I am pleased to extend heartiest felicitations to the entire team of the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR), particularly to the Chairman Ambassador Shahid M. Amin, Secretary General & Founder Mr. Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi, and members on the 20th anniversary of the Council.

It is heartening to learn that over the period of two decades, PCFR’s contributions have been instrumental in promoting Pakistan’s soft and positive image at the national and international levels. Since its formation in 2003, PCFR has organized a number of important events on a wide range of subjects and invited foreign dignitaries, government officials, intellectuals, and researchers to share their valuable thoughts. I had the honor of participating in some of the events organized by PCFR.

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is crucial for countries to engage in meaningful dialogue and cooperation to address the challenges we face. From climate change and global health crises to economic instability and security threats, no country can tackle these issues alone. It is only through collaborative efforts that we can achieve sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.

In Pakistan, we recognize the importance of strong diplomatic relations with our neighbours and countries around the world. We are committed to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity through mutual respect and understanding. Pakistan’s foreign policy is guided by the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. We believe in respecting the diversity of cultures and religions, and in promoting tolerance and harmony among nations.

I take this opportunity to congratulate Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) for developing vital linkages with prominent foreign think tanks through the untiring efforts of Mr. Zubairi, which have contributed to promoting Pakistan’s viewpoint on a number of issues particularly those affecting Pakistan. Moreover, the articles on important subjects included in the magazine “The New Vision” have also helped to educate the readers on subjects of national and international significance.

I hope PCFR will continue making its valuable contribution toward identifying, articulating, and evaluating various issues of national concern and promoting Pakistan’s image abroad.

I wish PCFR every success in its future endeavors.

Greetings! I am honored to have been asked to write an introductory message for this esteemed magazine “The New Vision” by Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations.

As a former Ambassador, currently serving the Government of Pakistan as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Coordination, I fully appreciate the importance of engaging in constructive exchanges and debates that generate ideas/thought-provoking analysis of policy issues. This, in turn, facilitates sound decision-making in both the domestic domain and the global context.

The international system remains in a state of flux. The world continues to be confronted that by the fallout of international conflicts, the economic impacts of supply chain disruption during COVID-19, especially for developing countries like Pakistan, the disastrous consequences of climate change, and disparity between and within countries. These are all deeply worrying developments, more so as our region is deeply impacted by rising hostility and belligerence that require measured and calibrated foreign policy initiatives and responses. In my own time, I have seen firsthand, both the transformative power of diplomacy, as well as the devastating consequences when the world failed to accord due importance to dialogue and deliberation.

I trust that your magazine will offer an excellent platform for such meaningful debate, which aims to address the policy-making challenges we face today. I am confident that readers of this magazine will benefit from the discourse and make valuable contributions to the debate around issues of import and concern for policymakers that would help build a better future for all.

I am delighted to learn that the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) is issuing fresh edition of its magazine “The New Vision”.

Publication of this magazine coincides with significant events and major developments taking place regionally as well as globally. For a country like Pakistan with its geostrategic location as well as unprecedented challenges in the sphere of economy and climate change, calibrating its Foreign Policy in rapidly changing situation requires regular monitoring and analyses by the independent thinktanks.

In contemporary times, the role of thinktanks like PCFR as an analyst of foreign policy and global affairs cannot be overemphasized. The studies, research and analyses conducted by such organizations provide an in-depth understanding and an academic perspective of vital strategic issues. I hope this edition of “The New Vision” will be an important academic resource for students and practitioners of international relations alike.

On this occasion, I wish to congratulate Ambassador Shahid M. Amin, Chairman Board of Governors PCFR, and his team and extend my sincere wishes for their success in all their future endeavors.

It is a matter of immense pleasure that the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) is going to publish another edition of its magazine “The New Vision”. I am confident that it will be of immense value and present broader features of our foreign relations in the regional and global context.

Pakistan, owing to its unique strategic location, is of paramount importance on the world stage. We have always endeavored to develop friendly relations with all the countries and particularly with our immediate neighbors, which is the foremost principle of our foreign policy.

I believe that the credible think tanks are of great salience for forming a balance foreign policy in the existing complex situations and swift changes taking place in the world.  Undoubtedly, the PCFR – a composition of eminent people is playing a key role for the purpose. It has proved its existence and attained an important position by organizing a number of seminars and interactive sessions on the diverse subjects. I am glad that continuing its tradition, PCFR is once again publishing the new edition of “The New Vision” which always beautifully showcases the penned articles of distinguished authors on international relations, politics, economy and alike topics on national importance.

I wish PCFR to achieve more milestones and accomplishments ahead.

