Dr Huma Baqai (IR Expert) The visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan is of vital importance. Pakistan has always ensured not to be the part of any camp politics. Pakistan has a neutral stance in the recent Russia-Ukraine conflict and talked about diplomacy and negotiations. In the UNSC meeting, Pakistan remained neutral again on the Russia-Ukraine issue like many other countries of the region including India, Bangladesh and China. The world is facing economic challenges due to the sanctions imposed on Russia. Now the entire global focus is on the Russia and Ukraine war and the Afghan issue has been sidelined for the moment. The peace and stability in Afghanistan is important for our national interests and also in the interests of central Asian states. The visit of the Uzbek President in the current scenario is a timely one. There is no doubt that the potential of the Pakistan China Economic Corridor project or Belt and Road Initiative cannot be unlocked until and unless Russia becomes part of the initiative and also linked with the peace situation in Afghanistan. 

Ali Sarwar Naqvi (Former Ambassador) Pakistan has good relations with both Ukraine and Russia. The Prime Minister held an important and successful visit to Russia recently. It is unfortunate that there is a conflict between Russia and Ukraine and Pakistan can try its maximum to mediate in order to resolve the conflict between both the countries.  A number of Pakistani students have been stranded in Ukraine and the Pakistani embassy is trying to evacuate the students safely. If the West ensures Russia that Ukraine will not be the NATO member, the issue will be resolved, as this is the main bone of contention between Russia and Ukraine. The recent war between Russia and Ukraine will have negative impacts on the global economy. Pakistan is at a neutral position in the ongoing conflict but wants the war to come to an end. Pakistan and Uzbekistan are keen to diversify their bilateral relations, but their regional cooperation is not without challenges. The foremost challenge is posed by the political instability in Afghanistan, bordering both Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Regional stability and effective economic cooperation would not be achieved until the situation in Afghanistan is stabilize. 

Mushtaq Ahmed Mehar (Former Ambassador) This is a very important visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Pakistan is having strong relations with the central Asian states. It is the century of Connectivity and economic development and Pakistan is on the right path in devising its policies in this regard. Both Pakistan and Uzbekistan have the same opinion that the need for resolution of the Afghanistan conflict through internal political process is imperative for peace and progress of the whole region. Pakistan and Uzbekistan have their stance on joint cooperation to increase economic productivity and trade.

Dr Dost Muhammad (Religious Scholar) The constitution of Rehmat lil Alameen Authority is one of the greatest initiatives of the present government. In my opinions, after the father of nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Shaheed-e-Millat Liaqat Ali Khan, Prime Minister is the third person in the history of Pakistan who is making sincere efforts to make Pakistan an Islamic Welfare State in true senses. Pakistan can be a country where people can mould their lives by following the teachings of the Holy Quran and traditions of Islam and cultivate their culture and civilization. Prime Minister has stressed upon inculcation of core moral and ethical values in society as enunciated by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Prime Minister Imran Khan’s pledge to turn Pakistan into an Islamic welfare state in line with the principles set by the role model of Riasat-e-Madina.