Seminar Organized By Embassy of Pakistan and Vienna School of International Studies.

Austria(Daily Roshni News International…Report: Muhammad Amir Siddique Journalist Vienna Austria) Seminar Organized By Embassy of Pakistan and Vienna School of International Studies in Vienna on Challenges & Opportunities For Middle Powers In The Geopolitical Order, A large number of Ambassadors, included Ambassadors of Austria,China,Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Mexico (CDA) and representatives from several embassies, UN diplomats, international students and the Pakistani community participated in the seminar.

A special address was delivered via Zoom by Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Chairman, Foreign Relations Committee, National Assembly of Pakistan.

Other speakers at the event included the Chinese His Excellency Ambassador to Austria Li Song, His Excellency Ambassador Karl Hallergaard (EU), Mr Mustafa Kibaroglu, DPR Turkiye, Peter Haider, President Universal Peace Federation Austria, Gerhard Seiler, (MFA Austria) and His Excellency Ambassador of Pakistan Kamran Akhtar Malik.

Ms. Khar stressed the centrality of multilateralism in resolving global issues. She further emphasized the need to refer to the paralysis of the United Nations in the context of conflicts in South Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and other parts of the world. She said that global power competition was undermining effective multilateralism. She warned against the selective application of principles in different situations, which resulted in the loss of confidence in the multilateral system. She urged the international community to take serious note of the normalization of violations of territorial integrity by a group of states, which could seriously undermine global and regional peace and stability.

All the speakers condemned the heinous terrorist attack in Khuzdar, Balochistan, in unequivocal terms and said that targeting innocent children cannot be justified in any way. They further said. A rules-based international order provides clear rules and principles, reduces conflicts and misunderstandings. It is the foundation of peaceful resolution of conflicts and global stability. Multilateralism ensures that all countries, large and small, have one voice in global affairs. By upholding sovereignty, equality and transparency, we promote cooperation in our interconnected world. Collective action on global challenges such as climate change and health crises is possible only through multilateralism. No country can tackle these problems alone. Fair trade and economic openness thrive in a rules-based system, which supports development and poverty reduction worldwide. Let us maintain a level playing field. By curbing power politics and unilateralism, a rules-based order promotes long-term global stability.  Cooperation beats conflict every time.

In his remarks, His Excellency Ambassador Kamran Akhtar reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for the global multilateral system, while also highlighting the shortcomings of the United Nations in resolving long-standing conflicts, including Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. He stressed that a strong and effective United Nations is essential for global peace and security. In order to address the current security challenges, the Ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The Ambassador also stressed the importance of upholding the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, including the peaceful resolution of disputes and the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States.

A question and answer session continued at the end of the seminar. Finally, the Embassy of Pakistan arranged food for all the participants.