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We have worked hard together to make Italy and Pakistan even closer than we already are! H.E. Anna Ruffino, Consul General of Italy in Karachi 2 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 01 02 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 03 4 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 5 October 2020 Volume 11 Issue 10 “Publishing from Pakistan, United Kingdom/EU & will be soon from UAE ”

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10 Statement By Mr. President, Secretary General Guterres, Excellencies, Ladies and H.E. Mr. , Prime Minister Gentlemen, I am honoured to address the United Nations General Of The Islamic Republic Of Pakistan at 75th Assembly once again. Session of the UN General Assembly I congratulate His Excellency Mr. Volkan Bozkir on his election as the President of the seventy-fifth session...

16 Concluding Pakistan visit with good impres- Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman, ’s High Council sion: Abdullah Abdullah for National Reconciliation (HCNR), on Wednesday appreciated Pakistan’s efforts with regards to the Afghan peace process, and said that he was concluding his three-day trip to Islamabad “with a very positive impression and hope in his heart”. On the last day of his visit, Dr Abdullah spoke at...

President Dr said the diversification and value addition 22 Diversification and value addition of products of products were a must to achieve higher exports and explore to explore untapped export markets: President the yet untapped global markets, particularly the African region. Alvi Addressing the 4th Export Trophy arranged by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president called for use of information technology...

38 During his speech at the 75th session of the On September 22, 2020, the high-level week of the 75th UN General Assembly anniversary session of the United Nations General Assembly The President of Turkmenistan stressed the began. On the same day, a transmission of the speech of the importance of restoring trust in international President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took place. politics Noting that the current session of the UN...

50 We have worked hard together to make Italy First of all, on behalf of ‘Diplomatic Focus’, I appreciate your and Pakistan even closer than we already are! efforts for enhancing the bilateral relations praise your role as the H.E. Anna Ruffino, Consul General of Italy in Consul of Italy in Karachi. Karachi DF: Excellency! The western country has two views about Pakistan, one before knowing Pakistan second after knowing Pakistan, before you come to Pakistan what you think...

6 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org RBI Mediaminds Contents Group of Publications Electronic & Print Media Production House 9 Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan elected as President ICCI for 2020-21 10 Statement by H.E. Mr. Imran Khan, Prime Minister Of The Islamic Republic Of Pakistan at 75th Session of the UN General Assembly Group Chairman/CEO: Mian Fazal Elahi Chief Editor Hon: Mian Akhtar Hussain 15 Trump’s bad marriage with the military has finally exploded Editor/Publisher: Mian Fazal Elahi 16 Concluding Pakistan visit with good impression: Abdullah Abdullah Group Editor: Saeed Yousafzai Associate Honorary Editor: Zanib Arshad 18 Arousing world’s conscience toward Modi’s policies Director Marketing: Mian Furqan Akhtar 19 Outgoing Chinese ambassador conferred Hilal-e-Pakistan Award Editor in Chief UK/EU Edition: Mian Assadullah Justin Plaza 3, 341London Road, Mit 20 The prestigious 8th Achievement Awards ceremony of FPCCI held cham, Surrey-CR4 4BE Editor Germany, EU Edition: Mian Mubeen Akhtar 22 Diversification and value addition of products to explore untapped export markets: President Office Manager: Rana Bilal Ahmed Alvi Creative Art Director: M.Shahbaz Nawaz, RN Scanner Art Director: Sharyar Fazil 24 New Envoys Presented Credentials to President Dr. Arif Alvi Designer: Ali Haider 26 Pakistan’s Ambassadors-designate to Austria and Sweden called on President Dr. Arif Alvi Web Developer: Muhammad Wajahat Chief Photographer: Ramzan Mughal 27 Peace is within reach in Afghanistan A hasty international withdrawal would be unwise 28 Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute inaugurated by PM Imran Khan Copenhagen Denmark Fazal Hussain 004540521485 Email: [email protected] 29 Kashmir still a burning issue, Erdogan tells UNGA Javed Iqbal Butt Bureau Chief Australia, Newzealand 30 Daesh’s growing influence in the region Board of Advisors 31 Value of Dubai Chamber member exports up 7.4% in June-August 2020 General (R) Talat Masood, Ambassador (R) Tassaduq Hussain, Ambassador 32 appointed Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi as Chief of the Naval Staff (R) Arif Mehmmod, Mr. Kanwar Muhammad Tariq, Ambassador(R), 33 Chief of the Naval Staff Laid Foundation for Health Sciences Complex at Bahria University Mr. Tariq Hyder, Ambassador(R) Fozia Nasreen, Ambassador(R) Javed Hassan, Maria Sultan, Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad (EX-Federal Secretary)Chaudhry Medical & Dental College Karachi Faisal Mushtaq (Thagma-e-Imtiaz), Dr. Mirza ikhtiar Baig (Thagma-e-Imtiaz), 34 Chief of the Naval Staff Lays Foundation of Pakistan Maritime Science & Technology Park Shoukat Paracha, Malik Yousaf Ali, Ex-Ambassador, Mian Anwar-Ul-Haq Ramay, Ex-Parliamentarian, Ilyas Ahmed Chaudhry, CR Shamsi, Fozia Shahid, Mateen Haider, and Inaugurates Bahria School of Engineering & Applied Sciences Captian (R) Wasif, Mian Mahmood Hon: Council General Republic of Moldova 35 Pakistan stands with the brotherly nation of Azerbaijan and supports its right of self-defence Bureau Office 36 Envoys witnessed Indian ceasefire violations along LoC & meet survivors of Indian shelling Qaisar Masood Muhammad Athar 38 During his speech at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, The President of Northern Virginia Georgia Israr Masood M. Jamil Rathore Turkmenistan stressed the importance of restoring trust in international politics Sydney Australia Bureau Chief Jeddah KSA 40 Conference of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan was held at the high organizational Rana Salman Shahid Cell: +966-502583608 level Vehari Mr. Muhammad Muzzammilullah Maan 42 5th Round of Pakistan – Germany Strategic Dialogue held Brussels (Belgium)

43 China is ready to continue to provide support to Pakistan in fighting COVID-19 until the Printer epidemic is defeated Roohani Art Press, Street no. 1, Service Road Muhammadi Town, Sohan near Express High Way, Islamabad. 44 China put forward five proposals for strengthening SCO cooperation 45 Digital Farming: Empowering the farmers to get the best out Publisher Mian Fazal Elahi, House No 263-C, Street 87, Sector E-11/2 Islamabad. 46 US presidential election is the US internal affair, in which we are not interested and have Tel: +92-51-2163092, 2163070, News Room: +92-51-2163029 never interfered: China Mobile: +92-345-5565552, +92-322-5565552 47 China lauds President Alvi’s remarks regarding benefits of CPEC’s connectivity to region Email: [email protected], [email protected] 48 CPEC to improve economy www.diplomaticfocus.org 49 High expectations from the newly designated Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Karachi Office: Mobile: +92-331-5155515 50 We have worked hard together to make Italy and Pakistan even closer than we already are! H.E. Anna Ruffino, Consul General of Italy in Karachi Price Pakistan Rs.1000 Middle East 50 Saudi Riyal 56 Diplomatic Focus Reception UK £ 8 Schengen State €10 58 Opening ceremony of painting exhibition titled “Bexon Exhibition 2020” Chinese Yuan: 75 Canada: $15 USA: $12 59 Chinese Ambassador Farewell Published from Islamabad 60 Armed forces of Armenia blatantly violated the ceasefire regime 62 Air cargo control unit set up at Islamabad International Airport 63 Newly appointed Pakistani envoy presents credentials to Austrian President www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 7 Editorial September 2020 September

Mian Fazal Elahi Prime Minister Imran Khan’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly is the most-watched video among world leaders on the UN’s YouTube page with more than 170,000 views since it was uploaded on the video-sharing platform on September 25, reported media. In comparison, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UNGA speech was viewed a little more than 60,000 times since it was uploaded on September 26.

August 2020 August PM Imran had used his UNGA address to warn the international community that India was planning another “ill-conceived misadventure” in a “nuclearised environment,” but Pakistan was ready to “fight for its freedom to the end”. He had also urged the UN Security Council to play its role in preventing this dangerous conflict, which could jeopardise the entire region. Commenting on the Afghan peace process, the premier said Pakistan’s desire for peace in the region manifested in its efforts to promote a political solution in Afghanistan. PM Imran had also drawn attention to Islamophobia, and urged the international community to avoid blaming Muslims for every bad incident in the world, to stop ridiculing their religious personalities and to not desecrate their religious places. June/July 2020 June/July Visit of Dr Abdullah Abdullah, the chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) of Afghanistan and his delegation is an important development in Pak-Afghan relations, peace process and intra Afghan dialogue. He held meetings with top Pakistani leaders, including President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Abdullah’s visit is seen as a significant Our previous Issues Our previous step forward in and Islamabad’s efforts to bridge divides and advance Pak- Afghan cooperation, particularly regarding the peace push. Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated Pakistan’s support for efforts to end the nearly two-decades-long

May 2020 May conflict in Afghanistan.

The articles, columns, Opinions are published in Magazine in good faith. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the Editor/Publisher/Organization. Annual Subscription of Important Announcement Diplomatic Focus Rs. 9840/ Year (Including Courier Charges) For Further detail Email: [email protected] It has been announced for the general information that Mr. Mian Assad Ullah has Publications been appointed as Editor In Chief of the Monthly “Diplomatic Focus” for the UK/EU Documentaries Edition. He is entitled to participate official /non-officials diplomatic(engagements, Films events, national days, social evenings/gatherings, press conferences/interviews Events Managements and can be contacted for all kinds of stuff including articles, supplements and Events Shots advertisements etc). It is requested to all Diplomatic missions and government high Advertising officials of UK, please contact with Mr. Mian Assad Ullah on His mailing address, 4 Telefilms Ipswich Road, SW17 9RH, London. Cell number:+44-7961005954/ 2087694850, Cultural Affairs Email: [email protected], [email protected] Dramas Modeling

8 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Bilateral Relations

Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, newly elected President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other office Bearers pose for a group photo with Mian Akram Farid Chairman Founder Group and Other senior members after announcement of their election result Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan elected as President ICCI for 2020-21 By Mian Fazal Elahi and members of Founder Group as well as all members of ICCI for showing confidence in he election announcement for the his abilities and resolved that he would not office bearers of Islamabad Chamber disappoint them. Tof Commerce and Industry for the year 2020-21 was held at Chamber House. Ch. Mian Akram Farid, Chairman Founder Group Abdul Ghaffar, member Election Commission congratulated the newly elected office bearers announced the results. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan of ICCI and hoped that they would perform was elected as President, Ms. Fatima Azeem better for resolving the key issues of business Senior Vice President and Abdul Rehman community. He said that establishment of new Khan as Vice President, Islamabad Chamber industrial zone in Islamabad should be high on of Commerce and Industry. All the candidates their priority list to foster industrial activities were elected unopposed and they will formally and create new jobs. take over the charge of their portfolios on 1st Ms. Fatima Azeem newly elected Senior October 2020. Vice President and Abdul Rehman Khan Vice Speaking at the occasion, the newly elected President also spoke at the occasion and said President ICCI Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan said that that they would contribute their best towards the business community. he would try best for the establishment of promote the cause of business community. Former Presidents ICCI Khalid Javed, Abdul new industrial estate in Islamabad to promote Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, President, Rauf Alam, Tariq Sadiq, Mian Shaukat industrialization. He said he also make efforts Tahir Abbasi Senior Vice President and Saif ur Masud, Khalid Iqbal Malik, Zafar Bakhtawari, to get the representation of ICCI in CDA Board Rehman Khan Vice President ICCI congratulated Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi as well as Ch. Waheed and FBR to protect the interest of business the newly elected office bearers of ICCI ud Din, Sheikh Amir Waheed, Ch. Naseer, community. He said that outgoing President and assured them of their full cooperation Malik Sohail Hussain, Ajmal Baloch, Ashfaq ICCI Muhammad Ahmed Waheed said set in discharging their responsibilities. They Chatha, Babar Chaudhry, Khalid Chaudhry, high benchmarks of good performance and he highlighted the key achievements of their Naveed Malik, Yousaf Rajput and others also would try to further strengthen ICCI to raise tenure and hoped that the new team would congratulated the newly elected office bearers its performance bar. He thanked Chairman achieve many new milestones for ICCI and for of ICCI and expressed good wishes for them. www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 9 Bilateral Relations

Statement By H.E. Mr. Imran Khan, Prime Minister Of The Islamic Republic Of Pakistan at 75th Session of the UN General Assembly

10 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org r. President, Secretary General Guterres, India is playing MExcellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, a dangerous I am honoured to address the United Nations General Assembly once again. game of upping I congratulate His Excellency Mr. Volkan Bozkir the military on his election as the President of the seventy- fifth session of the General Assembly. ante against We also appreciate the skillful leadership of the outgoing President, His Excellency Tijani Pakistan in a Muhammad-Bande, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. nuclearized We commend the leadership of Secretary General Antonio Guterres in these turbulent strategic times. Mr. President, environment Since my government assumed office, our consistent effort has been to fundamentally transform Pakistan. We envisage `Naya Pakistan’ to be modelled on the principles of the State of Madinah, established by our Holy Prophet (PBUH). A just and humane society where all Government policies are directed at lifting our citizens out of poverty and creating a just and

Our foreign policy aims to have peace with our neighbors and settle disputes through dialogue

equitable dispensation. To achieve this goal, we need to have peace and stability. Thus our foreign policy aims to have peace with our neighbours and settle disputes through dialogue. Mr. President, The 75th Anniversary of the United Nations is an extremely important milestone as this is the only body in the world that can help us achieve our goal of peace and stability in our neighbourhood. This is also a time for us to reflect whether as the United Nations we have been able to realize the promise we collectively made to our peoples. Today, the foundations of ‘world order’- non-use of or threat of unilateral force, self-

www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 11 Bilateral Relations determination of peoples, the sovereign to Almighty Allah’s Grace, we have not only The official debt suspension will need to be equality and territorial integrity of States, managed to control the virus, stabilize our extended and expanded. Additional debt relief non-interference in their internal affairs, economy, but most importantly, we have been measures will also be needed. international cooperation — all these ideals are able to protect the poorest segment of the Multilateral Development Banks should ensure being systematically eroded. society from the worst fall out of the lock down. adequate financial inflows. International agreements are being flouted Today’s Pakistan response is cited among the Rich countries have generated over ten trillion and set aside. Renewed great-power rivalries success storues in controlling and responding dollars to finance their own response and are leading to a new arms race. Conflicts are to the pandemic. However, we are still not recovery. They should support the creation of proliferating and intensifying. out of the woods, like no country is out of the at least US$5oo billion in new Special Drawing woods today. Military occupation and illegal annexations are Rights for the developing world. suppressing the right of human beings to self- Mr. President, determination. India must rescind In my address to the General Assembly last year, According to respected Professor Noam I had highlighted the tremendous damage that Chomsky, mankind is at even a greater risk than the measures it has illicit financial flows from developing countries it was before the 1st and 2nd World Wars in the to rich countries and offshore tax havens last century because of the increased threat instituted since 5 cause. This leads to the impoverishment of the of nuclear war, Climate Change, and sadly the developing nations. Money that could be used rise of authoritarian regimes. We must come towards human development is siphoned off together to prevent such a catastrophe. August 2019, end by corrupt elites. The loss of foreign exchange We believe the driving force in international its military siege and causes currency depreciation that in turn leads relations must be cooperation, in accordance to inflation and poverty. with principles of international law, and not other gross human The quest for getting back these stolen confrontation and force. resources is nearly impossible, given the We all must emphatically reaffirm our support rights violations, and cumbersome procedures. Moreover, the for multilateralism. powerful money launderers have access to the best lawyers. And sadly, because they are the Mr. President, agree to resolve the beneficiaries, there is a lack of political will in The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the Jammu & Kashmir the rich countries to curb this criminal activity. oneness of humanity. In our interconnected Mr. President, world, no one is safe unless everyone is safe. dispute in accordance If this phenomena is unaddressed, it will Today, Pakistan’s response is cited among the continue to accentuate the inequality between success stories in controlling with the relevant the rich and the poor nations, and eventually and responding to the pandemic. However, we will spark off a far bigger global crisis than the are still not out of the UN Security Council present migration issue poses. Locking down to control the pandemic has The rich states cannot hold forth on human triggered the worst recession since the Great resolutions and rights and justice when they provide sanctuary Depression in the last Century. This has hit the to money launderers’ and their looted wealth poorest countries the hardest as well as the the wishes of the and protection of their person. poor in all the countries. Kashmiri people There are robust anti-Money Laundering and In Pakistan, we realized very early on that if we anti-Terrorist Financing regimes. I call upon this imposed a strict lockdown, the type that several Mr. President, Assembly to take the lead in efforts to build a affluent countries had imposed, we would have global framework to stem the illicit financial more people dying of hunger than the virus. It was obvious from the outset that developing flows and ensure speedy repatriation of stolen countries would need fiscal space to respond wealth. Therefore, we adopted a policy of ‘smart to, and recover from, the COVID crisis. lockdown.’ While concentrating on the virus It is important to realize that the aid that flows hot-spots we opened up our agricultural sector Debt relief is one of the best ways to create that from rich countries to the developing world is immediately and then followed it up with the fiscal space for developing countries. Therefore, miniscule compared to the massive out-flows construction sector, which employed most of in early April, I called for a “Global Initiative on by our corrupt elites. the people. Debt Relief’. Mr. President, At the same time, and this is despite financial We appreciate the G-20’s official debt This year, I must again reiterate the threat constraints, my government deployed an suspension initiative and the emergency and posed to mankind due to Climate Change. unprecedented 8 billion dollars for our health rapid financing offered by the IMF, World Bank, Unprecedented fires in Australia, Siberia, services; plus support the poorest and most Asian Development Bank and UN Agencies. California, Brazil; unprecedented flooding vulnerable households with direct cash This, however, is not enough. in various parts of the world; and record payments through Ehsaas programme; and temperatures even in the Arctic Circle. This subsidies to small businesses. The IMF has estimated that developing should make us all worried for our future countries will need over US$ 2.5 trillion to generations. Even though our ‘smart lockdown’ was respond and recover from the crisis. heavily criticized in the beginning, but thanks

