ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Islamabad-based Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) and the Tashkent-based Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Wednesday jointly organized an Online International Conference on “Efforts of Pakistan & Uzbekistan towards the Settlement of the Conflict in Afghanistan: Prospects for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation”.
The Session was commenced with the opening remarks of the President CGSS Major General (retd) Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery.
The President CGSS said that the Afghan Conflict is one of the longest conflicts of modern history which has resulted in severe effects at the regional and global levels.
Major General (retd) Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery further highlighted the damaging impacts of the Afghan Conflict on both Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
The First Deputy Director ISRS Akramjon Ne’matov mentioned that due to various National and International terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan, there has been a high rate of collateral damage.
Hence, it is the common duty of Pakistan and Uzbekistan to facilitate in overcoming the difficult situation in Afghanistan.
Akramjon Ne’matov also highlighted the significant role Loya Jirga can play in achieving long-term sustainability in Afghanistan.
Lastly, he suggested that for the promotion of peace, stability, and progress in Afghanistan and the region in general, a Joint Cooperation Mission can be formulated.
The Vice-Chancellor of Lahore’s University of the Punjab Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar said that the peace and stability in Afghanistan are in the common interest of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Moreover, he added that through the platforms of SCO and ECO, Pakistan and Uzbekistan can play a pivotal role in bringing stability in Afghanistan.
Lastly, Dr. Niaz Ahmad mentioned that the progress in the common areas of interest such as energy, communication, tourism, etc can only be made if the situation in Afghanistan improves.
The Head of Center at ISRS Bakhtiyar Mustafayev mentioned that joint efforts in the areas of Infrastructure, etc can play an important role in promoting stability in the region and Afghanistan in specific.
Furthermore, he mentioned that to facilitate the peace process in Afghanistan, the Afghan-led initiative must be supported.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to Afghanistan H.E Zahid Nasrullah Khan said hat to solve the Afghan Conflict, an Inclusive Political Dialogue must be encouraged in which the three major stakeholders (US, Taliban, & Afghan Leadership) must be included.
Zahid Nasrullah Khan further stressed upon the support for the Afghan-led Process.
Highlighting the significant role played by Pakistan in the Afghan Peace Process, the ambassador mentioned that Pakistan has played an active role by participating in all international efforts and gathering support at the regional and international levels.
The Head of the Branch at ISRS Rustam Huramov said that Uzbekistan has launched several infrastructure projects in Afghanistan to improve the overall stability of Afghanistan.
The Railway project launched by Uzbekistan will not only prove to be beneficial for the Member States (Uzbekistan, Pakistan, & Afghanistan) but also for the entire region.
The Member Board of Advisors in CGSS Brigadier (retd) Said Nazir Mohmand mentioned that to overcome the challenges faced by Afghanistan, Pakistan-Uzbekistan Cooperation is required. The foreign relations must be further strengthened by working in the socio-economic and connectivity areas.
Moreover, he mentioned that for achieving common geopolitical, economic, trade, energy, etc objectives, Pakistan and Uzbekistan need to make joint efforts.
Brigadier (retd) Said Nazir Mohmand further mentioned that the solution to Afghan conflict does not lie in the military approach.
The Online International Conference was attended by 35 participants.
It was moderated by the Executive Director of CGSS Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Khalid Taimur Akram.
