LAHORE: Pakistan’s Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani emphasized the importance of economic cooperation and regional connectivity in nurturing sustainable peace.
Speaking at a one-day International Conference on “Navigating Regional Dynamics: from Conflict to Cooperation in South Asia,” hosted by Minhaj University in Lahore on Saturday, Gilani said that the conference had brought together respected international and national speakers to discuss important issues facing the region.
The Chairman of the Senate appreciated the organizers for facilitating dialogue and understanding on regional affairs, adding that such efforts were highly admirable in addressing the challenges and opportunities in the region. He acknowledged the multitude of challenges South Asia faces, including historical disputes, political conflicts, security threats, and cross-border issues such as drug smuggling and terrorism.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional and international peace, adding that Pakistan’s role is crucial in facilitating dialogue and peace talks, as well as its significant contributions to the peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations.
Yusuf Raza Gilani also stressed the need to expedite regional connectivity to enhance collective GDP, emphasizing the imperative for joint action towards inclusive and sustainable socio-economic growth across the region.
Chairman Senate Over CPEC, CASA-1000
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to achieving regional development goals, the Chairman of the Senate stressed the importance of launching cooperative initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Central Asia-South Asia (CASA-1000) project.
He stated that CPEC, a flagship project of the Belt and Road initiative, links Western China to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan, facilitating trade, infrastructure development, and energy cooperation. Similarly, Gilani added that CASA-1000 facilitates the sale of surplus electricity from Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, promoting shared benefits and regional integration.
Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani also expressed his views on the important role of tourism in bridging divides, dispelling stereotypes, and nurturing closer connections among people. Stressing the importance of prioritizing people-to-people exchange, he highlighted the need for bilateral and multilateral partnerships, joint investments, and the promotion of good governance to create a conducive environment for shared prosperity in South Asia.
پاکستان علاقائی وعالمی سطح پر امن کا خواہاں ،سی پیک خطے میں گیم چینجر منصوبہ ہے. چیئرمین سینیٹ، سید یوسف رضا گیلانی کا بین الاقوامی کانفرنس سے خطاب.@gillanihouse_MC @OfficialMUL
چیئرمین سینیٹ سید یوسف رضا گیلانی نے کہا ہے کہ پاکستان علاقائی اور عالمی سطح پر پائیدار امن کا… pic.twitter.com/WTNWY550VB— Office of the Chairman Senate, Pakistan (@OfficeSenate) April 27, 2024
