Islamabad: Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed emphasized Pakistan’s stance against aligning with any camps reminiscent of Cold War dynamics, particularly when it involves countering its ally China. His comments came during the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) event titled, “US’ Asia-Pacific Strategy: Implications for Pakistan-India Relations.”
Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi highlighted the shift from Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific terminology as a US strategy to contain China, positioning India centrally in this approach. He cautioned that China’s unique status and resilience meant that empowering India against it would not yield success, urging Pakistan to avoid participating in such confrontational strategies.
President IRS, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, noted the risks of a new Cold War, emphasizing how India’s exploitation of Western support was undermining Pakistan and pursuing hegemonic goals in South Asia. He critiqued the West’s perception of India as a reliable partner given its strategic maneuvering.
Adviser SPD Ambassador Zameer Akram discussed the US’s intention to dominate the Indo-Pacific region and the expanding role of NATO to contain China. He pointed out that US support had emboldened India, making it a regional aggressor.
Professor Zafar Jaspal warned of the growing alliance between India and the US, noting that India’s aggressive policies under Prime Minister Modi, supported by the US, posed significant challenges for Pakistan. He described India’s regional aggressiveness as a sign of its limitations and strategic duplicity.
Security expert Syed Muhammad Ali clarified that China was not seeking hegemonic status but focused on countering US influence through global partnerships. He noted India’s aggressive actions, supported by US backing, in regions like Pulwama and Galwan, emphasizing the need for vigilance against such behavior. The event attracted a diverse audience, including diplomats, academicians, researchers, journalists, and students.