I am pleased to congratulate team of Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) on completing 20 years of successful journey since its formation in 2003. Over the course of two decades PCFR team particularly the Founder and Secretary General Mr. Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi has played vital role in promoting Pakistan’s interests across various sections of the society mainly the diplomatic missions based in Islamabad, Karachi, and abroad accredited to Pakistan.

The efforts of Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations not only promote country’s moderate and progressive image but also serves as a bridge between the business community of Pakistan and foreign missions accredited to Pakistan. PCFR has established mutually beneficial linkages with leading think-tanks across the globe. Most recently PCFR has also organized a number of thought-provoking sessions on subjects related to Economic, Foreign Policy, and Legal issues where experts were invited to share their expert opinions.

I believe the role of organization like PCFR has been instrumental amid rapidly changing social, political, and economic situations at national and international level. I am confident that PCFR with its penal of experts will continue to contribute to the informed policy making process through its efforts. On the part of Sindh Government, I assure PCFR of our best possible support and cooperation in its future endeavors.

Dear Member of the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR)

It is a pleasure for me, that in my capacity as Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Pakistan, I had the opportunity to address a conference organized by PCFR and hold an exchange with its members, to extend sincere congratulations to entire team of PCFR for 20th anniversary of its formation.

I remember that it was a fruitful exchange for everyone present, including me, in an atmosphere of respect, interest and recognition. We addressed many global and bilateral issues at that time, which are renewed and remain valid.

Undoubtedly, we must be guided by the defense of peace and the peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as respect for the principles and norms of International Law and the United Nations Chapter. The world we live in today needs a lot of this and everyone’s effort to solve the serious problems and challenges we face.

Once again, receive my congratulations and my best wishes for you to continue in this important work related to international relations.

I am pleased to learn that the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its formation this year. On this great occasion I would like to offer our warmest congratulations and best wishes, and to record a certificate of acknowledgment and appreciation for this esteemed Council that works towards a strategic vision of issues related to foreign policy, the global economy, law, cultural affairs, and sustainable development.

We highly value organization like PCFR which serve as a bridge between the foreign diplomatic missions and the members of business community, academia, and civil society. This connection helps to strengthen the relations of friendship and cooperation that enriches mutual interests and common benefits between Pakistan and other countries.

I take this opportunity to highlight my interaction with PCFR on my first visit to Karachi, economic capital of Pakistan and stores glorious memories of Pakistan’s solidarity with the great Algerian revolution, in December 2022. The visit offered me a great opportunity to meet my dear brother Mr. Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi, Secretary-General and Founder of the Council and discover the Council having a number of distinguished former ambassadors, business community, diplomats and brilliant advocates.

During this beautiful visit, I was warmly welcomed and deeply supported by Mr. Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi, who organized for me in his residence an excellent meeting with an elite members of council, businessmen, diplomats and prominent media figures and we exchanged views on opportunities for bilateral trade, economic cooperation, partnership and investment.

In parallel with the celebration of PCFR’s 20th anniversary of its founding, Algeria and Pakistan also celebrate this year the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries; a happy double occasion, in which I hope that we work together to consolidate brotherly relations and to promote the exchange and cooperation in various fields for the benefit and development of our two countries.

I once again congratulate the Council on its 20th anniversary, a bright step on a track full of numerous valuable activities. Many Congratulations to Chairman of the Council, H. E. Ambassador Shahid M. Amin, Secretary General Mr. Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi and its respected members for their commendable contributions in serving the objectives of the Council.

I wish the esteemed Council continuous success and further progress and prosperity to the brotherly Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Also, I wish to Algeria and Pakistan relation’s more enhanced and developed.

I am pleased to extend heartiest felicitations to the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) particularly Mr. Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi Secretary General on publishing special edition of the magazine “The New Vision” on 20th anniversary of Council’s formation. Since its formations PCFR has been contributing to educating people of Pakistan on a number of critical national and international issues particularly those effecting Pakistan.

I take this opportunity to highlight that PCFR, with the patronage of important personalities like former ambassadors, prominent businessmen, serving and retired government officials, and elite of the city, has served as bridge between Pakistani community and the diplomatic corps based in Islamabad and Karachi. I am hopeful that PCFR will continue to play its pivotal role towards advancing Pakistan’s national interests at the national and international level.

It is worth noticing that global and regional dynamics are undergoing a rapid change characterized by the crisscross of geo-economics and geo-politics. The evolving competition between the existing and emerging powers has unveiled a number of foreign policy challenges for countries like Pakistan with struggling economic, political, and security vulnerabilities. In view of this, I am confident that the latest edition of “The New Vision’ will focus on content that will enlighten the readers on the changing global dynamics and evolving challenges and opportunities for Pakistan’s economy and foreign relations.

I once again congratulate the entire team of the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) on the successful completion of 20 years since its formation. I wish the entire team the best of luck for its future endeavors.