IYCF 2011: ‘Pakistan itself to blame for ruined relations with the international community’

Panel debates, workshops and cultural performances on the second day.

ISLAMABAD:

The second day of the International Youth Conference and Festival (IYCF) 2011 saw substantial deliberations and critique on Pakistan’s relations with the international community.

Senior journalist Raza Rumi, social activist Jami Chandio, writer and activist academic Asim Sajjad Akhter, Ahsan Kamal participated in the panel discussion.

They said that Pakistan has itself ruined its relations with the international community and cannot call itself the victim.

They said that the international community should not be viewed as one entity as Pakistan has allies and foes, adding that every country looks for its own interests.

Four workshops were held during the festival, including the workshop on music which was conducted by artist Ali Mazhar, one on film making conducted by journalist and activist Sammar Minallah and another by Shahid Nadeem (Ajoka Theatre) on theatre.

Later delegates of various countries, including Somali, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia presented rich cultural performances.

Khudi Founder Maajid Nawaz, in his press statement, said, “Through IYCF we hope to connect ordinary Pakistani youth with their own government, prominent national and international personalities, so that Pakistan can re-emerge out of its increasing isolation on to the world stage.”

IYCF will continue at the Pak-China Friendship Centre till Saturday.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2011.