PESHAWAR
Since independence, Pakistan’s economy has struggled with many debts such as soaring foreign debt, trade deficit, inflation, and depreciating currency, said speakers in a seminar on ‘Pakistan’s Economic Crisis and Foreign Policy Challenges’.
Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) organized a seminar on the country’s economy and its links with the foreign policy in Peshawar.
Secretary General PCFR, Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi, chaired the seminar, which was addressed by Dr Shamshad Akhtar former governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and ambassador (r) Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, former foreign secretary and former ambassador to the United State of America (USA).
Chairman PCFR on the occasion highlighted the overall significance of the seminar and greeted the guests.
Ambassador Amin said that economy and foreign policy are intrinsically linked with each other.
While commenting on foreign policy Ambassador Amin maintained that instead of putting all eggs in one basket we should have multiple foreign policy options.
Dr Shamshad Akhtar shared “Pakistan’s Economic Challenges: Present and Future”.
She highlighted the challenges Pakistan has been facing on the economic front for the last many years.
She stressed upon the need of prudent and skillful economic management to deal with uncertainties and risks in Pakistan. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry deliberated on “Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Challenges Amidst Economic Vulnerabilities”.
Ambassador Chaudhry maintained that Pakistan is facing a number foreign policy challenges that include navigating between U.S and China Rivalry.
Balancing between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Modi’s India, unstable Afghanistan, and several non-traditional threats.
He also highlighted that Pakistan’s economic vulnerabilities have limited options for dealing with the challenges at foreign policy front.
The talks were followed by a lively question and answer session.
The event was attended by a foreign Consul Generals, businessmen, retired ambassadors, academics, and researchers.
