DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 Monthly Islamabad April 2021 Diplomatic Star Vol

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Pakistan and Azerbaijan decides to H.E. Ali Alizada start Post-Covid direct flights Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan

DIPLOMATIC STAR 1 Pakistan, Germany enjoying Denmark’sApril 2021 interest in Unity in Diversity Pakistan Green initiative 2 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 Monthly Islamabad April 2021 Diplomatic Star Vol. # 10 Issue # 04 Editorial

Chief Editor Raja Aamir Mahmood Bhatti Publisher Zahida Perveen Executive Editor Raja Asif Mahmood Bhatti

Diplomatic correspondent Biden to take off US forces from Afghanistan

Shabbir Hussain The Biden administration has now set a clearer timeline for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. While the US Presi- Chief Correspondent (Europe) dent said it would be “difficult” to meet the May 1 deadline between Tariq Mahmood Awan the previous US administration and the Afghan Taliban, US officials now say the evacuation will be completed by September 11. While Chief Reporter some see it as the roundabouts change, it can also be seen as a more realistic, achievable history. Khalid Ali Khan It is also important to note that the announcement comes ahead of the Afghan peace talks in Istanbul on April 24. However, the Afghan Special Correspondent Taliban has said they will not take part in the program in Turkey Mohsin Ali until “all foreign forces have withdrawn from our country. “But it is also true that much can change between now and April 24 and we Photographer can expect great diplomatic activity to make the Istanbul program a success and for the Taliban to accept the new date. Ramzan Mughal Foreign involvement in Afghanistan has been a major source of instability in the country, although the Afghan political class and Legal Advisors militants have also played a significant role in the destruction of Sajid Ilyas (Advocate) their homeland. However, the forever war cannot continue, and the High Court & Supreme Court of Pakistan sooner foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan and the Afghans accept responsibility for their own country, the better. Washington Javid Iqbal (Advocate) must stick to the new date and make sure there is no further delay. Supreme Court of Pakistan And when the Taliban are talking harshly about this latest development, they must show flexibility and continue negotiations with Graphic Designer the government in Kabul. The fact is that the Istanbul Summit offers a good opportunity for Muhammad Ikhlaq all Afghan factions, the Western-backed government, the Taliban, and other political and tribal stakeholders to move the peace pro- Printer: cess forward and set some worthwhile goals. And it would be a good Roohani Art Press, Islamabad idea for all factions, especially the Taliban, to refrain from all forms of violence as a major confidence-building measure to show that Office: they have come to the Turkish city in good faith. If the Taliban con- House # R-62, St # 12, Ghouri Town, tinue to take a hard line and decide to boycott the meeting, it could have an impact on the withdrawal of foreign troops and leave Af- Phase 4-A , Islamabad ghanistan in further uncertainty. Contact: 0312-5077006 This is fact that Afghanistan has suffered for decades because pow- 0333-5164302 erful local players have refused to compromise and insisted on hog- ging power. As a result, the people of this country have suffered im- Email: [email protected] mensely. The United States and its Western allies appear to have largely won the Afghan war - although some Republicans want the US mission to continue indefinitely. It will be seen in the coming Price Rs: 500 weeks whether the principal Afghan players are willing to lift the USA: $10 gauntlet. Euro zone: €10 Chief Editor Raja Aamir Mahmood Bhatti

DIPLOMATIC STAR 3 Disclaimer! April 2021 The views of the writers do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine Exclusive Interview

Pakistan and Azerbaijan decides to start Post-Covid direct flights H.E. Ali Alizada Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Raja Aamir Mahmood Bhatti countries. “the three countries desired of [email protected] The Foreign Ministers of both further deepening cooperation countries agreed to further in all areas of mutual interest.” DS: Would you please let us boost the cooperation in diverse Both, the bilateral meetings know about the important de- fields of mutual interest includ- and the trilateral meeting al- velopments during the recent ing political, strategic, trade, ready lasted a positive impacts visit of the Foreign Minister of economic, energy, defense, to our relations and will con- Azerbaijan to Pakistan? peace and security, humani- tinue to further boost coopera- Ambassador: As a newly ap- tarian, science and technology, tion. pointed FM of Azerbaijan, Mr. cultural and people-to-people DS: During the meetings in Jeyhun Bayramov was keen to ties, as well as continue to sup- Islamabad, the FMs also dis- pay one of his earliest official port each other on all issues in- cussed the Karabakh and visits to the brotherly country volving our countries’ national Kashmir issues. What is the of Pakistan to discuss the pos- interests. stated policy of Azerbaijan on sibilities of strengthening and Another development during Kashmir? boosting relations with Paki- the visit was to hold the sec- Ambassador: As a country stan. As you are aware the last ond trilateral meeting of FMs which enormously suffered bilateral visit of the FM of Azer- of Azerbaijan, Pakistan and from the Armenian aggres- baijan to Pakistan took place 10 Turkey. This meeting success- sion and occupation for almost years ago and I think this visit fully concluded by the signing three decades, we understand itself was one of the important of Islamabad declaration by the the consequences of the con- developments between the two three FMs. The declaration said flicts well. As a member of the

4 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 several international organizations and OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, Azer- baijan constantly made all efforts for the resolution of Kashmir dispute. The principal position of Azer- baijan on Kashmir issue is clear; Azerbaijan has always consistently supported the principle and legitimate position on Kashmir issue in ac- cordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and has supported the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue. Unfortu- nately, Kashmir issue lasts more than seven decades and we hope and believe that with support and efforts by the international community this conflict will be resolved ami- cably soon, through mutual dialogue and understanding. DS: How do you see the overall relations between two countries? Where you think we should work more? Ambassador: Azerbaijan and omous Republic of Nakhchivan, Pakistan enjoy excellent rela- Ambassador’s profile Azerbaijan tions based on bonds of broth- Date of Birth: June 21, 1978, Nakh- 2005-2010 -Head of Department erhood, shared history, culture, chivan city of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mutual respect and trust. Both Education: of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the countries have already 1994-1998 -Bachelor, Faculty of the Autonomous Republic of Na- reached strategic partnership Translation, Azerbaijan State Uni- khchivan, Azerbaijan at political level. But trade versity of Languages 2010-2016 -Consul General of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city and economic relations don’t 2005-2008 -Master, the Faculty of of Tabriz of the Islamic Republic match our political relations; State and Municipal Administra- tion, the Academy of Public Ad- of Iran therefore, we are now focused 2016- Ambassador Extraordinary on promoting trade relations ministration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Plenipotentiary of the Repub- that would yield highly bene- Work Experience: lic of Azerbaijan to the Islamic Re- ficial results for the economies 2002-2003 -Leading consultant public of Pakistan of both the countries. on protocol affairs, Consular Sec- Awards: Covid-19 pandemic has caused tion of the Ministry of Foreign Af- 2009 - “The 90th Anniversary of some slowdown in trade ac- fairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan the Diplomatic Service Bodies of the Republic of Azerbaijan (1919- tivities between the two coun- in the Autonomous Republic of 2009)” Jubilee Medal of the Re- tries, but after the coronavi- Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan 2003-2005 -Leading consultant on public of Azerbaijan rus pandemic will be settled 2014 -Honorary Employee of the down, I am sure that our bilat- protocol affairs, acting chief consultant on consular and legal af- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the eral trade will also get boosted. fairs, acting chief consultant on Republic of Azerbaijan Azerbaijan is always interested visa-passport affairs, Consular De- 2019 -The Order “For Merit to the in developing regional connec- partment of the Ministry of For- Homeland” of the 3rd degree of tivity, transportation linkages eign Affairs of the Republic of Azer- the Republic of Azerbaijan and direct flights with Paki- baijan in the Autonomous Republic 2019 - “The 100th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Service Bodies of stan which will also give posi- of Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan the Republic of Azerbaijan (1919- tive impacts to our economic 2005-2005 -Acting Head of De- partment, Head of Department, 2019)” Jubilee Medal of the Repub- and trade ties and soon after lic of Azerbaijan the slowdown of Covid-19 we Consular Department of the Min- istry of Foreign Affairs of the Re- Foreign Languages: English, Rus- are going to start direct flights public of Azerbaijan in the Auton- sian, Turkish, Persian

DIPLOMATIC STAR 5 April 2021 as well as some mutually bene- regarding the restoration and the region will be carried out ficial projects between our two renovation of infrastructure both through public invest- countries. and development of the liber- ment and with the involve- DS: Azerbaijan has liberated ated regions. Under the direct ment of funds from the private its internationally recognized leadership of the President, the sector. Attractive environment territories from the Arme- Azerbaijani Government has have been introduced for in- nian occupation and this his- started the decontamination, vestors (both domestic and torical achievement was very reconstruction, rehabilitation foreign). From the first day of warmly welcomed by official and reintegration works at the conflict between Armenia Islamabad and by Pakistani the liberated Azerbaijani ter- and Azerbaijan the Pakistan

nation. How is the situation ritories, which had suffered has consistently extended the in the liberated territories of enormous destruction over the diplomatic, moral and political Azerbaijan and what kinds of course of the Armenian occu- support to Azerbaijan and put works are conducted there? pation. “The liberated territo- its principal position on just Ambassador: The situation is ries are now entering a new pe- cause of Azerbaijan. Pakistan stable and under control of riod marked by reconstruction has denounced the Armenian Azerbaijani Armed Forces and and infrastructure works; that occupation of internationally Azeri authorities. As you are recognized territories of Azer- aware during the three de- baijan, demanding immediate cades of Armenian occupation, Azerbaijan constantly withdrawal of Armenian troops the Armenian invaders have efforts for the from there. committed genocide, massa- Azerbaijani Government and cres and war-crimes not only resolution of Kashmir nation has always appreciated against the Azerbaijani nation dispute, as a member and valued Pakistan’s stance but they also subjected the oc- on the position of Azerbaijan. cupied territories to environ- of various Int. We will be pleased to see Paki- mental, cultural terrorism. organizations and stani companies stepping in Over the decades, Azerbaijani to the reconstruction and re- cultural monuments, artifacts OIC Contact Group on habilitation process. Of course in the occupied territories have Jammu & Kashmir the priority will be given to been systematically vandal- the companies of friendly and ized, misappropriated and de- brotherly countries. Many Pak- stroyed. They occupiers cut and will reshape the outlook of the istani companies have shown burned the trees and forests. region and will bring back the interest in construction and The cities and villages were peace and stability. restoration works in liberated razed to the ground. The cem- DS: Will Pakistani companies areas. eteries, sacred sites, mosques also take part in reconstruc- During the visit of FM of Azer- were demolished. tion and rehabilitation pro- baijan to Pakistan, we have dis- Now the state programs and cess at the liberated territo- cussed prospects of cooperation documents have been signed ries of Azerbaijan? with Pakistan’s Frontier Works by the President of Azerbaijan Ambassador: Reconstruction of Organization (FWO) in restora-

6 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 tion and construction works at liberated Azerbaijani lands. Re- cently, FWO has also conducted the visit to Azerbaijan for this purpose. FWO is also considering participating and extending its support in de-mining process of the liberated Azer- baijani territories. During almost three decades of occupation Armenia deliberately laid land mines in these territories resulting in numerous casu- alties among the Azerbaijani military and civilians. Armenia, in a blatant violation of its international obligations, refused to release the map of minefields. This will have serious impedes on rehabilitation and reconstruction works. So main fields in our bilateral re- perience on annual basis. The lot of works is needed for de- lations. Pakistan and Azerbai- servicemen and officers from mining of the liberated terri- jan has developed their strong both sides take part in different courses and trainings organized in our respective coun- Frontier Works Organization is considering to tries. Every year we organize participate and extending her support in de-mining several high level exchanges of military leadership and offi- process of the liberated Azerbaijani territories cials mutually. We have a very good understanding in trilateral format, when it comes to tories and Pakistan has offered defense industries coopera- the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, her willing to assist in this con- tion. This field is also among Pakistan and Turkey. nection. top priorities for us. We have Conducting joint bilateral mili- DS: How do you see the de- excellent bilateral cooperation tary exercises between Azer- fense and military coopera- with Pakistan in the military, baijan and Pakistan, as well as the trilateral military exercises with the involvement of various types of troops, including Special Forces of the Azerbai- jan’s Armed Forces, Pakistani and the Turkish Armed Forces are under consideration and will take place this year. The de-