12 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Commitments made through the Paris Agreement must be fulfilled, in particular the commitment to mobilize US$ loo billion annually as climate finance. Pakistan’s contribution to carbon emissions is minimal, but it is one of those countries most affected by climate change. Yet, we have decided to take the lead as we consider addressing climate change a universal responsibility. We have launched an extremely ambitious programme to plant 10 billion trees in next three years as our contribution to mitigating the effects of climate change. Mr. President, The pandemic was an opportunity to bring humanity together. Unfortunately, it has instead fanned nationalism, increased global tensions, and given rise to racial and religious hatred and violence against vulnerable minorities in several places. These trends have also accentuated Islamophobia’. Muslims continue to be targeted with impunity 200 million Muslims and other minorities. Cow vigilantes attack and kill Muslims with impunity. Last February, Muslims faced targeted in many countries. Our shrines are being In 1992, the RSS destroyed Babri Mosque; in killings, with police complicity in New Delhi. destroyed; our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) 2002, some 2000 Muslims were slaughtered in insulted; the Holy Quran burnt — and all this in Gujarat, and this was under the watch of Chief Mass registrations in the past have often been the name of freedom of speech. Minister Modi; and in 2007, over 5o Muslims a precursor to genocide, e.g. the Nuremburg Incidents in Europe, including republication of were burnt alive by RSS arsonists aboard the Laws in Germany in 1935 and then in 1982 blasphemous sketches by Charlie Hebdo, are in_Myanmar. recent examples. The Hindutva ideology is set to marginalize We stress that willful provocations and Pakistan fully almost 300 million human beings — Muslims, incitement to hate and violence must be Christians and Sikhs. This is unprecedented in universally outlawed. history and does not augur well for the future facilitated the of India as we all know that marginalization of This Assembly should declare an “International human beings leads to radicalization. Day to Combat Islamophobia” and build a-resilient-coalition to fight this scourge — process that Mr. President, scourge that splits humanity. For over 72 years, India has illegally occupied culminated in the Jammu and Kashmir against the wishes of the Kashmiri people, and in blatant violation of the Mr. President, U.S.- Peace resolutions of the Security Council and indeed The one country in the world today where, its own commitments. the state sponsors Islamophobia, is India. Agreement on 29 On 5th August last year, India illegally and The reason behind this is RSS ideology that unilaterally sought to change the status of the unfortunately rules India today. February 2020 occupied territories and deployed additional troops, bringing the total number to 900,000, to impose a military siege on 8 million This extremist ideology was founded in 1920s. Samjhota Express Train. Kashmiris. All Kashmiri political leaders were The RSS founding fathers were inspired by the incarcerated; about 13,000 Kashmiri youth In Assam, around two million Muslims face Nazis and they adopted the concepts of racial were abducted and thousands tortured; a the prospects of being arbitrarily stripped purity and supremacy. While the Nazis hate was complete curfew was imposed, accompanied of their nationality through the adoption directed at the Jews, the RSS directs it towards by a total communications blackout. the Muslims and to a lesser extent towards-the of discriminatory laws. There are reports of Christians. large concentration camps being filled with by Indian occupation forces have used brute force Muslim Indian citizens. including pellet guns They believe that India is exclusive for Hindus and others are not equal citizens. The Muslims were falsely blamed, vilified and against peaceful protestors; imposed collective secularism of Gandhi and Nehru has been victimized for spreading the Corona virus. punishments, including the destruction of replaced by the dream of creating a Hindu They were denied medical attention on many entire neighbourhoods, and extra judicially Rashtra by subjugating, even cleansing India’s occasions, their businesses were boycotted. murdered hundreds of innocent young www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 13 Bilateral Relations

Kashmiris in fake “encounters”, refusing even to grew up in an independent Pakistan. I want to Through the Intra-Afghan Negotiations that hand over their bodies for burial. The Kashmiri make it clear that any attempt by the fascist commenced on 12th of September, they media, and those daring to raise their voice, are totalitarian RSS-led Indian government to must work out an inclusive, broad-based being systematically harassed and intimidated aggress against Pakistan will be met by a nation and comprehensive political settlement. The through the use of draconian laws. that will fight for its freedom to the end. process must be Afghan-led and Afghan- owned, and without any interference or outside All of this is well documented in the reports Mr. President, influence. of the United Nations High Commissioner There will be no durable peace and stability for Human Rights, communications from the Early return of Afghan refugees must be a in South Asia until the Jammu and Kashmir Special Rapporteurs of Human Rights Council, part of the political solution. After almost two dispute is resolved on the basis of international statements from human rights and civil society decades of war, it is imperative not to allow legitimacy. Kashmir has been rightly described organizations. “spoilers” —within and outside Afghanistan — as a “nuclear flash point”. to subvert the peace process. The international community must investigate The Security Council must prevent a disastrous these grave violations and prosecute the Indian Peace and stability in Afghanistan will open new conflict and secure the implementation of its civil and military personnel involved in state opportunities for development and regional own resolutions as it did in the case of East terrorism and serious crimes against humanity, connectivity. New vistas of cooperation could Timor. The Council has considered the situation being perpetrated, with complete impunity. emerge with Central Asia and beyond. in Jammu and Kashmir three times in the past Mr. President, year. It must take appropriate enforcement Mr. President, actions. It must also take steps to protect the The objective of this brutal campaign is to Palestine remains a ‘festering wound’. A just Kashmiris from an impending genocide by impose what the RSS-BJP regime has itself called and lasting settlement is the ‘Final Solution’ for Jammu and Kashmir. To indispensable, for the Middle East and the this end, the military siege is being followed by world. Illegal annexations of moves to change the demographic structure This Assembly of the occupied territory. This is an attempt to Palestinian territory, the building of illegal obliterate the distinct Kashmiri identity in order should declare an settlements and the imposition to affect the outcome of a plebiscite envisaged of inhuman living conditions on the Palestinian in the UN Security Council resolutions. “International Day to people especially in Gaza cannot bring peace to This action is in violation of the UN Charter, a troubled region. Council resolutions and international law, Combat Islamophobia Pakistan continues to support a two-state particularly the 4th Geneva Convention. solution — in line with UN General Assembly Changing demographic structure of occupied and Security Council resolutions, within the territory is a war crime. India. internationally agreed parameters, pre-1967 Mr. President, Pakistan has always called for a peaceful borders, and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the Capital solution. To this end, India must rescind the of a united, contiguous and independent The brave Kashmiri people will never submit measures it has instituted since 5 August 2019, Palestinian state. to Indian occupation and oppression. Their end its military siege and other gross human struggle is indigenous. They are fighting for a Mr. President, rights violations, and agree to resolve the just cause and generation after generation have Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with The United Nations remains the best legitimate laid down their lives to rid themselves of Indian the relevant UN Security Council resolutions avenue for collective action — in managing occupation. and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. international conflicts, fostering peace and The government and people of Pakistan are security, promoting equitable development Mr. President, committed to standing by and supporting their and addressing global problems. Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their legitimate Pakistan’s desire for peace in our region is also I urge the Secretary-General to take the lead in struggle for self-determination. manifest in our efforts to promote a political preventing global conflicts. solution in Afghanistan. Mr. President, He should convene Summit-level meetings I have consistently maintained over the past In order to divert attention from its illegal to address regional hot spots and resolve two decades that there is no military solution actions and atrocities in Indian Occupied Jammu outstanding disputes. to the-decades-old-conflict in Afghanistan. and Kashmir, India is playing a dangerous game The only way forward was and is a political The United Nations should be made fully of upping the military ante against Pakistan in a settlement which involves the full spectrum of responsive to the challenges of our times. A nuclearized strategic environment. Afghanistan’s political actors. comprehensive reform of the United Nations, Despite constant Indian provocations and including the Security Council, is essential to Pakistan fully facilitated the process that ceasefire violations along the Line of Control promote greater democracy, accountability, culminated in the U.S.-Taliban Peace Agreement and the Working Boundary targeting innocent transparency and efficiency. on 29 February 2020. civilians, Pakistan has exercised maximum Pakistan will continue to participate actively restraint. We have consistently sensitized the Pakistan is deeply gratified that it has fulfilled in this process and endeavour, with other world community about a ‘false flag’ operation its part of the responsibility. Member States, to build a world where conflict and another ill-conceived misadventure by The Afghan leaders must now seize this historic is outlawed and equitable prosperity for all India. opportunity to achieve reconciliation and pursued in conditions of peace and security. My parents, Mr. President, were born in the restore peace in their war-torn country. I thank you. colonial India and I was the first generation that

14 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Trump’s bad marriage with the military has finally exploded have happened without Donald Trump.” There Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic would have been too many meetings under his State, and Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the leader of predecessor, President Barack Obama. Iran’s Quds Force. Trump wanted victory in Afghanistan, too, Trump’s near-constant belittling of NATO so long as it was fast and unambiguous. Gen. hurt his standing with the Pentagon. So did John Nicholson, the U.S. commander in Kabul, his inexplicable affinity for Russian President was given authority to use America’s most Vladimir Putin. Yet military leaders bit their intimidating conventional weapon against the lips, because they were grateful that Trump had Taliban — the so-called “mother of all bombs.” endorsed a national military strategy that took No more anguished meetings in the Situation a tougher stance toward Russia and China — By David Ignatius Room. The gloves were off. and added money for new weapons to combat econciling Donald Trump’s self-promoting “Art of the Deal” with the military’s Rreserved code of loyalty and service was always a stretch. In Trump’s early months in the White House, though, the two cultures seemed to coexist without much damage. But the fabric began to fray by mid-2017. Trump increasingly treated the military as props in the reality-TV show of his presidency. He wanted them for parades and victory celebrations, not the anguish of combat. He seemed to take his strategic guidance from Fox News more than his commanders. The generals and admirals kept their mouths shut, but the resentment was building. The bad marriage exploded this week, when these near-peer adversaries. former senior staff members told Jeffrey Trump initially saw Mattis as a man in his own Goldberg of the Atlantic of their shock at image — awarding him the Trumpian nickname A heartbreaker for the military was Trump’s Trump’s crude comments about combat and “Mad Dog,” even though the ascetic Mattis was decision to abandon the Syrian Kurds who had loss — and his reported characterization of closer to a monk than a mongrel. Over the two fought so bravely against the Islamic State. fallen warriors as “suckers” and “losers.” The years Mattis ran the Pentagon, his relationship I remember talking to the officer who had to quotes were anonymous, but it has been with Trump grew poisonous. The more Mattis break the news of Trump’s decision to quit Syria an open secret in Washington that many tried to educate Trump, as in his widely to Gen. Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the prominent retired four-stars have regarded reported July 2017 seminar in the “tank” at Syrian Democratic Forces. His description of Trump with growing horror as he assaulted the Pentagon, the more Trump became resentful. that betrayal was unprintable. traditions of discipline and professionalism that Trump berated his generals at that gathering — What the military came to understand over the are bedrocks of military life. with language that’s eerily similar to what was past four years is that, for all Trump’s talk of The first open break point came in June, after reported in the Atlantic this week. According to patriotism, he truly is transactional. Throughout former military leaders watched Trump try to Philip Rucker and Carol D. Leonnig in their book, his career, he has always believed that loyalty use the military to put down protests for racial “A Very Stable Genius,” Trump said: “You’re all was for chumps. That’s why New York business justice. Retired Adm. Mike Mullen, former losers. You don’t know how to win anymore.” executives told me back in early 2016 they had chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, denounced never wanted to do business with him. Trump really did seem to think he knew better Trump for “politicizing the men and women of than his generals. “I wouldn’t go to war with The military understand their role in a our armed forces.” Retired Gen. Jim Mattis, the you people,” Trump told them, according to democracy. They have obeyed Trump as their former defense secretary, called Trump “the Rucker and Leonnig. “You’re a bunch of dopes commander in chief, even amid his tirades first president in my lifetime who does not try and babies.” and insults. And they will continue to do so if to unite the American people.” Retired Gen. he’s reelected. But many of them won’t like it: John F. Kelly, a former Trump White House chief The commander who succeeded best in Trump just isn’t a guy with whom you’d want to of staff, said he agreed with Mattis. keeping the lid on, as Trump grew cockier, was share a foxhole. Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the chairman of the It’s hard to remember now that Trump’s Joint Chiefs. A tall, reserved and utterly reliable Courtesy to Washington Post dealings with military leaders started off pretty Marine, he was often able to curb Trump’s well. I remember traveling in May 2017 with our David Ignatius writes a twice-a-week foreign impulsive decisions and steer him toward Special Operations forces to the newly liberated affairs column for The Washington Post. Ignatius steady policy, without infuriating him. town of Tabqa, at the gates of the Islamic has written 11 spy novels: “The Paladin” (2020), State’s capital of Raqqa. A senior U.S. official What the military liked in Trump was that he “The Quantum Spy,” (2017), “The Director,” told the Syrian Kurdish commander who led was sometimes (not always) prepared to “take (2014), “Bloodmoney” (2011),... the assault that this rapid assault “never would the shot” at terrorist adversaries, such as Abu

www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 15 Bilateral Relations

Concluding Pakistan visit with good impression: Abdullah Abdullah By Mian Fazal Elahi, Agencies fully support the peace efforts in Afghanistan. in Afghanistan and that a political solution We stand for an end to war, and for peace and is the only way forward. The Prime Minister r Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman, stability in Afghanistan. Pakistan suffers from expressed gratification that the international Afghanistan’s High Council for National war in Afghanistan and benefits from peace,” community had come to recognize this stance Reconciliation (HCNR), on Wednesday D Alvi said during the meeting. and also acknowledged Pakistan’s positive role appreciated Pakistan’s efforts with regards in facilitation of the Afghan peace process. to the Afghan peace process, and said that This was followed after meeting between The U.S.-Taliban Peace Agreement was a he was concluding his three-day trip to Abdullah and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran major step forward in these endeavours. Islamabad “with a very positive impression Khan. According to the statement, extending Commending the start of the Intra-Afghan and hope in his heart”. On the last day of his a warm welcome, the Prime Minister Imran Negotiations in Doha on 12 September, the visit, Dr Abdullah spoke at a roundtable event Khan conveyed his best wishes for the Prime Minister expressed the hope that organised by the Centre for Research and successful outcome of the Afghan peace Afghan leadership would seize this historic Security Studies (CRSS) and called on President process. He expressed the hope that Dr. opportunity to work together constructively Dr Arif Alvi at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. Earlier this Abdullah Abdullah’s visit will help open a new and secure an inclusive, broad-based and week, he had met Prime Minister Imran Khan chapter in the bilateral relationship between comprehensive political settlement. The Prime and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Prime Minister Minister underscored that all Afghan parties reiterated his longstanding position that Abdullah’s visit comes amid ongoing direct must work for reduction in violence leading to there is no military solution to the conflict peace negotiations in Doha between the ceasefire. The Prime Minister conveyed that government in Kabul and the Taliban. He said that he had wanted to visit Pakistan for a long time, and was “concluding his trip today with a very positive impression and hope in his heart”. Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation met with Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi. According to the statement, both leaders discussed the Afghan peace negotiations and bilateral relations. During the visit, Alvi expressed his full support for the peace effort and for strengthening relations between the two countries. “The Pakistani government and leadership

