Pakistan’s strategic importance undeniable: experts

LAHORE:Senior foreign dignitaries and Pakistani experts while speaking at a discussion said that Pakistan's strategic importance is undeniable.

The discussion related to the international relations was organised by Pakistan's foreign affairs expert M Mehdi in which senior foreign dignitaries and Pakistani experts on global affairs participated.

According to a press release issued on Monday, noted participants who joined the debate through video link include the Programme Director for Asia at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, Washington Michael Kugelman and Prof Zhao from the China Renmin University. Director of Pakistan Study Centre Dr Amjad Magsi and Dr Waheed Khan were also amongst key speakers.

M Mehdi while speaking on the occasion said that leaving Pakistan alone amidst the growing terrorism threat was not a solution and this menace could further cause instability in the region.

American expert Kugelman said Pakistan stood amongst the few nations that enjoyed good relationship with both China and the USA. He stated Islamabad could play the role of a mediator between the two nations. Chinese expert Prof Zhao said that developing a strategic partnership with USA was precarious but also critical for a country like Pakistan. He stated it sounded reasonable to argue that Pakistan had no choice but to build strategic ties with the US to secure its export market but at the same time, he said that Pakistan should not expect unexpected expectations from the US.

Dr Magsi stated that US and China may play a role in bringing Pakistan and India on a table for dialogue. Dr Waheed stressed the need for Islamabad to separate its geo-economic and geo-political objectives.