The Armenian invaders have committed genocide, massacres and war-crimes against the Azerbaijani people tion between Pakistan and military-technical and mili- fense and military cooperation Azerbaijan? tary-educational spheres, but it between our countries at the Ambassador: The military and is important to intensify more high level of strategic partner- defense cooperation is in the our efforts in this area. ship is there. I am sure it will interest of both countries and Our Armed Forces are working be further strengthened in the is considered as one of the closely on mutually sharing ex- years ahead.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 7 April 2021 March 31- Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis Statement by the Sabina Aliyeva, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

stroyed by artillery fire, the mina- years, and a mass grave was dis- rets of the “Tazapir” Mosque were covered in Guba city. Guba Geno- severely damaged, and the ancient cide Memorial Complex, which “Juma” Mosque in Shamakhi was has been established in this site, set on fire. visually reflects the vandalism of The mass annihilation and pillag- Armenians against innocent Azer- ing started in Baku province later baijanis. continued in Karabakh, Zangazur, The massacre of tens of thousands Nakhchivan, Iravan, Goycha and of civilians in 1918 on ethnic and other regions. Tens of thousands religious grounds, the planned and One of the bloodiest pages of the of Azerbaijanis became victims of gradual manner of these crimi- policy of ethnic cleansing pur- mass atrocities committed by the nal acts, as well as commitment sued by the Armenian national- Armenians. The dashnaks had de- of such crimes in various parts of ists against our people at different stroyed, burned and plundered 110 Azerbaijan must be interpreted as stages of history is the genocide villages in Shamakhi, 167 in Guba, a crime of genocide. committed against the Azerbai- over 150 in Karabakh, 115 in Zan- The UN General Assembly Reso- lution 96 (I) of December 11, 1946 states that genocide is denial of the right to existence of entire human groups, as homicide is the denial of the right to live of indi- vidual human beings. According to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, adopted by UN General Assembly Resolution 260 (III) of December 9, 1948, genocide means any act committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. Unfortunately, the genocide committed against Azerbaijanis in 1918, has not yet received its political and legal assessment at the international level. The indifference demonstrated by the international community janis in March-April, 1918. gazur Provinces, and 98 in Kars to the crimes of genocide against The genocide against the Azer- Oblast; innocent people, including one nation committed as a result baijani people committed by the women, children and the elderly, of hatred speech policy pursued armed groups of dashnak Arme- were brutally murdered. Further- for centuries, as well as the failure nians and their supporters had more, 199 villages in and around to bring the perpetrators to justice resulted in mass killing of tens of Iravan city, which was a historical may cause the development of im- thousands of civilians due to their territory of Azerbaijan, have been punity syndrome, provoking new ethnicity and religion in Baku city ruined and 132,000 Azerbaijanis crimes and widespread human and different regions of Baku gov- have been mercilessly murdered. rights violations. ernorate, and other cities, includ- Based on the Presidential Decree We call on the world commu- ing Shamakhi, Guba, Khachmaz, of March 26, 1998, “On the Geno- nity and international organiza- Lankaran, Hajigabul, Salyan, cide of Azerbaijanis”, the genocide tions not to remain silent about Kurdamir and other districts. of the Azerbaijanis perpetrated by the genocide committed against The residential areas, cultural the Armenians was made a po- the Azerbaijanis in 1918, which monuments, mosques and cem- litical and legal assessment. So, is a crime against humanity, to eteries were brutally destroyed. March 31 is marked annually as recognize this heinous crime as Many ancient buildings, includ- “The Day of Genocide of Azerbai- an act of genocide at the inter- ing “Ismailiyya” Building, one of janis”. national level, and to show de- the most beautiful architectural Within past years, many new facts termination and justice, without monuments in Baku, the offices and evidential documents have double standards, being guided of “Achig Soz”, “Kaspi” and “Baku” been collected as a result of in- by the norms and principles of Newspapers, and shrines were de- vestigations carried out in recent international law.

8 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 Pakistan, Hungary launched a trade, economic window to boost commercial and economic linkages

By Raja Aamir Mahmood Bhatti economic partnership. ian companies are welcomed to Emphasizing the need for fur- explore joint ventures with Paki- Islamabad, March 25 (DS): ther consolidating partnership stani counterparts. Pakistan and Hungary have through high level and private He said the Hungarian compa- launched a trade and economic sector exchanges, he said Paki- nies can invest in special eco- window to boost their commer- stan looks forward to the second nomic zones as well as the re- cial and economic linkages. For- session of Pakistan-Hungary newable energy, information eign Minister Shah Mahmood technology, electric vehicles and Qureshi and his Hungarian tourism. He pointed out that counterpart Péter Szijjártó vir- there is a also a great scope of co- tually launched the online plat- operation in the agriculture sec- form today. tor. Speaking on the occasion, the The Foreign Minister said Paki- Foreign Minister expressed the stan has also eased visa require- confidence that the window will ments and the businessmen in- further enrich their bilateral re- cluding those from Hungary can lations. He said this will serve as avail visa on arrival facility. The the round the clock online plat- tourists are also being facilitated form to provide credible informa- through online visa. tion and guidance for respective Shah Mahmood Qureshi said businesses and entrepreneurs. several European countries have The Foreign Minister said Paki- revised their travel advisory for stan deeply values its relations Joint Commission on economic Pakistan after improvement in with Hungary both bilaterally cooperation in Islamabad this security situation and the eco- and within the European Union. year. nomic and structural reforms Shah Mahmood Qureshi said it Alluding to the investment op- undertaken by the present gov- is a matter of satisfaction that portunities in Pakistan, the ernment. He hoped Hungary despite ongoing pandemic, the Foreign Minister said all the will also revise its travel advisory two sides have been working to- economic sectors are open for for Pakistan in order to improve gether to further cement their investment. He said the Hungar- the linkages.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 9 April 2021 Nowruz promotes peace, solidarity: Begum Samina Alvi

UNESCO’s mandate. “This day is the celebration of the intangible heritage of the world.” The Nowruz celebrations were organized by diplomatic community of nine countries in Islamabad including Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Ta- jikistan, Pakistan and Azerbai- jan in collaboration with Ser- ena Hotels. Begum Samina said it gave her immense pleasure to attend Nowruz celebrations. “I con- gratulate Serena Hotels and all the participating countries on this auspicious occasion. This is the beginning of the new year and a new hope to renew our ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (DS): Begum Samina Arif Alvi on Sat- urday said Nowruz promoted values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as fos- tered reconciliation and neigh- borliness. Speaking at an event here to mark the celebrations of Nowruz, she said as it contributed to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities, Nowruz fitted closely with the

10 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 commitments towards peace and humanity.” She said Nowruz was a festivity marking the first day of spring and renewal of nature. “It in- cludes rituals, ceremonies and cultural events, as well as the enjoyment of a special meal with loved ones,” she said adding Nowruz was celebrated for over 3000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Cau- casus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions. She said the participating countries had given a message of peace and a bright future awaited those countries. “At this time, we also need to step up efforts to tackle the Similarly, we also need to uti- be vigilant at this time of crisis challenges of global warm- lize alternate sources of energy because carelessness can lead ing. Climate change is already for power generation from so- to problems.” “Therefore, we should observe SoPs, wash our hands, use a mask and keep physical dis- tance,” she stressed. She wished everyone a prosperous and hap- py Nowruz by saying, “May its spirit of harmony, peace and respect towards humanity serves as inspiration to us all.” Parliamentary Secretary for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aftab Jehangir, Dean of Diplomatic Corps and Am- bassador of Turkmenistan At- adjan Movlamov and Chief Ex- happening; temperatures are lar and wind.” ecutive Officer of Serena Hotels rising; drought and wild fires Begum Samina said our festiv- Aziz Boolani also spoke on the are starting to occur more fre- ity and celebrations had been occasion. quently; rainfall patterns are restricted due to emergence of Begum Samina Alvi visited shifting; glaciers and snow are Covid-19 pandemic during the the stalls set up by embassies melting, and the global average sea-level is rising. To mitigate climate change, we need to reduce or prevent the emissions linked to human activities. Climate change will affect both hemispheres of the Earth.” She emphasized that it was the moral obligation of the whole world to keep our planet cool and minimize the use of fossil fuels. She told, “In Pakistan, the government has taken initiative of last year. “I hope that the pro- of different countries which planting billion trees which is cess of vaccination will com- was followed by stage perfor- indeed a good step and we need plete soon and we will over- mances depicting cultures of to play our role in this regard. come this disease. We need to the region.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 11 April 2021 Prime Minister address Virtual Summit with President of Uzbekistan

Islamabad, 14 April (DS): build an expanded mutually-ben- seized by the Afghan parties to The first Virtual Summit between eficial partnership. achieve an inclusive, broad-based Prime Minister Imran Khan and The Prime Minister highlighted and comprehensive negotiated Uzbekistan President Shavkat Pakistan’s economic security par- political settlement. Mirziyoyev was held. During the adigm and the shifting focus to wide-ranging talks, views were geo-economics. He stressed that The Prime Minister also under- exchanged on bilateral, regional Central Asia was a region of par- scored the importance of counter- and international issues. ticular focus in this vision. ing Islamophobia and promoting The two sides highlighted the The level of progress on the Trans- inter-faith harmony. depth of Pakistan-Uzbekistan re- Afghan Railway Line Project, Following Agreements/MoUs lations rooted in common faith, agreed between Pakistan, Uz- were signed on the eve of the Vir- shared history and cultural af- bekistan and Afghanistan earlier tual Summit: finities. They also reiterated their this year, was reviewed. The proj- i. MoU for Developing Further determination to maintain mo- ect would be a first step in link- Cooperation in the Field of Agri- mentum of high-level exchanges ing the Central Asian transport culture. and further enhance the upward network with Pakistani seaports ii. Agreement on Mutual Recog- trajectory of the relationship. of Gwadar, Karachi and Qasim. nition in the Fields of Conformity The two leaders reviewed the en- Prime Minister Imran Khan stat- Assessment of Products, Stan- tire spectrum of bilateral rela- ed that, once completed, the ini- dardization, Metrology and Tech- tions -- with particular focus on tiative would transform the geo- nical Assistance. political, trade, security and de- economic dynamics of the entire iii. MoU on Defence Coopera- fence, educational and cultural regime. tion. domains. They also agreed to en- The two leaders also discussed President Mirziyoyev reiterated courage more people-to-people important global and regional his invitation to Prime Minister contacts including through spiri- matters of mutual interest, and Imran Khan to attend the high- tual (ziyarat) tourism. reaffirmed the commitment to level International Conference on Prime Minister Imran Khan un- continue supporting each other regional connectivity, to be held derlined the importance of en- at all international and regional in Tashkent in July 2021. Prime hancing political and diplomatic fora, including the UN, OIC, SCO Minister Imran Khan thanked linkages, fast tracking trade and and ECO. President Mirziyoyev and reiter- economic cooperation, ensuring Prime Minister Imran Khan ap- ated his invitation to him to visit early finalization of the Preferen- prised on the latest situation in Pakistan at the earliest conve- tial Trade Agreement (PTA) and IIOJK, shared Pakistan’s perspec- nience. Transit Trade Agreement (TTA), tive on issues of peace and secu- The two leaders expressed con- increasing security and defence rity in South Asia, and underlined fidence that the understand- cooperation, and taking steps to the imperative of peaceful resolu- ings reached during the Virtual deepen mutual collaboration in tion of the Jammu & Kashmir dis- Summit will further deepen bi- the fields of education, culture pute. lateral cooperation and contrib- and tourism. The Prime Minister also high- ute towards forging a stronger, The Prime Minister also under- lighted Pakistan’s efforts to fa- multi-dimensional relation- scored the importance of rail, cilitate the Afghan peace process ship between the two countries. road and air connectivity and for lasting peace and stability in It was agreed to continue the highlighted the enormous poten- Afghanistan. He stressed that Summit-level political dialogue tial that exists in diverse fields to this historic opportunity must be in future.

12 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 COAS welcomes Biden’s announcement of withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan

Rawalpindi, April 16 (DSt): Chief of Army Staff General Qa- mar Javed Bajwa has welcomed President Biden’s announcement of withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan by September this year. He was talking to the US Charged’ Affairs Angela Ageler who called on him in Rawalpindi. The Army Chief reiterated that a prosperous, stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan in particular and region in general.He The US Charged’ Affairs appreci- Peace Process and also assured of also hoped for greater Pak-US ated Pakistan’s sincere efforts for US continued assistance for the bilateral cooperation in all do- bringing peace and stability in common cause of peace in Af- mains in future. the region, especially the Afghan ghanistan.

