Prof. Dr. Razia Sultana Calls for Stronger Pakistan

Experts Highlight Trade, Tourism and Investment Opportunities

TIMES REPORT

MARDAN: 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, organized 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.

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.

The seminar was graced by H.E. Mr. Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, High Commissioner of Mauritius, and H.E. Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, as distinguished guests.

Dr. Sadia Sulaiman, Associate Professor, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, highlighted the historical significance of the Silk Road and emphasized 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/Coordinator for Information, Social and Cultural Affairs, 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 emphasized collaboration in political, security, economic, and socio-cultural sectors.

Addressing the seminar as the Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Razia Sultana, Vice Chancellor, Women University Mardan, emphasized the importance of peace, unity, youth empowerment, and reviving 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 organized by Mr. Shafqat Rasool, President, IIRIS, Dr. Nelofer Ikram, Department of Political Science, Women University Mardan, and Mr. Muhammad Kamran Khan, Women University Mardan. Faculty members and students of the Department of Political Science actively participated in the seminar, making it a successful platform for dialogue on regional cooperation and connectivity.