Pakistan

Lavrov arrives on official visit to discuss broadening of Pak-Russia ties

Published

4 years ago

April 6, 2021

Editor

ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (APP): Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov arrived here Tuesday on a two-day official visit to Pakistan to hold talks for further deepening multi-faceted bilateral relations and cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow.

The Russian Foreign Minister upon arrival at the airport was warmly received by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Shafqat Ali Khan and senior foreign ministry officials.

Foreign Minister Qureshi and his Russian counterpart also had a brief informal meeting at the Chaklala Airbase and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Russian counterpart will lead their respective delegations at the bilateral talks to be held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

During the two-day (April 6-7) official visit, the Russian Foreign Minister will also call on Prime Minister Imran Khan and have interaction with other dignitaries.

Pakistan and Russia enjoy friendly and cooperative relations based on mutual respect, trust and understanding.

Bilateral cooperation is growing across a wide range of areas of common interest including security and defence, counter-terrorism, and the Afghan peace process.

Over the recent past, deepening collaboration in economic, trade and energy sectors has been the focus of the two governments.

The visit of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will contribute to further deepening of the multifaceted bilateral relationship and enhancing mutual understanding on regional and global issues.

Foreign Minister Qureshi, later in a tweet said the visit Foreign Minister Surgey Lavrov was in line with the commitment of Pakistan and Russia to further strengthen their bilateral ties and deepening the growing bonds of cooperation and collaboration.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of Russian Foreign Minister’s visit also released a special video showing the previous interactions between two leaderships at different forums which manifested the growing relations between Islamabad and Moscow.

Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry in an official statement about Surgey Lavrov’s April 6-7 visit to Pakistan said the Foreign Minister will hold talks with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, as well as meetings with the country’s top political and military leadership.

“The parties plan to discuss the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations with an emphasis on cooperation in the trade, economic and counter-terrorism fields, exchange views on topical issues of the international and regional agenda,” it added.

Recalling the establishment of diplomatic relations with Pakistan on 1 May 1948, the Russian Foreign Ministry statement said, “Today Pakistan is an important foreign policy partner of our country. Fruitful interaction is maintained at the international organizations, primarily in the UN and its specialized agencies.”

“The cooperation between Moscow and Islamabad is based on the coincidence or similarity of positions on most of the problems of the world community, including issues of strategic stability and countering terrorism,” it added.

The statement further said that opportunities for joint work had significantly expanded after Pakistan’s accession to the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) as a full member in June 2017. “An intensive political dialogue is maintained, including at the high and the highest levels,” it add4ed.

The statement mentioned that President Vladimir Putin spoke with Prime Minister Imran Khan on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of States (CHS) meeting in Bishkek in June 2019; Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister “on the sidelines” of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2019.

“Meetings of Foreign Ministers of the two countries Sergey Lavrov and Shah Mahmood Qureshi are held regularly (the previous meeting was held in September 2020 in Moscow within the framework of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers – CFM meeting).

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry state, the priority task was to expand trade and economic ties. In 2020, the volume of trade amounted to a record $ 790 million, an increase by 46% was inter alia due to large supplies of Russian wheat.

Within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, specific projects of business partnership are discussed. The sixth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission took place in Islamabad in December 2019, it added.

“Energy is a promising area of business partnership. The flagship project is the construction of the North-South gas pipeline from Karachi to Lahore under the Intergovernmental Agreement signed in 2015. Negotiations are underway with a view to an early start of its practical implementation,” the statement pointed out.

“Other promising projects include the modernization of the Karachi Steel Mills built with the assistance of the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics), the reconstruction of the energy and railway systems of Pakistan, as well as the supply of Russian civil aircraft,” it added.

Describing the situation in Afghanistan as “a common concern”, the Russian Foreign Ministry statement said, “We look forward to an early finding of a constructive solution in order to end the civil war in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan through agreements on the formation of an inclusive government with the participation of the Taliban movement.”

“We will continue to provide the necessary assistance in advancing this process, including through the Troika Plus mechanism of Russia, the United States and China with the participation of Pakistan, the Moscow Format of consultations on Afghan issues, as well as the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group,” the statement maintained.

Pakistan

“Through Iqbal’s Words, We Find the Spirit to Soar as One Nation”

Published

1 week ago

November 9, 2024

EDITOR

a poet, philosopher, and politician but also a visionary who planted the seeds of unity, self-respect, and resilience in the hearts of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. Iqbal’s words were the catalysts that motivated people to recognize their potential, unite under a shared purpose, and ultimately pave the way for an independent Pakistan. His poetry and philosophy still resonate, reminding us of the values we hold dear and the power of unity, faith, and discipline in overcoming challenges.

Iqbal’s Philosophy: A Call to Selfhood and Unity

Iqbal was deeply influenced by the concept of “Khudi,” or selfhood, which he introduced as an idea of recognizing and cultivating the inner strength within each individual. He encouraged Muslims to develop their personal and spiritual strength, advocating for a life driven by purpose and unwavering resolve. For Iqbal, the idea of “Khudi” was not merely about individual development but about understanding that one’s personal strength contributes to the strength of the entire nation.

He also emphasized unity, which he saw as an essential component for the progress and survival of any community. Iqbal believed that unity was the bedrock upon which a nation could stand strong, and he used his poetry to inspire a collective identity that transcended individual differences. His call to unity was not just for the Muslims of India but for all who valued justice, peace, and a meaningful life.

The Message of Faith and Discipline

Iqbal’s poetry speaks powerfully about faith—faith in God, in oneself, and in the potential of a unified community. His famous verse, Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain, abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain (There are worlds beyond the stars, and many more tests of love to come), exemplifies his belief that faith could elevate one’s spirit to new heights. Iqbal saw faith as an energizing force that could help people transcend their limitations, reach their aspirations, and maintain hope in the face of adversity.

For Iqbal, discipline was the natural partner of faith. He believed that true faith must be complemented by discipline to channel energy into productive efforts. In his view, a disciplined nation, united in its principles, would have the resilience to face any challenge, no matter how overwhelming.

Inspiring Pakistan’s Youth: Iqbal’s Enduring Legacy

Iqbal’s influence extends beyond his lifetime, continuing to inspire generations. His poetry and philosophy encourage today’s youth to take pride in their heritage, recognize their potential, and work for a prosperous future. Pakistan’s youth, often regarded as the nation’s greatest asset, can find guidance in Iqbal’s call for unity, faith, and discipline. In a world filled with distractions, his message remains clear: true progress lies in developing oneself and working together for the greater good.

Unity in Diversity: Building a Nation

Iqbal’s vision of Pakistan was one where people, regardless of ethnic or linguistic background, would come together as one. His poetry remains a symbol of this unity, speaking of brotherhood and harmony. He knew that for Pakistan to succeed, its people would have to put aside their differences and focus on a shared goal. This vision is especially relevant today, as a diverse Pakistan works toward the common ideals that Iqbal cherished.

Conclusion: Soaring Together as One Nation

Allama Iqbal’s philosophy of selfhood, unity, faith, and discipline is a timeless message. His words urge us to become better versions of ourselves and to use our strengths to build a stronger, more united Pakistan. By embracing his teachings, we can truly embody the spirit that drives a nation forward. As Pakistan continues to face challenges, Iqbal’s words serve as a reminder that by standing together with a shared vision, Pakistan can not only overcome any adversity but also soar to greater heights.