‘Friendship Tree’ Planted at Chinese Embassy Compound as part of 70th Anniversary of Pakistan-China Diplomatic Relations

By Raja Asif Mahmood Bhatti Islamabad, 13 April (DS): Foreign Secretary Sohail Mah- mood and Chinese Ambassador H.E. Nong Rong planted a Friend- ship Tree, at the Chinese Embas- sy Compound, as part of ongoing celebrations to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations. The 70th Anniversary celebrations were jointly initiated by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and State Councilor and Foreign Min- ister Wang Yi, in a virtual cer- emony held on 2 March 2021. Both sides have planned a China friendship that has, over wide range of activities, spread seven decades, transformed into a time-tested “All-Weather Stra- tegic Cooperative Partnership”, despite vicissitudes of times and changes in the international and regional situation. Plantation of the evergreen Deo- dar tree – which is also the national tree of Pakistan – depicted the spirit of Pakistan-China All- Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Both sides reiterat- throughout the year, to mark ed commitment to celebrate the this historic milestone and cel- 70th Anniversary in a befitting ebrate the evolution of Pakistan- manner.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 13 April 2021 Sergey Lavrov recent visit widening Pakistan-Russia Relations By Raja Asif Mahmood Bhatti

Islamabad, 7 April (DS): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi received Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Foreign Office. The two Foreign Ministers had wide- ranging talks covering bilateral relations and regional and global issues. Extending a warm welcome, Foreign Minister Qureshi re- called his earlier meeting with Foreign Minister Lavrov on the sidelines of SCO Council of Min- isters in Moscow in September 2020. The Foreign Minister un- stan’s resolve to work with Rus- peaceful resolution of the Jam- derlined that strengthening of sia for early commencement of mu & Kashmir dispute. relations with the Russian Fed- the ‘Pakistan Stream’ Gas Pipe- The Foreign Minister noted with eration was an important for- line project. appreciation the close cooperation eign policy priority for Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi con- between Pakistan and Russia with- and that Pakistan-Russia rela- gratulated Russia on developing in the United Nations and at other tions, today, were marked by en- COVID-19 vaccine and highlight- multilateral fora including SCO. hanced mutual trust and under- ed Pakistan’s plans to acquire Matters relating to Security Council standing. Noting the important more Sputnik-V as well as to reform were also discussed. progress achieved in bilateral have joint venture for production There were detailed exchanges relations, the Foreign Minister of the vaccine in Pakistan. on matters relating to South agreed on the need to intensify The Foreign Minister briefed his Asia, West Asia, the Gulf region, efforts to deepen cooperation in Russian counterpart on Pakistan’s the Middle East, and the Asia-Pa- all areas, including economy and priorities relating to peace and sta- cific. The two Ministers also dis-

trade, energy, counter-terrorism, bility in Afghanistan centered on cussed the potential of Euroasian security and defence, education, an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned Economic Union (EEU) and the and people-to-people exchanges. peace process. He appreciated Rus- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Foreign Minister added that sia’s role in the Afghan peace pro- The Foreign Minister stressed the next meeting of the Inter- cess including through convening that Pakistan remained com- Governmental Commission (IGC) of the meeting of Extended Troika mitted to forge a closer, multi- would cover a wide agenda en- in Moscow in March 2021. dimensional relationship with compassing economic, trade The Foreign Minister dilated on Russia — marked by trust and and energy cooperation between the human rights situation in understanding. He added that the two countries and must be IIOJK and underlined Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Lavrov’s lat- result-oriented. Foreign Minis- approach to the issues of peace est visit would help commence ter Qureshi also reiterated Paki- and security in South Asia and a new chapter in this direction.

14 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 Analyzing the Indian Strategy in Afghanistan

Zafar Iqbal Yousafzai Indian financial aid to post-Tali- Pakistan in Afghanistan and de- ban Afghanistan is roughly $3 bil- stabilize Pakistan by in-filtering India since Nehru’s time has been lion in the form of developmental rebels to Balochistan. A former trying to put itself on the path of projects, scholarships, infrastruc- strategic adviser to the U.S. com- a major player in the region on ture projects, food packages, mander in Afghanistan Mr. Zach- one hand and attain a global posi- roads, medical, and institutional ary Constantino maintains that tion on the other. Besides China, building. Thus, India has become India and Pakistan pursue mu- Pakistan is a state which chal- one of the top six donors to post- tually exclusive objectives in Af- lenges India in many ways that Taliban Afghanistan. India has ghanistan and leverage sharply irk the former to a large extent. done a number of projects in Af- different tools to achieve their re- As a rising power, India wants ghanistan: 1) Afghan parliament spective goals. Furthermore, the to enhance its role and ensure US officials also believe that Paki- its presence in a fragile state Af- stan has utilized militant groups, ghanistan in the post-9/11 era including the Afghan Taliban, where Pakistan had a greater role as strategic proxies, while India earlier. For the said purpose, the places considerable weight on its U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and soft power influence among Af- the subsequent policies Washing- ghans. However, such narratives ton adopted provided a favorable seem to hold no more weightage ground for Delhi to adopt a proac- especially in the contemporary tive policy vis-à-vis Afghanistan. regional environment, where In- India’s major role in Afghanistan dia has been evidently involved in has always been suspicious for Is- waging proxies against Pakistan lamabad for several reasons. Since by utilizing its operatives in Af- Pakistan’s inception, India was ghanistan. using tactics to destabilize Paki- The Indian influence has caused a stan by supporting the elements huge hatred in the minds of the who wanted to have a greater Af- Afghans for Pakistan both on a ghanistan or Pashtunistan. Like- governmental and non-govern- wise, India is now supporting the mental level. Even the Afghanis unrest in Balochistan by using cannot tolerate any Pakistani Pakistan’s North-Western bor- visiting any of Afghanistan’s cit- ders. This article deliberates upon ies while they, on the other hand, how India by using its soft power do businesses in Pakistan, receive in Afghanistan against Pakistan education on Pakistani scholar- on one hand and making Pak-Af- ships in the country, and enjoy ghan relations sour on the other. the best health care facilities in Following the overthrow of the Peshawar and Islamabad. Taliban regime and formulation Hence, the biggest threat India of the new political setup in Af- feels in Afghanistan is the Tali- ghanistan, India’s engagement ban over whom Pakistan, as many with Afghanistan became multi- in the capital having a library, believe, still has leverage. The In- dimensional as the new admin- 2) building educational institu- dian strategies in Afghanistan istration in Kabul had cordial tions and provided them with aid are in disarray following the US- relations with India. Soon after 3) construction of energy proj- Taliban Doha deal. India consid- the installation of the interim ects like dams, 4) construction of ers if the Taliban become part of authority in late 2001, the Indian dams and water supply channels, the Afghan government, it would Liaison Office was converted to 5) electricity supply lines, 6) con- definitely not enjoy the leverage a full-fledged embassy in Kabul. struction of health care facilities, they have had over the Afghan Since then, India has continued 7) building an agriculture univer- government following the US in- to pursue a policy of high-level sity, 8) energy power station in vasion. Any difference or trust- engagement through humani- Kabul city, 9) Sports facilities, 10) deficit between Pakistan and the tarian, financial, and project as- cold storage in various cities, 11) Taliban might benefit India in sistance to have clout in Kabul to telephone lines in various parts the future which should be avoid- counterbalance Islamabad’s in- of the country, 12) television net- ed. Nevertheless, the inclusion of fluence in Afghanistan. Likewise, work system, 13) construction of the Taliban in the Kabul admin- back in the 1990s, India was sup- wells and channels in many ar- istration would likely bring peace porting the anti-Taliban North- eas, 14) and rehabilitation of sev- to the war-torn country and ulti- ern Alliance as Pakistan was sup- eral water reservoirs. mately make Afghanistan’s policy porting the Taliban, a natural Keeping in view the above-men- balanced towards the neighbor- choice for India. Most of the core tioned projects, it cannot be said ing countries. members of the Northern Alli- the Indian aid is based on hu- ance were holding key positions manitarian grounds at all. In- The author is the Senior Research Associate in the new setup. dia’s major concern is to counter at Strategic Vision Institute, Islamabad.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 15 April 2021 Pakistan, Iran agree for early arrangements to facilitate legal trade in border region

ISLAMABAD, Mar 30 (DS): changed views on regional ing to ceasefire. Pakistan and Iran agreed issues, particularly the Af- Qureshi also underlined on the need for expeditious ghan peace process. Qureshi the need to be cognisant of finalization of arrangement emphasized the importance “spoilers”, who did not wish to facilitate legal trade and of enhanced bilateral eco- to see return of peace and improve livelihood in bor- nomic cooperation. stability in the region. He der region, in light of Prime The two foreign ministers added that a peaceful and Minister Imran Khan’s ini- also reviewed progress on stable Afghanistan would tiative of joint border mar- the opening of new border help in improving connec- kets. crossing point. Foreign Min- tivity and promote infra- The matter was discussed in ister Qureshi expressed the structure development in a meeting between Foreign hope that the Afghan par- the region. Minister Makhdoom Shah ties would seize the historic The foreign minister ex- Mahmood Qureshi and his opportunity to work out an pressed thanks for Iran’s Iranian counterpart Dr Javad Afghan-led and Afghan- steadfast support on the Zarif, on the sidelines of the owned political settlement. Jammu and Kashmir dispute 9th Ministerial Conference He underlined the need and Prime Minister Imran of the Heart of Asia–Istanbul to consolidate progress Khan’s efforts to counter Is- Process in Dushanbe, Tajiki- achieved in Doha process lamophobia and promote in- stan, a Foreign Office press and take the process for- ter-faith harmony. The two release said. ward. Expressing concern on foreign ministers agreed to During the meeting, the two high level of violence, he un- remain in close contact and foreign ministers reviewed derscored the importance of maintain bilateral political bilateral relations and ex- reduction in violence lead- exchanges.

16 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 US revisiting relations with Iran Talat Masood that it was imposing self-restric- facility gave contradictory signals. tions to adhere to the Non-Prolifer- Perhaps it was meant to indicate Of the many rash foreign policy de- ation Treaty (NPT) despite its unde- that despite the very harsh sanc- cisions that former United States niable technological and scientific tions, through sheer determina- president Trump took the one that prowess. tion Iran has made a major break- has caused immense harm to the So, for Trump to revoke the nuclear through in development of nuclear credibility of the US and the sanc- deal without any sound basis apart technologies and equipment. And tity of international treaties was from pleasing Israel and a few Arab hopes that this would lend weight the revocation of the Joint Com- countries and quelling his anti- while conducting the tough nego- prehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran sentiment was certainly ill- tiations. commonly referred as the Iranian advised. Subsequent developments The latest cyberattack on the un- nuclear deal. Over and above, it im- did affirm these apprehensions. derground Natanz facility, appar- posed severe sanctions to cripple After the US set aside the agree- ently by Israel, so soon after its Iran’s economy hoping these mea- ment the P-4 and Germany were commissioning, could adversely sures would bring the downfall of left to fend for themselves. Of impact the current negotiations. the regime. This unilateral action course, Trump was insisting that It is indeed unrealistic on the part in cohort with Israel reflected the they take similar action. To an out- of Israel to contend as though it deep animosity of the Trump ad- sider it seemed they had frozen has the right to be the sole nuclear ministration toward the present their options not wanting to dis- power in the Middle East. In fact, Iranian government. Besides Israel, please the superpower and not to- its possession of nuclear power it was also meant to feed into the tally aligned with its policy. and aggressive policies are a major strong anti-Iran sentiment preva- Once the US abandoned the agree- source of instability of the region. lent in Saudi Arabia and a few oth- ment, Iran’s power elite was un- The US must have realised that er Middle Eastern countries. These shackled to take a course that it saw building pressure on nations does measures did cripple Iran’s econ- fit for it. Another aspect generally not necessarily work. In most cases omy but were unable to weaken overlooked is that when a country it strengthens the nation’s resolve its resolve to stand up to US pres- feels threatened it would hasten to to stand up to it. Pakistan is no sure and continue unabated with build its defenses even more reso- stranger to these pressures. It was the enrichment and missile pro- lutely. dealt with so severely and unfairly grammes. America’s breaking away The answer lies in bringing Iran when it was building its nuclear from the nuclear deal gave Iran’s back in the international fold and capability, but through sheer deter- power elite to further tighten its the two sides should take appropri- mination it steered its way through. grip and pursue the nuclear pro- ate measures to reduce mistrust True, the people suffer as they have gramme with less inhibitions. It and not be influenced by countries to bear the burden of sanctions and has gone past the enrichment lim- that have their axe to grind. its long-term ill effects. its that were part of the original Pakistan’s position on Iran’s nu- Another disturbing aspect is how agreement. clear programme is unambiguous. the US and the West generally have Incidentally, the Iran nuclear deal It wants Tehran to remain in full happily reconciled and even helped was the outcome of years of serious compliance of the nuclear deal. Israel in acquiring its nuclear capa- deliberations and was worked out Any departure from it raises undue bility and deliberately overlooked by highly seasoned professionals tensions in the Middle East and India’s nuclear build up. This was on both sides. These were painstak- widens the rift and apprehension in sharp contrast to how Pakistan’s ing negotiations, as Iran is a hard among Muslim nations, particular- nuclear programme was viewed. country especially when it comes to ly between Iran and Saudi Arabia. As regards Iran, the attitude is working out a detailed agreement The extraordinary breakthrough in equally harsh. There is however a on high security and strategic is- Saudi-Israel relations or UAE-Israel big difference between Iran and sues. The most redeeming aspect of relations are largely a fallout of the Pakistan’s nuclear policies. Iran the deal was that it allayed the fears growing hostility between Iran is a signatory to the NPT whereas of its adversaries and the world at and the Arab states that was fully Pakistan is not and the logic of its large that Iran’s ambitions, if any, exploited by the US and Israel to nuclear build-up is to counter the to be the tenth nuclear power, have mostly their advantage. Indian capability, lest it be unfairly been stemmed at its roots. According to press reports, the US disadvantaged. To point out these As a member of the Pugwash Coun- recently claimed to have floated contradictions is to highlight the cil, an eminent international or- very serious ideas on reviving the reality that major powers support ganisation that focuses on nuclear agreement but so far Tehran has or oppose proliferation not on prin- proliferation and reduction of nu- not responded. ciples but on sheer expediency. The clear threat, I had visited Iran a few Although reports indicate talks monopoly of the big five as nuclear times and had the opportunity of between Iran and the European powers is by itself a contradiction seeing some of their nuclear instal- Union, with the US watching from and a paradox that is not going to lations including the enrichment the sidelines, have been encourag- change even in the distant future. facility. As our group consisted of ing. However, President Rouhani members from several countries choosing to inaugurate a cascade of The writer is a retired Lieutenant General of including China and the US, it was advanced centrifuges for producing the Pakistan Army. clear that Iran was demonstrating enriched uranium at the Natanz

