THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•1 2•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•3 06 China under Coronavirus Epidemic: Some Concerned Questions 09 China’s Resilience against COVID-19 27/29 PSCOFF Newsletter 11 CPEC, BRI Newsletter China’s Foreign Policy towards Pakistan and India 31 Pakistani Business Delegation Visit to 14 Tajikistan & Pakistan A Look At New Security Cultural Festival 2020 Era for Eurasia 33 19 Interactive Session of What is more disruptive Delegation of International with AI:Its dark potentials Forum for Pakistani or our (anti-Intellectual) Columnist and Anchors Ignorance? with Mr. Yao Jing Ambassador of China to 21 Pakistan Pakistan-Somalia with a Common Path Forward 35 Look Africa Policy initiative-Challenges 23 and Way Forward Political Parties of Tajikistan as Important Structure of the Country’s 37 Policy System Seminar on Kashmir and Nagorno Karabakh Conflicts: Similarities 4•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT and Challenges EDITOR IN CHIEF Muhammad Asif Noor e’re living concerts and even shutting down school, EDITOR Wthrough colleges and Universities. Everything Farhat Asif a juncture in has to go online, especially educational history we’ll never institutions are making efforts to build

EXECUTIVE EDITOR forget. The world portals for an online system of education Dr. Aamir Hanif is almost at the for those missing out of school. The virus lockdown with the has also paralyzed the entire world in such ASSOCIATE EDITORS virus as deadly a way that we have never seen anything M. Murtaza Noor and complex as like this ever before in our lifetimes. It Mian Noor Ahmed COVID-19 has is something new for our generation as spread its wings we are learning to self-quarantine, social ADVISORY BOARD across 192 countries distancing and practicing to work from Prof. Dr. Victoria L Fontan with ever rising infections and deaths. home. The situation is alarming, but there Dr. Khayala Mammadova While the new outbreak is Europe where is hope as well. WHO has also announced in Italy is the hardest hit at the moment, that first vaccine trial has just began after Prof. Dr. John M. Nomikos China has displayed an exceptional and 60 days of this outbreak, as the genetic Prof. Dr. Gulden Ayman extraordinary recovery. Recently President sequence of the virus was shared by the Dr.Natalia Zamaraeva Xi Jinping has made his first trip to Wuhan, scientists from China. This is an incredible where the coronavirus outbreak started news as the researchers around the world Dr. Muhammad Munir last year in December. President Xi’s visit working systematically in building a Dr. Lubna Abid Ali to Wuhan was a symbolic landmark in the collective research to find a cure. Dr. Muqarrab Akbar country’s battle against the coronavirus and signals to the world that the situation is In the midst of this storm, President SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT EDITORS under control now. Chinese resilience and of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi made a Dr. Haktan Birsel (Turkey) the strength of resolve has given confidence significant and important tour to China to the world that this virus can be fought especially in the midst of the epidemic of Dr. Nahid Malazizi (TRNC) COVID-19. During the visit, President back with the effective implementation and Tatiana Karchenkova (Russia) of Pakistan received a stunning response rapid response systems. The World Health from the people of China as this was the Samaira Khan (Denmark) Organization (WHO) has appreciated the first ever visit by any heads of state since Zunaira Mumtaz (China) steps taken by the Chinese government the outbreak. This visit has again made and specifically people of the country to Tanja Miscevic (Serbia) the world realize the fact that friendship undertake this entire epidemic. While between China and Pakistan is genuinely Dr. Hamaneh Karimikia (Iran) China has recovered, Iran and Italy are all weather and will remain so in coming suffering with mounting deaths and years and centuries. President Arif Alvi also BUREAU CHIEF infections. Iran is one of the hardest hit met President Xi Jinping and had candid Mohammad Hanif (Vehari) counties worldwide by the virus as the exchange on bilateral issues. Both heads official death toll only behind Italy and of states also witnessed signing of two Obaid-ur-Rehman (Lahore) memorandums of understanding and four China. Iran is already suffering heavily letters of exchange at the Ceremony held at DESIGN & LAYOUT from the years of the economic sanctions the Great Hall of the People. The documents Shahzad Ahmed as a result of the tussle between US and were signed at the conclusion of a bilateral Iran recently after the US withdrew from meeting between both leaders. One MoU MARKETING MANAGER the nuclear deal and the death of General was on establishing joint working group Muhammad Sarfraz Qasem Soleimani. The country is unable to on science and technology and agriculture procure the badly needed medical supplies between Pakistan and China. This would Asir Gill and equipment from the global markets lead to establish two separate joint working groups, one on science and technology and LEGAL ADVISORS resulting in the difficulties in combating the virus. The virus was originated in the holy the other on agriculture under the overall Muhammad Akram Mughal city of Qom in the latter half of the February. rubric of CPEC. The second MoU is between Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advocate Supreme Court (AJK) The world need to be more compassionate of China (MARA) and Ministry of National Ch. Abdul Khaliq Thind to those states facing acute difficulties Food Security and Research of Pakistan Advocate Supreme Court of Pak wherein the health and economies are (NFS&R) on strengthening cooperation on crippling. WHO Head has warned earlier plant and disease control. This would help ADDRESS that the countries with least capable health in monitoring and control of major pests H # 387, St # 64, I-8/3, systems are most at the risk, Pakistan is and diseases and improve agricultural passing through its early warning stage productivity. The visit and the exchange P.O Box # 1239 Islamabad where most of the officials and leaders of letters, signing of MoUs are important Ph & Fax : +92 51 4900387 are giving mix responses to the growing steps in the direction towards building cooperation in all spheres as the CPEC has [email protected] pandemic. As world is preparing to witness this extraordinary outbreak, hopeful news entered in its second and most important phase wherein, apart from other areas, www.thediplomaticinsight.com are coming as people are also recovering agriculture cooperation is an important. Price: Rs. 500 from the disease. This is a unique time The Iron clad friendship between China and needs unprecedented actions as well. and Pakistan will grow stronger and Disclaimer: The views of the writers do Many governments around the world are deeper. President of Pakistan’s visit will closing the borders, shutting down their air not necessary imply endorsement by the inject even stronger impetus into the all- transport and travel, put huge restrictions weather strategic cooperative partnership magazine. on social gatherings, weddings, and between the two countries.

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•5 under Coronavirus Epidemic: Some CHINA Concerned Questions Professor Tang Jun Director of Pakistan Research Center, Honder College of IMNU, China

n unexpected outbreak the sixth time such an emergency The writer is to discuss some of the of novel coronavirus has been declared. Since then, there most concerned questions on the Aepidemic recently have been increasing concerns impact of coronavirus to China. attracted much global attention to about the epidemic in Chin. 1. What impact will it bring to China. Coronavirus, a cousin of Though China has worked in every China’s economy? the SARS virus, was first identified possible way to limit the damage in Wuhan, Hubei Province, of the virus and the infection trend, There will be a short-term internal China, with 27confiremd cases including city lockdown measures, shock to China’s economy, but from in December. The number of the international community hold a long perspective, the impact on confirmed coronavirus began to different attitudes to China and the trend of the economy is limited. surge since mid of January, 2020 in some countries suspended airlines China and thousands of people were to China. Christine Lagarde,the In terms of macro economy, infected in and out of the country. president of the European Central consumption demand and industry What concern the public is the fact Bank has expressed concern that production will declined sharply. that there are ‘no known’ effective China’s coronavirus outbreak is Some sectors like investment, drug /s or any form of vaccines for fueling global economic uncertainty: consumption, and exports will treating against coronavirus so far. “The short-term uncertainties are be terribly affected. In the short run, unemployment and price will rise. The prevention and counter measures against the epidemic will lead to a restricted labor flow, which will bring negative impacts to manufacturing, real estate, and infrastructure investment.China’s GDP in the first quarter might drop sharply by 2%-4%.

In industry sectors, the service industry will suffer the worst damage in February and March, On January 31st, the World Health mainly related to global risks — with tourism, catering, hotel, and Organization declared coronavirus trade, geopolitical and now the aviation ranking the top. The a public health emergency of outbreak of the coronavirus and its online retail industry which mostly international concern at a news potential effect on global growth,” involves express delivery, online conference in Geneva, making it will be greatly affected as well.

6•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT The construction industry will to handle the situation and step to to enlarge medicines and medical encounter some negative impact in the edge of bankruptcy. devices production. the first three months and restore to Besides, China’s foreign trade The stock market and foreign life from April. exports during the epidemic may exchange market have resumed Some provinces which adopted also be affected to some extent. strength and vitality after strict measures such as lockdown Some countries have imposed experiencing short-term and transport restriction for restrictions on China’s export fluctuations. It is clear that the impact prevention are facing great commodities in case of the spread of the coronavirus to the Chinese economic challenges. Millions of of the virus. At the same time, economy is merely temporary, and people are afraid of infection, and foreign investment business may in the long run, China is poised to they have to stay indoors for weeks, slow down. The application and its future development. which brings a disaster to China approval procedure of investment 4. What opportunities does this local economy. projects will be delayed. It will epidemic bring to China? directly affect the survival of some 2. What impact will it bring to trade enterprises of the country. It is inevitable for China to encounter Chinese enterprises? some negative impacts on its 3. What measures did the Because of the epidemic, the Spring economy. However, opportunities government take to stabilize Festival holiday is prolonged, the always come with challenges and the economy? labour flow is restricted, and labour some industries have recognized work dates after the holiday are On January 1st, 2020, the People’s the potentials hidden in the crisis. delayed or on hold. With this, it Bank of China, the central bank Under the current impact, some causes tremendous negative impacts of the country, announced a 0.5 newly developed economy sectors related industries inevitably. In percentage point reduction in the will enter into a new era, including particular, the current short-term deposit reserve ratio, and released e-commerce, e-government, decline in consumer demand has 800 billion RMB of long-term funds. home office, virtual conference/ significantly affected the catering, By February 4th, the People’s commerce, and online education. tourism, entertainment and related Bank of China has released a total The application of some leading service industries in many regions. of 1.7 trillion RMB to the market, technologies related to the Internet, Such enterprises, especially small showing the central government’s artificial intelligence and big data and medium-sized manufacturing determination to stabilize and boost will further expand to more fields and service enterprises are under the economy. of the society such as people’s much survival pressure. daily life, business management By February 6th, a total of 66.74 and government management. The The decline of consumer demand billion RMB have been arranged by prevention system and the related may cause cash flow deficiency. The the central government for epidemic industries are to play an essential restricted labour flow also may lead prevention. The Ministry of Finance role in economic growth after the to an increase in logistics costs. The issued more than ten fiscal measures epidemic. production cost will rise in the short to boost the economy, including term, and some enterprises will tax cuts. The Ministry of Finance It is a hard time for many industries suffer supply chains challenges. decided to offer financial support to survive, but it is also a time for to the medical enterprises against many industries to intergrade and It is, therefore, can be projected that coronavirus, encouraging them upgrade. The epidemic brings a some small companies are not able

