Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry visited the Elliot School of International Affairs, George Washington University (GWU, 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.
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.
November 01 , 2017
Washington D.C