16 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Pakistan would support whatever the Afghans best wishes to Dr. Abdullah Abdullah in with Afghanistan. He stated that recently, at agree upon about the future of Afghanistan. steering the peace negotiations to a successful the request of the Afghanistan government, He further reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support outcome. Reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast Pakistan opened five border crossing-points for the post-conflict Afghanistan on its path to support to the peace process, Foreign Minister for facilitating transit trade, bilateral trade and reconstruction and economic development. Qureshi emphasized that Pakistan had always pedestrian movement. The Foreign Minister In the bilateral context, Prime Minister Imran maintained there is no military solution also highlighted the USD 1 billion development Khan highlighted that Pakistan and Afghanistan to the Afghan conflict and encouraged all and capacity-building assistance that Pakistan had immense trade complementarities and parties to reach a political solution through has extended to support reconstruction emphasized the need to optimally utilize an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. and economic development in Afghanistan. these capacities for mutually-beneficial trade Welcoming the inaugural ceremony of Intra- Emphasizing importance of bilateral and transit. He assured that Pakistan will Afghan Negotiations, held in Doha on 12 economic relations, the Foreign Minister continue to undertake all efforts to facilitate September, the Foreign Minister noted that noted that negotiations for Preferential Trade Afghan transit trade and deepen our bilateral it was now up to the Afghan leadership to Agreement (PTA) and revision of Afghanistan- trade and economic ties and people-to-people seize this historic opportunity to bring an end Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) exchanges with Afghanistan. The Prime to the decades long conflict and secure an will commence soon to optimally utilize our Minister stated that he was looking forward inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive capacities for mutually beneficial trade and to his visit to Afghanistan on the invitation of political settlement. The Foreign Minister transit. The Foreign Minister stressed that President Ashraf Ghani. underscored Pakistan’s support for a peaceful, return of Afghan refugees to their homeland stable, united, sovereign and prosperous with dignity and honour should be part Earlier, upon arrival of Dr. Abdullah Abdullah Afghanistan. He stressed that mistakes of the of the peace and reconciliation process. and his delegation to Pakistan, the Foreign past should not be repeated; nor past history Highlighting that terrorism was a common Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi welcomed should dictate the future course of action. threat, Foreign Minister emphasized the and expressed the hope that his visit will Foreign Minister Qureshi further underlined need for close cooperation through bilateral open a new chapter in bilateral relations. that there was a need to guard against the institutional mechanisms including relevant The Foreign Minister said that Dr. Abdullah detrimental role of ‘spoilers’, both within and working groups of APAPPS for effective border Abdullah’s visit will greatly help to strengthen outside Afghanistan, who do not wish to see management. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah is on his relations with Afghanistan and forge a return of peace in the region. Foreign Minister first visit to Pakistan as Chairman, High Council common understanding on the Afghan peace Qureshi underlined the high importance for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan. process. The Foreign Minister also extended Pakistan attached to its brotherly relations

www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 17 Opinion Arousing world’s conscience toward Modi’s policies Gone are the days when India was idolised as a model of democracy for developing nations protests. of wishful thinking and living in a world of make belief. In fact, Modi’s policies towards Sadly, Pakistan’s government, though it Muslims have hardened even more since his projects the atrocities and human rights days as CM Gujarat. These find expression violations in Kashmir, it hardly exposes the in the way he brazenly got laws passed that plight of Indian Muslims. I would also like to have adversely affected over 120 million remind my fellow countrymen that it is the Muslims in Assam and deprived voting rights sacrifices of the forefathers of Indian Muslims of more than 70 million. The plight of Muslims that largely contributed to building the and Dalits in these states is rated to be even momentum for Pakistan. more pathetic than in other places in India. As The most disturbing aspect is that the Muslims they live constantly under pressure of being By Talat Masood of India are leaderless and disorganised giving deported. rime Minister Modi’s leadership poses greater space to Modi for their exploitation. Unfortunately, Modi’s anti-Muslim policy has the greatest threat to Pakistan and to It would be pertinent to remind our readers huge support among the Hindus that could the Muslims of India. Having brazenly that the Indian Muslims now fall in the lowest P have far-reaching consequences for the abandoned democracy in pursuit of his income category. Their average per capita Muslims. Apart from other factors, one of dangerous Hindu ideology, he is set on an income is even lower than the Dalits’. This is the major reasons why Modi is getting away unfettered course with his zealot party in sharp contrast to what the Indian leaders with his highly prejudiced policies toward members toward despotism and tyranny. in the early years of independence talked Muslims is the general anti-Muslim sentiment of — a people-oriented social contract that Gone are the days when India was idolised that prevails almost in several Western and is supported by a mixed economy and social as a model of democracy for developing Asian countries. More significantly, he has order. nations. The Congress party, which was in the found President Trump an ardent supporter forefront of the freedom struggle of India and The pathetic plight of Muslims and certain who unfortunately has shown no qualms a harbinger of secular politics, has itself faded other minorities of India should be actively in expressing his disdain for Islam. This is into a nonentity. Regrettably, the Muslims agitated at appropriate regional and global reflected in the immigration policies and of India — disorganised and lacking unified forums. his present support of Israel’s creeping and effective leadership — seem to be in annexation of Palestine. One of the major reasons for the drift of no position to stand up to this Hindu fanatic Muslim nations and their inability to pursue To Modi’s advantage is the fact that there is a outrage. just causes is their internal weaknesses. resurgence of the far-right in several important The greatest paradox is that with the These are of political legitimacy or economic countries of the West. Moreover, his Hindu exception of Turkey and Malaysia none of bankruptcy or lack of technological and nationalist policy is apparently supported by the Muslim nations have uttered a statement scientific base or all of these. This has made 70% of India’s population. All these trends and in sympathy or support of the beleaguered them heavily dependent on the West or on positive responses encourage him to suppress Kashmiris or the Muslims of India. For these China or Russia. Not to mention that internal Muslims without any serious backlash. By countries, in a world dictated by no other weaknesses coupled with intractable conflicts pursuing these ultra nationalist policies, Modi criteria than self-interest, the treatment of are draining the energy and vitality of Muslim is altering the very character of the Indian Muslims or conditions in Kashmir are of no nations. state with long-term consequences for its consequence. This should come as no surprise minorities and international relations. The British who had deliberately created for us when we see the struggle of the divisions in the Indian polity on the policy It is the fallout of these narrow bigoted Palestinians abandoned and left to be an easy to divide and rule made sure that the Hindu policies and his unbridled ambition that has prey to the manipulations and exploitation identity was strengthened to take on the landed India in a major economic crisis with of the expanding Israeli state. Similar is the beleaguered Muslim community. Political attendant negative political fallout. insensitivity toward Rohingya Muslims in parties with narrow religious agendas such as Burma or those of Xinjiang in China. One For Pakistan, the best course is to continue Arya Samaj spearheaded the concept of Hindu wonders if there is anything such as the speaking in support of the freedom struggle nationalism. This led to the emergence of the world’s collective conscience or brotherhood for Kashmiris and highlight India’s bigoted Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of which inspired by solidarity of the Muslim ummah. policies towards its minorities. Its voice, Modi had been a passionate member since his however, would carry greater weight if its How the world watches with indifference the young days. economy, politics and human rights record deliberate and planned demographic changes Even as a chief minister of Gujarat state, Modi’s gets better. that the BJP government is introducing. hands were soaked in Muslim blood during Apart from Pakistan and a few human rights Courtesy to The Express Tribune the pogrom of 2002 in which state-motivated organisations, none other voices have been Hindu mobs went for killing thousands of *Talat Masood is a retired Lieutenant General raised giving a free hand to Modi to brutalise Muslims mercilessly. It is important that from and an eminent scholar the Kashmiris. these incidents are not forgotten. For anyone on national security and political issues. Moreover, Pakistan’s own political internal to expect that a leader with such a record is E-mail: [email protected] weaknesses and heavy foreign economic likely to change, irrespective of the garb of dependence reduces the weight of its innocence he wears today, would be a victim

18 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Bilateral Relations

Outgoing Chinese ambassador conferred Hilal-e-Pakistan Award resident Arif Alvi conferred Hilal-e- Corridor (CPEC) had entered the second phase by others to deal with a possible second wave Pakistan on the outgoing Chinese focusing on industrialisation, agriculture and of coronavirus, Ambassador Yao added. Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing socio-economic development and it would P The envoy also said that he will have very in recognition of his efforts for further play a key role in promoting regional growth fond memories of Pakistan and would wish strengthening Pakistan-China relationship in and prosperity. to see Pakistan-China relationship further diverse fields. The Chinese envoy said that the prime strengthened. He emphasised that China The special ceremony was held at Aiwan-e- minister’s vision and leadership is instrumental would continue to support Pakistan in pursuit Sadr in Islamabad which was by the chairman in Pakistan’s transformation. of its national development and objectives. senate, speaker National Assembly, federal He appreciated that due to PM Imran’s The prime minister appreciated Ambassador ministers and other high officials of the personal focus on poverty alleviation and Yao’s overall contribution to the Pakistan- government. people-centered approach, the CPEC had China partnership and wished him well in his Earlier, the outgoing Chinese ambassador entered into its second phase and will deliver future endeavours. praised Prime Minister Imran Khan for substantial and immense benefits not only to The ambassador served in Islamabad from further solidifying and deepening Pakistan’s people of Pakistan but the entire region. October 2017 to September 2020. This was relationship with China. Pakistan’s policy of “smart lockdown” in his third assignment in Pakistan. During his farewell meeting with the premier, containing Covid-19 was internationally Courtesy Express Tribune the envoy said PM Imran’s leadership role in recognised and could be followed as a model strengthening bilateral ties is “greatly valued by the Chinese leaders at the highest level,” an official statement said. The prime minister lauded efforts of Ambassador Yao in further deepening and strengthening Pakistan-China “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership”. He conveyed that the people of Pakistan are keenly looking forward to welcoming President Xi Jinping to Islamabad. Appreciating priorities of Chinese leadership for its people, Premier Imran emphasised that they had played a remarkable role in socio- economic transformation of the country and “there is a lot to learn from Beijing’s example of economic development and poverty alleviation”. He underlined that during the Yao’s tenure, the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic

www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 19 Bilateral Relations

President Dr Arif Alvi addressing the 8th Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce aned Industry The prestigious 8th Achievement Awards ceremony of FPCCI held By Mian Fazal Elahi government is primarily focused to enhance consultation with FPCCI for the betterment the promotion of trade in the country and of the private sector in line with the ease of overnment is committed to promote will introduce better economic measures in doing business policies of the country. Dr. Industrialization in the country as Arif Alvi congratulated FPCCI for organizing a priority matter considering it as G Achievement Awards while terming it as the most effective tool to sup up economic an effective platform to acknowledge the growth, create jobs and enhance exports” Government is contribution of the achievers in various socio this was stated by Dr. Arif Alvi, President of – economic sectors. Islamic Republic of Pakistan at the prestigious committed to promote 8th Achievement Awards ceremony of Mian Anjum Nisar, President FPCCI in his the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Industrialization welcome address appreciated the President Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) held at of Islamic Republic of Pakistan for his Islamabad. in the country as keen interest and cooperative support to the address the concerns of the business The President of Pakistan stated that the community. He stated that despite the world is currently facing severe economic a priority matter complications in the current global scenario crisis due to COVID – 19, however Pakistan and challenges aroused from Covid, the is the only country where the business considering it as the efforts of the award winners for the promotion community played an equal role alongside the of Pakistan are highly commendable. As a government to curb the adverse economic most effective tool representative of the business community impact due to the pandemic. “The developed of the country, he highlighted the issues and economies of the world are now adopting to sup up economic challenges faced by the business community similar measures of smart lockdown initiated and demanded of the Government to by the Pakistani government which itself is an take proactive and effective measures to achievement for every citizen of the country.” growth, create jobs reduce cost of Production, provision of He added. and enhance exports” fiscal incentives to bring electricity cost to He acknowledged the concerns of the 6-7cents per unit, enabling the industry to business community put forth by Mian Anjum President Dr. Arif Alvi compete in both domestic and international Nisar, President FPCCI and assured that the market, support to agriculture sectors

20 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Mian Anjum Nisar, President FPCCI highlighted the issues and challenges faced by the business community and demanded of the Government to take proactive and effective measures to reduce cost of Production, provision of fiscal incentives to bring electricity

and products & markets diversification for despite the pandemic. They stated that Halal products, Horticulture, Livestock & Pakistan Stock Exchange has been declared cost to 6-7cents per Fisheries. He also called attention of Dr. Arif Asia’s best-performing market and fourth- Alvi to the potential in organized farming, best-performing stock market in the world subsidy to seed production and hybrid as well as the due to the sound economic unit, enabling the seed and establishment of accredited labs policies of the government, Pakistan has He appreciated the Government for new achieved current account surplus for the last industry to compete agreements with IPPs, which would not only three months. Both of them assured that reduce electricity price substantially but the fundamental objective of Prime Minister in both domestic and also reduce circular, which was effecting the Imran Khan is to stabilize the economy of the industry output. country and economically compete with the international market, world for which the country is progressing on President FPCCI also highlighted the urban the right path. support to agriculture flooding in Karachi during the recent torrential monsoon rains and emphasized Asim Ghani Usman, Convener of FPCCI sectors and products & early restoration of economic and commercial Awards Committee in his vote of thanks activities of the economic hub of the country expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest for markets diversification through development of infrastructure. gracing the occasion as well as acknowledged the efforts of FPCCI management and The gathering was also addressed by Dr. Abdul members to successfully organize this event for Halal products, Hafeez Sheikh, Advisor to Prime Minister despite the limitations due to the pandemic. on Finance & Revenue affairs and Hammad Horticulture, Livestock & Azhar, Federal Minister for Industries & The awards ceremony was also attended Production who highlighted the economic by high profile government officials and Fisheries achievements of the federal government diplomats. www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 21 Bilateral Relations

President Dr Arif Alvi addressing the awards ceremony of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad Diversification and value addition of products to explore untapped export markets: President Alvi By Mian Fazal Elahi the 4th Export Trophy arranged by the Lahore He said unlike the past, the modern Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) technologies had made it easier for the resident Dr Arif Alvi said the diversification at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president called for businessmen to assess the requirements of and value addition of products were use of information technology and artificial targeted markets to help design the supply a must to achieve higher exports and P intelligence in the agriculture and other chain accordingly. explore the yet untapped global markets, businesses to bring more efficiency and particularly the African region. Addressing He said currently Pakistan’s exports revolved profitability.

