To understand the strategic and geopolitical dynamics of Middle-East and its impacts on Pakistan, the Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR), Islamabad organized a webinar titled “Emerging Dynamics in the Middle East: Policy Options for Pakistan”.
President COPAIR- Ms. Amna Munwwar Awan, President Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) and Editor-in-Chief of Melange International magazine, in her keynote address extended her facilitation to all the panelists and participants. With reference to Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit hosted by Pakistan, she opined that it was a timely step initiated by Pakistan to draw the world’s attention towards consolidation of the economic situation in Afghanistan. Pakistan by hosting this important conference proved that it is the most important regional stakeholder, she added. While expressing views on emerging regional dynamics in the Middle East she remarked that contemporary Middle-Eastern politics is witnessing a transformative shift marked by inter-state competition, coupled with the interplay of international, regional, and domestic politics.
This shift potentially necessitates Pakistan to opt for a pragmatic, multipronged policy that can serve better our national interests.
Prof. Dr. Nazir Hussain – Dean Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Wah, a foreign policy expert gave an extensive insight on “Middle-East Geo-Strategic Environment: Implications for Pakistan”. He highlighted that Pakistan should reshape conventional policies apparatus and an economically driven policy would better serve its national interests concerning the Middle East. The second speaker for the event, Dr. Syed Qandil Abbas– Assistant Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, expressed his views on the role of OIC in the Middle Eastern Conundrum. He critically examined the role of OIC in mitigating the regional crisis. Moreover, Dr. Amna Mehmood – Professor, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences International Islamic University, Islamabad, expressed views on the topic “Israel and Middle East Geo-Strategic Landscape.” She stated that Israel’s normalization drive in the region affected all paradigms from geopolitics and economics to tourism.
In the end, Ambassador Khalid Mehmood, Chairman Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) gave an insightful overview of changing Middle East geopolitics dynamics. In Pakistan’s context, he urged that it should give preferential treatment to its national interest and focus should be on self-reliance. He categorically emphasized that must not opt the bloc politics.
Reckoning the Heroes & Apprising India’s Posture of Disenfranchisement
The Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR), Islamabad, organized a webinar, titled “Reckoning the Heroes & Apprising India’s Posture of Disenfranchisement” on December 14, 2021. Raja Fasial, Program Director – South Asia (COPAIR) moderated the event.
Amna Munwar Awan- President Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) calls for social cohesion/ integration for the national sovereignty of Pakistan and also denounced ethnic and religious strife. The COPAIR President further stated that a global campaign should be launched to present a soft image of Pakistan, and should be defended through democratic institutions and inclusive patriotism, also educate and aware citizens about hybrid warfare, then there are minimal chances of success heinous and nefarious agendas of India. Eulogizing the sacrifices of armed forces during the war of 1971 for the country- “Our shuhada and ghazis left behind unforgettable memories of bravery. This victory speaks volumes about our able leadership, the highest level of commitment, the unshakable faith, and the long list of sacrifices of our armed forces supported by the whole nation,” she concluded.
Raja Shaheryar Khan- Pak Army Veteran gave an extensive overview of the war of 1971 and acknowledged the unparalleled contribution and sacrifices rendered by the Pakistan Army towards the external and internal security of Pakistan. Furthermore, Mr. Abdul Samad Yaqoob- Geopolitical Analyst, praised the army’s prowess and its effective preparedness to combat the symmetric and asymmetric warfare challenges vis-à-vis India. Subsequently, Prof. Dr Shabana Fayyaz underlined ‘pragmatic state policy, and significant role of media’ to combat hybrid warfare campaign inflicted by the adversaries. She further opined that both Pakistan- Bangladesh should seek rapprochement through overcoming historical grievances and exploring new paths of engagement would better serve the interests of both states.
In the end, Mr. Raja Fasial thanked the speakers and the participants for the illuminating discussion. The event was well-attended and well-received by the audience.