Women University Mardan Hosts Seminar on Pakistan-ASEAN Connectivity
ISLAMABAD: The Department of Political Science, Women University Mardan, in collaboration with the International Institute for Regional and International Studies (IIRIS) and the Indonesian Corner, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Islamabad, organised an international seminar titled “Reviving the Silk Road to Connect ASEAN and Pakistan: Unlocking Trade, Tourism, and Investment Potential” at the Indonesian Corner, National Library of Pakistan, Islamabad.
According to details, the seminar brought together diplomats, parliamentarians, academicians, researchers and students to discuss opportunities for strengthening Pakistan-ASEAN cooperation in trade, tourism, investment, cultural exchange and regional connectivity.
H.E. Mr Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, High Commissioner of Mauritius, and H.E. Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, attended the seminar as distinguished guests.
Dr Sadia Sulaiman, Associate Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, highlighted the historical significance of the Silk Road. She emphasised the need for cultural connectivity, business-to-business partnerships, digital cooperation through Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity, and green connectivity for sustainable regional development.
Mulana Nasim Ali Shah, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and Guest of Honour, stressed the importance of reconnecting people and building bridges of friendship and cooperation among nations.
Mr Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma, Minister Counsellor and Coordinator for Information, Social and Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of Indonesia, highlighted ASEAN’s role in promoting regional unity and cooperation. He noted that Pakistan-ASEAN trade has exceeded US$11 billion and underlined the importance of collaboration in political, security, economic and socio-cultural sectors.
Addressing the seminar as Chief Guest, Prof Dr Razia Sultana, Vice Chancellor of Women University Mardan, emphasised peace, unity, youth empowerment and the revival of the historic Silk Road through trade, tourism, educational and cultural corridors connecting Pakistan with ASEAN, Central Asia, China and Europe.
She urged greater people-to-people exchanges and stronger economic partnerships for shared regional prosperity.
The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, followed by the presentation of shields to the Guest of Honour, distinguished guests, speakers, the President of IIRIS and the Chief Guest.
The event was organised by Mr Shafqat Rasool, President IIRIS; Dr Nelofer Ikram, Department of Political Science, Women University Mardan; and Mr Muhammad Kamran Khan of Women University Mardan.
Faculty members and students of the Department of Political Science actively participated in the seminar, which served as a platform for dialogue on regional cooperation and connectivity.