President Dr Arif Alvi awarding trophies to prominent businessmen and members of lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Islamabad

22 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org replace the sugarcane which burdened the water resources. He said the flood irrigation of crops caused huge wastage of rain waters which needed to be mended through modern technology to preserve the natural resource . He said under the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami, the government had massively planted olive trees to meet the country’s needs as well as opening up export opportunities. The president particularly advised the businessmen to adhere to the principles of morality, honesty and sincerity in their trade across the globe, which ultimately paid back in the long term. He said as an initiative to promote Pakistan’s fruits abroad, the President House dispatched mango packs to different heads of state along with descriptive pamphlets. He also asked the business community to support the industry workers and create job opportunities for women and differently-abled people. The president viewed that Pakistan had successfully sailed through the COVID-19 pandemic due to Allah Almighty’s blessings and support extended to the needy ones by the people as well as the government under the Ehsaas Programme. Earlier, LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said the export trophy was meant to encourage the businessmen to diversify and increase around cotton, wheat, rice and sugarcane, their exports. He thanked the government which necessitated the diversification of for extending support to the business sector existing products and investment in modern LCCI President Irfan Iqbal particularly during the pandemic and also fields like the information technology. lauded its policies to bring ease of doing business. He said fortunately, the pandemic He told the audience that until 2010, the Sheikh said the export did not affect Pakistan’s exports as the world’s top 10 companies hailed from the oil indicators showed positive growth comparing sector but currently they had been replaced trophy was meant to with the last year. by the IT (information technology) firms, which manifested the huge scope of the encourage the businessmen He, however, urged his fellow businessmen sector. The president, who earlier distributed to tap the Halal Food and IT sectors for export trophies among the Lahore- to diversify and increase exports and focus the African region, besides based businessmen for their remarkable requesting the government to establish export contribution in the exports sector, also advised processing zones. the agriculturalists to think out of the box and their exports consider producing sugar from beetroots to

President Dr Arif Alvi in a group photo with the awardees and office bearers of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at Aiwan-e-Sadr Islamabad www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 23 Bilateral Relations New Envoys Presented Credentials to President Dr. Arif Alvi

24 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org By Mian Fazal Elahi Andreas Ferrarese, Ambassador-designate wanted to promote relations with all friendly of Italy, Mr. Tarek Dahroug, Ambassador- countries in the areas of mutual interest. He nvoys-designate of South Africa, designate of Egypt, Vice Admiral (R) Mohan stated that Pakistan was making efforts for Italy, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Qatar and Wijewickrama, High Commissioner-designate promoting peace and stability in the region. Switzerland presented their credentials E of Sri Lanka, Mr. Hamid Abbas Ali Al- The President apprised the envoys about the to President Dr. Arif Alvi in a credentials Aramshawi, Ambassador-designate of Iraq, human rights violations and brutalities being ceremony, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. Felicitating Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman bin Faisal Al committed by India against the Muslims of the newly appointed High Commissioners/ Thani, Ambassador-designate of Qatar and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Ambassadors-designate to Pakistan, the Mr. Benedict Edouard de Cerjat, Ambassador- He said that India had been persecuting the President expressed the hope that they would designate of Switzerland presented their minorities and international community was work for further expanding and promoting credentials to the President. Later, the High required to take note of gross human rights economic, trade and political relations with Commissioners/Ambassadors separately violation by Indian security forces against Pakistan. Mr. Mthuthuzeli Madikiza, High called on the President. Speaking on the Muslims and other minority groups. Commissioner-designate of South Africa, Mr. occasion, the President said that Pakistan

www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 25 Bilateral Relations

Pakistan’s Ambassador Designate to Austria, Mr. Aftab Ahmad Kokhar called on President Dr. Arif Alvi, At Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad

Pakistan’s Ambassador Designate to Sweden, Mr. Zahoor Ahmed Called on President Dr. Arif Alvi, At Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad Pakistan’s Ambassadors-designate to Austria and Sweden called on President Dr. Arif Alvi By Mian Fazal Elahi designate to Austria and Sweden, who made Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology separate calls on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr. in Haripur, . resident Dr. Arif Alvi has asked Ambassadors-designate of Pakistan While talking to Ambassador-designate The President urged the Ambassador to Pto Austria and Sweden to highlight to Austria, Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khokhar, the make efforts to enhance linkages between atrocities and human rights violations by President said that Pakistan highly valued universities of the two countries. While the Indian security forces in Indian Illegally its ties with Austria which were based on speaking to the Ambassador-designate of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) at commonality of views and mutual respect. Pakistan to Sweden, Mr. Zahoor Ahmad, various fora during their interactions with He asked the Ambassador to make endeavors the President said that Pakistan attached various dignitaries. to promote high level contacts and increase importance to its ties with Sweden and volume of bilateral trade between the two wanted to further enhance bilateral He said that the real face of India needed to countries. cooperation with Sweden in different fields. be exposed as India had unleashed a reign He asked the Ambassador to make concerted of terror against the innocent population of The President asked the Ambassador to efforts to enhance trade, economic and IIOJ&K and other minority groups. encourage Austrian companies to invest in vocational training cooperation between the different sectors like agriculture, thermal The President made these remarks during two countries. and renewable energy. He also appreciated meetings with Pakistan’s Ambassadors- the Austrian contribution in establishing the

26 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Peace is within reach in Afghanistan A hasty international withdrawal would be unwise

— and we did. Thus began arduous rounds under coercion and urges all parties to reduce of talks between the United States and the violence. Just as the Afghan government has Taliban, which culminated in the February U.S.- recognized the Taliban as a political reality, it Taliban peace agreement. This agreement, in is hoped that the Taliban would recognize the turn, has laid the groundwork for talks between progress Afghanistan has made. the Afghan leadership and the Taliban. Like the United States, Pakistan does not want The path we have traveled to get here wasn’t to see Afghanistan become a sanctuary for easy, but we were able to press on thanks to international terrorism ever again. Since 9/11, the courage and flexibility that were on display more than 80,000 Pakistani security personnel from all sides. The United States and its allies and civilians have laid down their lives in facilitated the prisoner exchange between perhaps the largest and most successful fight Kabul and the Taliban. The government of against terrorism. But Pakistan continues to Afghanistan and the Taliban responded to the be the target of attacks launched by externally By Imran Khan Afghan people’s yearning for peace. enabled terrorist groups based in Afghanistan. Prime Minister of Pakistan These terrorist groups pose a clear and present e have arrived at a rare moment of danger to global peace. We hope the Afghan hope for Afghanistan and for our Like the United government will take measures to control region. On Sept. 12, delegations from ungoverned spaces inside its territory from W where terrorist groups are able to plan and the Afghan government and the Taliban finally sat down in Doha, Qatar, to begin negotiations States, Pakistan carry out attacks against the Afghan people, toward a political settlement that would bring the international coalition forces stationed in the war in Afghanistan to an end. does not want to Afghanistan, and other countries in the region, including Pakistan. Like the United States, we With the exception of the resilient Afghans see Afghanistan do not want the blood and treasure we have themselves, no people have paid a higher price shed in the war against terrorism to be in vain. for the conflict in Afghanistan than the people of Pakistan. Through decades of conflict, become a sanctuary It is also time to start planning for the “day Pakistan has dealt with the responsibility of after” — how can the world help a post-war taking care of more than 4 million Afghan Afghanistan transition to sustainable peace? refugees. Guns and drugs have also flowed for international How do we create conditions that will enable into our country. The wars have disrupted our the millions of Afghan refugees living in economic trajectory and radicalized fringes terrorism ever again Pakistan, and other countries, to return to their of our own society. The Pakistan I had known homeland with dignity and honor? growing up in the 1960s and 1970s changed in My vision for Pakistan prioritizes development some deeply unsettling ways. The intra-Afghan negotiations are likely to be and prosperity for my country and our region This experience taught us two important even more difficult, requiring patience and through connectivity and economic diplomacy. lessons. First, that we were too closely compromise from all sides. Progress could be Our recent investments in key economic intertwined with Afghanistan by geography, slow and painstaking; there may even be the connectivity projects can be harnessed to culture and kinship for events in that country occasional deadlock, as Afghans work together complement efforts for regional integration not to cast a shadow on Pakistan. We realized for their future. At such times, we would do between South and Central Asia. Our initial Pakistan will not know real peace until our well to remember that a bloodless deadlock on discussions with the U.S. International Afghan brothers and sisters are at peace. the negotiating table is infinitely better than a Development Finance Corporation on these bloody stalemate on the battlefield. issues have been encouraging. It is heartening We also learned that peace and political that the United States and Pakistan are of one All those who have invested in the Afghan peace stability in Afghanistan could not be imposed mind on the importance of a “peace dividend” process should resist the temptation for setting from the outside through the use of force. Only for ensuring a sustainable peace in Afghanistan. an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led reconciliation unrealistic timelines. A hasty international process, which recognizes Afghanistan’s withdrawal from Afghanistan would be For Pakistan, regional peace and stability remain political realities and diversity, could produce a unwise. We should also guard against regional key to realizing the collective aspirations of our lasting peace. spoilers who are not invested in peace and see people for a better future. We are committed to instability in Afghanistan as advantageous for multilateral collaboration to achieve this. So, when President Trump wrote to me in late their own geopolitical ends. 2018 to ask for Pakistan’s assistance in helping The first step toward that peace has been taken the United States achieve a negotiated political Pakistan will continue to support the Afghan in Doha. Not seeing through the Afghanistan settlement in Afghanistan, we had no hesitation people in their quest for a unified, independent peace process or abandoning it for any reason in assuring the president that Pakistan would and sovereign Afghanistan that is at peace with would be a great travesty. itself and its neighbors. Pakistan believes that make every effort to facilitate such an outcome Courtesy to Washington Post peace negotiations should not be conducted www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 27 Bilateral Relations

Pak-Austria

government for the cooperation it extended Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, prominent Fachhochschule in setting up the new institute. He wasof scientist Dr Atta-ur-Rehman and federal and the opinion that the institute would prove its provincial ministers were present on the Institute worth in days to come. occasion. inaugurated by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman, PM Imran Khan By Education Desk rime Minister Imran Khan has said that he is planning to spend money recovered Pfrom corrupt people in education sector. While addressing the ceremony after inaugurating Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology in Haripur, the PM said that we need to advance science and technology field for the progress of the country. We are moving in the right direction with a focus on education, science, technology and knowledge economy, he stated. Imran Khan told that the government is going to collaborate with five Chinese and three Austrian universities for technological advancement in Pakistan. The premier said in the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), special economic zones will be established and industry will be relocated in Pakistan. Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology will offer special courses in artificial intelligence, engineering and food technology. The premier also thanked the Austrian

28 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Kashmir still a burning issue, Erdogan tells UNGA By Monitoring Desk community that the Kashmir dispute was still following the abolition of the special status a “burning issue”, while the unilateral steps of Jammu-Kashmir further complicated the urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan taken by India on August 5 last year further problem,” he added. raised the Jammu and Kashmir issue complicated the problem. Tin his address to the United Nations “We are in favour of solving this issue through General Assembly, calling for the resolution of dialogue, within the framework of the United the decades-old dispute between Pakistan in Erdogan called for Nations resolutions and especially in line with India in accordance with the aspirations of the the expectations of the people of Kashmir,” Kashmiri people. “sincere” dialogue the Turkish leader said. The Turkish leader also criticised the On domestic issues, Erdogan called for “countries that have declared their intention to settle the growing “sincere” dialogue to settle the growing row to open embassies in Jerusalem, in violation of with Greece over energy search in the eastern United Nations resolutions and international row with Greece Mediterranean. “Our priority is to settle law”, accusing them of making the Palestinian disputes with sincere dialogue, based on conflict “more complicated” to resolve. over energy search international law and on an equitable basis,” Erdogan said Last year, Erdogan had also called for dialogue for the solution of the Kashmir issue in his in the eastern Erdogan said Turkey, a Nato ally, also said that address to the 74 session of the General the Palestinian conflict could only be resolved Assembly. He had stressed that stability Mediterranean with the establishment of an independent, and prosperity of South Asia could not be sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine separated from the Kashmir issue. based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem “The Kashmir conflict, which is also key to as its capital. Addressing the 193-member gathering on the stability and peace of South Asia, is still Tuesday, Erdogan reminded the international a burning issue,” Erdogan said. “Steps taken www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 29 Opinion Daesh’s growing influence in the region sanctions list, designating him as a global terrorists numerous times, including 10 suicide terrorist for “participating in the financing, bombings, seven bombings, and four armed planning, facilitating, or perpetrating of acts attacks that killed 315 people and injured or activities.” The recent UN report was a hundreds. In response, Turkey has launched trigger factor behind this unification alongside military and police operations inside the long-term future development under Wali. country and abroad. Turkey also captured top It is estimated that more than 10,000 Daesh Daesh terrorists in counterterror operations at terrorists remain active in Iraq and Syria two home and Syria. years after the extremist group’s defeat, and On March 6, 2020, ISIL gunmen killed 32 their attacks have significantly increased people and injured over 80 people at a this year. The Daesh/ISIS terror group has By Senator Rehman Malik ceremony in Kabul, on 25 March 2020, ISIL increased its attacks in Iraq, especially in rural killed 25 people in a Gurdwara in Kabul, and have been watching the fast growth of areas, amid political instability and security on 12 May 2020, gunmen executed a mass Daesh in the region and I was the first one weakness in the country as well as the US- shooting at a hospital’s maternity ward. 80 who pointed out the presence of ISIS, but led coalition forces’ withdrawal due to the I patients were evacuated, 24 victims, including successive governments have been refusing coronavirus outbreak. newborn babies, mothers, and nurses, killed to accept its presence just as a policy. In fact, Daesh has been trying to strengthen its by the gunmen, and all three attackers killed I have always been advocating that Daesh is operational capability in rural areas since mass by the army; An hour after the Kabul attack, very much in Pakistan. The Daesh handlers protests against the Iraqi government erupted a suicide bombing took place in Kuz Kunar, recruited over 80 thousand Pakistanis mostly in October in the capital Baghdad and southern at the funeral of a police from south Punjab. The recent ouster of provinces. The pandemic’s impact on Daesh commander, killing 32 mourners and injuring Pakistani Daesh operators from Syria finally recruitment and fundraising activities remains 133 others. ISIL was thought to be responsible landed in Turkey where they were checked unclear, and there is no clear indication of for the Kabul shooting although the Afghan and interviewed by our agencies in Istanbul, a change in the terrorist group’s strategic government blamed the Taliban for it; ISIL which was coordinated by the Council General direction under its leader, Abu Ibrahim al- claimed responsibility for the Kuz Kunar Pakistan embassy. The last I heard, there were Hashimi al-Quraishi. bombing. On August 3, 2020, ISIL launched an around 8000 operators who had reported attack on an Afghan prison that left at least 29 for help to return to Pakistan. In fact, we The attacks on mosques in Pakistan, election dead. have already got thousands of trained boys rallies, and security forces have killed dozens from Daesh. It is an alarming situation for of people, affecting Pakistan’s economic Whereas now the United States is providing the government as these trained ones are ambitions, and making it very clear that the support to the Taliban in its fight against ISIS the asset of ISIS present in Pakistan and after Daesh is a bigger threat to Pakistan than to but according to reports, ISIS is also being used returning from Syria/Turkey they have gone India. I am sorry to say it will grow to become against the Taliban and selectively against to their home districts. We have another more lethal. governments. Taliban units actively engaged potential threat of ISIS and Pakistani Taliban in fighting with ISIS-K,” the ISIS branch in The group’s ability to strike alliances with relations. Afghanistan. The U.S. also carried out strikes militant organisations like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi on known ISIS-K locations but emphasised Now, the estranged Pakistani Taliban leaders and an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan that those strikes were not coordinated with have also shunned their differences in light splinter group is continuously expanding its the Taliban and there was hardly any damage of Daesh’s growing foothold and joint anti- longevity and resilience, and becoming a but an eyewash planned operation to show terror operations by the US, Pakistan, and threat not only to Afghanistan and Pakistan that the USA is not on the side. Although Afghanistan. On August 17, the Jamaat-ul- but also other regional countries, Central Asian the US is emphasising that the Taliban would Ahrar (JuA) and the Hizb-ul-Ahrar(HuA)—the republics, Russia, and China. Amid its blame defeat ISIS, should the US leave the territory two militant groups that splintered from the games, India is facing the same threat. The but some analysts caution that the US clearly TTP—announced they would merge back into President of Tajikistan and its interior minister knows about ISIS real motives as the leaders one fearsome terror outfit, pledging their told me how Daesh is expanding in his country of IS-Khorasan, like their counterparts in allegiance to its chief Mufti Noor Wali. Daesh’s and most of them have trained in Afghanistan. Iraq and Syria, seem to be less focused on Khorasan chapter, also known as ISIS-K, also There are nearly six Daesh training centres holding territory, instead of looking to lay poses a new challenge to the TTP. It has caused where ETMI and some Iranians are getting the groundwork for a larger resurgence after further splintering in the group because Daesh’s training to be launched in their respective US forces leave Afghanistan and the USA will extremely radical ideology and substantial home countries. Turkey recognised Daesh as inverse the funding for ISIS and ISIS will be used financial resources have attracted a number a terrorist organisation in 2013 but I blame against Pakistan and China and partly against of disgruntled leaders from the TTP, including Turkey as they were part of the collation Russia. US intelligence indicates that despite senior commanders like Khan and countries to help in raising Daesh against Syria having lost territory in Nangarhar and Kunar Haji Daud, the former chief of the Taliban in and I advised President Gul and his foreign provinces, IS-Khorasan still has strongholds Karachi. Khan, who operated in a tribal district minister in the presence of President Asif Ali in Herat province and parts of Kabul, while Orakzai, joined Daesh in October 2014 and he Zardari to not to support this terrorist group maintaining smaller cells in Helmand, Kapisa, was killed in 2016 in a US drone attack. The JuA as they will come against Turkey as the Taliban and Baghlan provinces. had also briefly joined Daesh for a few months came at our throat. The world witnessed the in late 2014. In July, the UN Security Council suffering of Turkey in the hands of ISIS. Since There are also indications that IS-Khorasan also put Wali on the Daesh and Al Qaeda then, the country has been attacked by Daesh is focusing on more global ambitions. There