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•7 (News report on medical supplies from Pakistan on China Central Television on February 2nd, 2020) great challenge to the government, on projects in the second phase, coronavirus, Pakistan announced yet the governability is also like the ML-1, that are currently in its decision n to not hastily evacuate greatly improved through this test, process. As Pakistan is very keen Pakistani nationals in Wuhan, the and China’s experience against to get CPEC projects completed in centre of a deadly coronavirus coronavirus will be enlightening to time, from a long term perspective, outbreak, which was termed by other countries. there would be no impact on these China as “a vote of confidence for projects. China.” On February 2nd, Shah 5. As iron brothers, what help Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan’s did Pakistan offer to China? On February 7th Naghmana Hashmi, Foreign Minister, expressed Pakistan Ambassador to China China has long been an all-weather Pakistan’s readiness to do its best to expressed that the entire Pakistani ally of Pakistan and in recent years help China overcome this challenge nation was standing with their has provided Islamabad with as Pakistan will be sending a military Chinese brethren in the difficult time billions of dollars to CPEC, the aircraft carrying assistance supplies and expressed the confidence that flagship of OBOR. On February to China soon and that the people the Chinese government and people 6th, Yao Jing, Chinese Ambassador of Pakistan stand by the brotherly with commitment, resolve, and to Pakistan, said the Coronavirus Chinese people during this difficult hard work would very soon win the outbreak would have no impact time. On the same day, The medical battle against the new coronavirus on the implementation timelines of supplies of 300,000 medical masks, outbreak. Both Pakistan and China projects. He said almost all projects 800 hazmat suits and 6,800 pairs of were standing shoulder to shoulder under the early harvest phase of gloves from Pakistan for Wuhan in a challenging time. CPEC have been completed or are arrived in China. near completion, a few negotiations After the outbreak of the

8•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Resilience against COVID-19 Muhammad Asif Noor Director, Institute of Peace and Diplomatiac Studies

hen a nation face transplant, building in record time for Pakistan. unprecedented hospital dedicated to COVID-19, challenges, people quarantine entire city and province Who could have imagined that W time that in December, little did explore hidden reserves of courage against the outbreak and many and resilience to demonstrate to the more. History is evolving right that people in bustling busy city of world and without an iota of doubt before our eyes and the stories of Wuhan knew what will be coming multiply their abilities to fight all resilience and strength coming to hit them hard to the core. Dr. odds. Nations rise and shine from from China are giving us hope for a Li Wenliang, an ophthalmologist difficult times with the men and better future. Since writing of these at Wuhan Central Hospital, women gather together rebuild line, it has been reported by the begin receiving scores of people and march forward. Valued and Chinese local news that there has with strange symptoms of acute respected globally, China’s rapid not been any new case transmitted pneumonia, mostly working in disaster management response in Hubei province, the epicenter of Wuhan Animal market. With in the outbreak of Coronavirus, pandemic, for the third consecutive symptoms aggravating and named officially as COVID-19, is day. China’s heroic fight against showing signs of human to human amazingly swift having appropriate COVID 19, now considered as a transmission, Dr Li Wenliang professionalism by the Chinese pandemic, is a model for other raised the alarm to the authorities health professional fighting at countries to follow in their fight about Severe Acute Respiratory the front line like heroes. With against this outbreak. Indeed, Syndrome (SARS) like symptoms growing rise of global infections, the stringent actions of Chinese resulting in early quarantine of the inflating death toll climbs to government have put tremendous many patients and resulting in rapid more than 4,000 and the ‘one in a burden especially on residents of response from state machinery. As a century pathogen’ has spread its Hubei and neighboring provinces result what could have been a huge wings in every continent except but time has proved that Chinese disaster for the world, was avoided Antarctica, countries are learning model of tackling coronavirus with the response from China. from the Chinese experience was the only way forward to save Globally Chinese approach to once again. Chinese nation is humanity from this menace. With handle the outbreak is been studied. coming out resilient and triumph all weather friendship between At the very outset of the outbreak, especially with reduction of the Pakistan and China cooperation China put a comprehensive ban number of confirmed cases and during these tough times truly and quarantine on all the social and there are many people who have reflect “all weather friendship’ economic activities. Even knowing been discharged from hospitals. during this crisis as well. There are the fact that this may cause severe Historic health initiatives have been a lot of lessons and inspiration to be economic damage, which the signs taken including world’s first lung drawn from the Chinese experience have been emerging, but spirit behind was to save the world from

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•9 this dangerous epidemic. Currently for people. impeding global pandemic. Italy is Chinese economy is moving at a following the footsteps of China to very slow pace as earlier it was a Chinese authorities built contain this virus by placing over near standstill but the ambitious two dedicated hospitals, 15 million people in quarantine and efforts and sheer determination of Leishenshan and Huoshenshan extending national emergency to Chinese government to tackle the Hospitals, in Wuhan in just over 1 the whole country. global pandemic has placed it at the week, the likes of which have never top of the comity of nations. been seen in the world history. In a nutshell, it can be argued that at Health care workers from all over the onset of this pandemic, COVID It is imperative to mention that China were sent to the epicenter 19 appeared to be an herculean the people of China stood by their of COVID 19 outbreak-Hubei task to be tackled but Chinese government in their fight against province- to treat the affected government set a precedent for probably the most daunting patients. The government of China the rest of the world by taking challenge in the history of modern launched an unparalleled effort to immediate steps on war-footings China. Chinese doctors working detect contacts of confirmed cases and saved the lives of hundreds round the clock with self-less throughout the country. China’s of thousands of people all around motivation and heroic enthusiasm efficient use of modern technology the world by showing to the world to fight and win the battle against paved the way to defeat coronavirus. that with sheer determination and COVID. While hospitals have The use of thermal equipped- collective efforts, man is destined been built in matters of days, there drones to conduct thermal imaging to overcome any threat to its well- were people who have donated and disinfecting robots helped being and survival. The remarkable money for the great cause of saving the doctors to diagnose and treat fight of China was hailed by a report humanity anonymously including a patients effectively. China proved to released from a mission organized viral video showing of a young man the world why it is ready to replace by the World Health Organization donating supplies to the worker, the US as the global technological (WHO) on February 28, 2020 and are few of the examples that world leader. Various tech giants of China according to the report, “China’s will remember. The ambitious plan develop automated technologies for bold approach to contain the rapid of placing residents of Wuhan and contactless delivery to bring the risk spread of this new respiratory nearby cities in Hubei province of cross-infection to minimal. These pathogen has changed the course under lockdown, which has put robots were installed in hospitals all of a rapidly escalating and deadly at least 50 million people under around the China to assist medical epidemic”. The untiring efforts of a mandatory quarantine since 23 staff. Alibaba, a world-renowned Chinese government are perfect January proved to be a decisive tech giant, has announced the translation of Sir Winston Churchill factor in containing the extremely development of AI(Artificial quote, “ The era of procrastination, transmissive pathogen-COVID 19. Technology) driven robot system of delays, of baffling and soothing Also, the electronic surveillance that can diagnose corona victims expedients, is coming to its close of millions of people to isolate the with 96% efficiency. China also and in its place, we are entering a victims of corona virus from rest launched close app contact app period of consequences” into action of the community are some of the to apprise the people if they come and a glaring paradigm for the rest drastic measures. President Xi across with a virus carrier. Even of the world to emulate in their fight Jinping has taken personal efforts developed countries like South against this global pandemic. against the epidemic where he has Korea, Japan and Italy are finding also visited the frontline medical it extremely difficult to tackle the workers, visit to Wuhan and also burgeoning challenge of corona made calls to all global leaders. that is not only the threatening the President Xi has proved himself as national security of these countries ‘leader of a great nation’ who cares but also blowing the horns for an

10•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Foreign Policy towards Pakistan and India Muhammad Akram Zaheer PhD Scholar in Political Science, The Islamia University Bahawalpur Lecturer at Heritage International College, Arifwala

ince the late 20th century, policies and interests. That’s why Islamabad because of complicated China has shifted her policy modern dynamics of foreign strategic position of India. Then Sfrom the isolation and policies are extending their China wisely inclined towards separation to the international activities in to many spheres of the United States for the quest of community and now is on the way international system to increase export market and counterbalance of becoming the major economic influence. The quest for the to Soviet Union. power of the world. The Chinese achievement of national interests After the collapse of Soviet Union, leadership has formulated more allows countries to continue work a peaceful environment was in attractive, pragmatic and flexible effectively on potential, inherent the favor of China and a shift policy for the global affairs to make useful policy. came in her policy towards south and issues. With the economic In the past, Chinese diplomacy Asia. Now, Beijing was seeking growth, China is widening and was often employed to pursue political and economic bilateral deepening its quest for energy goals of unbalanced interests. ties with the regional countries resources and expanding its Now the world has dramatically particularly positive development investment, market and political changed since the post-Cold in the process of Sino-India influence. It is also projecting war and China is in the position rapprochement. This shift was her soft power vigorously and to play a constructive role in not favoring Pakistan and posed peacefully by promoting culture, the international system. China negative consequences on Pak- sports, education, tourism and was allied of USSR and viewed China traditional relationship. other exchanging. Chinese believe United States as principal The impact of the foreign policy on emergence of a peaceful enemy during 1950s. On the shift gave the impression during great power as once. Professor other hand, Washington sought the Pak-India crisis over Kashmir of international relations Yan anti-communist alliance with in 1989-90 when Beijing did Xuetong has said that China is the Pakistan as well as close relations not support on a resolution on second most powerful state of the with India. Post Indo-Pak war Kashmir in United Nation. It world. 1965, United States and Indian remained neutral and calm, A rapid change in the domestic relations became weaker due emphased on both parties to solve situations of the countries and to Washington’s limited sale of the issue by dialogue. Contrary, in international system has been weapon to India. In1970s, India during cold-war Chinese policy followed by the change of their, went more close to Soviet Union towards Pakistan was supportive perceptions, priorities, foreign and China become more close to against India.

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•11 and demonstrate her ability in the region of nuclear powers.

The incident of 9/11 brought regional and international development and new adjustment in the foreign policy for China. This event led to a diplomatic standoff between Pakistan and India. Almost for a year, military forces of both the sides stood eyeball to eyeball and came close dangerously. Terrorist attack on Indian parliament and Srinagar incident flamed to insecurity and instability in the region. Beijing has concerns about Pak-India tension and it played proactive role at diplomatic level to diffuse During the 1990s, China has been international community has great tension. China also activated SCO advising both Pakistan and India concerns on South Asian situation and other forum to deteriorate to solve their problems through and Pakistan should remain cool tension between Islamabad and dialogues. In 1996, President and exercise self-control. It was New Delhi. Jiang Zemin visited Pakistan warning to Pakistan that China Soon after 9/11, United States and in his speech of 45 minutes would not support it by military, declared a global war against to Senate, he urged Pakistan to and Pakistan should get out from terrorism and China was develop cooperative relations Kargil and settle the crisis by discomforted and had many with India and put thorny issues dialogues. internal and external concerns. It aside. Pakistan should make trade Post-cold war Soviet model was warned US that counter terrorism and economic relations to lessen ended and India was looking for should not be used to practice the hostility. At the time of Kargil economic reforms. Therefore, hegemony. Although the war crisis China-India rapprochement India remained no longer allied was against Taliban regime in had entered in the mature phase. of Moscow and became less Afghanistan but China also This time again, China adopted danger to China. Now need managed worsened situation of neutral policy and emphasized of Islamabad for Beijing was her troubled province Xinjiang to hold talk and solve the issue narrowed to counterbalance Delhi and was unsettled by the through negotiations. and Moscow but was concerned presence of United States forces Pakistan was seeking an active of Delhi-Washington closeness. near her border. China believed support on the issues of Kashmir China wants to prevent India that Washington would create and Kargil but Chinese position join United States to counter her instability in the region and was unchanged. During the visit and United States looks India might have new political design. of Pakistani Foreign Minister to to counterbalance China. This The region particularly Central China in1999, Chinese Foreign situation is very difficult for China Asia was more attractive to Minister Tang Jiaxuan told that as to sustain and maintain balance China due to its energy resources

12•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT and Washington’s political and military involvement in the region might have worries for China.

