Pakistan’s Relations with Eurasian Region and Connectivity: Radio Interview

On Tuesday, 11 April, 2023, Professor Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Director School of Politics and International Relations, was interviewed in an exclusive Radio program ‘Eurasian Perspective’ by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, PRCCSF on channel Planet FM 87.6, Radio Pakistan.
In the interview, Dr. Zafar Jaspal briefed about Pakistan’s geo-political role at Regional and Global level. He said that Pakistan’s geo-strategic location places it at an important position and the country is striving hard for the peaceful coexistence with its neighboring countries. Pakistan is part of many Regional as well as International Organizations and it seeks to strengthen the regional connectivity as a key for economic prosperity and social mobility of the country.
He talked about Regional Security Cooperation and Connectivity through economic, social, cultural and historical linkages with other states. He highlighted the role of BRI and CPEC and said that it has proved to be landmark for the economic progress of Pakistan which will open platforms through its corridors, roads and railways in the Eurasian Region. The competition between US-China is also significant for Pakistan as it has to expand areas for cooperation and dialogue with both countries.
Pakistan must focus on overcoming the regional challenges by working on economic resilience and political stability. The current challenges which Pakistan is facing are fragile economic and democratic system, slow technological progress, weak education system and terrorism. Pakistan must ensure stability inside the country and it should make efforts for bringing peace in the region in order to achieve its goals for development.
He also highlighted the connectivity of Pakistan with Central Asian States and ASEAN countries. Pakistan’s relations with neighboring countries Iran, China, India and Afghanistan were also discussed. Pakistan is facing challenging relations with India and anarchy in Afghanistan is directly impacting stability in Pakistan. Whereas China is the key player for promoting peace and partnerships in the region.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram thanked Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal for a thought provoking interview and for encouraging young generation to focus on education to develop and pursue expertise in any discipline.