30 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org have been many attacks on President Ashraf Ghani and reports are that these are usually combined operations of ISIS and Taliban and those who want to eliminate him. I foresee Value of Dubai Chamber member more attempts on Ashraf Ghani in the near future and we will yet see a new group of exports up 7.4% in June-August 2020 followers of late Dr Najeeb Ullah emerging with some others duly sponsored by certain countries including RAW which has already established a deep relationship and RAW demonstrated its action with ISIS in Sri Lanka to ensure Sri Lanka to follow Indian policy. I warn the government and the agencies to please prepare an anti-Daesh Counter National Action Plan as it is likely to be used against us. It is shocking to note that ISIS has been carrying out attacks worldwide except for the US lately and ISIS will never attack against the USA & more lover USA will further destabilise South Asia and the Middle East through proxy wars. ISIS claimed to have done the deadliest attacks on Niger’s military, which left 71 soldiers dead and 12 wounded. The attack happened when several hundred heavily armed militants Commerce Desk ambushed soldiers at an outpost in the west of the country near the Mali border, according Exports of Dubai Chamber members exceeded to the defence minister, Daesh picks those a combined value of AED 45 billion between countries as its targets where there is grouping June and August 2020, marking a 7.4 percent because of the political instability. Niger which increase compared to the March-May period is named after the long river called Niger. This during the same year. entire region remained under the influence of Over 151,000 Certificates of Origin were Libya but after the fall of Col. Al-Gaddafi it is issued by Dubai Chamber over the last three now gone under the influence of France and months (June-August), an 11.7% rise from the Nigeria and also under USA influence but both 135,00 certificates issued during the three the countries are the targets of ISIS whereas months prior (March-May). the Ivory coast, DRC Congo, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Somalia and Sudan continue to under The average number of exporters over the intense internal fights and ISIS will be used in three months ending in August stood at 4,630, these countries as ISIS has turned out to be increasing 14% from the 4,066 exporters the best tool for proxy war especially in the accounted for between March and June 2020. Muslim States. H.E. Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai On February 2, 2020 two people were stabbed Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the in Streatham, London, and one more had latest export figures signal an uptick in activity minor injuries and the perpetrator, Sudesh within Dubai’s trade sector following the lifting Amman, who was a fighter of Islamic State of Covid-19 restrictions, improving market and had previously praised it, was shot dead conditions and growing business confidence. public and private sectors, were key crucial by police. It looks as if the USA itself does not He underlined the importance of foreign factors that helped ensure business continuity want immediate peace in Afghanistan and is trade to Dubai’s economy and noted that the and maintain economic competitiveness. playing a game to keep Pakistan and President emirate remains resilient as it navigates new Ashraf Ghani under pressure. challenges created by the pandemic. Dubai Chamber currently provides 50 e-services to the business community The writer is a PPP Senator, former Interior H.E. Buamim noted that the gradual re-opening through its website and smart applications. Minister of Pakistan, and Chairman of think of Dubai’s economy has been successful, The services include certificates of origin, tank “Global Eye” and Senate Standing thanks to the government’s swift and effective membership, attestation, ATA Carnets, legal Committee on Interior. response in enforcing preventative health and inquires, smart mediation, credit rating and safety measures, and introducing stimulus CSR Label, among many others. He can be reached at: [email protected], packages to help businesses deal with the Twitter @Senrehmanmalik impact of Covid-19. Earlier this year, the Chamber launched a new electronic attestation service and the Author’s note: Opinions expressed are solely He added that government-led efforts to drive authentication of signatures on documents, my own and not necessarily to reflect the Dubai’s digital transformation in recent years, which raised the percentage of smart views or opinions of my party. along with close cooperation between the transformation of core services to 98 percent. www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 31 Bilateral Relations

President of Pakistan appointed Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi as Chief of the Naval Staff

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he President of Pakistan has been Sword of Honour upon completion of Naval Intelligence. Currently, the Admiral is pleased to appoint Vice Admiral initial training at Pakistan Naval Academy. serving as Chief of Staff (Operations) at Naval TMuhammad Amjad Khan Niazi as Chief During his illustrious career, Vice Admiral Headquarters, Islamabad. of the Naval Staff and promoted him to the Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi has served on The Admiral is a graduate of Army Command rank of Admiral. His promotion to the rank various Command and Staff appointments. & Staff College Quetta and National Defence of Admiral will be effective from the date of Command appointments of the Admiral University Islamabad. The Admiral also holds assuming Command of Pakistan Navy. include command of two Type 21 ships Masters Degree in Underwater Acoustics PNS BADR and PNS TARIQ, Commander Vice Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi from Beijing University of Aeronautics and 18thDestroyer Squadron, Commandant will succeed Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi Astronautics, China. PNS BAHADUR, Commandant Pakistan Navy who will relinquish the Command of Pakistan War College/ Commander Central Punjab In recognition of his meritorious services, Navy on 7 Oct 20. The Change of Command Lahore, Commander Pakistan Fleet and the Admiral has been awarded Hilal-e- ceremony will be held at PNS ZAFAR, Commander Karachi. His distinguished staff Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara e Basalat. He has Islamabad. appointments include Principal Secretary also been conferred with the French Medal Vice Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi to Chief of the Naval Staff, Head of F-22P Chevalier (Knight) by the Government of was commissioned in Operations Branch of Mission China, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff France. Pakistan Navy in 1985 and won the coveted (Training & Evaluation) and Director General

32 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Chief of the Naval Staff Laid Foundation for Health Sciences Complex at Bahria University Medical & Dental College Karachi By Mian Fazal Elahi is developing a Health Sciences Complex at Dental College & Hospital, will provide quality Bahria University Medical & Dental College Oral health care facilities and inter-disciplinary round breaking ceremony of Bahria (BUM&DC), Karachi. In first phase of Health research in different areas. Additionally, it University Dental College & Hospital Sciences Complex, Bahria University Dental will contribute to produce & skill-up dental held at Karachi. Chief of the Naval Staff G College & Hospital will be constructed. Second professionals, postgraduates and dental Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi graced the phase includes Pakistan Navy Nursing College & paramedic staff of international standards. occasion as Chief Guest. Upon his arrival he Medical Training School. During the last phase, was received by Rector Bahria University, Vice The ceremony was attended by Director Allied Health Sciences & College of Physical Admiral (Retd) Kaleem Shuakat. General Medical Services (Navy) Surgeon Rear Therapy will also be established. Admiral Ch. M Qamar Ul Haq Noor, Director Later, the Chief Guest was briefed about the In pursuance of Chief of the Naval Staff’s vision General BUM&DC Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ahmad, salient aspects of the project. Bahria University to promote quality education, Bahria University Senior Naval Officers and faculty members.

www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 33 Security & Defence Chief of the Naval Staff Lays Foundation of Pakistan Maritime Science & Technology Park and Inaugurates Bahria School of Engineering & Applied Sciences By Mian Fazal Elahi hief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi laid stone of Pakistan CMaritime Science and Technology Park (PMSTP) and inaugurated Bahria School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (BSEAS) at Bahria University, Karachi. Upon arrival, Chief of the Naval Staff was received by Rector Bahria University, Vice Admiral (Retd) KaleemShaukat. The core objective of PMSTP project is to jump start national blue economy through promotion of maritime sciences, technologies and businesses. PMSTP will act as a vibrant platform for academia, government, industry collaboration and to further facilitate startups, industries and entrepreneurs through policy support. PMSTP will house various Research, Design and Development (RD&D) Centres, Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and various other multi-purpose structures. A dedicated space will be created to generate & maintain maritime innovation eco-system. A state-of- the-art Maritime Skills Development Centre will also be established to train the youth in diverse maritime disciplines in order to enable them to benefit from boundless opportunities in the expanding maritime sector. PMSTP will subsequently contribute in national GDP besides playing a critical role in mapping of national offshore riches. The new setup of Bahria School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (BSEAS) is an integration of major Bahria University Departments comprising Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Software Engineering. Inauguration of BSEAS is another key step towards achieving excellence in research facilitating interdisciplinary education. BSEAS is a prominent endeavor to promote cross-disciplinary learning. In pursuance to Naval Chief’s vision, PMSTP and BSEAS are established as flagship projects of the year 2020 to provide qualitative and sustained educational opportunities.

34 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Pakistan stands with the brotherly nation of Azerbaijan and supports its right of self-defence By M.Saeed Yousafzai and security of the entire region. Armenia must stop its military action to avoid further akistan is deeply concerned on the escalation. deteriorating security situation in PNagorno-Karabakh region said in press Pakistan stands with the brotherly nation release of Ministry of foreign affairs, Pakistan. of Azerbaijan and supports its right of self- The intensive shelling by Armenian forces defence. “We support Azerbaijan’s position over the weekend on civilian populations of on Nagorno-Karabakh, which is in line with Azerbaijani villages of Terter, Aghdam, Fizuli the several unanimously adopted UN Security and Jabrayil region is reprehensible and most Council resolutions” read the statement. unfortunate. This could compromise peace

www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 35 Bilateral Relations Envoys witnessed Indian ceasefire violations along LoC & meet survivors of Indian shelling

So far in 2020, India has committed 2,158 ceasefire violations, martyring 17 people and leaving 168 civilians with serious injuries

By Mian Fazal Elahi akistani officials took a foreign delegation to visit the area along the de facto PPakistan-India border known as the Line of Control (LoC). The delegation including ambassadors, diplomats, defence attachés and the representatives of various countries and international organisations visited the Jura sector in Pakistan-administered Kashmir along the LoC. During the tour, arranged by the army’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the diplomatic community was briefed on the latest situation by ISPR Director General, Major General Babar Iftikhar. The envoys met victims, including women and children affected by cross-border shelling, and witnessed damaged homes, shops and protection bunkers for the civilian population. Major General Babar Iftikhar briefed that the ceasefire violations (CFVs) by India have increased since 2014. Gen Iftikhar urged the international community to take notice of violations on the border and called for the Kashmir issue to be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions. “Human rights situation in occupied Kashmir

36 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org is alarming,” the director-general for the Inter- Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar told the envoys during a visit to the Jora sector along the LoC. Indian forces were deliberately targeting civilians on the LoC, Maj Gen Iftikhar told. He informed them that India was carrying out the CFVs to divert the world’s attention from Kashmir — the Muslim-majority Himalayan region which had its special status under Articles 370 and 35A revoked by New Delhi more than a whopping 400 days ago — as well as what was happening to minorities in the South Asian nation. The military’s spokesperson also apprised the envoys of the Indian forces’ use of heavy weapons in the violations. The visitors met and interacted with the victims of Indian shelling, including women and children, witnessed the damaged civilian properties as well as protection bunkers for the civilian population after attending a briefing by Maj Gen Iftikhar. The delegation of defence attachés, ambassadors, and international organisations’ representatives from 24 countries are on a visit to the LoC to get a first-hand account of the situation in the area. The diplomats — including representatives from Azerbaijan, Australia, Bosnia, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Poland, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, and the European Union — were also slated to meet the victims of Indian aggression and those targeted by unprovoked firing from New Delhi’s forces during their visit. The representatives of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have also left for the LoC.

www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 37 Bilateral Relations

During his speech at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly The President of Turkmenistan stressed the importance of restoring trust in international politics

38 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org By M.Saeed Yousafzai contribute to the strengthening of international emphasized that, being a staunch adherent cooperation. of the Sustainable Development Goals, n September 22, 2020, the high-level Turkmenistan is actively using all the necessary week of the 75th anniversary session of In this context, the important role of potential in this direction. Unfortunately, the United Nations General Assembly preventive diplomacy was noted, which is O the pandemic has seriously undermined the began. On the same day, a transmission of consonant with the UN principles. Noting that colossal progress towards the SDGs. the speech of the President of Turkmenistan the policy of Neutrality is aimed at ensuring Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took place. regional peace, security and development, The Head of State stressed that Turkmenistan the President of Turkmenistan stressed intends to intensify work on the creation of UN Noting that the current session of the UN that within the framework of the upcoming international legal instruments in the field of General Assembly is being held in a difficult session, the Turkmen side intends to propose stability and reliability of energy transit. As is period, the Head of Turkmenistan called for to the General Assembly to consider the draft known, the proposals of Turkmenistan in this an objective look at the general international resolution “The Role of the Regional Center for area have more than once been confirmed situation, shattered by the neglect of Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.” by the relevant resolutions of the UN General international law, military and political rivalry, Assembly. which, unfortunately, is observed in the world The Head of State noted that the achievement today. of peace, security and progress in the Central The leader of Turkmenistan also noted the Asian region depends on the settlement of importance of developing cooperation in the To resolve this situation, the Head of State the situation in Afghanistan. “The position field of transport, adding that Turkmenistan noted “that it is necessary to consolidate proposes to consider the issue of ensuring efforts aimed at strengthening the role of stable international transport in times of international law, multilateral legal instruments emergency. It was also expressed the intention of the existing system of global security, Turkmenistan of Turkmenistan to host the International strict observance by all countries of generally Conference of Ministers of Landlocked recognized norms arising from the UN Charter. honors the 25th Developing Countries, which will make This is the only way to maintain stability and it possible to intensify interaction in this predictability in world politics, to reduce the direction. risks of conflicts. “ anniversary since In his speech, the Head of State outlined in The President of Turkmenistan emphasized that detail the position of Turkmenistan on key in order to achieve these goals, it is necessary obtaining the given aspects of the international agenda, put to restore trust in international politics, to forward a number of significant initiatives of establish a culture of respectful dialogue. status a political, socio-economic and humanitarian In this regard, the important role of the policy nature. of permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan of Turkmenistan here is principled and At the beginning of his speech, the President was underlined. As a matter of fact, its unchanged: there is no alternative to the of Turkmenistan expressed words of deep keystones contain the principles of humanism negotiation process,” the President noted. In empathy in connection with the loss of and peaceful approach to the resolution of this regard, it was noted that Turkmenistan numerous inhabitants of the planet who global challenges and response to the threats is ready to assist in the advancement of this did not survive the blow of the coronavirus of modern times. As is known, this year process, in particular, by creating the necessary pandemic. Turkmenistan honors the 25th anniversary political and organizational conditions on its since obtaining the given status. The model of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov territory. positive neutrality developed by Turkmenistan dwelled on the measures taken in calls not for impartiality, but unity by means of Along with political stabilization, the economic Turkmenistan, which were carried out in political-diplomatic tools. This concept is vividly and social reconstruction of Afghanistan is also accordance with the recommendations of presented in the project of the resolution important. In this regard, Turkmenistan stands the World Health Organization and in close initiated by Turkmenistan entitled “the Role for the implementation of large infrastructure cooperation with the relevant UN departments and Significance of the Neutrality Policy in projects with Afghan participation, primarily in to counter this threat. Sustaining and Strengthening International such important areas as energy, transport and The Head of State noted that for a speedy Peace, Security and Sustainable Development,” communications. Turkmenistan has already victory over the pandemic, close professional the presentation of which was held in January initiated a number of projects in this direction, coordination and unification of efforts of of current year in the UN headquarters. The in particular the construction of a gas pipeline scientific and medical communities around draft of the resolution is under consideration. along the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan- the world are necessary. Having voiced the India route, railway branches, and fiber-optic Then, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov importance of multilateral cooperation on communication lines reaching the territory of added that “the UN General Assembly, at the problem of dangerous viral diseases, Afghanistan. the initiative of Turkmenistan, adopted President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov a resolution declaring 2021 the Year of The President of Turkmenistan stressed that noted the importance of fully launching International Peace and Confidence. In the Turkmenistan firmly believes in the future of channels of scientific diplomacy. He added light of the implementation of the provisions the UN, will continue to strengthen and build that under the auspices of WHO, it is of this document, Turkmenistan sets forth up strategic partnership with this Organization advisable to establish a Special Program of the initiative to hold an International Forum for the benefit of all mankind. the World Health Organization to study the of Peace and Trust next year. The leader of genome of coronavirus, develop a multilateral In his address, the head of Turkmenistan voiced Turkmenistan expressed confidence that mechanism to combat pneumonia, and create the state of the global economy, which was this Forum will give an important impetus a Methodological Center for the Treatment and going through a difficult period this year. It was to the promotion of peace, stability and will Prevention of Acute Diseases. www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 39 Bilateral Relations