Washington was increasing pressure on Islamabad to get Pakistani support for war on terror in Afghanistan after 9/11. On the other hand, China had concerns of Delhi-Washington expanding strategic cooperation. India and United States were considering China as a common rival of both the countries and population in the region. A sense behind Islamabad and forced were thinking to limit the rise of of competition between the two a discussion in United Nations China as well. Washington made countries is very high. China Security Council on Indian latest efforts to diffuse crisis between has engaged Nepal, Bhutan, reconfiguration of Kashmir. Pakistan and India by balancing Bangladesh, and Maldives, which As the rise of economic power, posture during this period. China was considered the area of Indian China has its own paradigm of also maintained balanced position influence. China tried to build development and new ways of towards Pakistan and India a road in Bhutan in the Doklam interaction to regional and global during post 9/11 period. Another area, which is a source of tension powers on win-win, and it has worry for China was Indian move for India. It seemed that China was earned respect and credibility towards Japan and Vietnam with occupying the strategic territory, among the nations. Being the whom Chines relations remained which was very necessary for neighbor of China, Pakistan has tense. Indian security. In addition to, the privilege to achieve investment India thinks that Pakistan is and trade. The frequent exchange The past cooperation in political, serving Chinese interest by forcing visits by the leadership of both the economics, security and diplomatic her to fight wars, deterring Indian countries have reinforced mutual issues and bilateral ties produced ability to counter Chinese rise. Chinese $62 billion investment in trust and cooperation. On the Pakistan through CPEC. China has However, the leadership of both other hand, China and India have provided support to Pakistan in China and India has recognized agreed to expand their cooperation United Nations Security Council the need of peace and cooperation on multi-level to ensure peace regularly. China has assisted to ease the tension. Both have met on their borders. However, India Pakistan to improve security in the Wuhan summit April 2018 and Pakistan are challenging each and defense capability by joint and agreed to expand economic other on the issue of Kashmir and venture of JF-17 Thunder in 2003. relation in future. China seems both the countries had fought four The deteriorating relationship major beneficiary of China-India wars in the past. On the issue of of Islamabad and Washington economic and trade relations. The Kashmir, Chinese policy will have provide them motivation and gravity of this partnership may not significant implications for the impetus to improve their relations. be worsening the China-Pakistan China-India-Pakistan relationship relations spirit. The example of the and will have a test of China’s On the other hand, China and China and Pakistan cooperation is foreign policy towards Pakistan India are two natural strategic seen when Beijing put the shoulder and India. rivalries with great numbers of

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•13 A Look At New Security Era for Eurasia (With the Perspective of Turkey)

Assoc Prof. Haktan BİRSEL Asst. Prof. Nahid MALAZİZİ Onbeş Kasım Kıbrıs University, Mediterranean Strategic Reswarch Center

Was it a new page for the peace for the Eurasian peoples. for all their owns. meanwhile, world after 1990? there have been significant But what happened in the last developments in Central Asia. By Syria was the last stop of the Arab fifteen years and how did Syria launching Caspian Sea’s energy Spring. become like this? We will now basin, the Shanghai Five appeared try to answer this question in this and harsh rhetoric to the US and The rebellions that began in mid- study. Western partners began in the 2010 were not expected to turn into a meeting reports. It also sparked a complete destruction. The collapse of the Soviet bloc in 1990 stunned the world and with new controversy. A new system It was unpredictable that millions this period an era of obscurity with a USA single pole instead of innocent people, mostly women, was beginning. İn this time the of a bipolar system (US President children would become refugees. deterrence-based peace process Bush at the time would say: New linked to the nuclear weapon World System). It was not thought that thousands balance, the most important would die or be lost, cities would How accurate was the basis of realism, was thought destroy, and worse, a thousand-year- conjuncture formed by the to be further strengthened with old culture would disappear. perspective of the United the remaining of one pole in the States and the West? Furthermore, it was not expected that world. But it was a big mistake! these events would continue to this Because With 1990, a huge chaos There were always questionable day and continue until an uncertain environment was created due to and controversial theories about period. global objectives of the different how valid it would be for Eurasia. fractions, the USA and the It was produced by Western yria is geography in Eurasia Western world, as in the period scientists and implemented by that connects the Middle of geographical discoveries, Western governments. SEast to the main continent entered the tendency to act and has the ports of the historical according to their own interests, However, the most important Silk Road. Throughout history without considering the needs of issue would be forgotten is that It has been the battle of great societies and their ethnic cultural the results would be disastrous powers, played an important role characteristics. when the practices shaped by in the transmission of beliefs, and these theories were applied by it is the historical Levant where The most important event force on other societies with Muslims, Christians and other occurring simultaneously with the cultural differences. Because this religious groups live together in collapse of the Soviet Union was theories, the basis of western peace for a long time. Today, it is the US intervention when Saddam ideas was based entirely on the the center of all forms of violence invaded Kuwait and his failure to capitalist structure. But east and as a node for international back down. Then NATO elements wasn’t based on capitalist. It was terrorism between Afghanistan taking initiative in Iraq and mostly fatalistic. It was thought- and Africa, and a main threat of Saddam was taken under control based and powered by moral

14•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT and belief values. This caused a reaction in a short period of time. Soft Power against the reaction was abandoned. And Hard Power was applied. Societies, however, have shown more resistance.

The West and the United States disregarded the basic values that Eurasian societies were powered by. They wanted to control the wealth of Eurasia through the discourses of democracy, public opinion and equality. But the core values of societies had been inverted. This caused continental degradation. The question here interest based relationships had qualifications which is necessary might come to mind. The Western slowed its progress towards to accept that the background of world is just guilty? No! Of course becoming a second pole. this idea is completely filled with it’s not. Because a long time period, the capitalist interests of the West. scientists in the eastern world There is a considerable point here! couldn’t develop or implement The idea presented by Atatürk As a result, the Arab Spring was theories for developing. East is to modernize together with launched and all geographies realization tried to move through the common interests respecting from North Africa to the Middle the thought systems that the cultural values and are based East were revolted. There has Western world created with its on cooperation. The point to be been the spread of international own perspectives. And East world considered here; acting together terrorism fuelled by riots and so failed to come together as and independently regardless of chaos environment. society, individuals and scientists. interest. In the new period that started after the Second World Because Democratic Theory Regardless of whether they are War, it was a new movement as of Peace, which feeds on the based on idealism or realism the inspiration for the emergence fundamental principles of theories, a system with mutual of a new formation with the idealism, had a weakness. The interests could not be established to Bandung Summit under the name ability to replace a deteriorating ensure internal peace and mutual of third world countries, which system with a more powerful owns between communities. has the logic of acting jointly in the modern system was to ignore There were very few leaders who fight against imperialism. the cultural values, and that was wanted to achieve this and even where it manifested itself. The succeeded for a short time. One of But between 2010 to 2018, the results was appear as following; them was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, source of Western thoughts was The change of leadership in the owner of the phrase Peace at to act within the wrong principles Gaddafi in Libya, Mubarak in home, Peace in the world. Established of the Democratic Peace Theory Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria, the in 1996, Shanghai Cooperation without considering the cultural Yemen’s turning into a swamp of Organization, assumed this task and moral values of the peoples death, and an irreversible mass by expressing itself as Eurasians to act in order to establish their extinction in Syria. continent, Eurasian rule. However, own governance style in countries the problems arising mutual deemed to have no democratic

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•15 That’s all! These results must have in Afghanistan was carried out He also started to massacre the be as an important experience based on Western approach lead Sunnis by establishing a military for Eurasian societies in order to to elements of the United States force including Shia-origin Iraqis design and recuperate the future. and NATO being completely supporting by US. swamped. Then, in 2007, based on The Balance sheet of the U.S. President Obama’s directives Sunni Iraqi groups, seeking to process leading to terror secret negotiations with the escape Shiite oppression, piled up focusing in Syria since Taliban began, and the United on the less controlled Border with 1990, which is Important States decided to withdraw from Syria and started fighting against for Eurasia? these lands. Therefore, conflicts in the Al Maliki administration of Iraq. Meanwhile, the US supported Turkey’s border with Iran-Iraq Afghanistan, which was initiated within the Western logic, was radical Kurds who forced the and Syria has been a constantly Turkmens; the real owners of unstable center throughout remained in the middle in a worse chaotic environment and caused Mosul and Kirkuk (the main oil history. The most important regions); to leave their homeland. reason for this is the fact that it globally strengthening of al- Qaeda. Faced with death, Turkmens were has been a transit zone since the forced to seek refugee in Turkey. earliest periods. This resulted In 2003, as a result of investigations Kurdish groups seeking to take in the heterogeneous population by UN officials, although there advantage of this opportunity of the border regions of four is no toxic gas threat on Iraqi started to feeding the PKK which, countries. soil, the USA occupied Iraq did not hesitate to commit any After Saddam’s attack to Kuwait unilaterally. Although with the kind of massacre in the north of on 1990, USA while interfering overthrow of Saddam Hussein the Iraq. easiest phase of the invasion was with this event, aims to create a It passed until 2010 very cruel. new world used radicals Kurdish ended, the USA was completely unsuccessful in the next stages of The failures of the United States groups (they were living in all in Afghanistan had benefited al- three regions turkey, Iran and creating a peaceful and balanced administration and helped Qaeda led to make them stronger Iraq) had been fed up by terrorism and caused them to be able to under the leadership of Massoud continental terrorism to turn up a global dimension. Because the design plans for the future. The Barzani ; which had negative opportunity sought had also consequences for three mentioned developments after the invasion of Iraq in 2003 are mainly the head emerged with the Arab Spring countries; and has established the process, which started in 2010. autonomous Kurdish government of a chain of important events that endangers Eurasian security. The placement of Western norms of Northern Iraq( on Iraq’s by overthrowing the rulers of borders with Turkey ). The PKK The invasion of Iraq has created a North Africa and the Middle and Kurdish groups, which are new turmoil in the region. In the countries has plunged the entire already in an illegal cooperating post-Saddam period the efforts of geography into blood and chaos. with all terrorist groups up to al- USA to bring a pro-Western system With the efforts of the USA and Qaeda, unify under the leadership to Iraq have been shaped as the its supporters, who could not of Barzani, killing innocent people policy of intimidation of the Sunni perceived the cultural approach in both Iran and Turkey, and Sect group, which is considered management, illegal groups confiscating their property created to be completely committed to emerged hence great rebellions a kind of fear geography. Saddam. In this context, a Shia- broke out led to civil wars. Syria After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the origin Iraqi( Al-Maliki), who was the last stop of this process. US campaign against the Taliban hates Sunnis, was appointed to head the Iraqi government. Since it has borders to Iraq,