DIPLOMATIC STAR 17 April 2021 FM Qureshi underlines huge potential for enhancing Pak-Tajik bilateral trade

ISLAMABAD, Mar 31 (DS): corridor for the entire cen- prosperity. Foreign Minister Makh- tral and South Asia. The foreign minister also re- doom Shah Mahmood Qureshi stressed upon opti- affirmed Pakistan’s sincere Qureshi said immense op- mally utilization of the bilat- efforts for the regional peace portunities existed between eral institutional framework and peace and reconciliation Pakistan and Tajikistan to to further promote bilateral in Afghanistan. further enhance bilateral trade cooperation between Tajikistan President trade ties and cooperation the two countries through Emomali Rahmon expressed in multi-dimensional fields. the Joint Working Groups his resolve to further en- He called on Tajikistan Pres- (JWG) in relevant fields. The hance the bilateral ties be- ident Emomali Rahmon at two sides also exchanged tween the two counties and the Presidential Palace in views on Afghan peace pro- expressed satisfaction over Dushanbe, a press release cess, the regional situation the current level of relations. said. and peace. Qureshi also extended facili- The foreign minister ex- Foreign minister Qureshi tation to the Tajik president pressed that top leadership of apprised Tajik president of on his re-election to the of- the two brotherly countries the contributions made by fice of president after Octo- were determined to further Pakistan towards peace and ber 2020 elections. He said solidify and expand these reconciliation efforts in Af- both countries enjoyed his- bilateral ties. He observed ghanistan and the outcome. toric, religious, traditional that the timely completion He reiterated that Pakistan and cultural relations and it of Central Asia-South Asia considered peace and stabil- was a welcoming sign that (CASA-1000) project would ity in Afghanistan as vital the top leadership of the two prove as beneficial energy for the regional progress and countries were committed

18 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 to enhance these ties fur- of Defence where he was Both sides shared the evolv- ther. welcomed by Defence Min- ing bilateral defence ties and He also thanked the presi- ister Colonel General Sherali resolved to strengthen them dent for extending warm Mirzo. During the meeting, further. They also agreed to hospitality to his delegation both sides discussed bilat- work together through joint during 9th Ministerial Con- eral ties, cooperation in the efforts to defeat extremism, ference of Heart of Asia-Is- defence field and other is- terrorism, drug trafficking tanbul Process in Dushanbe sues of mutual interest. and cross border crime. and appreciated the successful hosting of the moot. Later, on his twitter account, the foreign minister posted that he had an excellent meeting with the Tajik president. “Indeed, our bilateral ties with Tajikistan are of great importance with the shared vision and goals of Pakistan-Tajikistan leadership lending a strong foundation to build these further.” “With a vision to strengthening Economic Diplomacy, I shared Pakistan seaports offer shortest route for Ta- jikistan connectivity w/ S.E Asia, M. East, Africa & beyond. Reiterated our commitment to complete flagship CASA-1000, harbinger for building energy corridor between South and Central Asia.” The foreign minister also visited Tajikistan ministry

DIPLOMATIC STAR 19 April 2021 Pakistan, Germany enjoying Unity in Diversity’ a vintage political and cultural experience

By Raja Aamir Mahmood Bhatti ISLAMABAD, (Diplomatic Star): German Ambassador to Pakistan Bernhard Schlagheck has said that Paki- stan and Germany were enjoying ‘Unity in Diversity’ that is a vintage political and cultural experience. He expressed these views while talking to a select group of scholars, authors, artists and dignitaries in an open air cultural night organized by Fried- rich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF Pak- istan) at Lok Virsa Islamabad. The event aimed to celebrate the rich cultural and intellectual diversity of Pakistan. Bernhard Schlagheck said “Both Pakistan and Ger- many are federal republics. Pakistan is of course a multiethnic state, a fact which is not sufficiently realized in Europe. Yes, it is a Muslim state, but we all know how religion is practiced in different ways under the big tent of ‘ummah’. Germany on the other hand is a homogenous nation, however, with a very strong history of regional and sub-regional identities. This diversity though perhaps different in types and nature, makes not only federal constitutions necessary- both in Paki- stan and in Germany – but also cultural differen- tiation, federalism, even unity in diversity.” Earlier, welcoming the participants of the event, Head of Country office FNF Pakistan Ms. Birgit Lamm, said: “We are all social beings; we cannot lock ourselves at home all the time and we need to socialize. For our personal well-being we also need culture, we need the beautiful things that art and creativity can give us.” How can one talk about diversity and explain the concept of Federalism using arts? Ms. Birgit Lamm said FNF Pakistan in 2020 rose to the challenge when due to COVID a number of planned work- shops were converted into digital panel discussion on zoom or facebook. “As you know you cannot sit in a web workshop for a whole day. Those of us who have tried it, looking at the tiny little box, 2 by 2 inches, know it is really hard and draining” Ms. Lamm shared the story behind the Book “Cultural Federalism:Embracing Unity in Diversity in Pakistan” by Jami Chandio and how and why it included a number of hand drawn sketches alongside five academic research papers. “If you talk about diversity, it calls for art, it calls for visualization. It was then that we decided to in- vite the cartoonist Akhtar Shah or Shahtoon to be part of this online program. Our key note speakers had only 07 minutes to make their point during the panel discussions, and these were exactly the seven minutes that Shahtoon sb had to draw a cartoon on the main message.” She said. Sharing his experience as the moderator of the

20 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 “Unity in Diversity” web panel series , Touseeq Haider exclaimed “‘oh my gosh!’ , this speaker is doing great but it is so difficult to sketch in seven minutes a cartoon or illustration out of whatever he or she is saying. So when the camera would cut to the room where Shahtoon was sitting, most of the times, let me be very honest, I thought maybe he has a blank page, but he never disappointed!” Forever humble, Shahtoon said “It was something I would pick up out of whatever everyone was saying and I did the best I could. I think our guests here should be able to tell whether I have done a good job or not.” But it was not about the sketches alone, they sketches told a story. A story told by more than 20 panelists over a series of 5 episodes titled “Unity in Diversity”. The papers presented by Jami Chandio , a scholar and champion of Federalism had many examples all pointing to the same conclusion “Diversity can work in both ways, it can divide society , it can be a source of conflict if it is denied, it can work as dynamic of unity if it is honored , secured and celebrated.” The highlight of the cultural night was the stellar performance by distinguished classic dancer and social activist Sheema Kermani. At the end of the performance Sheema Kermani highlighted the difficult situation faced by performing artists due to COVID-19. After a hiatus of almost two years since her last live performance in Islamabad, her words and classical kathak dance moves enchant- ed the audience.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 21 April 2021 ‘Arzi Nawees’ appointed in Berlin to facilitate Pakistani Diasporas By Tariq Mahmood Awan factured in Pakistan, make their lin. way to Germany, every year, to In order to acquaint European Islamabad, 13 April (DS): be used especially in the presti- audience with Pakistan’s per- Foreign Minister, Makhdoom gious Bundesliga matches, which spective on issues pertaining to Shah Mahmood Qureshi visited the Embassy of Pakistan on the second day of his official visit to Berlin on 13 April 2021.The For- eign Minister was received by the Ambassador and officers of the Embassy. The Foreign Minister was given a tour of the Consular Section. He interacted with many applicants availing services. With a view to ease the difficulties faced by the Pakistani community and to further facilitate them, Foreign Minister Qureshi inaugurated the position of “Arzi Nawees”, who would offer free-of-cost fa- cilitation for NADRA and IMPASS online-applications. He also announced that a similar post will soon be operationalized in the are viewed by millions of people regional and international de- Consulate General in Frankfurt across the world. velopments, including Pakistan- and in other places in Europe, Foreign Minister Qureshi also India relations, grave human where required. interacted with members of the rights violations in IIOJK, Afghan The Foreign Minister also inau- Pakistani community, who had peace process, CPEC and opportu-

gurated a “Football Corner” in travelled from various parts of nities for investments in Special the Consular Section, dedicating Germany to meet him. During Economic Zones (SEZs), EU Dis- it to the hardworking Pakistanis the meeting, members of the infoLab, and FATF, the Foreign stitching footballs, especially community apprised the Foreign Minister held extensive media in Sialkot. He highlighted that Minister of ways to further pro- interactions with German and this Football Corner would serve mote Pakistan’s image in Germa- European media including Die as a constant reminder about ny and offered many suggestions. Welt, DW and Diplomatic Maga- the contribution of Pakistan to The members of the community zine. The media representatives the most loved sport of football, expressed their gratitude for the from local Pakistani community across Europe. Over 50 million inauguration of the Arzi Nawees also interviewed the Foreign footballs, designed and manu- at the Embassy of Pakistan, Ber- Minister.

22 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 Talks with India: a reality check

Zamir Akram Past experiences demonstrate that dian demands now, even implicitly, whenever India comes under inter- would prove to be a slippery slope in Since the agreement last month be- national criticism for its repression the future. tween the Directors General Mili- in Kashmir and consequent ten- Pakistan should not put its faith tary Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan sions with Pakistan, it engages in in the US either. Due to the Indo- and India to revive the 2003 cease- talks with Pakistan, arguing that US strategic convergence against fire accord and address each other’s this is a bilateral issue and the in- China, Washington’s geo-political “core issues”, well-meaning people ternational community should not interests will continue to override in Pakistan have expressed high interfere. But in the talks, India its principles about human rights hopes of an improvement in bilat- maintains that Kashmir is an “in- or Pakistan’s national interests. eral relations. Subsequent events ternal” issue and the only subject While the US calls upon Pakistan have moved rapidly with resump- to be discussed is Pakistan’s sup- and India to bilaterally resolve their tion of stalled talks on the Indus port to Kashmiri “terrorists”. The differences and is willing to facili- Waters, a message from Prime Min- dialogue thus becomes an endless tate such a dialogue, its preference ister Narendra Modi on Pakistan circular argument. Even on other is for Pakistan to accept the status Day and a forthcoming meeting of issues, such as Siachen, Sir Creek quo in Kashmir and acknowledge the foreign ministers in Dushanbe. or the Wullar Barrage, the Indians Indian hegemony. As such, the US However, despite the hype, there is adopt inflexible positions and re- is an impartial interlocutor. a need for the optimists in Pakistan fuse compromising solutions. On The foregoing is not to argue for a reality check. This should be several past occasions, India has against resumption of a dialogue based on Indian motives and inten- even reneged on agreed solutions, with India, at least to test the wa- tions as well as experience of nego- such as in the case of Siachen. ters. But Pakistan should do so with tiating with India. Another key objective for India has the confidence of a nuclear-armed Past and present Pakistani lead- been to use the dialogue process to state with credible deterrence ers have consistently advocated demoralise the Kashmiris by signal- against India. While it does have a dialogue with India to resolve ing that Pakistan has abandoned its challenges, India too faces sev- outstanding issues. The recent de- them and that their only hope is a eral problems. Externally, it has to velopments, therefore, are in line union with India. Yet another di- contend with a two-front confron- with this policy and Pakistan did versionary tactic is to propose that tation with China and Pakistan. not need any persuasion to engage the difficult issues like Kashmir In occupied Kashmir, it has failed with India. What is more impor- be set aside while progress can be for decades to overcome a popular tant is why the Modi government made on soft issues like trade and uprising. Internally, several Indian has suddenly changed its “muscu- people-to-people contact. The pur- states are beset with raging insur- lar” approach towards Pakistan and pose is to create a façade of normal- gencies. Modi’s propagation of the agreed to resuming talks without isation behind which repression of fascist Hindutva agenda has divid- the earlier precondition of an end the Kashmiris can continue. ed the country and alienated 200 to Pakistan’s alleged support for In the light of such experience, million Muslims, apart from tar- terrorism. Perhaps one reason is Pakistani decision-makers need to nishing India’s secular credentials. that the Biden administration has be realistic about their expectations His economic policies combined privately advised India to lower from the anticipated talks. Modi is with mishandling of the Covid pan- temperatures with Pakistan so that not Vajpayee or Manmohan Singh demic has slowed down economic it can focus on collaborating with and even their “soft borders” solu- growth, increasing the number the United States against China in tion is not acceptable to him. After of Indians below the poverty line. the Asia-Pacific. Another more im- changing the status of occupied India, then, is not the great power portant reason could be that after Kashmir and seeking to alter the that it pretends to be and it is cer- the Indian military’s confrontation Muslim majority demography of tainly not in a position to dictate to with China in Ladakh, the Modi the region, Modi’s henchmen are Pakistan. government has realised the perils now talking about occupying Azad Therefore, while engaging with of a two-front confrontation with Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. India, Pakistan must not com- Pakistan and China. Pakistani views about a new begin- promise on its principled posi- However, this does not mean that ning with India have now become tion. Pakistan should also engage India is ready to resolve its dis- irrelevant. Modi’s India perceives directly with the Kashmiris and putes with Pakistan. Based on past itself as a global power, with Amer- take them into confidence so experiences, it is more likely that ican backing. It, therefore, requires that they do not feel betrayed. the Indian intention is to use the Pakistan’s capitulation and subser- It should also consult with Chi- dialogue process as a tactical ploy to vience like other South Asian states. na which has a major stake in ward off external pressure from the In this environment, Pakistan’s re- Kashmir and the Pakistan-India US and perhaps also from China. lations with India cannot improve. dialogue. This would further In this case, Pakistan-India talks, if On the contrary, Pakistan will be strengthen Pakistan’s negotiat- they actually take place, will again asked to not only abandon its posi- ing position. Above all, the Paki- prove to be sterile. Such a division- tion on Kashmir but also to accept stani people need to be taken ary dialogue, devoid of any substan- Indian dictation on its foreign rela- fully into confidence since any tive results, serves India’s purpose tions, such as with China. Conse- outcome in the dialogue process to deflect external pressure. quently, any acquiescence with In- must have national support.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 23 April 2021 Zartaj Gul lauds Denmark’s interest in Pakistan’s world-acclaimed green initiatives

