Friday, 29 March 2024, 05:53:06 pm

Analysts laud Pakistan’s efforts for peace in Afghanistan
April 14, 2021

Dr. Talat Wazarat (Expert on International Relations): It is good development that Pakistan is focusing on improvement of its relations with other countries. Entire central Asian republics are rich in natural resources and Pakistan can take advantage of their resources. Central Asia in general and Uzbekistan in specific is at momentous junction of the prehistoric world and today’s modern civilizations with its own splendor and glamour of history, heritage and traditions. Pakistan has equally been inspired and affected by the cultural, rich traditions, values of the great civilization sprouted in the region from today’s Uzbekistan. The bilateral cooperation between the two distant neighbors is significant for the political and economic well-being of the entire region. Uzbekistan can play an influential role in urging India to stop committing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. There is need of the hour to impose economic sanctions on India in order to force it to give the Kashmiris their right to self-determination.

Dr. Aaliya Hashmi (Economist): The virtual meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is the continuity of Pakistan's efforts to improve its trade relations with central Asian countries. Pakistan will have to limit its dependency on Europe, and special attention should be paid on enhancing trade relations with the Central Asian states as these states are rich in natural resources. Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan were established when it gained independence from Soviet Union in 1991. Both countries are members of Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Economic Cooperation Organization and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all neighboring countries, including India and Afghanistan. Pakistan’s leadership should focus on bringing political stability to the country.  The country has a great potential of bringing investment in diverse sectors.

Brigadier, retired, Harris Nawaz (Defense Analyst): The US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is well aware of the Pakistan's importance as major stakeholder in the region. Pakistan is playing a key role for peace and stability in Afghanistan. Turkey is going to hold peace summit for Afghanistan from April 24 to May 4 but Taliban have refused to attend any summits on Afghanistan’s future until all foreign forces leave the country. The US envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has been travelling the region to muster support for a ceasefire and peace settlement that could include an interim government. The United States realizes the influence of Pakistan on Afghan Taliban. Pakistan will continue to support an Afghan-owned and Afghan led peace process for regional stability.