16•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Lebanon and Jordan, it can spread was benefited from PKK and region. all kinds of developments to PYD cooperation posed a major its surroundings. At 2010, the threat to Turkey. Because Turkey During the ongoing civil war in first rebellion against the Assad has more than 300 kilometres Syria, Kurdish groups, which regime was started and spread border with Syria, this borderline constitute a very small (3%) of the by the Syrian Kurds. Syrian has fallen into the hands of PKK Syrian society and are supported Kurdish groups known as PYD and PYD terrorist organizations. by Kurdish groups in Iraq and have received great support Along with the increasing dosage PKK, threatened Syrian people from Barzani’s Iraqi Kurds, the of the civil war in Syria, millions living on the Turkish-Syrian bloody terrorist group PKK, and of Syrians came/have been border to kill and or leaving their indirectly, al-Qaeda. And same coming to Turkey as refugees lands. Thus, an artificial Kurdish period the civil war that began in and settled in camps where living demography was created along Syria led to the emergence of the conditions were appropriate and this borderline. The main objective ISID, which was established by some of them were placed in the here is to transfer oil from Iraq al-Qaeda and turned into a more interior regions. However, it is (Mosul and Kirkuk) and Syria to brutal terrorist organization and important how Turkey presented the Mediterranean via the US- Syria was affected. ISID is not the information to the world. The Kurdish corridor. only in the Syrian countryside. It United States wanted to reshape İn this context after 2005, there stretched across Jordan to Yemen the map of the Middle East are two options left for Turkey. and was responsible for the according to its own interests. The first is to passively support bombings terrorist acts which, the goals of the USA by keeping killed many innocent people In this context, by receiving covert helps and bypassing international silent. An obvious consequence through its cells in different parts was increasing in terroristic acts of the world. law, the world’s most dangerous terrorist group, PKK which, has in Turkey and all Turkish citizens Syrians have suffered the most been illegal for years was deployed regardless of their ethnicity will be when a worldwide struggle with in Iraq and Iran increased support threatened by groups at the head ISID started. In the process, the to engage in activities in the of the terroristic chains, such as activities of the United States territory of Turkey and it will al-Qaeda, then whole geography and its Western supporters that destabilize the countries of the will be irrigated by blood.

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•17 The second option is to actually help it by claiming that the PYD cooperation with the Russian intervene in this situation. In this is not a terrorist organization. On Federation and Iran, continues to context, the Turkish government top of this, Turkey has carried out fight justly and legally. A peace led by Turkish President has military operations in the east of environment to be provided in cooperated with Iran, Iraq and the the Euphrates in a period of three Syria will prevent the expansion Russian Federation in order to cut months, cleared the 300 kilometre of terrorism in all respects and the interests of the United States border line from the PYD terrorist will help cut off the monetary, and the West. This was clearly organization with a 30 km safe human and weapons resources the Eurasian coalition. Turkey zone depth without civilian that terrorism needs most. has joined Syria to fight against casualties, then allowed refugees ISID for Eurasia. After reducing living in difficult conditions in There is an important issue here. the growing danger of this group, Lebanon and Turkey to return to It is the claiming of the Eurasian asked the US not to provide their lands. identity. When religion, language weapons to the Syrian terrorist and ethnic differences are put group PYD, which received What is the importance of aside, historical hostilities are support from Al Qaeda, ISID and the fight against terrorism restored, power systems are PKK. However, the United States, in Syria for Eurasian strengthened and collective which insisted on the Iraq-Syria- security? protection systems are developed under common interests then Mediterranean corridor, refused The biggest reason of the chaos and continued its plan. capitalist power centres that are that started in Syria after 2010 still trying to revive will become Turkey then disrupted US plans by is the realization of Western ineffective. taking military action to the west social structures here although of the Euphrates river (Euphrates it may seems that democratic Although the Shanghai Shield) and then launched life was brought to this land, it Cooperation Organization is Operation Iblid city to clear the should be noted that this is the strong because of its structure east of the Syrian border from only apparent cause. The main and participating countries, it terrorism also eliminating the purpose is to unilaterally capture still suffers from not having an west of the Turkey-Syria border the underground wealth of this active platform. To overcome this, from the threat of terrorism, geography especially energy as well as to control the Persian allowing Syrian refugees in sources in line with the US and Gulf in Tehran, to control the Turkey to return to their land. Western interests and also to Mediterranean in Turkey and to Nearly one million Syrians have control the Middle East by the be more effective in Africa, in one regained their ancestral lands after USA. However, this idea led of the North African countries, Turkey’s fight against terrorism. to the formation of a chain of for example by supporting Turkish Armed Forces and non- international terrorism in a vast cooperation initiatives launched governmental organizations geography from Afghanistan to by Turkey (that should have initiated reconstruction of towns the Strait of Cebeli Tariq, and to the main centers in Libya ) and and villages destroyed by the die millions of innocent people. from this region. Should develop terrorist organization, PYD and collaborations that will benefit the Syria is the most important region development of the surrounding improved the living conditions of to break this global chain of terror, returned refugees. countries especially economic where the greatest damage is support. However, ignoring Turkey’s done to the Eurasian peoples. desire to take a side against the And Turkey for both its own growing terrorist threat in Eurasia, security and to eliminate of the the United States continued to global terrorist threat by making

18•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT What is more disruptive with AI: Its dark potentials or our (anti-Intellectual) Ignorance?

Prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic Professor in Vienna, AUSTRIA and Author of 6 books on geopolitics, energy and technology

hroughout most of human effects, radically reconfigured Human (physical and mental) evolution both progress and societies. It ultimately marked a powers might – far and wide, and Tits horizontal transmission birth of several mighty European rather soon – become obsolete. If was an extremely slow, occasional empires, their (liberal) schools (and or when so, the question of human and tedious process. Well into consequent imperial weaponization irrelevance is next to be asked. the classic period of Alexander of knowledge) – hence an overall, Why is AI like no technology ever the Macedonian and his glorious lasting triumph of Western before? Why re-visiting and re- Library of Alexandria, the speed civilization. thing spirituality matters … of our knowledge transfers – Act however moderate, analogue If one believes that the above is yet and conservative – still always For the past few centuries, we’ve another philosophical melodrama, outpaced our snail-like cycles of our lived fear but dreamt hope – all for an anemically played alarmism, developmental breakthroughs. the sake of modern times. From mind this: WWI to www. Is this modernity of When our sporadic breakthroughs Mankind will soon have to redefine internet age, with all the suddenly finally became faster than their what it considers to be life itself. reviled breakthroughs and their infrequent transmissions, that instant transmission, now harboring marked a point of our departure. Less than a month ago (January us in a bay of fairness, harmony and Simply put, our civilizations 2020), the successful trials have been overall reconciliation? Was and will started to significantly differentiate completed. The border between our history ever be on holiday? Thus, from each other in their respective organic and inorganic, intrinsic has our world ever been more than techno-agrarian, politico-military, and artificial is downed forever. AI an idea? Shall we stop short at the ethno-religious or ideological, and has it now all-in: quantum physics Kantian word – a moral definition of economic setups. Soon, after, the (along with quantum computing), imagined future, or continue to the Grand Discoveries (Europe’s shift to nanotechnology, bioinformatics, Hobbesian realities and look up for west) were the event transforming and organic tissue tailoring. an objective, geopolitical definition wars and famine from the low- Synthesis of all that is usually of our common tomorrow? impact and local one, into the bigger referred to as xenobots (sorts of living robots) – biodegradable symbiotic and cross-continental. The Agrarian age inevitably nanorobots that exclusively rely brought up the question of Faster cycles of technological on evolutionary (self-navigable) economic redistribution. Industrial breakthroughs, patents and algorithms. The essential building age culminated on the question of discoveries rather than their own element to biotronics is hence here, political participation. Today, AI transfers, occurred primarily within among us. (Quantum physics, Nanorobotics the Old continent. That occurrence, and Bioinformatics) brings a new, with all its reorganizational yet underreported challenge:

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•19 React promote and emancipate other and proximity, not surpassed up cultures and other narratives but to our age. All we know about Although life remains to be lived to maintain and further strengthen science, philosophy, sports, arts, forward (with no backward supremacy of the dominant one.) culture and entertainment, stars looking), human retrospection is and earth has been postulated, In no way do they correspond the biggest reservoir of insights. Of explored and examined then with a neuroplasticity of physics what makes us human. and there. Simply, it was a time of our consciousness. They only and place of triumph of human Thus, what does the history of offer temporary relaxation to our consciousness, pure reasoning technology in relation to human anxieties – in which the fear from and sparkling thought. However, development tell us so far? free time is the largest. It is so, since neither Euclid, Anaximander, a true free time coupled with silence Elaborating on a well-known Heraclites, Hippocrates (both is our gate to creativity and self- argument of ‘defensive of Chios, and of Cos), Socrates, reflection. In fact, the cyber-tools modernization’ of Fukuyama, it is Archimedes, Ptolemy, Democritus, of these data-sponges primarily evident that throughout the entire Plato, Pythagoras, Diogenes, serve the predictability, efficiency, human history a technological drive Aristotle, Empedocles, Conon, calculability and control purpose, was aimed to satisfy the security Eratosthenes nor any of dozens of and only then they serve everything and control objective. It was rarely other brilliant ancient Greek minds else – as to be e.g. user-friendly and (if at all) driven by a desire to gain did ever refer by a word, by a single en mass service attractive. knowledge outside of convention, sentence to something which was in order to ease human existence, To observe the new corrosive their everyday life, something and to bolster human emancipation dynamics of social phenomenology they saw literally on every corner and liberation of societies at large. between manipulative fetishization along their entire lives. It was an Therefore, unless operationalized by (probability) and self-trivialization immoral, unjust, notoriously brutal the system, both the intellectualism (possibility), the cyber-social and oppressive slavery system that (human autonomy, mastery platforms – these dustbins of human powered the Antique state. (Slaves and purpose), and technological empathy in the muddy suburbs of have not been even attributed as breakthroughs were traditionally consciousness – are particularly humans, but rather as the ‘phonic felt and perceived as a threat. As a interesting. tools/tools able to speak’.) This problem, not a solution. myopia, this absence of critical This is how the human presence- reference on the obvious and Ok. But what has brought us (under) eliminating technologies have been omnipresent is a historic message AI today? introduced to and accepted by us. – highly disturbing, self-telling and quite a warning for the present day. It was our acceptance. Of course, Packed manufactured. So, finally, How did we reflect – in our past All cyber-social networks and – on any new social dynamics Why is AI like no technology ever related search engines are far away created by the deployment of new before? from what they are portrayed to technologies? be: a decentralized but unified Ask Google! I am busy messaging intelligence, attracted by gravity of Aegean theater of Ancient right now … quality rather than navigated by Greece was a place of astonishing force of a specific locality. (These revelations and intellectual networks were not introduced to excellence – a remarkable density

