To build viable systems stress on ‘soft power’ components essential

Islamabad

Following 9/11, the Islamic World has succumbed to political violence. In order to build viable systems stress on ‘soft power’ components, besides ‘hard power’’ is essential. Soft power means education, open systems, good governance, regional connectivity, trade, investments, technology and innovation, inter-faith harmony, culture and tourism.

This was stated by Prof. Dr Maqsudul Hassan Nuri, head of International Relations Department, NUML, while speaking at a ‘Professional Development Faculty Workshop’, organised by the IR department, says a press release.  Talked about promoting Pakistan’s soft power, he said OIC members are endowed with abundant natural resources and manpower but lack ingredients of soft power. 

Dr. Muhammad Riaz Shad, Asst. Prof and Focal Person, expounded on ‘China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Opportunities and Challenges’. He observed that CPEC is characterised by 1+4 structure—corridor and four key areas, viz., Gwadar Port, energy projects, infrastructure and industrial cooperation. The corridor could accrue economic dividends, i.e., boost business, exports, FDIs and regional connectivity. Socially, it could promote inclusion, transformation and healthy competition. Politically, it could lead to stability and enhanced national stature. However, non-transparency, discord, lack of representation to deprived regions are major challenges. Moreover, India’s designs to destabilize the project pose an external challenge.  Tahir Naeem Malik, Lecturer, spoke on ‘Current Challenges in the Middle East.’ He observed that continuity and change are challenges in present Middle East as its unique problems deeply impact on regional level and major powers.

Ashraf Ahmed Ansari, Faculty Member and Incharge, FM Radio, NUML observed in ‘Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion’ that mass communication builds public opinion on information, political debates and expert opinions. However, the media should be free and run by motivated, professional experts for healthy public opinion.

Dr. Maqsudul Hasan Nuri also lectured on: ‘How to start writing and publishing.’ He said teaching and research writing are not mutually exclusive but reinforcing. They provide many professional advantages. He suggested some guidelines on how to break the barrier in writing. Extensive reading, dedication, good mentorship, use of workshops and seminars are useful tools.

Dr. Noor ul Haq, Senior Research Fellow, IPRI highlighted the ‘Military Factor in the Struggle for Pakistan’ by surveying evolution of Muslim soldiers in the British-Indian military. He listed factors such as the Russo-Japanese war, WWI, WWII and pre-independence socio-political developments which heightened consciousness among  the Muslim soldiery.