Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry visited the
Elliot School of International Affairs, George Washington University (GWU)
today, to speak to the students and faculty on regional and global issues and
present Pakistan's perspective on these issues. The event was co-hosted by the
GW Law School and the Elliot School, says a press release received from
Washington here today.
Dean Blake D. Morant and Vice Dean
Edward W. Gnehm jointly welcomed the Ambassador. In his welcome remarks, Dean
Morant appreciated Ambassador Chaudhry's service for his country and his contribution
to making the world a better place through his years in the world of
multilateral diplomacy. Ambassador Chaudhry in his presentation reflected upon
the changing world and the emerging alliances around the world. Ambassador
stressed that in an era of changing global alignments, there is a need for
forging closer regional cooperation for attaining economic prosperity.
Regarding Pakistan-US relations, Ambassador
pointed out that history has shown that both countries have benefitted by
working together. It is important to realize that both Pakistan and the US have
shared common interests. Both for Pakistan and the US, peace is a common goal
to be achieved in Afghanistan. Pakistan believes that there is no military
solution to the Afghanistan problem. Instead, a holistic political approach is
required in which kinetic actions would only be a part of an overall strategy.
An Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political solution would pave the way to
achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan. Hence, it is important for Pakistan and the US
to work together for the stability and security of Afghanistan and the region.
Ambassador emphasized that peace in Afghanistan is much more important for
Pakistan than any other country in the region.
In response to a question related to
Pak-India relations, Ambassador Chaudhry said that United States can play a
useful role to promote a dialogue between Pakistan and India for peaceful
resolution of bilateral disputes including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
He reiterated that the way forward for both Pakistan and India is to make
efforts to address outstanding issues and work towards a peaceful co-existence
which would help bring peace, stability & prosperity in the entire region,
he added. Commenting on tremendous counter terrorism efforts made by Pakistan
over last four years, Ambassador narrated that Pakistan has effectively
reversed the tide of terrorism and peace is returning to Federally Administered
Tribal Areas (FATA). The displaced people have returned for their homes and
resuming their normal life. Pakistan has not only acted against the terrorists
but has also put them on run which is unprecedented given the fact that the
whole region is still grappling with the issue of terrorism, he added. Towards the
end of the event, Ambassador thanked the Dean and team of Elliott School of
International Affairs, George Washington University for extending an
opportunity of interacting with the young and enlightened audience. The event
was moderated by Sarah Freuden, Program Director of International and
Comparative Law at the GW Law School.
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