20•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT PAKISTAN-SOMALIA with a Common Path Forward Khadar Dheen Gulled Commercial Attaché of Federal Republic of Somalia to Islamic Republic of Pakistan

s a diplomat closely Somalia is opening up to the world will attain in a month with the most involved in the bilateral right now. In living memory other stringent requirements being met Arelations between Somalia countries in the horn of Africa have by us and having taken many years and Pakistan I often reflect on opened up, and relations between to achieve. This effectively makes missed opportunities. From my neighboring countries have resolved Somalia a blank slate relative to its post in Islamabad I see students long standing tensions to create more heavily indebted neighbors. and businessmen, travellers, and a stable and prosperous regional Further, I would highlight the others from Somalia and it is most economy in the Horn. Somalia recently released offshore seismic heartening to see their positive joins Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and surveys confirming over 30 billion sentiments as their lives have other economic success stories with barrels of oil. To that effect The improved and so have those of an enviable financial position, and President has signed the petroleum their extended families over the large untapped reserves seeking bill into law on February 8th of globe and within Somalia. I have foreign investment. this year, with the offer of licenses every reason to believe this to be a starting soon. To the many energy I refer here specifically to the IMF continuing trend and as I will show entrepreneurs and larger firms in debt forgiveness plan, which we you. Pakistan, this is an opportunity

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•21 to build great wealth for future any other. The partnership between enduring tenacity. generations. Somalia and Pakistan offers much Returning to the current situation in in this regard. The significance of these events Somalia, I believe one other factor will not escape those in Pakistan Somalia and Pakistan can be said promoting growth in the country who are concerned for the future to enjoy much in common, both is the return and engagement of of their country. The time I have muslim nations, and both with the extensive diaspora community. spent here has confirmed to me a history of trading and being in Much like Pakistan, Somalia has the widespread patriotism of those competition with a powerful and among its citizens many highly who live here and the far sighted more populous neighbour. But regarded engineers, scientists, and plans many envision for the future. also, and I believe this to be most entrepreneurs. The nurturing and The development of the Gwadar important, is both nations are very promotion of such talent ranks port project and the proximity much misunderstood by the world. highly in the minds of citizens of to Somali ports makes a natural Their struggle in the war on terror both countries. I myself have seen the alliance feasible, but the economics is hard to comprehend for outside great effects when these initiatives of petroleum consumption make observers since they are very much form a genuine commitment. an even stronger case in my belief. in the centre of the battle and their In the current political climate According to current estimates, victories are most hard won. The globally, countries as diverse as the Pakistan meets only 15% of its reputation and the reality are United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, current petroleum needs, with the indeed very far apart and despite and South Africa are competing remaining 85% through imports. incredible progress beyond the intensely to carve out their own path Importing from Somalia, where the worst of these assumptions, the in an era of both great uncertainty opportunity to have a larger stake reputation globally lags very far and even greater opportunity. I in a burgeoning industry represents behind. In this vein of challenging count among these great nations a major advancement for Pakistan. perception I believe both countries both Pakistan and Somalia and Countries in the world struggle with have much room for cooperation in my sincere hope is those of us who not only obtaining a cost effective showcasing the talent, and vitality have the power to effect change can source of oil, but one free of the of our societies to overcome the realize this before it is too late. political intrigue that often afflicts struggles we have faced and our the petroleum industry more than

22•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Political Parties of Tajikistan as Important Structure of the Country’s Policy System Jamshed Obidzoda An Applicant of the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Law by A.Bahovaddinov, the Academy of Science of the Republic of Tajikistan.

his article discusses the exists and regulates the activities of The founder of the national development of a multi- political parties. peace – The Leader of the Nation party system in the Republic Emomali Rakhmon, in 1994 made T The formation of a multiparty of Tajikistan, the creation of the first his official report with regard to the system in Tajikistan has a long political parties in the country, the development and adoption of the history and is considered one of the role of political parties of Tajikistan first Constitution of the independent main indicators of the social welfare in the formation of public opinion, country as the Head of the state - state and democratic political the contribution of the founder of Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of system, which can guarantee the national peace and unity, the Leader the Republic of Tajikistan at the XVIII political rights of individuals and of the Nation – Emomali Rakhmon, Session of the Supreme Council of numerous socio-political groups. in the development of a multi- the Republic of Tajikistan stated party system, as well as the views The multi-party system is defined as that the number of political parties of scientists and politicians on the the existence based on the functional and organizations is significant for development of democracy and competition of large social groups the restoration of the Presidential multi-party system, the willingness (such as nations, political parties and Republic. However, this is not a of parties to elect deputies of the public associations), that concerns major factor. A few experienced Majlisi Namoyandagon of the the socio-political interests of the parties and organizations in the Majilisi Oli, in this regard, the society and identifies important current context of Tajikistan cannot author’s suggestions are made social features and elements of the be an obstacle to the creation of a regarding the better organization of political system of the society, as presidential republic. Inversely, political parties. well as provides and organizes the this type of system of government process of forming political power. can serve as a subjective factor for The article made an effort to the emergence of national political highlight the significant elements of According to the authors of the parties and, in general, to withdraw the political parties of the political book “Development of politics and the society from recession. system of the state. government in India” Verinder Grover and Ranjana Arora (1953- With the initiative and guidance Keywords: political system, 1958), democracy is considered to be of the Leader of the Nation the democracy, political party, element, one of the leading political systems. multiparty system with the multiparty, constitution, law, But with the absence of party detached article was ushered to the elections, opinion formation. system democracy deteriorate into first Constitution of the independent In the Republic of Tajikistan, in totalitarianism which can oppose Tajikistan. accordance with the requirements the party system of “political Whereas those years most of the of the Constitution and legislation initiative, unity and coordination of population had little understanding of the country, a multiparty system political activities.” of the multiparty system, and

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•23 Furthermore, on the 7 th of September in 1994 the Head of the state Emomali Rakhmon in addressing the twentieth Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan, emphasized that there were also the political parties in the country whose buttress is originally weapons and violence.

The Supreme Court of the Republic of Tajikistan issued on June 21, 1993 the illegal activity of the newly formed parties and political movements, as a result of which the activities of the Democratic and Islamic Parties, as well as the political movements “Rastokhez” many still believed in the Soviet and participate in political life. and “Lali Badakhshan” were system of party rule and considered That is, political parties are one of terminated. the Communist Party to be the the most active forms of public- governing party. Indeed, as the President of the political organizations, representing Republic of Tajikistan Emomali It is precisely the prudence of the political interests of certain Rakhmon in 1993 declared that the Head of State that the first social and class groups. the main essence of the activities Constitution of an independent In this regard, it should be noted that of parties and movements that country was proposed as a a French researcher and politician claimed the role of democratic multiparty system, which provided Maurice Duverger has interpreted forces is political radicalism or, in favorable ground for further political parties as a large public other words, attempts to destroy development of democracy in organization, emphasizing that they the structure. Tajikistan. represent public opinion. It was Islamic party took an opportunity to In fact, as predicted by the Leader emphasized that in the Republic manage paralyze all the government of the Nation, various political of Tajikistan, where a multi-party structures through its violent and parties in Tajikistan later emerged system is introduced according to armed pressure on the government in the political life of the country, the Constitution of the country, at the time when the ideology in the facilitating the formation of political after the independence and the country was extremely weak. Also, views and the integration of citizens abolition of the single-party system forced the President to resign in into political groups. of the Soviet Union in 1991, the September 1992. first political parties were officially In the Constitution of the Republic registered and started to operate. Only after the signing of the General of Tajikistan, in which there were Agreement on the Establishment made amendments in 2016, it is Although at the outset of the process, of Peace and National Accord in accentuated that political parties, based on public trust, some newly- Tajikistan on June 27, 1997, by the on the basis of political pluralism, formed parties sought to seize the Presidium of the Supreme Court promote the formation and post of statehood, which led to of the Republic of Tajikistan on expression of the will of the people confusion and internal conflict.

24•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT August 12, 1999, the Democratic and in the country is connected with the manifestation of terrorism is that it the Islamic Party were allowed to collapse of the Soviet Union’s single- is based on pure religious ideology. continue their activity in Tajikistan. party system and the attainment of For, in such cases people get the full independence of the Republic impression that they are doing a Alas, Islamic party did not of Tajikistan. great historical mission and that appreciate such acquitment of the their every action is justified. government and in subsequent However, in the early years of the years its members have committed country’s independence, some In this regard, it could be mentioned terrorist acts, which will be political movements, especially the that the establishment and operation discussed further below. newly formed political parties, did of the Islamic Renaissance Party, not identify their position and were which, with the help of foreign To date, seven political parties are politically ignorant and hastily defenders, had devised a plan to registered and functioning in the sought to assume leadership in seize power and plunge hundreds Ministry of Justice of the Republic society. of people into the abyss was one of of Tajikistan. the most dangerous manifestations Abdurahmon Makhmadov, Doctor Precisely, the Communist Party of of terrorism that was happily of Political Sciences, emphasized Tajikistan (1991), the Democratic prevented. that even todays some political Party of Tajikistan (1991), the parties in Tajikistan are not fully The existence of a multiparty system Citizens’ Democratic Party of aware of the political situation of is one of the signs of democracy Tajikistan (1994), the Socialist Party the country and cannot properly and the activities of political parties of Tajikistan (1996), and the Social assess their economic and political must be aimed at forming the Democratic Party of Tajikistan capacities. public opinion and, in general, for (2002), The Party of Economic the country’s progress, as enshrined Reforms of the Republic of In particular, the Islamic Party, in the Constitution and laws. Tajikistan (2005) and the Agrarian which re-established itself after the Party of Tajikistan (2005) carry out signing of the Peace and National However, in practice most political political activities in the country. Accord in 1999 after several years parties in Tajikistan operate only of prohibition, is again seeking prior to the elections, in other The establishment of a multiparty membership in extremist and cases they are often silenced or system in the Republic of Tajikistan, terrorist crimes and incitement to occasionally confined to comments which was first enshrined in the religious hatred. by party leaders about a particular first Constitution of independent event. Tajikistan, is one of the best examples Thus, on September 29, 2015, the of the democratic development of Supreme Court of the Republic of Such activity may give rise to the country, which is developing Tajikistan’s petition was approved the idea that for some political gradually. by the Prosecutor General and parties, seasonal activities are only the activities of the Islamic Party temporary, and that they only In this sense, the French scientist on the territory of Tajikistan were pursue their political activities in Maurice Duverger noted that the officially discontinued and this order to win the deputy mandate. development of parties depends on party was recognized as a terrorist the development of democracy, that Regarding this issue, the President and extremist organization. is, the expansion of the popular will of the Republic of Tajikistan, of the people. Doctor of political science, professor Emomali Rahmon, in his speech Zokirov G.N. states his opinion that during a meeting with intellectuals It was emphasized that the the most complex and dangerous of the country on March 19, 1997, formation of a multi-party system