By Shabbir Hussain

ISLAMABAD, Apr 08 (DS): Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul lauded the Danish government for its interest in Pakistan’s green initiatives and furthering it through enhanced collaboration in the shape of transfer of technology and capacity- building of the relevant sectors for ef- fective implementation of the Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision. Danish Ambassador Lis Rosenholm on Thursday called on Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul Wazir and conveyed her government’s interest to join and support various green initiatives launched under the Prime Minis- ter Imran Khan’s vision for Clean Green Pakistan. “Both sides agreed to boost bilateral cooperation and joint working for learn- ing from each other’s green initiatives of Understanding (MoU) with climate tion and promotion of nature-based so- related to forestry, renewable energy, change ministry in Green Framework lutions and creation of additional 5,000 energy efficiency, vertical gardening for enhanced bilateral collaboration in green jobs for community members in initiatives and water management,” environmental, climate change, renew- the protected areas. Climate Change Ministry media spokes- able energy, water management and “The ambitious PAI primarily was being person Muhammad Saleem Shaikh said forestry sectors for supporting Paki- implemented at a full-throttled pace to in a press statement while sharing vari- stan’s green initiatives. boost the country’s protected areas cov- ous aspects of the bilateral meeting held “We are very much honoured to receive er from 13 per cent to 15 per cent by 2023 at the climate change ministry. the offer for signing agreement with and create 5,000 green jobs across the “However, the Danish Ambassador and the Danish government for boosting country,” Malik Amin Aslam elaborated. minister of state Zartaj Gul resolved to cooperation in the forestry, environ- She also informed the ambassador that deepen further Pakistan-Denmark rela- ment, ecosystem restoration, renewable the climate change ministry has also tions through enhanced cooperation and energy, water conservation, vertical gar- launched a unique post-Covid-19 green collaboration in, among others, forestry, dening, urban forestry and would sign economic recovery initiative dubbed as renewable energy, water and disaster the MoU after go-ahead from the Prime Green Stimulus Initiative for creation management through jointly working to- Minister Imran Khan,” Zartaj Gul told of green employment opportunities for wards Prime Minister’s world-acclaimed media after the meeting. those rendered jobless after the COV- vision for clean, green and climate-resil- While sharing details of Pakistan’s ID-19 pandemic since March 2020. ient Pakistan,” he added. green projects being implemented un- Under the initiative, so far around Danish ambassador told the state min- der the environmental leadership of PM 87,000 jobs have been generated all over ister Zartaj Gul that Danish govern- Imran Khan, she told the Danish am- the country in green sectors for unem- ment, which is committed to global bassador that the climate change min- ployed daily-wagers, which is being rep- climate and environmental sustainabil- istry was implementing several global- licated in other countries in line with ity actions, is deeply appreciative of the ly-acclaimed flagship programmes and Pakistani model. stimulating vision of PM Khan for Clean projects in technical support with the Danish Ambassador Lis Rosenholm Green and environmentally-sustainable international UN organisations includ- emphasised during the meeting that and resilient Pakistan. ing United Nations Development Pro- her government considers youth and Ambassador was also impressed with gramme and UN Food and Agriculture children as key stakeholders when it Clean Green Pakistan programme and organisation and the World Bank. comes to their role for health of our various green projects initiated under “The world’s largest ambitious affor- Planet. And its is equally heartening to the vision, specially one of the world’s estation programme of 10 Billion Tree note that Pakistan also assigns greater largest ambitious 10 Billion Tree Tsu- Tsunami Programme, Clean Green Pak- importance to the youth participation nami Programme (TBTTP) Ecosystem istan Programme, National Apiculture in green initiatives and climate action, Restoration Initiative for promotion of Programme, National Olive Tree Tsuna- she added. nature-based solutions, Protected Areas mi Progject, Ecosystem Restoration Ini- “Pakistan and Denmark share ambitions Initiative for conservation and protec- tiative and Protected Areas Initiative are on greening the Planet. We see eye-to-eye tion of the environmentally-sensitive now being implemented successfully in on the challenge of climate change. I am and biodversity-rich wildlife areas. consultation and coordination with the always delighted to discuss solutions, ex- She also informed the minister that international organizations to attain change knowledge and explore collabora- Denmark is a world leader in fighting climate resilience and environmental tion between our countries. Partnership climate change. We aim to reduce coun- sustainability through the initiative, is the only way to tackle climate changes,” try’s carbon emission to 70% by 2030 Zataj Gul added. she highlighted. (below its 1990 levels), with carbon neu- The minister also apprised the ambas- The ambassador and the state minister trality targeted already by 2050. sador that another ambitious Protected agreed and said, “We all have an impor- During the meeting, the Danish envoy Areas Initiative (PAI) launched last year tant role to play and to get the world Lis Rosenholm extended her govern- under the over-arching programme on a zero-carbon path we need to learn ment’s offer to sign a Memorandum ‘Green Pakistan’ aims at the conserva- from and inspire one another.”

24 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 Troop withdrawal from Afghanistan Rustam Shah Mohmand no relevance to the objective realities. assumed responsibility. Biden was The US initiative could help in achiev- unambiguous when he said the May The US review of its policy regarding a real breakthrough on ending deadline for the exit of forces would ing the war in Afghanistan has been the conflict. In the last week of this be difficult to meet. And the new gov- completed — for the time being. All month there will be a UN-sponsored ernment needed time to complete its American forces will be out of Af- conference in Turkey to build a con- review of policy on Afghanistan. In ghanistan by September 11, this year. sensus on governance systems fol- less than three months, Washing- All Nato forces will also depart by the lowing an agreement between the ton has announced a new timetable same deadline. The withdrawal will Taliban and the Afghan government. for a complete withdrawal of all for- begin next month. The conference would be attended eign forces. And this is a withdrawal In making this announcement from by Qatar, the Taliban, the Afghan plan that is not dependent or linked the treaty room of the White House government, and of course Turkey. to any conditions. That is a clear de- — the same room from where former In view of the US pledge to pull out parture from the narratives of the president Bush made a declaration all its forces before September 11, the previous governments. The Taliban of a ‘War on Terror’ in the aftermath deliberations of the conference have must reciprocate by being on board of terrorist attacks on September assumed added significance. The with the discussions in the Istanbul 11, 2001 – President Joe Biden had Taliban’s long cherished demand for conference where the bottom line of to confront serious opposition from the departure of all foreign forces has complete and unconditional with- some leaders of the Republican Party been met. Now is time for them to drawal of forces by September 11 will as well as some senior military offi- help in endeavours that would result not be questioned or debated. Their cers. In a historic speech, Biden told in the establishment of an interim willingness to participate in the Is- the American audience that “the government. The interim govern- tanbul conference would not only United States had become mired in ment would be created by the tra- raise their stature but also could help an endless and increasingly irrel- ditional and time-honoured Afghan in the release of the nearly 7,000 re- evant conflict that more time and institution, the Loya Jirga, or People’s maining Taliban prisoners. more troops would not resolve”. The Grand Assembly. The interim govern- Regional countries have a role to play. President also added that a perpetual ment that will include the Taliban as China has stakes because of its heavy presence in the country would not a vital component would be multi- investment in Afghanistan which it serve US interests. He added that ethnic and broad-based. would like to see protected besides its America must focus on a “modern Opposition to the interim govern- One Belt One Road project that would landscape of threats” that is far dif- ment could come only from the cur- get a boost with normalcy returning ferent from that of nearly two de- rent rulers who would like to prolong to Afghanistan. Iran has an interest cades ago, when the war began. the status quo. But prolongation of in a Taliban-inclusive government Biden asserted that he will not pass the status quo is fraught with grave because only can such a government this responsibility (of dealing with dangers to the unity of the country. eliminate terrorist outfits like Daesh the war) to a fifth president — four The only country that can play a cru- that pose a threat to its border areas. US presidents including himself cial role in countering the machina- China has similar expectations. And have presided over American troop tions of the Kabul government is the of course, no country would gain as presence in Afghanistan. Biden US. The Kabul government is depen- much from Afghanistan’s peace and also said that the US had since long dent on external financial assistance stability as Pakistan for a host of rea- achieved the original goals of the war for the maintenance of its army, po- sons. Islamabad must play its role by — an opinion that many would not lice and for the general administra- advising the Taliban leadership to agree with. The President declared, “I tion. Washington has to use that le- not miss a historic opportunity for have concluded that it’s time to end ver in forcing the Ghani government peace. America’s longest war.” to acquiesce in the idea of an interim Biden has emphasised that the US Questioning the whole rationale for government as a means for ending would continue to lend support to supporting continued military pres- the war. Afghanistan in helping to create ence in Afghanistan, Biden added, There are reports that the Taliban conditions for a complete return to ‘’The main argument for staying would not agree to attend the Is- normalcy. In other words, Washing- longer is what each of my three pre- tanbul meeting because the US has ton would not wash its hands off Af- decessors have grappled with: No not met the May deadline for the ghanistan even though there would one wants to say that we should be withdrawal of forces. That will be a be no military presence. Ashraf in Afghanistan forever, but they in- costly error. A delay of four months Ghani’s acceptance of the idea of an sist now is not the right moment to should not cause the whole scheme interim government and the Taliban leave.” of reconciliation to be sabotaged or agreeing to come on board are criti- That was putting it very succinctly. abandoned. After 20 years of fight- cal elements in addition to contin- The problem was the goals were not ing when the goal of an Afghanistan ued international support for end- defined. What did the US want to free of foreign forces is in sight, no ing the conflict — all of which are achieve? The Afghanistan Papers had decision should be taken that would indispensable components in a new laid bare the truth about the whole unravel the whole peace process. peace formula. Biden’s landmark an- unwarranted military interven- The Taliban must realise that if they nouncement has opened the doors to tion. The papers illustrated how the don’t seize this opportunity not only resolving the long conflict. Missing American public was told lies about would they lose support internation- the opportunity for peace would be a the war and how facts on the ground ally, but also within the country. They grave error. were concealed by the government would become more isolated. and the generals. Together they were The US had made its intention clear The writer is a former chief secretary K-P trying to market a strategy that had soon after the new administration and former ambassador.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 25 April 2021 President Biden invites 40 world leaders to climate summit

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): President Major Economies Forum on Energy and of the United States Joe Biden invited Climate, bringing together leaders from 40 world leaders to participate in the countries responsible for approximately Virtual Leaders Summit on Climate on 80 percent of global emissions and GDP. April 22-23 but surprisingly left out Pak- The summit also included representa- istan, a country severely and frequent- tion from countries holding Chairs of ly affected by climate change, global geographic regions and groups includ- warming and rising temperatures. ing Least Developed Countries, Small Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Island Developing States, and Climate John Kerry in a tweet said that the sum- Vulnerable Forum. Pakistan, despite mit would reconvene the Major Econo- being among the top ten countries af- mies Forum and would be a milestone. fected by Climate Change, was one of The leaders invited for Global Climate the lowest emitters – with less than one Summit included Prime Ministers of percent of the global emissions. Bangladesh, Bhutan and India. Presi- Climate Change was one of the defin- dent Biden had also invited the leader- ing challenges of our times that could ship of countries like Japan, Russia, Sau- only be countered through inclusive, cooperative and forward-looking poli- di Arabia, China, Turkey, United Arab nomic Forum. cies. Pakistan remained fully commit- Emirates, United Kingdom, France, Pakistan was also meaningfully contributing ted to play its due role in this fight, the Germany, Indonesia and Italy. to shape the global Climate Change discourse, Spokesperson added. While responding to a media query, the inter alia, as the Vice President of the UN In the days ahead, the analysts will con- Spokesperson of the Foreign Office said Framework Convention on Climate Change tinue wondering whether omission of Pakistan’s commitment to addressing and member of the Intergovernmental Panel Pakistan was some kind of bias of the Climate Change and Prime Minister on Climate Change. Pakistan also co-chaired new US administration or even the is- Imran Khan’s leadership on this ac- the multibillion-dollar Green Climate Fund, sue of climate change had become a vic- count was well accepted and appreciat- established to support climate actions in de- tim of political expediency. ed around the world. The government’s veloping countries, last year. Excluding Pakistan will raise questions landmark initiatives like the Billion The spokesperson aid the Leaders’ about the larger designs of the United Tree Tsunami had won international Summit on Climate Change hosted by States in the South Asian region. acclaim, including from the World Eco- President Biden reconvened the U.S.-led

cial minister, distributed books and Italian Envoy Shows Interest to bags among deserving students at the International Community Sup- Support Pakistan in Education port Foundation’s office. The event was attended by a large RAWALPINDI, 27th Mar, (DS): number of teachers and students, Punjab Minister for Literacy and In- including the head of the founda- formal Basic Education Raja Rashid tion, Sultan Faiz. The students pre- Hafeez has said that the people sented beautiful colorful programs. of Pakistan and Italy were bound The Italian ambassador appreciated in deep relations of friendship. the performance of the children These relations are being further and said that Pakistani students strengthened by the cooperation of had immense potential. the people of the two countries in He also lauded the steps taken by various fields. the Punjab government to promote He said this while talking to Italian education and increase literacy Ambassador to Pakistan Andreas rate. He especially paid homage to Ferrarese. The Italian ambassador Raja Rashid Hafeez and said that visited the provincial minister’s casion, the Italian ambassador said considering the diligence with residence in Satellite Town the that he had visited many cities in which the provincial minister was other day and discussed issues of Pakistan and found a home-like at- working. mutual cooperation in the social mosphere and he did not feel alien- Raja Rashid Hafeez thanked the sector. ated in Pakistan. Italian ambassador and said that Expressing good wishes, the pro- He said that he wished to see the we were grateful for the coopera- vincial minister said that we were development and prosperity of the tion of the Italian Embassy in the grateful for Italy’s support for the people of Pakistan and wanted to field of education. He also men- development of the social sector see Pakistan in the ranks of devel- tioned that the practical steps tak- and our bilateral cooperation would oped nations. Later on the Italian en by the Punjab government to continue in the future. On the oc- ambassador, along with the provin- increase the literacy rate.

