Stability in Afghanistan important for regional connectivity: NSA

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua on Wednesday pointed out that Pakistan shares strong connections with the Central Asian republics.

While addressing a regional conference, Pakistan – A Land of Opportunities for Central Asian Republics here organised by the National Security Division in collaboration with the Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS) she said Pakistan was amongst the first countries which recognised the Central Asian Republics.

National Security Adviser, Lt. Gen (R) Nasser Khan Janjua said stability in Afghanistan is of much importance for connectivity in the region. He said Pakistan supports reconciliation process in Afghanistan as there is no military solution to the conflict. Dr Khudoberdi Kholiqnazar- Director, Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Tajikistan, Republic of Tajikistan presented his speech on “Building Regional Synergies to Achieve Peace, Security and Development”.

Ikramov Adkham Ilkhamovich- former vice prime minister and Presently Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan presented his speech on “Reconnecting Central Asia with South Asia- A Road Towards Prosperity”. Sarmad Ali- President All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS) presented his speech on “Role of Media in Promoting Regional Harmony”. He stated that media is a significant pillar for connectivity and for that reason, we need a common media corridor. He further stated that today perception is stronger than reality so we need to counter propaganda and criticism and highlight our own reality and break criticism. Ms. Irina Chernykh- Chief Research Fellow, Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Republic of Kazakhstan, Baidoletov Nuradil Esenbekovich- Deputy Director, National Institute of Strategic Studies of the Kyrgyz Republic, Shaukat Tarin, former federal finance minister and presently Adviser to the Chairman, Silk Bank also spoke on the occasion.