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•25 emphasized that at present, the democracy in Tajikistan, if used youths, who constitute the core of activities of political parties are properly. society in Tajikistan to advance limited in their organizations and their political activities and use Nonetheless, the present days publishing houses. their ideas for implementation. the People’s Democratic Party of It is observed that except for the Tajikistan is making its way to this It also considers that parties should People’s Democratic Party of mission. strive to maintain potential political Tajikistan, which is very active in competition and avoid unnecessary At the same time, in order to forming public opinion and doing a debts and hasty statements that achieve these goals, we believe that lot of advocacy, some other political can further diminish the party’s the party culture, first of all, should parties of the country still do not image in the community, as well as be further enhanced between the have significant political activity. weaken it. Undoubtedly, within the officials of political parties and their legislative provisions, they should Some political parties are so political knowledge. seek to find political partners and disappointed that even before In this regard, the development to realize their statutory goals and, the start of an important political and publication of the Law of the thus, to develop the political culture event - the Majlisi Namoyandagon Republic of Tajikistan on Political of the society. elections and the local councils of Parties by politicians and lawyers people’s deputies, which will be held Consequently, it is possible to will be of interest to a wide range on March 1, 2020, representatives recognize political parties as the of readers, especially members and of the Social Democratic Party of driving force of political life in activists of political parties in the Tajikistan doubt whether this party society, to be members or supporters country. will be able to participate in the of them, and to support the charter upcoming elections. In addition, it will help to increase goals of any party. the role and status of parties in the This party later nominated five To draw the conclusion, it should society by studying the experience candidates to officially register be emphasized that the existence of other leading parties in the by the Central Commission for of a multi-party system can further society and to establish regular Elections and Referenda of the strengthen political governance contacts with the parties. Republic of Tajikistan. and contribute to the stability and If life is made up of four elements continuity of a democratic state’s The performance of some political (water, soil, fire and wind), then, in political system under public parties, which, in accordance our opinion, loyalty to democracy, control. In addition to this, multi- with the Law of the Republic of a specific party program that meets party system has become a main Tajikistan on Political Parties, aims people’s wishes, a strong party state in Central Asian politics. to participate in political life of ideology, and an experienced However, its acceptability has not society through the formation of the leader can be essential elements for been smooth. Moreover, its nature political will of the party, may lead the existence and longevity of the and dynamics has been changing the party to misunderstanding and political party. with the passage of the time. disappointment. Multi-party system is now a highly The multi-party system in the Given the foregoing, it can be influential state of the politics in country, which is one of the main concluded that political parties can Central Asian, specifically in the pillars of the democratic state of make a significant contribution to politics of Tajikistan. independent Tajikistan, encourages the formation of political opinion political parties to harness the in society and the development of intellectual potential of women and

26•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Activities of Secretary-General in Pakistan, 16-19 February nited Nations Secretary- its own resources, independently the Afghan refugees’ experience General António Guterres of the enormous impact on the in Pakistan a remarkable story of Upaid his first official visit as economy and on society. solidarity and compassion. Secretary-General to Pakistan from He said in his remarks that the The Secretary-General said that 16 to 19 February, arriving from climate crisis is perhaps the gravest he hoped that the signals of a New York on Sunday, 16 February, current obstacle to global peace, possible pathway for peace will for official meetings in advance of stability and prosperity. lead to a better future for the his participation in the International The Secretary-General expressed people of Afghanistan. At the same Conference on 40 Years of Hosting time, he said about the refugees, Afghan Refugees. his dismay that after the success of the Paris conference in 2015, our Afghanistan and its people cannot Upon his arrival in Islamabad on momentum on climate change has be abandoned. Sunday, the Secretary-General met stalled. He said that our planet is Now is the time for the international at the outset with three members burning, but too many decision community to act and deliver. Our of different generations of Afghan makers continue to fiddle. The only ability to succeed, he said, will be a refugees, to hear from them how answer is decisive climate action — litmus test for the Global Compact they have managed to live in by Governments, businesses and on Refugees — its promise of Pakistan over the past four decades investors, mayors and governors, greater responsibility-sharing with and their concerns about returning and citizens everywhere. (See Press countries that have shouldered to their home country. Release SG/SM/19973.) the burden until now. (See Press He then traveled to the new The Secretary-General met in the Release SG/SM/19974.) premises of the United Nations afternoon with Pakistani Foreign He said in a press appearance Military Observer Group in India Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, with High Commissioner for and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), which and they planted a tree together Refugees Filippo Grandi and he inaugurated, and met with the at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Foreign Minister Qureshi that he Group’s Force Commander and Affairs. was very encouraged by the strong personnel. In a press conference with the commitment of Pakistan to peace The Secretary-General then Foreign Minister, the Secretary- in Afghanistan. And it’s also very attended an event where he spoke General said that his visit aims to important, he added, that the whole on the importance of sustainable recognize Pakistan’s outstanding international community, once development and climate change. generosity and solidarity over peace is achieved, decides to invest He told the audience that, for more many decades and to highlight its massively in Afghanistan, to allow than 10 years as High Commissioner place in confronting some of the for the country to be able to develop for Refugees, he had come many biggest global challenges our world itself, and to create the conditions times to Pakistan, adding that in faces today. He added that he was of prosperity that are needed for those 10 years, he developed a love grateful for the work of UNMOGIP Afghans to return. affair with the Pakistani people and and that he was happy that he Following the conference, the with Pakistan itself. And that love inaugurated the new premises of Secretary-General met with affair, Mr. Guterres said, came from their headquarters. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran the extraordinary generosity and On Monday morning, the Secretary- Khan, and he informed the Prime solidarity that the Pakistani people General spoke at the International Minister that he continues to follow have shown, hosting millions of Conference on 40 Years of Hosting the situation in Jammu and Kashmir Afghan refugees, sharing with them Afghan Refugees, and he called with concern and appeals for

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•27 maximum restraint and full respect decline in peacekeeper fatalities around the world, to make sure that for human rights. The Secretary- from malicious acts, from 59 in 2017 we will be able to fully eradicate General reiterated his readiness to 28 in 2019. (See Press Release polio. to exercise his good offices if both SG/SM/19975.) He tweeted: “Important gains sides agree. In the evening, the Secretary-General have been made, but we need a Later in the afternoon, the Secretary- travelled to Rawalpindi and met a concerted push to eradicate this General spoke at the Centre for range of senior Pakistani officials, awful disease.” International Peace and Stability including the Chief of Army Staff The Secretary-General finished in Islamabad — located at the and key parliamentarians. his official visit by visiting the National University of Science and The Secretary-General met in Kartarpur Corridor, which allows Technology — which he described the evening with President Arif Sikhs to travel between nearby as one of the most important Alvi, whom he thanked for holy sites on each side of the India- institutions in the world that Pakistan’s support to the United Pakistan border. supports peacekeeping activities Nations. The Secretary-General The Secretary-General visited in an extremely competent and reiterated the United Nations professional way. a gurdwara, or Sikh Temple, in commitment to support the the Pakistani town of Kartarpur He spoke at the Centre about country’s efforts to achieve the and said he was honoured to visit Pakistan’s contribution to United Sustainable Development Goals. the Kartarpur Corridor between Nations peacekeeping, saying They exchanged views on regional the countries, which he called “a that Pakistan is one of the most developments. corridor of hope”. consistent and reliable contributors Later that evening, the Secretary- He told press after his visit: “When to United Nations peace efforts General traveled to Lahore. around the world. we see so many parts of the world The Secretary-General spoke at the fighting in the name of religion, it’s The Secretary-General said that, Lahore University of Management necessary to say that religions unite since the first Pakistani deployment Sciences on Tuesday morning, us for peace and the best symbol is to the Congo — as it was referred saying that, as we celebrate the this shrine.” — in 1960, Pakistan has contributed seventy-fifth anniversary of the He added: “This is the best symbol more than 150,000 personnel to United Nations, he wants to reach 41 peacekeeping missions in 23 that we can give for a world in out and hear from youth. He peace and for a world in which countries, while 157 Pakistani said that with the United Nations military, police and civilian there is mutual respect and there is seventy-fifth anniversary, we the acceptance of what is different personnel have paid the ultimate want to make the voices of young price while serving under the — recognizing that diversity is a people count in the ways that blessing, is a richness, not a threat.” United Nations flag. policies are defined and actions are He discussed the recent Action for implemented, and he listened to the Following his return from Peacekeeping initiative, saying that students gathered at the University. Kartarpur, the Secretary-General the success of the initiative depends (See Press Release SG/SM/19979.) saw several of the key sights of on all peacekeeping stakeholders Lahore, including the Badshahi After that, the Secretary-General Mosque and the Red Fort. upholding their commitments. met with polio workers as he visited He said that the United Nations a kindergarten school in Lahore He then departed from Pakistan for Secretariat has made progress during the first nationwide polio New York City, where he arrived across key areas of the declaration, campaign of the year. He gave three later on Wednesday, 19 February. including measures to reinforce students the polio vaccine. He said https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/ the security and performance of he appealed to all leaders, including sgt3290.doc.htm our peacekeepers. These have religious and community leaders, resulted in improved casualty to fully support the Government of evacuation procedures and a Pakistan, and other Governments

28•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Writing a greener story in Asia and the Pacific Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana

ising economic prosperity undernourishment has dropped the Pacific show that we are neither and poverty reduction from 17 per cent in 2000 to 11 per sustainably managing the rich, Rmay not tell the whole cent in 2017. The proportion of the precious natural resources in our story of progress in Asia and the population using basic sanitation region nor taking adequate action Pacific. Telling signs in the natural services has increased from 48 per to combat climate change. Myopic world recount a narrative that is cent to almost 75 per cent since 2000. consumption practices have led to far from complete. This year has marine pollution and irreversible Nonetheless, we will miss the mark been particularly affected by the damage to ecosystems. Air pollution on all 17 SDGs by 2030 unless we COVID-19 global health pandemic, has clouded the skies, with the quicken the uneven pace across with devastating impacts on our Asia-Pacific region emitting half the each subregion. The next chapters health and the economy. Yet, world’s greenhouse gas. Disasters of progress we write must not building on its achievements, the are occurring with increasing only be faster, but also fight for region must continue its drive frequency and intensity, hitting the higher quality of life and a healthy towards a sustainable conclusion. most vulnerable the hardest. environment. There have been promising The earth continues to warn us Most strikingly, there is a lack of developments as we turn the page that human progress cannot come progress on environmental goals to a critical Decade of Action for at the expense of environmental across all subregions. Data from the the Sustainable Development degradation. As we make gains, 2020 edition of the Asia and the Pacific Goals (SDG). The region is on track it is our responsibility to advocate SDG Progress Report published by to achieve targets on eradicating for measures that protect the the United Nations Economic and income poverty. The prevalence of planet. To urgently improve waste Social Commission for Asia and

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•29 has provided for us. If the region doubles its concerted efforts, the future may be brighter for target areas where progress has been slow.