Conference of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan was held at the high organizational level By M.Saeed Yousafzai which the authorized representatives of to socio-economic growth of the state in 2021 communities made decisions on the most vital were considered. n the 25th of September 2020, the political, economic and military issues while utmost nation-wide assembly of Besides, the constitutional reforms aimed at generally accepted democratic principles Turkmenistan – the meeting of the the development of work of the representative O were observed. People’s Council of Turkmenistan was held. In bodies in the area of legislative power were view of the world epidemiological situation, The successive session of the People’ Council regarded. The corresponding documents of the participants of the People’s Council of of Turkmenistan had a rich agenda. During the People’s Council were adopted. Turkmenistan located in the other regions the meeting, the key vectors of successful The historic address of the President of of the country took part in the session, implementation of historic and long-term Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov which was organized in Ashgabat through programs in the new development period of took place. The Head of State noted that videoconferencing. the independent and permanently neutral in the result of the work done, the social Turkmenistan, as well as the subjects related The successive session of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan chaired by the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the session was attended by the Chairperson of Mejlis (Parliament), Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of the ministries and profile agencies, members of public organizations, elders, representatives of various sectors, students and representatives of the mass media. Being the highest representative body of the public authority, the People’s Council (Halk Maslahaty) provides for the application of the experience of Turkmen people in the area of state formation accumulated during the centuries-old history and participation of extensive groups of population in the adoption of significant public and political resolutions leading consequently towards realizing conceptual ideas and unity. This is based on such noble traditions of ancestors as holding nation-wide assemblies, during

40 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org conditions corresponding to the world of good neighborliness, mutual respect and will ensure the coordinated development standards are created for the population. equality, implements a foreign policy aimed of the national economy, strengthening its These achievements were attained due to the at maintaining global peace, security and position in foreign trade relations, intensifying friendship, hard work and high spirituality of prosperity. multilateral cooperation, including actively the people. attracting foreign capital. The need to strengthen multilateral During the successive session of the cooperation of Turkmenistan with such In view of the global situation, ensuring People’s Council of Turkmenistan, it was authoritative international organizations as environmental safety in the Aral Sea basin also also comprehensively spoken about the the United Nations, the European Union, the became a separate topic on the agenda of the constitutional reforms, which serve as a Commonwealth of Independent States, the meeting. proof of adherence to democratic norms and Organization for Security and Cooperation The President of Turkmenistan also stated that international cooperation conditioned by the in Europe, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the spread in 2020 of a particularly dangerous achievements of the society. the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was disease - a new type of coronavirus, adversely especially noted. Strengthening ties with the The People’s Council joined the system of state affected the economies of the countries of countries of Asia and the Pacific region, states institutions performing functions in the field the world, and despite the ongoing difficult of the Near and Middle East, the European of legislation. Thus, on the way to the creation socio-economic situation on a global scale, and American continents was also noted of a bicameral system of a representative the country’s economy maintained its stable among the priority tasks of the country. legislative institution of state government, a development. proposal was voiced to establish the National The President also stressed the importance of In Turkmenistan, more than 70 percent of the Council of Turkmenistan, and its Chambers strategic cooperation between Turkmenistan state budget is directed to the social sphere. to be named as the Halk Maslahaty (People’s and the United Nations. In this context, In this context, in his speech, President of Council) and the Mejlis. This proposal was it was noted that the country’s initiatives Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov unanimously adopted. put forward in the field of water, energy noted that as part of the implementation of and transport diplomacy are supported by During a regular meeting of the People’s the “Program of socio-economic development the world community and contribute to Council, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly of the country for 2019-2025”, a huge work strengthening the international authority of Berdimuhamedov signed the Constitutional is being done in all areas of the national Turkmenistan. The head of the Turkmen state Law of the meeting of the People’s Council of economy. In particular, work is underway stated that the proclamation, on the initiative Turkmenistan “On Amendments and Additions to comprehensively develop the national of Turkmenistan, of 2021 as the International to the Constitution of Turkmenistan”. education system, increase the range of Year of Peace and Trust, in accordance with import-substituting products, expand the The implementation of constitutional the Resolution of the United Nations General indicator of national energy products in the reforms is aimed at ensuring a prosperous Assembly, in turn, demonstrates to the world market, widely introduce innovative and happy life for the Turkmen people and is whole world the country’s efforts aimed at technologies in all spheres of the economy, one of the important steps towards further establishing universal peace and friendship, increase the export of textile goods, and democratization of the state. and this, became another historic milestone in create competitive macro structural transport strengthening the importance of the neutral Starting from the first days of its sovereign and logistics systems. In this direction, other status of the state. development, Turkmenistan proclaimed the significant tasks have been identified for neutrality of the state, taking into account President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the development of priority sectors of the national and international interests in world that the acquisition of the observer status in economy. politics, and strictly adhering to the principles the World Trade Organization by Turkmenistan www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 41 Bilateral Relations

Round of Pakistan – Germany Strategic Dialogue held 5thBy Mian Moben Akhtar Foreign Secretary briefed on the economic perilous following India’s illegal and unilateral development and investment opportunities actions in IIOJK on 5 August 2019. Foreign he 5th session of Pakistan-Germany in Pakistan, including the improved business Secretary highlighted the continuing military Strategic Dialogue was held via video climate and Ease of Doing Business. He invited siege and communication blackout, gross and conference. Foreign Secretary Sohail T German companies to invest in different systematic violations of human rights, India’s Mahmood and State Secretary Miguel Berger steps to change the demographic structure of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany led of the occupied territory in violation of 4th their respective sides. Geneva Convention, and India’s intensified The Foreign Secretary expressed condolences Foreign Secretary invited ceasefire violations across the Line of on the loss of lives due to Covid-19 pandemic Control (LoC) and targeted killing of innocent and briefed his German counterpart on the German companies civilians. He underlined the importance of steps taken by the government to contain the international community playing its the spread of Corona virus. He highlighted to invest in different part in peaceful resolution of Jammu & the Government’s measures including ‘smart Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security lockdown’ strategy, with emphasis on saving sectors, including in Council resolutions. The Foreign Secretary lives, securing livelihoods, and stimulating the reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent support economy. He appreciated the close contacts agriculture, information and positive contribution to the Afghan between the leadership of the two countries peace process. He underscored the need and reiterated that international solidarity technologies, tourism for early commencement of Intra-Afghan and a coordinated approach were the best Negotiations for an inclusive, broad-based and way to counter the myriad challenges posed and renewable energy comprehensive political settlement to ensure by the pandemic. durable peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region. The two sides took stock of the whole range of bilateral relations, including political, The two sides also exchanged views on sectors, including in agriculture, information economic, trade, investment, education and cooperation at the international fora, including technologies, tourism and renewable energy. cultural fields. The desire for continuity of the UN and the European Union, and agreed regular high-level exchange for strengthening The Foreign Secretary emphasized that to continue close contact and mutual support bilateral cooperation was emphasized. The the regional security situation had become on all issues of convergent interest.

42 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org China is ready to continue to provide support to Pakistan in fighting COVID-19 until the epidemic is defeated

By Mian Fazal Elahi on multilateral occasions to safeguard other. Pakistan will continue to stand firmly international justice. Next year marks the with China and oppose any stigmatization and tate Councillor and Foreign Minister 70th anniversary of the establishment of groundless accusations against China. Pakistan Wang Yi met with Pakistani Foreign diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan. is ready to better develop the CPEC with Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the S The two sides should carry forward traditional China, enhance experience sharing in poverty sidelines of the meeting of the SCO Council friendship, plan for the future and elevate alleviation, carry out agricultural cooperation of Foreign Ministers in Moscow. The two bilateral relations to a new height. and move forward the all-weather strategic foreign ministers agreed that the SCO foreign partnership between the two countries. ministers’ meeting this time has achieved Foreign Minister Qureshi said that Pakistan and positive results. In particular, against the China have always trusted and supported each backdrop of rising unilateral bullying practices, it made a resounding voice of upholding multilateralism, defending the authority of the United Nations and international law, and jointly addressing various challenges, thus fulfilling the SCO’s due international responsibilities, stated Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian in Regular Press Conference. During the meeting, State Councillor Wang Yi stressed that China is ready to continue to provide support to Pakistan in fighting COVID-19 until the epidemic is defeated. China stands ready to work with Pakistan to better develop the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, including conducting agricultural cooperation to the benefit of the people. It is believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, the CPEC will play a greater role in boosting Pakistan’s economic development and improving its people’s well-being. China is ready to continue to firmly support Pakistan www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 43 Bilateral Relations

China put forward five proposals for strengthening SCO cooperation he holding of face-to-face meeting of in the region. The SCO members reiterated that to the Caribbean countries having diplomatic the Council of Foreign Ministers by SCO they are committed to countering all forms of relations with China and the CARICOM Tmember states in Moscow amid COVID-19 terrorism and promoting political settlement Secretariat. By August 31, all the assistance pandemic demonstrates the importance they of regional hotspot issues through dialogue. A from China has been delivered. Chinese attach to the meeting and their expectations press statement was adopted at the meeting. localities, businesses and civil society including said by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao the Alibaba Foundation and the Jack Ma We will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Lijian in a Regular Press Conference. Zhao Lijian Foundation, have leveraged their strengths to the SCO next year. China stands ready to work further add that State Councilor and Foreign offered support and assistance to the Caribbean with all parties closely to ensure the SCO always Minister Wang Yi put forward five proposals side in a timely manner. Besides material stands on the side of multilateralism, the side of for strengthening SCO cooperation. First, firmly assistance, China has conducted multilateral justice and fairness and the right side of history, support each other and uphold each other’s and bilateral technology cooperation with in an attempt to more effectively address core interests. Second, stand in solidarity and Caribbean countries via videolink and shared risks and challenges and make contributions cooperate with each other in this fight against experience in epidemic control. to regional and world security, stability, COVID-19. Third, persist in sharing weal and development and prosperity. The Caribbean countries commended and woe to resolve various security risks. Fourth, appreciated China for the anti-epidemic adhere to coordinated development and boost On a question that The Caribbean countries supplies, which stands as a token of friendship economic recoveries in the member states. have been severely impacted since COVID-19 through hard times and played an important role Fifth, uphold multilateralism and improve global pandemic broke out, the Chinese spokesperson in enhancing their anti-epidemic capabilities, governance. He stressed that SCO member said that The COVID-19 pandemic has severely improving medical staff’s preparedness, and states should never allow external forces to impacted the Caribbean countries. China resuming socioeconomic development. While intervene in their internal affairs, a “color relates to what they are going through and has keeping the epidemic firmly under control at revolution” to succeed in this region, or the provided assistance at the best of its capacity home, China has also played a constructive regional peace and stability to be undermined. to friendly countries and regional organizations role in international anti-virus cooperation The SCO member states should also adhere in the Caribbean region via various means and and made important contribution to the global to multilateralism, prevent power politics channels. fight. They also expressed readiness to work from dragging the world back to “the law of The Chinese government has provided for hand in hand with China to fight COVID-19 and the jungle” and reject unilateral bullying that free multiple batches of urgently needed foster a community of health for mankind to hinders the democratization of international anti-epidemic supplies to all countries with benefit all the people. relations. diplomatic relations in the Caribbean. In In the face of the challenges posed by this State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s particular, the Special Vice-Foreign Ministerial global pandemic, China and Caribbean proposals have been echoed by participants Meeting on COVID-19 between China and countries stand in solidarity with mutual of the meeting. The SCO members underlined Caribbean Countries That Have Diplomatic assistance, writing a new chapter of friendship the need to preserve the basic norms of Relations with China was held successfully via in trying times. China attaches high importance international relations with the UN Charter videoconference on May 12 this year, during to relations with Caribbean countries and as its basis, defend the core position of the which Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang stands ready to build on the momentum of UN, firmly uphold multilateralism and oppose announced that China will provide another anti-epidemic cooperation to deepen exchange unilateralism, and reject interference by batch of anti-epidemic supplies, including and cooperation in various sectors. external forces in the internal affairs of countries masks, ventilators, protective suits and test kits

44 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Digital Farming: Empowering the farmers to get the best out

more optimized cultivating, and helping a large field’s wellbeing to have your phone camera, or number of farmers to take improved choices. our water sensor innovation, to advance water system and along these lines spare one of the Integration: we obviously observe the eventual planet’s most scant assets. fate of the farmer more associated. Various gadgets will gather data and – in a much Tech arrangements open new opportunities to mechanized manner – lead to coordinate improve. By consolidating a lot of information By Zaigham Abbas enhanced application: the “Internet of things” that we as people can’t legitimately measure, on the farm. we can lead more accurate and minute here is a concrete growth of population, calculations, and for example alter the manner Dynamics: we see a profoundly unique yet the measure of farmland accessible in which we treat various pieces of a field. per head is contracting. Agrarian condition, with quick improvement of T Technology, and very significant changes to Moreover, Digital innovation empowers us to efficiency should increment on the off chance that we need to safe-watch our food gracefully the manner in which cultivating is done. This address a key issue in small markets, which is in the long haul. Digitalization in cultivating can is additionally determined by “Agile Framing” the way to bring small and remote farmers into assist us with conveying our assets effectively – high paced innovation improvement that is consideration, and arrive at a large number of and economically, empowering farmers to trademark for Digital Farming applications. farmers. Envision a reality where such farmers can get to a rational decision making – we can get the best out of their fields with negligible We can’t anticipate the future, however open enormous potential! ecological effect. what we cannot deny is that it will be an Digital cultivating as we see it can possibly change energizing future, with loads of opportunities Technology is obviously an aspect of a agribusiness and bring noteworthy advantages for farmers to misuse need approaches to comprehensive framework. Surely, top notch for agri growers and the general public by and expand profitability, while securing the world’s physical information sources, enhanced seeds, large, as we need better approaches to develop restricted assets. foundation, and so forth need to likewise be additionally improved! more food all the more livable. Solidly, it Basically, we have to figure out how to create implies applying new innovations, for example, significantly more food, with lesser input in The Platform will permit all farmers access information Technology, Data Sciences, AI, a more optimal way. The main significant through an easy to understand front end progressed sensors in the field and from space, advance development in agriculture happed interface. At that point they will have the computerized correspondence stations, and over 100 years back with the coming of nitrate option to get to world of digital services that computerization on the field. Through this way based mineral fertilizer. As our difficulties are significant and simple to utilize. This will Farmers will have a sophisticated approach grow – interest for better food, environmental cover a wide scope of administrations for the better bit of knowledge to take more ideal change, water shortage, contamination, farmers, and after some time likewise welcome choices, drive up yield, diminish squander, and diminishing biodiversity, noteworthy populace different players to get together with this – especially in developing business sectors, for growth, riches driving higher worth nutrition platform. Through this, farmer’s efficiency and example, in Asia – drive up riches in country – we need new weapons to try and keep up, yield will enhance, and we will have the option zones. not to mention improve the manner in which to address yield incremental avenues. we For crop nourishment, for example, it will we develop food. We trust Digital Farming is basically need to fix worldwide starvation and mean finding the optimal utilization of fertilizer one key response to these difficulties. This is fathom the issue with restricted homestead program for singular fields, helping farmers to additionally why Developed nations has and land on the planet. will be proceeding to put resources into Digital choose when, how and the quantity to apply, We can improve more extensive and quicker farming. We consider it to be a basic tool stack and respond to varieties in various pieces by joining farmer driven, advanced agronomy- towards our main goal to economically take of a field. Here are a few reflections on key initiated advancement through Digital Farming care of the world and secure the planet. attributes of things to come of farming: unit, and technology driven growth in AI and Yield: the fate of agriculture will open yield holds There is a serious proposal of sensor-driven Cloud Computation, which is an unrivaled that we fundamentally need to reasonably take devices and arrangements, similar to the chance to grow genuinely game-changing care of a developing populace. This will mean Nitrogen Sensor, pH sensors, nutrient sensors, development that works in the world of picture innovation that permits to determine a Agriculture. www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 45 Bilateral Relations

US presidential election is the US internal affair, in which we are not interested and have never interfered: China

