MUZAFFARABAD, (Parliament Times) : A group of students and faculty members of department of International Relations, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Muzaffarabad visited Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) as a part of their academic engagements.
According to details, a very thought provoking and insightful interaction took place between the visiting students and the top officials of the ISSI.
The delegation on its arrival at ISSI, was warmly received by the Directors China-Pakistan Study Centre Dr. Talat Shabbir and India Study Centre Dr. Arshad Ali.
Both the directors thoroughly briefed the visiting students and faculty members of the UAJK about the institutional setup, working mechanisms and accomplishments of the institute.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Pak-China Study Center, Dr. Talat Shabbir apprised the students about the significance of the study center and cordial relations between the two important Asian countries.
“China is a tested and trusted partner of Pakistan and our joint economic corridor (CPEC) has revived the hope of economic progress and industrial development in the country”, Shabbir remarked.
Dr. Arshad Ali, Director of the India Study Centre gave a brief overview of India’s domestic and foreign policy behavior with special reference to the Kashmir Dispute.
He said India under the Modi regime is pursuing an expansionist Hindutva agenda and trying to bring major demographic change in the occupied territory. He underlined the need of confidence-building measures between both the atomic-power neighboring countries to halt the Indian atrocities in the held valley.
In this interaction, a candid and open discussion was carried out on a broad range of issues. The students, during a question session, asked the experts about their views on future policy engagements between Pakistan, China and India in the region.
On this occasion, Coordinator Department of International Relations, who was heading the delegation expressed his profound gratitude to the management of ISSI, particularly Dr. Talat Shabbir and Arshad Ali for sparing time for the students and answering their concerns and queries.
He proposed to develop a strong institutional link between the Department of International Relations UAJK and ISSI for more productive engagements and future collaborations.
The concerned authorities assured the visiting delegates to publish a special issue of “PIVOT” magazine in collaboration with the IR Department, UAJK as well as arranging Internships for the students of the Department.