26 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 ganization (SCO), and the Orga- Public Talk nization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). He said Afghanistan is an identical Future of Pakistan-Russia Relations long-term area of interest since Islamabad, 14 April (DS): both states want a peaceful set- “Pakistan-Russia relations are tlement of the Afghan problem developing at a normal pace, without any external interfer- but change cannot be expected ence. Touching upon economic overnight. As far as the future of dimension, he said that Pakistan bilateral ties is concerned, it is seems to be more inclined to- promising.” This was stated by wards western markets and that Ambassador of the Russian Fed- is a big hindrance in tapping the eration to Pakistan, H.E. Danila true potential of economic co- Ganich in a public talk on “Fu- operation. Language, he said, is ture of Pak-Russia Relations”. another barrier to fruitful coop- The event was organized and eration. hosted by Center for Strategic The talk was followed by a lively Perspective (CSP) at the Institute interactive question-answer ses- of Strategic Studies Islamabad sion. (ISSI) on April 14, 2021. The talk concluded with a Following an introduction by vote of thanks by Chairman Director CSP, Mr. Najam, DG BoG, ISSI, Ambassador Kha- ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad lid Mahmood who said that Chaudhry requested the Rus- Moscow-Islamabad ties have sian Ambassador to shed light enormous potential of coop- on three major areas of interac- portant aspects of Moscow- eration and emphasized the tion between Moscow and Is- Islamabad ties, Ambassador need to expand the ambit of lamabad: future of bilateral ties, Danila Ganich stated that the bilateral collaboration under particularly the most promising most promising areas of bilat- the umbrella of Shanghai Co- ones; areas of mutual interests; eral cooperation lie in the politi- operation Organization. Am- and, how think tank like ISSI can cal arena, international affairs, bassador Danila agreed to a re- help strengthen the relations Afghanistan, and multilateral quest by Mr. Najam to put CSP with a great country like Russia? foras such as United Nations in touch with relevant think Responding to these three im- (UN), Shanghai Cooperation Or- tanks in Russia.

Pakistan’s commitment to address Climate Change appreciated globally: Zahid Hafeez Choudhari

Islamabad, March 27, (DS): For- He said that Pakistan also Co- eign Office has said that Pakistan’s chaired the multibillion-dollar commitment to address Climate Green Climate Fund, established to Change and Prime Minister Imran support climate actions in develop- Khan’s leadership on this account ing countries, last year. is well accepted and appreciated The Leaders’ Summit on Climate around the world. Change hosted by President Biden In a statement Spokesperson Zahid reconvenes the U.S.-led Major Hafeez Choudhari said the Govern- Economies Forum on Energy and ment’s landmark initiatives like Climate, which brings together the Billion Tree Tsunami have won leaders from countries responsible international acclaim, including for approximately 80 percent of from the World Economic Forum. global emissions and GDP. He said that Pakistan is also mean- The Spokesperson said that Paki- ingfully contributing to shape the stan, despite being among the top global Climate Change discourse, ten countries affected by Climate inter alia, as the Vice President of Change, is one of the lowest emit- the UN Framework Convention on ters - with less than one percent of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and member of the global emissions. Climate Change.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 27 April 2021 Diplomacy Thru Pictures

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahood Qureshi Condoled with Foreign Minister of Russian Federation Sergey lavrov calls on Prime Foreign Secretary, Suhail Mahmood over the demise of his brother in Minister Imran khan in Islamabad on 7th April, 2021. law Zaheer Akbar Khwaja (Late) in his office on April 06, 2021.

Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce & Investment Abdul Razak Italian Deputy National Armament Director, Admiral Guido Giacomin Dawood in a meeting with H.E. Bernhard Schlagheck, German Ambas- Called on Ms. Zobaida Jalal, Minister for Defence Production in her of- sador in Islamabad on April 8, 2021. fice at Islamabad.

H.E. Andreas Papastavrou, Ambassador of Hellenic Republic Greece Advisor to the Prime Minister on commerce & investment Abdul Razak Called on Mr. Atif R.Bokhari, MOS/Chairman Board of investment at Dawood in meeting with H.E. Mr. Manuel Duran Spanish ambassador BOI Islamabad on March 19, 2021. in Islamabad on April 13, 2021.

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Nawaf Bin British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr. Christian Turner Called on Saeed Al-Maliki Calling on Federal Minister for interior, Sheikh Rashid foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi at Ministry of Ahmed in Islamabad on April 07, 2021. Foreign Affairs on March 19 2021.

28 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 The Islamabad Security Dialogue — an appraisal

Inam Ul Haque of Peace in Washington (he was an wishes notwithstanding, India has associate vice-president for Asia); and steadfastly refused the US bait during Last week the linkage of the first- some past iterations on social media, the 2020 Ladakh stand-off with Chi- ever Islamabad Security Dialogue raise some concerns in the nation- na; dithered on military cooperation (ISD) was established with the Unit- alistic circles. Phrases like General (with the potential of antagonising ed States thinking about the Indo- Bajwa’s “hand of peace in all direc- China); and avoided military pacts Pakistan region, in my Op-ed, “The tions” and “burying the past” — met- with the US, in an effort to charter a Islamabad Security Dialogue: Per- aphorically at least — are significant course — as far as possible — closer spective and Potential”. Before an ap- strands of our future policy outlook. to its non-alignment credentials. Yes, praisal of the ISD, let us encapsulate One hopes that the policy calibration India has tried to maximise its eco- the essence of the prevailing global stems from deep introspection and nomic and diplomatic potential from environment that is likely to impact analysis, keeping our ‘selfish national its ‘perceived’ closeness to the US. the regional milieu. Whether the re- interest’ uppermost. Dr Yusuf may or There are indicators that India might cent bonhomie between India and may not be our Jared Kushner. balance against China without a Pakistan, as evidenced by the posi- Rapprochement on Kashmir, while closer partnership with America. It tive steps taken by either side, is a bold and out of the box; has to vec- has avoided the repeat of its reckless spur of the moment re-orientation; tor in the aspirations of the Kashmiri ‘forward policy’ that led to the Sino- a long-awaited outcome of the Track- people including the diaspora, and India war in 1962 over Aksai Chin/ II and other parleys; result of India- the trichotomy of the India-Pakistan- Arunachal Pradesh, that the Chinese Pakistan’s own security calculus; or a China relationship, given the border call ‘’South Tibet”. subtle nudging by the Biden admin- entanglement in the region. The re- Overall, India understands the trans- istration… the jury is still out. How- cent statement by China’s Foreign actional nature of the Indo-US re- ever, one hopes that the reflected Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian lationship and the short span of US positivity is genuine and irreversible. encouraging bilateral amity between attention. India, under south wing Serious-minded policy analysts in India and Pakistan notwithstand- bureaucracy and Chanakya Kautilya India have always recommended a ing, the binary of Indo-Pakistan rap- (375-283 BC) statecraft, is too clever détente in Indo-Pakistan relations. prochement, leaving China out has and illusive for the mandarins of US The argument — succinctly put implications. State Department, sitting thousands across in a 2017 publication, “Dragon Likewise, the option of keeping Kash- of miles away. on Our Doorstep”, goes like this. In- mir on the back burner while mov- The related argument floated around dia cannot militarily prevail against ing forward on ‘other issues’, also is concerns China’s interest in Pakistan a China-Pakistan combine; and a slippery notion. Kashmir remains not having peace with India. China without normalising relations with a ‘vital/core interest’ for Pakistan, has always advised Pakistan to re- Pakistan, India cannot realise its full given its emotional, religious, psy- main peacefully engaged with India potential, and concentrate its efforts chological and historic significance. concerning “all” issues. It under- towards a rising China. And that In- The religious right without due con- stands the implications of a nuclear dia has traditionally followed an ap- fidence building parleys would rock war in its backyard and the economic peasement policy towards China’s the PTI boat like no PDM can. potential of the region, where it can land incursions in Ladakh and else- Sometimes intractable and complex sell its wares after the US/European where. And while Pakistan and China issues are resolved by time itself. markets are denied to it. Add to it have remained focused on building a Having said that, it is not intended China’s ability to harvest economic/ “military power”, India has been col- to not defreeze the Kashmir issue, mineral benefits of Afghanistan and lecting merely “military war-withal”. and find a solution acceptable to all Central Asia if the region is stable. In These observers also point out that, sides. However, for the general pub- this game of thrones, the Indian mil- whereas, the Pakistani military has lic to be supportive, both the govern- itary establishment seems unneces- a “strategic” outlook, not supple- ments (India in particular) shall have sarily gung-ho and myopic. mented by its political class, having to prepare grounds through confi- The world is effectively in a new cold a “tactical” outlook; the Indian mili- dence building measures (CBMs) in war between China and the US. Chi- tary has a tactical outlook, as opposed a sustained manner over time with na’s reference to its past humiliation to the strategic outlook of its politi- all external agents working in har- by European powers and its present cians/civilian leaders. And given the mony especially the deep states and self-confidence and national power strategic importance of the One Belt political vigilantes (on the Indian potential, foretells new force align- One Road (OBOR) initiative (with side). And these measures should be ments. By contrast, the US policy CPEC as its flagship project) — that started “from and within Kashmir” prescriptions towards South Asia are has catapulted China under Presi- to have an impact. An immediate less developed and betray a confu- dent Xi Jinping to world eminence measure is the undoing of Article sion. With the global pivot shifting — Sino-Pakistan ties have morphed 370. Whether the RSS/Modi-led Hin- towards Asia in general and China in into what the US-Israel relationship dutva-inspired Indian establishment particular, more countries (Germany is. Pakistan is to China what Israel is can spring such a coup, remains to a first case in point) are hedging their to America. be seen… but seems tough at pres- bets. The ISD was prominent by China’s ent. So, raising expectations from the Therefore, South Asia needs to em- absence except Dr Hu Shisheng, an very early and mostly cosmetic CBMs brace the “trichotomy of India-Pak- academic, and the agenda was ‘os- would be naive. istan-China” allowing time and sin- tensibly’ set by Dr Moeed Yusuf, If the western analysts and their cere efforts to resolve issues, rather Pakistan’s national security adviser. faithful local cabal are to be believed, than playing proxies for the US, that An academic by training, Dr Yusuf’s the US is hell-bent upon propping up remains embroiled in intractable deep involvement with US academia India as a bulwark against China. The problems domestically. and think tanks, like the US Institute truth is far from this truism. The US The writer is a retired Major General.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 29 April 2021 What does the state really want?