By Mian Fazal Elahi to develop a new nuclear weapons system US has surpassed 6.3 million, including over Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said that 510,000 children, with more than 190,000 fatal he US presidential election, as we’ve said “Equipped with the largest and most advanced cases in total. Our hearts all go out to them. many times, is the US internal affair, in nuclear arsenal, the US not only goes against However, faced with such grim circumstances, which we are not interested and have T international consensus and refuses to fulfill some US politicians, instead of respecting never interfered said by Foreign Ministry its special and primary responsibilities in life and science and protecting people’s Spokesperson on question about comment of nuclear disarmament, but also pursues a health, are busy seeking selfish political gains Microsoft that it detected some cyber-attacks regressive agenda dominated by Cold War by scapegoating, deflecting attention, and targeting the US presidential campaign coming mentality and major power rivalry, willfully concocting flimsy lies to smear other countries. from China, from Chinese hackers. I believe withdraws from treaties and organizations, and While some sing high praises for social equality that you may have also noticed that several vigorously strengthens nuclear build-up”. Mr. in the US, the epidemic has seen the rich US intelligence officials have told the US media Zhao Lijian further added that such practices given priority access to testing while the aged, that they have not yet seen any evidence linking severely undermine strategic mutual trust the poor and the ethnic minorities suffer the China to interference in the US elections. and heighten nuclear risks. The US owes the most fatalities. A Time magazine commentary Microsoft should not target China and make world an explanation. We hope it will respond in May called the coronavirus crisis in the US such unfounded accusations. to international concerns, earnestly assume “a failure of democracy”. And yet, some in It is the US government and relevant companies its due responsibilities and stop damaging the the US have been promoting their so-called that have been for a long time mounting a large- system of international arms control treaties “American democracy” and trashing China all scale, organized and indiscriminate cyber theft, and undermining global strategic stability. over the world. I wonder what gives them the surveillance and attack, without any regard to confidence and makes them think they are in In respond to question that US Secretary international law and basic norms governing any way entitled to do so! Pompeo has leveled a barrage of attacks on international relations. This is not a secret, but the Communist Party of China (CPC), accusing The US has no monopoly on democracy. What a well-known fact. it of exploiting COVID-19 to weaken democracy, it has is but one version of democracy. And All countries around the world should be Chinese spokesperson said that Facts are the China has its own version. Regardless of their on high alert against US hi-tech companies best myth-busters. After the epidemic broke differences, all democracies must go through installing backdoors to gather personal data out, the Chinese people, under the leadership the test of COVID-19. Pompeo and his like can overseas and transmit them back to the US of the CPC, adopted the most comprehensive, by no means represent the American people. intelligence agencies. Examples like WikiLeaks, rigorous and thorough prevention and They only speak for the minority ruling class Snowden incident, Equation Group and Echelon control measures and secured major strategic and the interest groups behind it. No matter System abound. They are proof that the US is achievements in the nation-wide fight against how they carry on bragging, facts will only make the largest cyber attacker and no one deserves the virus. By September 10, the Chinese them a laughing stock. I would like to ask you, the title of Empire of Hacking, Bugging and mainland has not seen any newly-confirmed friends of the press, to convey this message to Spying better than the US. local case for 26 days in a row. those few American politicians: do away with your arrogance and bias towards China, spare On question that American journalist Bob In the meantime, the epidemic in the US has a thought for American people’s well-being, Woodward revealed in his new book that torn “the emperor’s new clothes” off Pompeo’s and work harder to fix your problems at home, President Donald Trump claimed in an American democracy. According to the latest Chinese spokesperson added. interview that the US is working secretly statistics, the number of confirmed cases in the

46 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org China lauds President Alvi’s remarks regarding benefits of CPEC’s connectivity to region hina has apprecia`ted President Dr Arif improved transportation infrastructure and Aliv’s remarks about China Pakistan electricity supply in Pakistan, created over CEconomic Corridor (CPEC), its role for since its launch six years 70,000 direct employment opportunities, boosting regional connectivity and benefits contributed between one percentage point to Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics ago, major progress had and two to its annual GNI growth, and (CARs). enhanced socioeconomic growth and people’s been achieved with a large well-being,” he added. “Just as President Alvi pointed out, the CPEC not only benefits the people of China and number of projects starting Wang said, “China firmly supports CPEC Pakistan, but will also boost the development development and stands ready to work of other countries in the region and elevate construction or being together with Pakistan to act on our leaders’ connectivity and economic cooperation consensus and, on the basis of continued solid throughout the entire region,” Chinese completed and more than progress in infrastructure development, focus Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Wang $25 billion direct investment on cooperation in social welfare, industrial Wenbin told media in a response to a question and agricultural cooperation, to turn the CPEC in this regard. flowing into Pakistan into a demonstration project for high-quality BRI development and deliver more benefits “We have noted President Alvi’s remarks,” he for the two countries and regional countries.” said and added, “The CPEC is an important pilot program of the Belt and Road Initiative The CPEC is an important It may be mentioned that President Dr. Arif (BRI) and a flagship in China-Pakistan Alvi in a telephonic talk with his Turkmen cooperation.” pilot program of the Belt counterpart Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov had said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor He remarked that since its launch six years and Road Initiative (BRI) (CPEC) would boost regional connectivity and ago, major progress had been achieved with a particularly Afghanistan and Central Asian large number of projects starting construction and a flagship in China- Republics would benefit from its road and or being completed and more than $25 billion Pakistan cooperation: railway infrastructure. He also highlighted direct investment flowing into Pakistan. importance of Gwadar seaport. “The completed projects have greatly China www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 47 Bilateral Relations

CPEC to improve economy hairman CPEC Authority Lt-Gen (Retd) satisfaction that work is being carried out on The Punjab Mass transit Authority has been Asim Saleem Bajwa called on Chief CPEC projects on priority. The completion of issued instructions and tree transplantation CMinister Usman Buzdar at his office and CPEC projects will help improve the economy, and beautification of the route is being done discussed progress made on CPEC projects he maintained. as well, he said. Chairman CPEC Authority in the province. Both agreed to expedite said the CPEC projects are being completed CPEC projects situated in Punjab are being work on CPEC projects and decided to give a speedily as CPEC is vital for the country. The completed with speed and transparently, he priority focus to agri research alongwith the situation of CPEC projects is satisfactory in added. The CM said the test-run of the orange need for introducing new seeds for improving Punjab and the province also has a lot of line metro train has been completed and it crops productivity. potential in the agriculture sector, he added. has been planned to operationalise it by the Speaking on the occasion, the CM expressed end of the next month. Chairman CPEC urges investors to CPEC to bring finance Faisalabad’s Medical City By Monitoring Chaudhry said local manufacturing of all equipment would greatly reduce medical economic hairman China Pakistan Economic device imports worth Rs1.4 billion. He Corridor (CPEC) Authority Lt Gen (retd) added that 200 acres of medical equipment Asim Saleem Bajwa has urged investors prosperity C manufacturing zone has been set up in to finance the newly established medical Faisalabad’s Industrial area. equipment manufacturing zone set up in dviser to Punjab government Dr Faisalabad, media reported. He said, “We will now produce Injections, Salman Shah said that China Pakistan Canolas, Xray Machines, Heart stents, Dialysis “CPEC Authority urges new investors to Economic Corridor (CPEC) will develop machines in Pakistan.” Chaudhry said that 30 A our Industrial development, welcomes the geographical linkages to promote regional million syringes will be manufactured locally initiative to develop exclusive Health/medical connectivity and economic activities. He said, to administer vaccine of COVID-19. Prime City in CPEC’s Faisalabad SEZ for the related in time completion of CPEC was imperative Minister Imran Khan also announced that for manufacturing industry,” said Bajwa in a for regional economic development, Radio the first time in the history of Pakistan, all tweet post. Pakistan reported. It opens up the entire duties levied on medical equipment imported region for investment which will bring a Bajwa added that Special Economic Zones into the country have been removed. positive economic impact and it was the high (SEZs) are our future for enhancing exports, These include medical equipment/machinery time to take advantage of this great economic import substitution, and job creation. opportunity, he added. He said the positive and apparatus like coronavirus detection kits, involvement of India in CPEC will improve Earlier, Federal Minister for Science and surgical masks, multimode ventilator with bilateral ties between Pakistan and India. Technology Fawad Chaudhry said a medical an air compressor, face shields, and other equipment manufacturing zone has been set medical equipment. up in Faisalabad. 48 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Opinion High expectations from the newly designated Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan

By Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan he new designated Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Nong Rong, an expert Tin trade and commerce, currently serving as a minister in a Guangxi provincial government. According to the website, The Ethnic and Religious Affairs Commission of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nongrong, a male, born in September 1967, Zhuang ethnicity, a native of Mashan County, Guangxi Province, joined the Chinese The new designated Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Nong Rong, Communist Party (CPC) in January 1987, will be joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs he might be the right choice for Pakistan to started work in July 1991, holding a MASTER in Beijing until the assigned next assignment. take-off CPEC phase II. Keeping his track- degree in business administration, Senior record of success and achievements in Guangxi China and Pakistan are traditional friends, management, and International business. province, it is believed he will contribute strategic partners, and a nation of shared He has been serving in the Government in toward CPEC a lot. China and Pakistan both destiny. Pakistan is the largest supporter various capacities including, foreign trade nations are committed to turning CPEC asa of Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI), launched and economic cooperation, ASEAN-business, “role model” of BRI for the rest of the world to by President Xi Jinping in 2013. Pakistan is City Mayor, and Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan be followed. Designated Ambassador has the a host of one of the Six-Planned Corridors, regions. In December 2019, he assumed the requisite and relevant expertise. “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor” (CPEC). post of Secretary of the Party Committee of the The CPEC is a flagship initiative and in the Although, previously, several Chinese Ethnic Minority Language Working Committee most advanced stage of its execution among Ambassadors were career diplomats and have of the Autonomous Region and Vice Minister all other Corridors. Pakistan is the largest been served in the diplomatic assignments in (and concurrently minister) of the United beneficiary of BRI, in the form of CPEC. several countries before their appointment Front Work Department of the Autonomous as Ambassador to Pakistan. The Appointment Region Party Committee. In January 2020, he The early harvest projects, or generally known of Mr. Nong Rong is out of routine and assumed the post of Director of the Ethnic as phase I, have been completed or going expected to perform extraordinarily. However, Minority Language Working Committee of to be completed soon. Most of the projects he is not the only political or non-career the Autonomous Region. Deputy to the 13th were in Power Sector and Infrastructure diplomat appointee. General Geng Biao was National People’s Congress and member of development. Pakistan has almost over-came also a political appointee as the Chinese the 11th Party Committee of Guangxi Zhuang the shortage of electricity, and a vast network Ambassador to Pakistan in the 1950s, and he Autonomous Region. of Motorways and Highways has been also performed extraordinarily. He was known established the width and length of Pakistan. Mr. Nong Rong will replace Ambassador as the Chief Architect of China-Pakistan The Railway network is being ug-graded soon. Yao Jing, who has been serving as a Chinese relations. Ambassador in Pakistan and has served in CPEC is to enter into phase II, where the focus Based on Mr. Nong Rong’s profile and success Pakistan three times in the various capacity will be Agriculture, Industrialization, Services stories & achievements, high expectations are of the diplomatic mission. He has also served Sector, etc. It will enhance Economic activities circulating even before his arrival. in India as Deputy Head of Mission and as and eradicate poverty. This phase will be Ambassador in Afghanistan. He understands crucial for Pakistan, as the country is passing Courtesy to Modern Diplomacy. the regional issues very well and has been a through the worst economic crisis. Both The writer Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan is successful Ambassador in Pakistan. However, governments have been in close consultations Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Non-Resident Fellow he has been called back two months in to make the second phase more fruitful. of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), advance before completing his three-year The designated Ambassador is a political National University of Sciences and Technology tenure. He enjoys popularity in Pakistan. He appointee and expert of Trade and Commerce; (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 49 Bilateral Relations Exclusive InterviewExclusive Elahi Fazal Mian by

We have worked hard together to make Italy and Pakistan even closer than we already are! H.E. Anna Ruffino, Consul General of Italy in Karachi

50 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org irst of all, on behalf of ‘Diplomatic Focus’, to spices and in Karachi the food is a lot more - Born on 30th June, 1983 in Genova (Italy). I appreciate your efforts for enhancing spicy! On the other hand, I found Hunza’s food - Diploma of Piano obtained on 26th June, the bilateral relations praise your role as delicious, which is not spicy, and which I tried F 2003 from Musical Conservatory “Ghedini” the Consul of Italy in Karachi. at a restaurant in Islamabad. As for cooking, my father is a retired cook, and I’m used to DF: Excellency! The western country has of Cuneo (Italy). preparing Italian dishes also following his two views about Pakistan, one before - Degree in Political Science obtained on recipes. I have never tried to make biryani or knowing Pakistan second after knowing any other local food as I believe I would not 25th September 2006 from University of Pakistan, before you come to Pakistan be able to touch the masala! However, I really Pavia (Italy). what you think about Pakistan, Now after admire my Pakistani friends who manage to having time in Pakistan what is your views - Degree in International Relations obtained eat such spicy foods. about Pakistan. on 11th February 2009 from the Faculty of I agree, in the West we have a very vague idea Political Science “Cesare Alfieri” University about Pakistan. I did not know many aspects It is very difficult for me of Florence (Italy). of the country myself before coming here. - Master in Diplomacy obtained on Initially, I thought it was a rather dangerous to leave Karachi. I have place, not so open to the rest of the world. 22nd June, 2010 from the Institute of After two and a half years, I changed my been happy, I lived many International Political Studies (ISPI) in mind: Pakistan, above all, is a beautiful Milan. place. The nature here is spectacular. From intense moments and I the mountains of the North to the lakes, the - Joined Diplomatic Service as Secretary of desert of Sindh, the beaches of Balochistan. met some real friends. Legation (on probation) at the Ministry of Furthermore, the people are really hospitable Foreign Affairs and Economic Cooperation and kind. I immediately felt at home in I did not think Pakistan Karachi, a city that will always remain in my from 21st December, 2010. heart. The energy that one finds is incredible could welcome me so - Diplomatic Institute of the Directorate and I hope that this metropolis can return to General for Resources Innovation of the the splendor of the past, when it was called warmly, but I immediately “The city of lights”. Ministry: professional training course «Sidney Sonnino» from 21st December, DF: Excellency! Pakistani food is different felt at home here. I am from Italy, Do you like to interest Pakistani 2010 till 20th September, 2011. Food, How do you find Pakistani Food? Do happy to have had the - Directorate General for overseas Italians you like Pakistani cooking, what kind of and Migration Policies: Electoral Office and food do you like the most in Pakistan, Did opportunity to learn more try to cook any Pakistani food? the Directorate General for Cooperation and development; Budget and Planning I must say that there are some typical Pakistani about a country that for dishes that I really like, like paratha and daal, Office. but unfortunately I am sensitive particularly us in Italy is quite exotic - From 21st September, 2011 confirmed in service and nominated as Secretary of Legation. - From 21st September, 2011 joined Directorate General for overseas Italians and Migration Policies: Electoral Office. - Second Secretary at the Embassy of Italy in Madrid from 8th September 2014 - Promoted as First Secretary at the Embassy of Italy in Madrid on 21st December, 2014. - Joined as the Consul of Italy in Karachi from 2nd January, 2018. Languages: Italian (native) French (advanced) Spanish (advanced) English (advanced)

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I can tell you that the Consulate of Italy in Karachi has worked a lot in recent years to strengthen economic relations between Italy and Pakistan

DF: Excellency! How do you feel about and professional obstacles, and for this, they sometimes a clash point) between ethnic Pakistani women, how do you closed have developed a great inner strength. I am groups with different traditions. I find all of known about Pakistani women? How they honored to have met such intelligent women. this very enriching and fascinating. Karachi are, how do you find Pakistan women? would not be Karachi without Mohajirs, DF: Excellency! Pakistani culture is very Would you like to say something about Sindhis, Balochis, Sikhs, Hindus, Zoroastrians, unique, you are living in Karachi, there are Pakistani women? etc... Difference means richness, especially in different types of people living in Karachi the cultural field, and Pakistan is full of history I think Pakistani women are fantastic. I met coming from different parts of Pakistan and culture. I remained very fascinated by the incredible women in Karachi who are resilient, belong to different cultures and tradition archaeological heritage present in Lahore. strong, intelligent and very elegant. I believe how do you see the Pakistani culture? The Great Mosque, the Fort, the Baths, all are that Pakistan needs to give more importance Certainly, from a cultural point of view, Karachi testimony to the wonderful Pakistani cultural and value to its women, who are half of the is the result of a varied ethnic and religious heritage, which must certainly be appreciated. country’s workforce. Many upper-middle-class composition that testifies to the historical girls have higher education, which can greatly vicissitudes of the country. The megalopolis contribute to the country’s development. has attracted people from all over Pakistan There are women who sometimes face family and has become a meeting point (and Italy has the largest Pakistani community in Europe, after the UK, and this helps to strengthen our bond

DF: Excellency! Trade is one of a fine aspect of a broad based relationship among countries, Trade is one of them to be an improvement, what is your experience, and would you like to share with us? I can tell you that the Consulate of Italy in Karachi has worked a lot in recent years to strengthen economic relations between Italy and Pakistan. The volume of bilateral