The extensive efforts required means we cannot do it alone. Uneven gains across subregions convey that cooperation is more important than ever. We must rally the region to collectively move toward an enduring vision of development management, increase resilience and education. Progress towards that protects natural resources, against natural disasters and adapt the SDGs is not a linear process, particularly the ocean, and fights to the adverse impacts of climate but there is an emerging basis for climate change. Listening to the change. acceleration in the coming years. data and supporting its availability will help create integrated policies In addition to environmental By speeding up efforts, the region fundamental to reversing negative considerations, advancements can balance its fast-growing trends. Revitalizing partnerships at in the region’s GDP growth are economy with prosperity for people all levels and across all stakeholders also challenging us to expand and planet. The total capacity of will enable us to implement them. normative thinking on poverty. the region to produce renewable Although the region is making good electricity has increased almost With decisive action, the region has progress on SDG targets related to fivefold since 2000, faster than the capacity to achieve a strong finish economic growth, one-dimensional any other region in the world. by 2030. During an unprecedented assessments are no longer enough. Many countries have adopted global health emergency and Mounting evidence reveals that clean and environmentally sound increasing economic uncertainty, let the region is likely to miss all technologies to reduce the intensity us not lose sight of the future. The measurable SDG targets related of carbon dioxide emissions from determination and rich resources to other forms of poverty, hunger, the manufacturing sector. of the region can help us overcome gender equality and reduced COVID-19 and beyond. Together, Recent trends also given hope inequalities. This means that our we can write a story of Asia and the for an acceleration of progress on ambitions must be far-reaching and Pacific which is one of success for several goals in the coming decade. informed by the complex realities of every aspect of nature and society. Increases in labour productivity, multi-dimensional poverty. access to quality education and The writer is the United Nations Thankfully, countries in Asia and resource flow for development all Under-Secretary-General and the Pacific have made resolute provide examples that the Asia- Executive Secretary of ESCAP commitments to sprint toward the Pacific region has built a basis for 2030 finish line. Momentum for acceleration in many targets. the future has been established by While we have harmed the planet substantial groundwork. Existing along the way, I believe we also have efforts have laid policy foundations the power to reverse negative trends for a more favorable outlook in and fight for the environment, as it areas like access to clean energy

30•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT PSCOFF NEWSLETTER Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies Centre Building Bridges through an Informed Dialogue February- March 2020

Annual IT Forum Of BRICS, SCO Countries In SCO HIGHLIGHTS Russia Postponed Due To COVID-19 – * * * * * Organizers 13-03-2020 : SCO considers rapid response 20-03-2020: The annual international IT forum of measures to infectious BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation disease outbreaks (SCO) countries will not be taking place this year due to COVID-19 concerns, the department of 05-03-2020 SCO Secretary-General meets information technologies of Russia's Khanty- with Afghan Deputy Mansiysk Autonomous Area (Ugra). Minister of the Interior https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/annual-it-forum-of- 03-03-2020SCO brics-sco-countries-in-ru-869739.html Secretary-General meets with Director of the Pakistan, China and Russia decide to conduct National Information- trade in local currencies skip dollars Analytical Centre on Drug Control at the Government of 17-3-2020: The eight-member countries of the Uzbekistan Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), 2020 / 03 / 03 including China, Russia, and Pakistan, have made the principle decision to conduct bilateral trade and PakistanSCOFF investment and issue bonds in local and national * * * * * currencies instead of US dollars. Pakistan Shanghai Cooperation Friendship Forum is an initiative of https://www.brecorder.com/2020/03/17/580793/pakistan- Shanghai Cooperation Organization china-and-russia-decide-to-conduct-trade-in-local-currencies- Studies Centre, a research centre at Institute of Peace and Diplomatic skip-dollars/ Studies Islamabad.

@PakistanSCOFF @IPDS_Pakistan

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•31

SCO HIGHLIGHTS * * * * * Pakistan ready to curb illicit drug trafficking in 03- 03-2020: SCO cooperation with SCO, UN Secretary-General meets

with Russian Deputy 02-03-2020: Minister for Narcotics Control Shehryar Khan

Foreign Minister Afridi Monday said that Pakistan was ready to work with

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and United 03-03-202: SCO

Secretary-General Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) to curb the addresses 63rd session of illicit drug trafficking through Dark Net. UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs https://www.app.com.pk/pakistan-ready-to-curb-illicit-drug-trafficking- in-cooperation-with-sco-un/ 01- 03-2020:Head of SCO Observer Mission meets Qureshi lauds SCO’s role for regional development, with Chairman of trade cooperation Tajikistan’s Central

Commission for 29-02-2020: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Elections and Referenda Qureshi Saturday said that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was playing an appreciable role for 29-02-2020: Geneva: regional development and promotion of trade and economic SCO-UNECE high-level cooperation among the member countries. event. https://www.brecorder.com/2020/02/29/575948/qureshi-

lauds-scos-role-for-regional-development-trade-cooperation/

Iranian, Russian diplomats discuss Tehran’s cooperation with SCO SCO Highlights * * * * * 22-02-2020: Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem 26-02-20202: SCO Secretary- Jalali has met with the Russian president’s Special General addresses 82nd session Representative for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Bakhtiar Hakimov, discussing of Inland Transport Committee Tehran’s cooperation with the organization. of UN Economic Commission for Europe https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/445436/Iranian- Russian-diplomats-discuss-Tehran-s-cooperation- 14-02-2020: Moscow hosts first with meeting of SCO Council of SCO members praise Pakistan for holding National Coordinators in 2020 defence and security conference 14-02-2020-SCO Secretary- General meets with OSCE 21-02-2020: The Shanghai Cooperation Secretary General Organisation (SCO) has appreciated Pakistan for hosting two-day conference on defence and security 03-02-2020-SCO observers related matters in Islamabad. begin their mission in Azerbaijan https://tribune.com.pk/story/2160870/1-sco- members-praise-pakistan-holding-defence-security- conference/

32•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT CPEC, BRI and China Bulletin INSTITUTE OF PEACE AND DIPLOMATIC STUDIES Building Bridges through an Informed Dialogue February March 2020

Pakistan, China extend number of CPEC Joint Working CPEC HIGHLIGHTS Groups to ten * * * * *

22- 3-2020:The number of Joint Working Groups under the 26-2-2020: Chinese state China -Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) extended to ten councilor holds talks with after signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Serbian first deputy PM establishing joint working groups on Science and 18-2-2020: Afghanistan is Technology and Agriculture. offered to join CPEC: Chinese https://nation.com.pk/22 -Mar-2020/pakistan-china-extend- Ambassador Yao Jing number -of-joint-working-groups-under-cpec-to-ten Govt releases Rs12.13b for CPEC projects under PSDP 18-2-2020: Pakistan’s 2019 -20 resolution to support China’s fight against the epidemic is 22- 03-2020: The government has so far released appreciable: Chinese Foreign development funds of over Rs 12.13 billion for various office spokesperson Geng development projects of China Pakistan Economic Corridor Shuang (CPEC) under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2019-20. 17-2-2020: Work on the Rashakai Special Economic https://nation.com.pk/22 -Mar-2020/govt-releases-rs12-13b- Zone commences for -cpec-projects-under-psdp-2019-20 16-2-2020: Pakistan would be Death toll from coronavirus surpasses 2,600 in China the major beneficiary of 25- 2-2020: The death toll from coronavirus raised to 2,663 CPEC: World Bank in China as another 71 more cases, the lowest daily number of fatalities in over two weeks were reported on Tuesday. The National Health Commission also reported 508 new confirmed cases, with all but nine in hard-hit Hubei province. https://pakobserver.net/death-toll-from-coronavirus-surpasses-2600- BRI, CPEC & in-china/ CHINA BULLETIN * * * * *

BRI, CPEC & China Bulletin is an initiative of Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies Islamabad.

@IPD_newsletter @IPDS_Pakistan

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•33

Pakistan, China confident coronavirus won’t affect BRI HIGHLIGHTS CPEC 25-2-2020: Pakistan and China on Monday expressed * * * * * confidence that the recent coronavirus outbreak in China 2 6-2-2020: Chinese state will not affect the pace of China-Pakistan Economic councilor holds talks with Corridor (CPEC) projects and cooperation between

Serbian first deputy PM Beijing and Islamabad will remain unaffected. Chairman

CPEC Authority Lt Gen (R) Asim Saleem Bajwa at this 26-2-2020: Genoa's occasion said, the coronavirus outbreak in China did not Involvement In China's affect the speed of work on CPEC projects and work on Belt And Road Project these projects is advancing in full swing. He added that

Unaffected By work on the second phase of CPEC is underway with full Coronavirus – Authority preparation.

14-2-2020: Turkey ready https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/619583-pakistan- china-confident-coronavirus-won-t-affect-cpec/ to join the CPEC Chinese diplomat Zhao Lijian debuts as new FM

spokesperson. 6 -2-2020: China, 22-2-2020: Zhao Lijian, Deputy Director General of the Myanmar Agree to $9B Foreign Ministry's Information Department and also one of

Rail China's most active and outspoken diplomats, made his debut as spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry at

Monday's press conference. Zhao was the minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan before . becoming the Deputy Director General of the Foreign

Ministry's Information Department in August 2019. https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1180590.shtml

China’s president visits Myanmar for infrastructure BRI HIGHLIGHTS talks . * * * * * 04- 02-2020: CHINESE president Xi Jinping became the 2-2-2020: Chinese first high-level official from the People’s Republic of investments in BRI countries China to pay an official visit to Myanmar in 20 years. He to reach $ 500 b had been invited by president Win Myin and was in the

Southeast Asian nation from January 17 to 18 of this year. https://www.newagebd.net/article/9 8513/chinese-president-xi- jinping -visits-myanmars Africa likely to use Gwadar Port, CPEC to have access to

CARs, China’ IPD Proceedings 02- 2-2020: In a welcoming development, Africa having 54 * * * * * countries in it and population of 1.2 billion people with the size of Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies economy at $2.4 trillion has positively indicated to using CPEC in collaboration with Commission of Science and Technology for Sustainable (China -Pakistan Economic Corridor) and Gwadar Port to ensure in South (COMSATS) organized a roundtable on Sino-Pak agricultural access for its products to the markets of Central Asian Republics cooperation a way forward. (CARs) and China. And more importantly Africa has also shown

its willingness to start negotiations with Pakistan on Early Harvest that will stimulate the growth of Pak-African trade volume up to $8 billion in the next five years’ time. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/608100-africa-likely-to-use- gwadar-port-cpec-to-have-access-to-cars-china

