Book Launching “Profiles of South Asian States”

US forces were not completely pulling out of Afghanistan as 10,000 to 15,000 troops would remain in the battle-ridden country, Pakistan must adopt a wise policy on the issue, said speakers at the launching of a book “Profiles of South Asian States” by Centre for South Asian Studies director, Prof Dr Umbreen Javaid at Punjab university here on Wednesday.

Punjab University Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran, renowned analyst Syed Mowahid Hussain, defense analyst Brig (r) Farooq Hameed, faculty members and a large number of students were present on the occasion.

Brig (r) Farooq Hameed said that South Asian countries were facing instability and the stability of the region was linked to Indo-Pak relations. He said mutual relations between the two neighbours had improved during the last three years but the element of mistrust also exists. He said Pakistan had helped Sri Lanka to fight civil war and that is why both countries are enjoying good relations. He termed the book an asset for the people interested in South Asian affairs. In her inaugural address, Dr Umbreen Javed lauded the efforts of the researchers who contributed to the book.

Syed Mowahid Hussain said that South Asia was an important region and Pakistan had to face immense pressure in important international events and happenings. “Unfortunately our leaders used to give emotional statements in the country but they did not utter a word outside the country to represent Pakistan’s position. Indo-US nuclear deal was against international laws but Pakistan started to seek the same package from the US instead of declaring Indo-US atomic deal illegal,” he said adding that the book had covered basic information regarding South Asian countries in a comprehensive manner.

Punjab University Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran said that Mian Nawaz Sharif has the ability to resolve Kashmir issue and establish good relations with India on equal footings.

Prof. Kamran said the atomic blasts and former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit to Pakistan to resolve Kashmir issue were the landmark achievements of PML-N chief during his last tenure.

He said that the Sharifs could improve Pakistan’s economic and strategic situation. He said that Kashmir “was our life and Pakistan’s policy on Kashmir must reflect sentiments of Pakistani and Kashmiri people.” He said in the 60 years till 2008, Pakistan’s total debt was 4,800 billion rupees while in the last five years, the government had borrowed a huge amount of 6,200 billion rupees but neither hospitals nor roads were built and the money was also not spent on education. He appealed to Mian Nawaz Sharif to investigate where the borrowed money had gone.

Lauding Dr Umbreen Javaid and researchers of the centre, he said that the centre had started doing research on various aspects of South Asian countries in true manner under her leadership.

Condolence: Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran has expressed his grief over the sad demise of former NED Vice Chancellor, Engineer Abul Kalam. In his condolence message, the VC said that late Abul Kalam had served NED University for sixteen years and was the vice chancellor who transformed the university. He said the former VC was a man of inspiration. He prayed that Almighty Allah grants courage to the members of bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude and the departed soul may rest in eternal peace.

(DailyTimes)

You may also like...