Muhammad Amir Rana has a different story to tell. Many various means, but mainly through organisations have continued to legislation to please them or as a IN Pakistan, frenzied protests en- survive, thrive and operate in the consequence of pressure from them. tailing roadblocks and violence have country after being banned. The State institutions pick and choose apparently emerged as a new way TLP might not be an exception, es- religious groups when needed for of communicating with the state. pecially when it has a support and their political purposes. They have While multiple religiously inspired vote base that makes it attractive in developed a synergy at a level, where groups have contributed to the de- the power corridors. they don’t go completely against velopment of this particular protest However, the TLP is merely an ex- each other’s interests. State insti- feature, the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Paki- pression of the poor and retrogres- tutions are strong and whenever a stan has taken this chaotic tactic sive political and religious-ideolog- group becomes strong enough and to new heights. The TLP threat had ical ‘scholarship’ in the country to tries to fly high, state institutions been growing at an alarming level, which many actors and factors have trim its feathers through punitive and eventually the government of- contributed, ultimately nurturing measures as happened in the case ficially banned it under the anti- a unique code of linking power to of the TLP. terrorism laws. The government religion. The code in particular de- If the state wants to promote reli- also plans to file a reference in the fines the relationship between state gious scholarship it can take some Supreme Court for the group’s dis- institutions and religious forces. simple measures, starting with pro- solution as a political party. The code only promotes a narrow viding more space on media and The TLP has not only become an worldview, discourages question- public forums to genuine scholars. internal security threat but is also ing, and insists on believing in a A list of a few dozen scholars from hurting Pakistan’s international self-created utopia. But how to deal all religious sects — those, who are image and its relations with the with a relationship if it becomes considered to have saner opinions world. The state has been tolerat- ugly or burdensome? Through ne- and do not have political motives ing the group for many years over- gotiations or coercive means? Both — can be prepared easily. They will looking domestic and international ways are tricky. help broaden the worldview of the concerns. Certainly, the state insti- Religion has become a delicate sub- public and create a challenge for tutions have their own assessments ject in the country. But if the state the religious institutions to review and calculations. is willing to show resolve and en- their practices. The beneficiaries The TLP’s street saga this past week force its authority, the situation of the religious economy will react revealed the potential strength of can be turned around. It will have and will try to defame them, but if the new leadership of the organ- to make one significant change in the state remains committed and isation and its cadre. For one, the its attitude, which is to keep reli- protects scholarship, the insanity street power of the group is still gious scholarship and politics alto- will certainly subside gradually. intact despite a relative decrease in gether separate. It is pity that the The power corridors have been its verbal ferocity or hate speech af- 30,000-plus religious seminaries, harping on the same argument of ter the death of its founder Khadim the Islamic studies departments ‘narratives’ and ‘counter-narratives’ Hussain Rizvi, whose memory will in all universities and colleges, re- without offering a real-world solu- continue to inspire the TLP support ligious bodies such as the Council tion to problems related to extrem- base for a long time. But his demise of Islamic Ideology as well as the ism. Narratives cannot be generated may have offered the state institu- teaching of Islamic studies up to through bureaucratic policy proce- tions the opportunity to limit the graduation level have together not dures. If this were the case, plenty bargaining power of the group. The been able produce religious scholar- of policy initiatives and guidelines assessment may have its pros and ship as compared to other Muslim such as the National Action Plan cons, but the future of such groups societies, which have fewer reli- and even state-sponsored fatwas would depend on the state institu- gious institutions. Google can pro- like the Paigham-i-Pakistan would tions’ approach towards them. If the vide a good view of the participants have already transformed society. state continues seeing these groups of any international forum on reli- Narratives cannot be prepared on through a political lens they will gion, state, and society, and we can orders. Scholarship nurtures new continue thriving in one way or an- assess the capabilities of Pakistani narratives and cultivates minds and other. And as in the past, they will religious scholarship against that. prepares them to accept change. resurface, and be allowed to oper- Only a few noteworthy Pakistani However, the billion-dollar question ate, with different names, and will names will appear on the screen — remains: would state institutions continue exploiting the religious- and most of these individuals have want to promote religious schol- ideological and sociocultural sensi- either already left the country after arship and alter their comfortable tivities of the state and society. receiving threats or are not part of relationship with religious groups? Therefore, it will be important to see any state-sponsored religious insti- They may not want to as this would how effectively the state enforces tution and initiative. require minimising their role in the ban on the TLP and its leaders. The economy of religious institu- politics, something that they may The Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and tions has badly damaged religious not be ready to do. Or will they come related laws are very clear and, if scholarship in the country, and only up with a few other tools for politi- applied in letter and spirit, will not promotes the view which suits its cal manoeuvring? allow the group to survive as a co- financial and political interests. The herent organisation. But history state has empowered them through The writer is a security analyst.

30 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 Germany ready to boost investment in Pakistan

By Tariq Mahmood Awan

BERLIN, March 12 (DS): Germany on Monday expressed the intent to increase investment in Pakistan’s diverse sectors and boost trade relations. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at a joint press conference in Berlin agreed to strengthen bilateral ties with a particular focus on increasing trade and investments. The German foreign minister termed the visit of FM Qureshi a “good opportunity” for the launch

of electric vehicles in line with the ity in Afghanistan and vowed that of new German initiatives and government’s policy of a safe and Pakistan would remain in touch on projects in Pakistan. FM Heiko green climate. the issue at every forum, may it the Maas expressed satisfaction over Qureshi expressed gratitude to Istanbul Peace Process or Doha fo- the interest of 35 German compa- Germany for supplying 15 mil- rum. nies ready to make an investment lion doses of COVID-19 by May On ties with India, he said Pakistan in Pakistan and said the encour- and mentioned that Pakistan as a wanted to live in peace with all its aging trend would help “tap into population of 220 million popula- neighbours including India. “Paki- immense potential”. He men- tion would require more doses in stan believes in holding a meaning- tioned a “constructive discussion” future. He lauded Germany’s sup- ful dialogue with India, but the first held with FM Qureshi on diverse portive role in helping Pakistan step must be taken by India,” he matters and added that ‘Germany achieve the GSP Plus status in the stressed. “Pakistan will be receptive wanted to build up cooperation European Union and for not allow- and forthcoming,” he stressed. with Pakistan”. ing the “politicizing of Financial German Foreign Minister Maas on Foreign Minister Qureshi wel- Action Task Force (FATF)”. the security situation in Afghani- comed the plans of new German Acknowledging Pakistan’s effort at stan acknowledged Pakistan’s investment in Pakistan and high- the FATF forum by Germany is also contribution towards the restora- lighted that the country’s shift in commendable, he added. He said tion of peace in its neighbouring policy from geo-politics to geo- German Chancellor Angela Merkel country and for hosting three mil- economics could turn out to be did a great job in the development of lion Afghan refugees. He lauded a “great opportunity for German Germany, adding that Prime Minis- “Pakistan’s active voice” for the companies”. He said the incen- ter was keen to visit Germany. FM peace process in Afghanistan at tives announced by the Pakistan Qureshi mentioned that his meet- various platforms. On the relation- government for foreign investors ing with his German counterpart ship between Pakistan and India, would make the country a hub of took up ways to overcome delays in he termed the ceasefire agreement regional trade. visa issuance. He said the positive at the borders a “step in the right FM Qureshi said Pakistan wanted role of the Pakistani diaspora in Ger- direction”. to “deepen, broaden and trans- many also came under discussion The two foreign ministers earlier form” its economic relations with with an agreement to legally sort led delegation-level talks encom- Germany. He said Pakistan could out the issue of immigrants. On Af- passing issues related to trade, benefit from Germany in technol- ghanistan, he said Germany played energy, visa strategy and peace in ogy transfer and the projects relat- an important role in bringing stabil- Afghanistan. ing to the supply and production

DIPLOMATIC STAR 31 April 2021 Iraq’s Under Secretary for Political Affairs calls on Foreign Minister Qureshi

Islamabad, 8 April (DS): During the meeting, the two litical Affairs and the Director Dr. Saleh Hussein Ali Al-Tamimi, sides agreed to enhance high- General of the Foreign Service Under Secretary for Political Af- level interactions, work towards Academy of Pakistan. The MoU fairs of the Ministry of Foreign developing frameworks in vari- provides a framework of col- Affairs of the Republic of Iraq ous fields of cooperation, and laboration for capacity build- called on Foreign Minister Makh- hold the 9th Session of the Joint ing and training of diplomats doom Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The Foreign Minister warmly welcomed the Under Secretary and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong and fraternal ties with Iraq. He said Pakistan accorded priority to its bilateral relations with Iraq, and was desirous of further enhancing and diversifying these ties in all fields. He hoped that close collaboration between the two countries in regional and multilateral fora will continue to strengthen in the years ahead. Recalling the recent Ministerial visits from both sides, Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored the importance of maintaining the positive momentum in high- level bilateral interactions. Conveying warm wishes from the Iraqi leadership, the Under Secre- tary for Political Affairs thanked the Government of Pakistan for dispatching COVID-related assistance to Iraq in March 2021. He Ministerial Commission at the of both countries. added that this brotherly gesture earliest. Pakistan and Iraq enjoy warm was well-received by the govern- Following the meeting, the and friendly ties rooted in shared ment and people of Iraq. Dr. Saleh Foreign Minister witnessed faith, values and culture. Both Al-Tamimi welcomed Pakistan’s the signing of an MoU on Co- countries cooperate closely in re- intention to forge closer ties with operation between the For- gional and multilateral fora. Both Iraq, and assured the Foreign eign Service Academies of the countries remain committed to Minister of full cooperation and two countries, inked by the expanding and intensifying bi- support. Iraqi Under Secretary for Po- lateral cooperation.

32 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 President calls for cementing Pak-Brunei trade relations

ISLAMABAD, Mar 24 (DS): and stability. He added that Paki- Darussalam. The President also ap- President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday stan had a strong agriculture sector preciated the services of the outgoing underlined the need for increasing and Brunei could benefit from Paki- High Commissioner for strengthen- and diversifying trade and eco- stan’s expertise in this sector. ing bilateral ties as well as promoting nomic relations between Pakistan The President expressed satisfaction economic relations between the two and Brunei Darussalam for mutual over the fact that Pak-Brunei Invest- brotherly countries. benefit. He was talking to the out- ment Company, a joint venture be- He emphasized the need for pro- going High Commissioner of Brunei tween the government of Pakistan moting people-to-people contacts Darussalam, Brigadier General (R) and Brunei Investment Agency, was as well as cultural exchanges that Dato Mahmud Saidin, who called playing a major role in the country’s would greatly help in bringing the on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr. economic progress by providing an two countries further closer. The President said that Pakistan entire range of advisory services as Brigadier General (R) Dato Mahmud and Brunei Darussalam were enjoy- well as financial support to viable Saidin highly praised the services ing excellent relations which were business projects. of Pakistani doctors who had been deeply rooted in shared values, re- He highlighted the role of Pakistani doing commendable job for the wel- ligious commonalities as well as doctors who were contributing to the fare of people in Brunei, particularly shared aspirations for global peace well-being of the people of Brunei during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Egyptian Ambassador called on Ms. Zobaida Jalal, Minister for Defence Production Islamabad: March 22 (DS): H.E. Mr.Tarek Dahrough, Egyptian Ambassador called on Ms. Zobaida Jalal, Minister for Defence Produc- tion. The Minister said that Paki- stan considers Egypt as a friend and an important country. The Minister identified the need to further extend our cooperation beyond the economic domain to defence and industrial collaborations and joint ventures. The visiting dignitary acknowledged the importance of Pak-Egypt relations and said that Egypt enjoys good and brotherly relations with Pakistan and would like to continue with a same pace and momentum.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 33 April 2021 Army Chief, Polish Ambassador discuss issues of regional security

Islamabad, April 02 (DS): Ambassador of Poland to Paki- stan Piotr A. Opalinski, called on the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Rawalpindi. During the meeting matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhanced bilateral and defence cooperation between both countries were discussed. The Army Chief said that Paki- stan values its relations with Poland which are anchored by mutual trust and profound historic foundations. He said that both countries have cluding fight against terrorism. ing peace and stability in the convergence of strategic interests Visiting dignitary appreciated region, especially the Afghan on a range of security issues in- Pakistan’s efforts for bring- Peace Process.

Ukrainian Ambassador calls on COAS

RAWALPINDI, Mar 31 (APP): came under discussion, said ty in the region, especially the Ukrainian Ambassador Marki- an Inter Services Public Rela- Afghan Peace Process. an Chuchuk Wednesday called tions (ISPR) media release. Both sides reiterated the com- on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) The COAS said that Pakistan mitment for expanding bi- General Qamar Javed Bajwa attaches great importance to lateral engagements through here at GHQ. furthering bilateral relations structured forums and regular During the meeting, matters with Ukraine in all domains. exchanges, particularly with of mutual interest, regional The visiting dignitary appreci- respect to defence coopera- security and enhanced bilat- ated Pakistan’s sincere efforts tion. eral and defence cooperation for bringing peace and stabili-

34 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 The Taliban— arbiters of peace in Afghanistan

