DSRS JU  organises Panel Discussion on ‘Current Political Crises in Pakistan’

Jammu, May 26- The Department of Strategic and Regional Studies (DSRS), University of Jammu has organized a Panel Discussion on “Current Political Crises in Pakistan” in the seminar hall of the department. The session was chaired by Prof. Mathew Joseph C, Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi. The panel for discussion was comprises of experts on Pakistan affairs including Brig. (Retd.) Dr. Vijay Sagar Dheman, Managing Director, International Institute of J&K Studies; Mr. Pradeep Dutta, Bureau Chief J&K, Times Now and Dr. Mohd. Monir Alam, Assistant Professor, DSRS, University of Jammu. Prof. Virender Koundal, Director DSRS, formally welcomes the panellists and other dignitaries and introduced the theme of the panel discussion.

Mr. Pradeep Dutta gave an elaborate presentation on the present political situation in Pakistan. He mentioned the three A’s- Allah, America and Army which drives the politics of Pakistan and added two more A’s – al-Qaeda and AK-47. He underlines the protests of 9 May, 2023 across Pakistan is the turning point in politics and argued that Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has done more damage to Pakistan Army than any other. He highlighted that, Pakistan is using religion just to bind the population in one nation. 

Dr. Munir Alam drew attention to the role of army in Pakistan’ social-economic conditions. He highlighted the reasons of backwardness of political structure in Pakistan and also compared it with India’s democratic norms as both India and Pakistan got freedom on the same date. He also underlines how Pakistan was saved from the being failing due to invasion of the US in Afghanistan after 9/11 attack in USA.

Brig. Dr. Vijay Sagar Dheman highlighted the military perspective on current situation in Pakistan and underlines the rift within the Pakistan Army. He gave detail description regarding different internal and external factors affecting Pakistan decision-making process. He argued that India must be watchful of the Pakistan military as well as non-state actors supported by them.

Prof. Mathew Joseph C, a seasoned academician, during moderation touched upon various aspects of Pakistan politics and presented a broader picture of the current political situation.

The panel discussion was followed by the question-answer session. This event was hosted by Ms. Vasundra Raje, Research Scholar, DSRS. The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Ganesh Malhotra. This program was attended by the department faculty Dr. Surinder Mohan, Dr. Suneel Kumar, Dr. Ganesh Malhotra and Dr. Ranjan Sharma, members of civil society, faculty from other departments of the university, Research Scholars and Postgraduate students.

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