State's interest should be prioritised when dealing with other countries: KU VC

International conference at KU calls for political equality among nations

Protecting the interests of people and the state of Pakistan must be prioritised when dealing with other countries. We have historically been in the habit of giving extra concession to our brotherly or friendly countries while compromising on our interests.

These view were expressed by University of Karachi (KU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan while he was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the international conference, 'Diversity and Peace: Challenges to Social Discourse', at the varsity's Arts Auditorium on Thursday.

Serious human rights violations are being committed in Kashmir. However, international community is not paying attention to our stance, Dr Khan lamented. The VC also touched upon the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), stating that CPEC would prove equally beneficial to both China and Pakistan.



The conference's recommendations were presented by Punjab University Professor Emeritus Prof Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi.

"The conference recommends a dialogue across diversities that exist in Pakistan. We should strive hard at official and societal level for socio-cultural and religious tolerance and promote mutual cooperation. We need to work together for the ideals set out in the Constitution of Pakistan as well as [in] the statements of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah," Dr Rizvi said.

"The conference reiterates that global peace and stability can be guaranteed if all nations respect one another and ensure the rights of suffering humanity," read the recommendations calling for political equality and mutual respect among nations.



Meanwhile, foreign scholars who attended the conference also shared their views. Dr Yahya Yesilyurt from Kastamonu University, Turkey shed light on the history of friendly relations between Turkey and Pakistan and future prospects of economic and military cooperation between the two countries. "I want to thank the University of Karachi for such great hospitality," the Turkish scholar said.

Dr Olena Bordilovska from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine said such international conferences were important for promoting peace and harmony as they brought intellectuals from across the world together.

KU Faculty of Social Science Dean Prof Dr Muhammad Ahmed Qadri presented a vote of thanks to all the local and foreign participants in the conference.