34•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Pakistani Business Delegation Visit to Tajikistan & Pakistan Cultural Festival 2020

akistan-Shanghai Cooperation Organisation PFriendship Forum and Belt and Road Consultants Pvt Ltd organized visit of Business Delegation to Tajikistan with the kind support of Embassy of Republic of Tajikistan to Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Embassy of Pakistan to Republic of Tajikistan. During the time of the visit, Embassy of Pakistan to Republic of Tajikistan organized Pakistan Cultural Festival 2020 to highlight delegation met with the Chairman, During the visit of the business and promote Pakistan’s culture and Tajikistan Chamber of Commerce delegation to Dushanbe, The business opportunities in Pakistan. and Industry and prominent Embassy of Pakistan in Dushanbe, Here the role of H.E Mr. Ismatuallo Businessmen at Dushanbe, Tajikistan, organized a three-day Nasredin, Ambassador of Republic Tajikistan. The delegation have “Pakistan Cultural Festival (6-8 of Tajikistan to Pakistan is also proposed to establish Pakistan- March 2020) as culmination of commendable alongwith Bohodur Tajikistan trade house in order to Pakistan National Day festivities Buriev, Deputy Head of Mission, keep the business flowing. The in Tajikistan. The event was Sadriddin Gadoev, Commercial proposal is at the embryonic organized at the prestigious Opera Attache and Mr. Murtazo stage and will be developed in Ballet Theater located in the heart Bobobekov, Second Secretary collaboration with the important of Dushanbe city. Tajik Minister of Embassy of Tajikistan in Islamabad stakeholders from both sides. for the support extended to the business delegation to Tajikistan. H.E Mr. Imran Haider, Ambassador of Pakistan to Republic of Tajikistan and his team Mr. Shahid Seehar, Deputy Head of Mission, Rashid Imtiaz Warraich, Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of Pakistan in Dushanbe and other team members have made all their kind efforts to support the delegation to have a fruitful and result oriented visit. Participant of the delegation have pledged to develop and enhance trade between Pakistan and Tajikistan. During the visit, the

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•35 Culture, Ms. Dawlatzoda Zulfiya committed to take the existing it would bring the two brotherly Davlat was the Chief Guest on brotherly bilateral ties between people closer. Different cultural the occasion. High officials of the the two countries to new heights. artifacts and other products Tajik government including Tajik Ambassador has also expressed from Pakistan including regional parliamentarians, First Deputy hope that the Festival would help handicrafts, dresses and Multani Foreign Minister, members of the introduce Pakistan’s rich culture to blue pottery were exhibited in the diplomatic corps, local businessmen, Tajik people and further strengthen event. Two artists from Pakistan journalists, academicians and cultural cooperation between the rendered live music performance Pakistani community attended the two brotherly countries. by playing ‘Dhol’. Famous Pakistani event. In his speech, Ambassador artist Abdul Rehman Tahir Naqash of Pakistan Mr. Imran Haider said Tajik Minister of Culture in her also displayed his Naqashi skills in that Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy remarks said that the Embassy the event. A Pakistani food corner excellent bilateral ties which are of Pakistan has taken a great introduced the guests to Pakistani rooted in shared history and culture. initiative by organizing this cuisine for which two experienced While highlighting different aspects Festival as it would further bolster chefs from Pakistan were brought of Pakistani culture including its cultural cooperation between the to Dushanbe. The event will remain ethnic diversity, craftsmanship, two countries. She further said open for three days and thousands art & music, dresses and cuisine, that expanding cooperation with of visitors are expected to attend Ambassador said that the leadership Pakistan was one of the priority and enjoy Pakistan culture and of the two countries remain fully areas for the Tajik government as cuisine.

36•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Interactive Session of Delegation of International Forum for Pakistani Columnist and Anchors with H.E Mr. Yao Jing, Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to Pakistan

hina is indebted to Pakistan for support in difficult times Cand is ready to share the experience of its fight against the COVID-19 epidemic with Pakistan. These were the remarks by Ambassador Yao Jing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan while talking to members of the delegation of International Forum for Pakistani Columnists and Anchors and members of media outlets here in Islamabad.

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•37 He further added China is also working tirelessly to save the world from coronavirus. Strongly recognized and supported by the systematic and scientific response by the Chinese leadership, military, and civil society to fight against the virus. Ambassador said that the Chinese government is in close contact with the Pakistani government and praised the work done by the Health Ministry of Pakistan so far in containing the virus to reach Pakistan. While responding to various questions to the journalists, Ambassador said that with few exceptions worldwide there is strong recognition including the leading WHO on the response from China to curb the epidemic. Ambassador said that the role of media is important to put forward the true picture of humanity. China is doing everything possible to find the vaccine and as a result of being the leader of science and technology, China has prepared a rapid response mechanism through its robust scientist to find vaccines to curb the disease. Ambassador stressed that CPEC will not be derailed because the projects will continue functioning as they were functioning earlier. Ambassador shared that currently, a team of eight professionals and experts on agriculture are in Pakistan to support in the fight against locust attacking various areas of Pakistan. China is providing not only technical know-how but also providing pesticides as well. In the CPEC mandate, China is supporting Pakistan in the health sector as well where China is helping to upgrade the hospitals and various health mechanisms. China is building a burn center in Balochistan and an emergency center in Sindh.

38•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Look Africa Policy Initiative Challenges and Way Forward

nstitute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies in Icollaboration with Tabani Group has organized Exclusive Interactive Input Session on “Look Africa Policy Initative- Challenges and Way Forward” with Ambassador (R) Mrs. Naela Chohan. The aim of discussion was to move forward with the recently outlined and presented Pakistan’s Engage Africa policy in order to build relationships with the stakeholders including business leaders, Ambassadors, thought leaders and policy practitioners. Ambassador Naela Chohan has three decades of diplomatic career and remained serving at the highest places as Ambassador of Pakistan to different countries. As a result of her diplomatic excellence, during her presence as DG/Additional Secretary- Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Govt of Pakistan, she has pursued Pakistan’s Look Africa Policy including arranging various steps and events to enhance Pakistan’s relations with African Nations. During her session, Ambassador Chohan outlined the look Africa and later Engage Africa policy. Ambassador of Morocco, Mauritius, Senior Diplomats from is offering to the businessmen countries to enhance trade and Embassy of Tunisia and Sudan from Pakistan. He was of the economic cooperation in diverse were present on the occasion view that the recent outlined fields. Ambassador of Mauritius to share input. Ambassador of policy of Engage Africa is much highlighted the significance of Morocco highlighted the several needed effort and there is a strong Engage Africa policy and shared opportunities that the country hope and commitment from the that Mauritius is a next best

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•39 Think Tank. IPDS aims to provide strength to Pakistan’s effective role in Peace and Intellect Silk Road through innovative and cutting-edge research, effective advocacy, dialogues series, education modules, consultancy services, well-built & knitted public diplomacy initiatives and engagements in the thematic areas.

TABANI GROUP OF COMPANIES established in 1885, is one of the most distinguished and reputable business conglomerates in Pakistan. Tabani Group are Manufacturers, destination for doing business in Cement, Sugar, Fertilizer, Defense Importers, Exporters, Traders the country with wide range of Industry, Oil & Gas Industry, and Agents for the well known options in all spheres. Diplomats and Aviation Industry. It has the Reputable Principals from all across from Tunisia and Sudan also honor to promote the first Private the Globe dealing with corporate shared about the developments Airline “Aero Asia” and operated giants from Textiles, Metals, in the country and how far the for more than 13 years on both Plastics, Commodities, Cement, businesses may get the benefit Domestic and International Routes Electronics, Machinery of Steel out of the programs offered by catering to more than one million manufacturing Plants and Rolling the governments. At the opening passengers every year. Tabani Mills, Railway Rolling Stock, remarks, Mr.Hatim Tabani, Group is having offices in all major Cement, Sugar, Fertilizer, Defense Executive Director Tabani Group, cities of Pakistan and has a global Industry, Oil & Gas Industry, and shared the vision and mission presence in different countries of Aviation Industry. It has the honor of the group and explained that the world. On her remarks, Ms. to promote the first Private Airline Tabani Group of Companies has Farhat Asif, Founder President “Aero Asia” and operated for more been established in 1885, as is one Institute of Peace and Diplomatic than 13 years on both Domestic and of the most distinguished and Studies (IPDS) explained about International Routes catering to reputable business conglomerates the organization and said that more than one million passengers in Pakistan. Tabani Group the Institute has organized every year. Tabani Group is having are Manufacturers, Importers, such event in order to promote offices in all major cities of Pakistan Exporters, Traders and Agents Pakistan’s relations with the and has a global presence in for the well known Reputable African countries. This series will different countries of the world. Principals from all across the continue and IPDS will facilitate Globe dealing with corporate the cooperation amongst the giants from Textiles, Metals, stakeholders to build this. IPDS Plastics, Commodities, Cement, is Islamabad, Pakistan based Electronics, Machinery of Steel independent, non- governmental, manufacturing Plants and Rolling not-for-profit Research, Mills, Railway Rolling Stock, Advocacy, and Public Diplomacy

40•THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT Seminar Kashmir and Nagorno Karabakh Conflicts: Similarities and Challenges Organized by Center for Central Asia and Eurasian Studies, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies in collaboration with Riphah Institute of Public Policy, Riphah International University

ashmir and Nagorno Conflicts: Similarities and solution to the Kashmir conflict Karabakh’s conflicts are Challenges” wherein Syed Fakhar and must be resolved according Kwaiting for the international Imam, Chairman Parliamentary to the wishes and aspirations of community to take serious actions Committee on Foreign Affairs was the Kashmiri people. The focus and try to resolve the conflicts and the Chief Guest. While addressing of the world is now Kashmir, the save the humanity as per the Charter the gathering honorable chairman recent visit of the UN Secretary- of the United Nations. These were said that Kashmir Kashmir is a General, President of Turkey and the remarks by the speakers on the longstanding conflict on United regular call by the President of the occasion of the Seminar organized Nations agenda, disputed USA for mediation and pressure by Institute of Peace and Diplomatic territory recognized by Security from the European Countries, the Studies in collaboration with Riphah Council members and solution role of China and other countries Institute of Public Policy, Riphah to resolve this issue to carry out are creating pressure on India to International University cordially plebiscite under the umbrella of resolve the issue. Thus Pakistan has invite you to a Seminar on United Nations. The world has been able to remain successful in “Kashmir and Nagorno Karabakh now realized that war is not the raising the voice of Kashmiris at all

THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT•41 international forums hence making International Islamic University, National University of Modern the world witness the true face of highlighted the similarities between Languages, explained in detail India. Now the world talk about the two conflicts and said that about similarities and challenges the Kashmir issue, Humanitarian both conflicts are the legacy of the facing Kashmir and Nagorno- crisis in the region, violation of colonial rule and the world must Karabakh and said as both Pakistan human rights, world discourage the realize that without resolving and Azerbaijan enjoy deep-rooted Modi fascist policy and this was the these important issues, there can relations, there is a strong need victory of Pakistan. Dr. Muhammad neither be peace in Caucuses to develop academia linkages in Khan, Faculty Member, Department and nor in South Asia. Dr. order to build understanding find of International Relations, Sarwat Rauf, Assistant Professor, a way forward. Sardar Usman Attique, Chairman, AJK Pakistan Muslim Conference Youth Wing, spoke on the occasion and said that the voices of the Kashmiri youth are being suppressed and there is uncertainties in the lives of Kashmiris after the notorious acts of incumbent Modi government and abrogation of Article 370. The world must take notice of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. A large number of Faculty members, academia, media, diplomats and members of civil society were present on the occasion.

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