52 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org trade has increased significantly for both countries; however, there is still ample room for growth. In my opinion, we should focus our future efforts on strengthening trade. There are many Italian companies interested in investment in Pakistan, as well as numerous entrepreneurs who often come to your country. In particular, in Karachi I came to know some wonderful experiences of solidarity and friendship between Italian and Pakistani companies: in the most difficult years of the city, when crime was at its peak, several Italian entrepreneurs continued to come to meet Pakistan has great potential as a tourist destination and I hope that local authorities continue to invest in the development of the infrastructure for the hospitality sector, which is fundamental if you want to welcome more tourists from the West

their correspondents, in a moment where several foreign companies had left Pakistan. This created a strong bond between supplier and customer, which continues until today. Some local businesses have chosen to turn to Italy also for the willingness shown by our entrepreneurs in the dark years of Karachi. This shows that trade, like culture, can also be an instrument of peace and collaboration between states. DF: Excellency! Pakistan is facing many challenges Education is one of them, Italy is considered one of the best education system, there are many Pakistani students studying in Italy, but there are strict rules and regulation for students, what do you think, How to promote education in the government level ? Italy certainly has an excellent education system. I know that many Pakistani students are interested in coming to study in our www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 53 Bilateral Relations

country and for this reason, every year; I There is certainly great collaboration between personally go to the best high schools in our two countries, both at the government and Karachi to present the advantages of enrolling at the level of civil society. Italy has the largest in Italian universities. Certainly, there are Pakistani community in Europe, after the UK, some minimum economic conditions required Italy certainly has an and this helps to strengthen our bond. There to be able to obtain a study visa, but in are many examples of collaboration between Karachi, the caliber of students is very high excellent education Italy and Pakistan but I would like to recall in and I can say with satisfaction that we have particular the joint archaeological mission we seen an increase in applications for study for system… have in Sindh thanks to an agreement signed Italy. There are prestigious universities such as between the Catholic University of Milan the Polytechnic University of Milan or Turin and the Department of Culture, Tourism, that welcome talented young Pakistanis, who We are more than Antiquities & Archives, Government of Sindh. stand out for their ability and intelligence. We have an Italian team of archaeologists We are more than happy to welcome your happy to welcome and antiquities experts who come every brilliant students to Italy. year to carry out excavations in Banbhore, in collaboration with Pakistani archaeologists. DF: Excellency! What do you think how your brilliant The results of this project are extraordinary: the two countries come together to last year the world’s first Ivory Workshops promote politically, economically, socially students to Italy were found. It is an exceptional discovery that and, culturally, the two governments are has appeared in many specialized archeology seriously working on it? journals. It is a great honor to be able to

54 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org contribute in enhancement of wonderful hospitality sector, which is fundamental if Pakistani cultural heritage. you want to welcome more tourists from I think Pakistani the West. Unfortunately, I was unable to visit DF: Excellency! This is your last month in Gilgit Baltistan. I had planned a trip in June Pakistan Karachi, what is you’re feeling to go to the North but the COVID pandemic when now you are leaving Pakistan? women are fantastic. forced me to cancel my trip. It means I will It is very difficult for me to leave Karachi. I have I met incredible return to Pakistan as a tourist to visit Gilgit been happy, I lived many intense moments Baltistan! and I met some real friends. I did not think DF: Excellency! Do you want to give any Pakistan could welcome me so warmly, but I women in Karachi message or a piece of advice to the people immediately felt at home here. I am happy to of Pakistan? have had the opportunity to learn more about who are resilient, a country that for us in Italy is quite exotic. I I am much honored to have been the Consul could appreciate the kindness and availability strong, intelligent of Italy in Karachi for almost 03 years. I want of its people, visit your archaeological heritage, to take this opportunity to thank all the see the beauty of nature, feel the energy of people who welcomed me and helped me Karachi and work together to strengthen and very elegant live peacefully in Karachi. My Special thanks the ties between Italy and Pakistan. It has tourist like Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral Kalash. go to the Sindh Police, who have always been a very satisfying period, speaking both I have visited almost all of Pakistan, and one demonstrated the maximum collaboration, personally and professionally. I will leave a of the places I liked the most is certainly and to all the local authorities. part of my heart here. Lahore. It is a splendid city, rich in history and In recent years we have worked hard together DF: Excellency! During your stay in culture. The Palace of Mirrors is a marvel. to make Italy and Pakistan even closer than Pakistan, Did you get opportunity to visit However, Sindh also has many interesting we already are, in the cultural, economic and to North or East Side of Pakistan (Sindh places: Mohenjodaro, Banbhore, Makli, and social fields. I will miss the people of Pakistan Mohenjo-daro ,PUNJAB Lahore City like Chowkandhi. Pakistan has great potential and this wonderful country, which surprised Shesh Mehal Palace of Mirrors, Lahore fort, as a tourist destination and I hope that me in a positive way. Minar-i- Pakistan (KPK Khaghan, Naran local authorities continue to invest in the Let me say for the last time, as Consul of Italy: Murree ) Northern side is very beautiful for development of the infrastructure for the Pakistan Italy dosti, Zindabad!

www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 55 Bilateral Relations Photo by Ramzan Mughal Mr. Mian Fazal Elahi, CEO, Editor, Publisher of a prestigious monthly magazine “Diplomatic Focus” Islamabad hosted a very well attended welcome dinner reception in the honor of H.E. Mr. & Mrs. Tarek Dahroug Ambassador of the Republic of Egypt and H.E. Mr. & Mrs. Hamid Abbas Lafta Al-Armashawi Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq at Islamabad. The reception was attended by a large number of guests including political entities, diplomats, government officials and business community

56 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 57 Bilateral Relations Photo by Ramzan Mughal Opening ceremony of painting exhibition titled “Bexon Exhibition 2020” organized by Handicrafts Association of Pakistan (HAP) at Aqs Art and Craft village

58 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Photo by Ramzan Mughal The outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China H.E. Mr. Yao Jing hosted Farewell Reception for Pakistani Media persons and journalists at Serena Hotel, Islamabad. Large number of journalists, prominent anchor persons and other members of the civil society were present on the occasion

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Armed forces of Armenia blatantly violated the ceasefire regime By Mian Fazal Elahi infrastructures in the villages were severely According to the information received, 12 OSA damaged and number of civilians and military anti-aircraft missile systems of the Armenian statement issued by Azerbaijan embassy servicemen were injured and killed. air defense units were destroyed in various in Islamabad said that on 27 September directions. A combat helicopter of the Air Force 2020, at around 06:00, the armed forces In response to Armenian provocation, A of Azerbaijan was shot down in the Terter of Armenia have blatantly violated the ceasefire Azerbaijan Army has launched counter- direction, the crew members are alive. regime and using large-caliber weapons, mortar offensive operation along the entire Line launchers and artillery have launched an of Contact at Nagorno-Karabakh region of The blitz counter-offensive operation of intensive attack on the positions of the armed Azerbaijan to suppress the combat activity of Azerbaijan Army continues. Currently, the forces of Azerbaijan along the frontline, as well the armed forces of Armenia and ensure the Azerbaijan Army is taking retaliatory actions as densely civilian populated areas. safety of the civilian population of Azerbaijan. and our troops fully control the operational situation. There are killed and wounded among the The military personnel and tank units, with civilian population as a result of the intensive the support of units of the Rocket and Artillery The responsibility for the present situation and shelling by the enemy of the Gapanly village Troops, frontline aviation, and unmanned future development lie squarely with Armenia’s of Terter region, the Chiragli and Orta Gervend aerial vehicles (UAVs), determining a large political-military leadership. villages of Aghdam region, the Alkhanli and number of manpower (military personnel), We call upon all international organizations Shukurbeyli villages of Fizuli region, and the military facilities, and military equipment of the and community to condemn Armenia for its Jojug Marjanli village of Jabrayil region. Serious Armenian armed forces located in the forward current provocation against Azerbaijan, which damage was caused to civilian infrastructure. line and in the depths of the enemy’s defense, is aimed at destabilizing peace and security in have destroyed them. Dozens of houses and other civilian the region. 60 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Photo by: Ramzan Mughal Dr. Amr Nasreldin, First Secretary and Spouse Mrs. Hebatallah Yasser Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt hosted a “Welcome Reception” in the honor of H.E. Dr. Tarek Dahroug Ambassador of the Republic of Egypt and spouse Mrs. Aliaa Sarwat at Serena Hotel Islamabad. The reception was attended by a large number of guests including political entities, diplomats, government officials and business community.

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Air cargo control unit set up at Islamabad International Airport through national counterparts’ reception, This is the third unit to be set up in Pakistan collaboration and appreciation,” Milsom new air cargo control unit was targeting in an inter-agency setup. continued. inaugurated at the Islamabad This is the third unit to be set up with the first International Airport (IIA). Japanese Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Yusuke A established in Karachi in 2016 followed by Shindo said that strengthening aviation The unit has been set up by the United Lahore in 2018. security to prevent trafficking of illegal items Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) “The success of the container control is one of the major challenges, not only for Pakistan Country Office, the World Customs programme in Pakistan is a result of the great Pakistan but other countries as well. Organisation (WCO) as part of the UNODC commitment from national counterparts,” said Container Control Programme (CCP), in “Stability and peace are one of the important Jeremy Milsom, the UNODC Representative partnership with the Anti-Narcotics Force pillars of the foreign policy of Japan,” he for the Country Office in Pakistan, while (ANF), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and said adding that the Japanese government speaking during the inauguration ceremony. Pakistan Customs. continues to contribute to stability-based on “This is a great example where the joint laws and regulations in various countries.” The unit is tasked with profiling inbound and initiative of UNODC and WCO flourishes outbound air consignments and identify and stop those that may carry illicit substances. Smugglers use legitimate cargo to cover their illegal shipments and the high volume of global trade consignment movements makes it particularly hard for Customs and law enforcement officers to spot illicit consignments. To address this challenge, UNODC and World Customs Organisation (WCO) developed the Container Control Programme concept and methodology which invests on human resource development and training profiling experts. The programme aims to bring the best of counterpart agencies together and focus the unit on risk analysis, joint profiling and

62 Diplomatic Focus October 2020 www.diplomaticfocus.org Newly appointed Pakistani envoy presents credentials to Austrian President to Lebanon. He has also served at Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva and as Pakistan’s Consul General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Khokher will also be Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the Vienna- based international organizations which include the International Atomic Energy Agency, UN Industrial Development Organization, UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the UN Commission on International Trade Law.

President Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi presenting achievement award to Ammad Rasheed (WINGS GROUP) in Islamabad

By Mian Fazal Elahi President Van der Bellen noted that there was immense potential for cooperation between mbassador Aftab Ahmed Khokher, the two countries, particularly in the field presented his credentials to the Federal of renewable energy, green economy and President of the Republic of Austria, Dr A higher education. He praised Prime Minister Alexander Van der Bellen, during an official Imran Khan’s commitment to combating ceremony held at the Hofburg Palace on 30th climate change and recalled his recent virtual September 2020. address at the Austrian World Summit. He Presenting his credentials, Ambassador also appreciated Pakistan’s COVID-19 related Khokher conveyed to the Federal President policies and measures. the warm greetings of President Dr. Arif Alvi Ambassador Khokher, whose last assignment and Prime Minister Imran Khan. He pledged at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad to further strengthen and expand the bilateral was Additional Secretary (Americas), has relations between Pakistan and Austria. previously served as Pakistan’s ambassador www.diplomaticfocus.org Diplomatic Focus October 2020 63 Opinion Political economy of Pakistan included in war on terror 2001 event. Such higher economic growth than Pakistan. Other situation jeopardized economic growth of countries have been using Pakistan for their Pakistan. The 18th amendment in 2010 says to own benefit. It is said that military was the reduce power of presidency. Provinces were main reason behind lack of economic growth. given autonomy after 18th amendment. The military power was misused. In the recent years, no strengthening of industries is taking Any disruption in one country has effect on place. In the recent years industrial sector has other countries. It includes costs like cultural been neglected, manufacturing sector has cost, social cost and fiscal cost. Economic been left far behind. Illiteracy has been major cost is also included in it. Pakistan lost 2083 cause behind. billion rupees in war against terror. Because By Maryam Amna of terrorism, Pakistan lacks behind in maintain PTI government is taking steps for revival of a good situation in world. It faced currency industrial, manufacturing and services sector. fter independence, Pakistan was devaluation. ruled by bureaucrats who insured the Proper policy system can enhance wellbeing and survival of state. In the Pakistan’s GDP has declined due because Pakistan’s economy. Those policies should A industrial and service sectors are left far be implemented for sustaining a good beginning, military was protector of state. Its purpose was to protect Pakistan from behind. Pakistan experienced a negative reputation at national and International collapse. In the early days, there was lack of growth rate of 0.4 percent for year 2020. level. Government should protect rights of individual. Planning and budgeting practices industries in Pakistan. Pakistan was ruled by The circumstances of international political will eliminate corruption and Pakistan will military because parliamentary democracy economy effect the political situation of attain a good place in political world. In and constitutionalism failed in state. Pakistan. Pakistan became ally of United regional comparison with other countries of Socioeconomic disparities were main reason States right after its independence because of world, Pakistan lacks far behind. behind slow economic growth of Pakistan. its great geographical location. The aid from Political structure of Pakistan shifted from US has helped to develop military power of Population growth of Pakistan compared to import substitution industrialization to neo Pakistan economy. The relation with US was other countries from region is 2.1 percent liberal economic policies. counterproductive for Pakistan. After gaining higher. Karachi is the most populated country World Economic forum ranks Pakistan 124 dependence, Pakistan is stuck between of Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran khan is out of 144 countries on the basis of index authoritarianism and autocracy. taking steps to reform education system of Pakistan. PTI government has announced of competitiveness. It means governance of The US aid has been used to build up Pakistan focus on human development. Provision Pakistan lacks behind in international and army. The cold war between USSR and US of education and health has direct link with national level. Corruption is main factor in changed the global conditions of world. development of country. It made sure that stagnant economic growth. Corruption is Third world war decolonized the third world environment of Pakistan is business friendly. caused by inefficiency of government. Good countries. If development is not taking place governance involved following an efficient in a country, it means political situation is not As far as issue of Kashmir is concerned, Imran policy plan. Integrity framework of Pakistan suitable. khan wants to solve it without involvement of also needs to be focused. military. He is solving it through negotiation. Tourism industry has not yet been fully Slight change is seen in Pakistan’s foreign In year 1959, land reforms were introduced. developed. The world travel and tourism policy as Imran khan is solving US-Taliban Its purpose was to lessen the hold of land council says that Pakistan earned 8.8 billion issue. President trump says, “Pakistan has owners. Large scale economic development USD from tourism as compared to India made efforts to facilitate the Afghanistan’s took place in year 1947-77.Large amount that was 91.3 billion USD. Global ranking of peace talks, and we are going to ask them to of money was remitted to Pakistan. As a Pakistan is 136 among 190 countries. result, economic development took place do more.” There is inequality between men and women in International occasions in the past have had As far as the CPEC project is concerned, Pakistan. According to UNDP report of gender an impact on economy of Pakistan. World is a Chinese ambassador said Pakistan is provided equality, Pakistan is ranked among 133 out of global village, whatever happens in one side 15 million USD. The ties of Pakistan and china 160 countries. Pakistan has most growth rate of world has an impact on other side of world. are even stronger. In the beginning of CPEC 2.4% annual population among neighboring This influences political, democratic and social project, 50 billion USD was given to Pakistan. countries. Women empowerment is essential outcomes of a country. For instance, when It helped strengthen Pakistan economy and for socio economic development of Pakistan. USSR attacked Afghanistan in year 1979, infrastructure was also developed. Pakistan suffered. Urbanization eradicates poverty. The poverty PTI is transforming governance in a positive is less in urban areas (9.4%) as compared 9/11 was a global phenomenon. It had impact way. The purpose of transforming governance to rural areas (54.6%). Global innovation upon economy of whole world. Pakistan being is to make sure wellbeing of citizens. index says Pakistan is ranked 109 among 126 the neighboring country of Afghanistan was Strengthening of The federation is taking countries. Pakistan faced slowed growth rate negatively affected by 9/11. US provided aid place. The water scarcity is being controlled of 3.3% in year 2019. of 25 billion USD to Pakistan. as dams are being constructed. Government Less amount of USAID is used for development The democratic system could not make is taking steps to ensure national security of of Pakistan. Foreign aid was used by military Pakistan’s economy better. Pakistan was under Pakistan. To make Pakistan a well-organized and bureaucracy. Pakistan is said to be military rule for 66 years. Even Bangladesh has state.

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