Gen (R) Mirza Aslam Beg Emirate of Afghanistan, friendly the hardcore state of the Muslim to all neighbours and countries be- world based on three bastions of What an irony of social justice that yond. Pakistan does not stand by power—the Revolutionary Iran, powers such as Russia, the US, us at the moment, yet we stand by Jihadi Afghanistan and Islamic NATO and Pakistan, who tasted Pakistan, to safeguard our interests Pakistan. This is the emerging real- defeat at the hands of the Taliban at all times.” ity causing concern and fear in the at one time or the other, have made This declaration has remained the minds of the secular world. the declaration after the Moscow guiding principle of the Taliban At this point in time, history ap- conference, supporting Biden’s’ movement, and also determines pears to repeat itself. For exam- “moon-shot” Afghan Strategy. the dialectics of the opposing will, ple, thirty-three years ago in 1988 The Taliban are not to launch the establishing the power equation, the turn of events heralded the spring offensive, but to negotiate which enables the Taliban to es- dawn of a new order, beholden to and conclude the peace agreement tablish control over a large part of the Taliban movement, the irre- leading to an all-inclusive demo- Afghan territory while the oppos- sistible force which had defeated cratic order. But the ground situa- ing forces’ control is limited to cit- the mightiest of the mighty—the tion suggests that it is not possible ies and towns only. The Taliban can two superpowers and the regional to achieve the objective of “an in- sweep them away and none of the powers of European Union and clusive democratic order”. supporters of the Ashraf Ghani re- India, in a short period of four de- The Taliban have maintained a regime would stand up to the Taliban cades—an unparalleled feat of spectable level of resistance, estab- surge. military achievement. Now it holds lishing their writ over 80 percent Leaving Afghanistan is so tough for supreme over Afghanistan. Unfor- of Afghan territory. They are now the US, because, despite decades of tunately, Taliban were cheated in expecting the occupation forces intervention, Afghanistan remains 1990. They won’t be cheated again. to leave by May 1, 2021, when the weak and poorly governed. The po- Rather, they are the ones who will road will open for them to form the litical distraction of a troop with- lay down the conditions for peace Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, drawal could lead to the US getting in Afghanistan. something they have stood for over bogged down in a war it cannot All eyes are now focused on May the last four decades and have not win and will suffer “a bigger loss of 1, 2021, when foreign troops are to wavered in their resolve. In 2003, face” if it decides to stay on. This is leave, and if they do not, the Tali- Mullah Omar gave a strong affir- the dilemma of the devil and deep ban will sweep across the country mation of this resolve: sea. The turning point will thus to establish their writ over territory “We have decided to fight to the come after May 1, 2021, when Tali- which they already control, push- end to win our freedom. For us to ban resistance will grow in inten- ing the Afghanistan government follow the agenda of the occupa- sity, gradually consolidating their to the besieged cities and towns, tion forces of a democratic order is writ over the areas, and laying which will also fall to the Tali- not compatible with our traditions, siege to towns and cities, held by ban as they consolidate the larger our national ethos and purpose. We Ashraf Ghani’s government. swathes of territory. will fight and win our freedom, In- The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan shaAllah, to establish the Islamic thus would be established, to form The writer is the former COAS.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 35 April 2021 Pak-Russia relations— the way forward

Ambassador (R) other cooperation with Pakistan. tion (PASMIC as it was also known President Musharraf in his meet- in the USSR) with its 1.1-million- Tariq Osman Hyder ing with President Putin in 2006 tonne capacity, became the larg- in New York—on the sidelines of est industrial project in Pakistan. Looking back at the sweep of Pak- the UNGA which I attended—sug- Thousands of young engineers USSR then Russia, relations since gested that Russia be more forth- and technicians were sent to Rus- the inception of diplomatic rela- coming in arms sales to Pakistan sia to master the various required tions in 1948 one thing is clear; now that after the US-India nucle- disciplines, and many Russian relations with Russia are of im- ar deal India was growing closer experts lived in Pakistan to com- mense importance to Pakistan. to the USA, or was India still that plete the project. The construction There have been missteps and constraining a factor? President and other expertise gained in the misperceptions on both sides with Putin frankly admitted that Rus- process led to their deployment ups and downs, which have ne- sia’s arms sales and economic co- throughout Pakistan; but also in cessitated a steady and successful operation with India precluded the wave of Pakistani labour and process of trust-building. To give arms sales cooperation with Paki- technicians assisting in infra- one example, it is widely believed stan at that time. structure and other construction that Prime Minister Liaquat Ali During the Cold War, relations projects in the Gulf and the Middle Khan turned down the invitation were difficult, as again during the East, whose foreign remittances, to visit the USSR and instead went 1971 War with India and again largesse to their families and the to the USA. In fact, he was keen during the Soviet involvement in country benefit us to this day. for the visit to take place, and his Afghanistan. In the intervening There has been a constant effort team had been assembled includ- period, Russian peacemaking at throughout on the part of all Paki- ing a young army officer Sahibza- Tashkent to end the 1965 Indo-Pak stani leaders and political parties da Yaqub-Khan, later Ambassador war gave a political boost which to try to improve relations with in Moscow then Foreign Minister, unlocked both economic and mili- Russia. Russia, notwithstanding as he had learnt Russian in a POW tary cooperation. This was also its traditionally priority relation- camp during WW-II. Negotiations the case from 1972 onwards when ship with India, has also recog- for the visit had begun through Prime Minister Bhutto visited nised the importance of Pakistan the Ambassadors of both coun- Moscow. The Soviet Union built as a middle power, its strategic tries in Tehran but when they the Karachi Steel Mills, major location a trijunction between the were switched to Delhi, they be- thermal power plants at Muzaf- Middle East, Central, and South came stalled, (as Ambassador Saj- fargarh, Multan, and Guddu; and Asia, and the role it can play in jad Hyder has related in a chapter assisted Pakistan in the establish- stabilising Afghanistan, which on The Visit that Never Was in his ment of the Oil and Gas Develop- poses both an ongoing narcotics book the Foreign Policy of Paki- ment Company (OGDC). After the threat to Russia and a potential stan); and that is why the Prime Soviet involvement in Afghani- threat from terrorists. Minister first went to Washing- stan ended, relations again slowly The upward trajectory of our bilat- ton. India has remained a fac- improved. eral relations is encouraging. The tor in constraining military and The Pakistan Steel Mills Corpora- Shanghai Cooperation Organisa-

36 DIPLOMATIC STAR April 2021 tion (SCO)—which we joined ow- number of joint working groups. mental Agreement called adden- ing to Russian and Chinese sup- Pursuant to the Pakistan-Russia dum to the already agreed inter- port—and the UNGA have in the Military Agreement of 2017, a governmental agreement. Both past two years provided opportu- joint Military Technical Commis- sides have agreed and approved nities for talks between the two sion was set up, military sales ex- this addendum. I will not go into leaders and Foreign Ministers. plored, five joint military exercises other technical details—that One hopes that Foreign Minister held, two joint naval exercises the cost may go up from $1.5 to Sergei Lavrov will avail the invita- apart from Russian naval ships’ around $2.5 billion if the originally tion to visit Islamabad at the earli- participation in the multilateral planned diameter is very sensibly est. AMAN exercises hosted by the Pak increased to cater for projected Trade has not reached its poten- Navy, and six rounds of military higher demand now, obviating tial, hovering around $500 mil- staff talks, the latest earlier this redoing the exercise in the future lion overall, with the balance in month. especially over right of way, other Pakistan’s favour except when Amongst the other mechanisms, locational issues and financial we preferred last year in 2020 given limited space I will only cost benefits. to import wheat from a reliable draw particular attention to the Once this mega-project flagship source—$300 hundred million Joint Coordination Committee takes off it will begin a process worth for some 700,000 tons— on the North-South Gas Pipeline, of unlocking various constraints from Russia, when overall trade now re-termed Pakistan Stream across the board and meeting fu- went up to $780.6 million. There Gas Pipeline, which is pivotal. ture demand on which our prog- are systemic hurdles, including a Given that a political and institu- ress depends. We must regard it lack of direct flights, banking is- tional structure has been built up as a strategic opportunity as we sues due to US sanctions which and convergences recognised, es- did with PASMIC. Looking fur- other countries have better man- pecially on Afghanistan; and given ther ahead on the economic side aged, and slow two-month pro- Pakistan’s objective to try to reap there is again the Steel Mill. In cessing in issuances of business vi- the benefits of inter-connectivity 2012, Russia offered a $500 mil- sas by the Russian side, that need from China’s BRI of which CPEC is lion loan for its refurbishing and to be overcome to enhance trade. a key part, and also from Russia’s upgradation. While negotiations The freezing of some $117 million Eurasian Economic Community, to this end continued, Russia Russian funds by the Sindh High where do we go from here, how withdrew this offer in 2015 when Court at the instance of commer- do we prioritise? That is the key its economy was hit by sanctions cial parties in dispute over funds question. What should Pakistan’s after the takeover of Crimea, and they claimed remained unsettled key objectives be? On the political/ due to declining oil prices. One in the counterpart trade used to diplomatic side, it is clear a closer would hope that when PASMIC is repay Soviet Steel Mills and other relationship with Russia has obvi- tendered for again, Russia should project assistance through mainly ous advantages in the region and be given the first chance to re- Pakistani textiles and garments, beyond. What can we leverage start it. When the Steel Mill was on the breakup of the USSR be- in concrete terms from this im- set up by the USSR, it also set up came a major irritant discourag- proved relationship? four other equivalent-capacity ing investment in Pakistan. This A key objective should be to get the steel mills in Iran, India, Turkey issue was finally resolved in De- North-South, Karachi to Lahore and Egypt. Each steel mill, apart cember 2019 and all the amount LPG pipeline, off the ground. The from PASMIC, soon doubled its due to Russia, $93.5 million was agreement was signed in 2015 and capacity and went beyond. What repaid and whatever else both progress is slow. In negotiations happened to the Karachi Steel countries agreed was due to the since then, various hurdles have Mill is well known. We should Pakistani business companies was been cleared. Most recently due to not squander any opportunity to also settled. A development long the decision of the Supreme Court put it back on its feet and to en- overdue but all the more welcome that the amount so far collected hance its capacity. when arrived at. in the name of Gas Infrastructure In conclusion, we must accord Institutional mechanisms are Development Cess (GIDC) needs and maintain strategic focus working well. Four rounds of po- to be spent on Gas Infrastructure on the Pak Stream North-South litical consultations at Foreign projects including TAPI, IP and Pipeline. As it progresses on the Secretary level have been held. North South Gas Pipeline project. ground apart from contribut- The Consultative Group on Stra- The Ministry of Petroleum coming to our developmental goals, tegic Stability has met 13 times mitted to the Supreme Court that it will have a positive knock-on since its first meeting in 2003 in GIDC funds would be spent on impact on our overall objectives which I had the privilege of lead- North South Gas Pipeline Projects. of deepening bilateral and mul- ing our side. Of course, gestation Hence the Russian side was re-en- tilateral understanding; energy, of cooperation takes time. The Mi- gaged to acquiesce to the proposal economic, and business oppor- 35 helicopters discussed at that of carrying out the project jointly tunities, connectivity; military first meeting were delivered in on equity participation rather ties, counter-terrorism, counter 2018. On the economic side the than entirely out of the Russian narcotics, peaceful nuclear co- Inter-Governmental Commission investment as originally envis- operation including towards the (IGC) on Trade, Economic, Scien- aged. NSG, and concrete regional coop- tific, and Technical Cooperation This new shift necessitated the eration, particularly on stabilis- has held six meetings, and has a drafting of an additional Supple- ing Afghanistan.

DIPLOMATIC STAR 37 April 2021 Sheikh Rashid for fostering ties with Maldives

ISLAMABAD, Mar 24 (DS): Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed Wednesday underlined the need for fostering Pakistan-Maldives ties through improved diplomacy and business cooperation. There was a lot of scope for bilateral tourism and trade between both the countries that can be enhanced through better diplomatic coordination and business partnership. He shared these remarks in a meeting with High Commissioner of Maldives to Pakistan Farzana Zahir who called on him here. Both the dignitaries discussed issues of mutual interest and vowed to strengthen bilateral ties, said a news release. Pakistan has his- South Asian Association for Re- countries has boosted tourism on torical ties with Maldives which gional Cooperation (SAARC), he both sides. were based on mutual brotherhood said and stressed the need to ac- She said Pakistan government and love, said the minister. He ex- tivate the forum for development should provide more opportuni- pressed his government’s desire of the region. He said foreign ties and facilities to businesses to take advantage of the Maldives tourists were attracting towards community for increasing bilat- tourism experience. Pakistan due to online visa facil- eral trade. Home Secretary Yousuf Maldives was a key member of ity. The ambassador said visa-on- Naseem Khokhar was also pres- arrival facility between the two ent on the occasion.

PIA flights resumption to Swat a milestone for promoting tourism

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (DS): Rs 5888 for each passenger. The national skiing sports here”, he The resumption of PIA flights to Chief Minister said the open- also told. important tourist destination ing of the airport would boost The resumption of flights would of Swat after 17 years and land- tourism in the entire Malakand facilitate large number of tour- ing of inaugural flight PK-640 at division and create unlimited ists, especially Buddhists from Saidu Sharif airport on 25 March opportunities of jobs, trade and abroad, wanted to visit their sa- was a peculiar achievement of investment for the people of the cred sites in Swat. government to promote tourism division. Besides scenic sites and tourist in the country. “Promotion of tourism is one of resorts, there are hundreds of The decision by the government the top priorities of the PTI gov- archeological sites belonging was a longstanding desire of ernment and vision of Prime to Buddhism where Buddhists the local people and those as- Minister Imran Khan” he said and many of them wanted to sociated with tourism industry. and added that it was a historic come there. The mountainous Chief Minister KPK Mahmood day for the people of Malakand region of Swat was famous for Khan, Federal Minister for Avia- division, especially for Swat dis- adventure tourism and many tion Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Min- trict which was badly affected by trekkers and hikers loved to ister for Communications Murad terrorism, floods and earthquake. visit the area for trekking in Saeed, PIA’s CEO Arshad Malik, It is another promise fulfilled by the mountains. MNA Saleemur Rehman, MPAs the PTI government,” he said, All stakeholders of tourism in- from Swat and large number of adding that the government was dustry have termed the resump- notables from the area attended opening new spots in Swat and tion of flight an encouraging the historical and graceful cer- other districts of Malakand divi- move by the government and emony. sion to promote tourism. said that it would enhance em- As per schedule, two flights from “An Austrian investor has select- ployment opportunities through Lahore to Saidu Sharif via Islam- ed Swat to establish a skiing vil- boosting tourism besides creat- abad would operate weekly on lage of hundreds of houses that ing livelihood opportunities in Friday and Monday with fare of will promote tourism and inter- the district.

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