmed. of theoretical physics. He loved life, his family and friends.He met his love Amber Shamim Malik ( Pinky) in Moscow, study- Graduated with honors from the ing in same university. They grew and gave education to their Physics and Mathematics Depart- two sons. They had a lot of friends. Mofiz was internationalist. ment of the University of Friend- He maintained contact with graduates PFUR in different coun- ship of Peoples Moscow in 1979, tries. Dreamed with his wife to come to Moscow to see his Professor Mofiz Uddin Ahmed home university. We me several timesand during my Dhaka died in Bangladesh . He worked as visit in December 2014 also. He was hospitable, humble and a professor at the Department of kind and a scientist of international level. We offer condolenc- Mathematics & Natural Sciences es to his parents, wife pinky and sons and daughter and baji at BRAC University, Dhaka. A Naseem, Dr. Waseem Ashraf Malik, Dr. Humaira, Nimo and talented scientist and teacher and Shahida Dastagir. RUSSIAN DEFENDER DAY CEBRATED IN IS- LAMABD Russian Embassy Islamabad FILM GORYACHIY SNEG (THE HOT SNOW) displayed Soviet film about Battle in Stalingad – Goryachiy DISPLAYED AT RUSSIAN EMBASSY sneg (The Hot Snow)” shouted in 1972. The movie is based on epony- mous novel by Yuri Bondarev, who himself participated and wounded in this war. The story takes place in December 1942, when the soldiers of a Red Ar- my antitank gun battery face the onslaught of German ar- mored division trying to re- lieve the besieged German -28 Light , Degtyaryov DT Machine troops in Stalingrad. Film was directed by Mr. Gavriil Gun, Maxim40 Anti-tank , Automatic AA Yegiazarov and staring with George Zhzhyonov, Ana- gun M1939, Trivia,Artillery, Tanks and Armored toly Kuznetsov, Boris Tokarev and others. Battle of Cars. Stalingrad - explains radical change in the Great Pat- riotic War and defence of city of Stalingrad. In De- Film was displayed in Auditorium of Russian Embas- cember 1942 under German 6th Army, about 330 sy. Earlier Ambassador His Excellency Alexi thousand man, under the command of General F. Dedov welcomed participants and highlighted about Paulus were surrounded. Several weapons, such as the significant aspects of Stalingrad war in defeating are seen in the movie The Hot Snow (Goryachiy Nazis. He hosted a dinner in the honor of partici- Sneg) Handguns; Nagant M1895 , 2 TT-33 pants. A large number dignities including member Pistol, ubmachine guns, PPSh-41, MP40, ; parliament, government officials, journalist, busi- Mosin Nagant M1891/30 Rifle, Mosin Nagant nessmen political and civil society activists were par- M1938 M1910/30 Machine Gun, PTRS-41 Antitank ticipated in event. Rifle, RPG- , Machine guns, Degtyaryov DP

"My Last War: Afghanistan without Soviet Troops" Memories of Soviet General Translated Into Urdu

Vipusknik/ Soviet Graduate Dr. Najam ul Sahar ers and critics during Butt, who proved to be one of the most profes- the latest Book Fair at sional translators from Russian into Urdu in Paki- the Lahore Expo Cen- stan has translated book "My last war… Afghani- ter. He also translated stan without soviet troops", memories of Soviet Russian allegorical General Mr. M.A.Gareev in Urdu language. novel "Master e Mar- gari-ta" (Master and "Moya poslednyaya Voina… Afghanistan bez so- Margarita) and vetskih voisk" has been translated and published "Chelovek Am- with Urdu title "Meri Akhri Jung… AFGHANI- phibia" ("Amphibian STAN SOVIET AFWAJ KE INKHALA KE BAAD". man") novel by Alex- It was published by "Jumhoori Publications" in ander Belyaev into 2015 and has attracted positive attention of read- Urdu language.

VIPUSKNIK

Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia and CIS

Chief Editor Editorial Board Dr. Shahid Hasan Ashique Hamdani, Saleem Malik Iftikhar Ahmed

Email: [email protected] , Call+923364587263