KARACHI, March 17: Eminent scholars and experts of international relations at a seminar have called for establishing “think-tanks” comprising experts to provide guidelines to the government on preparation of foreign policy, based on needs and aspirations of people.

They deplored that during last 56 years, Pakistan’s foreign policies were prepared by those who were not eligible enough to formulate such important national policies and called for including academicians in decision-making.

The seminar on “Role of Pakistan in International Politics” was organized by Department of Political Science, University of Karachi and addressed by scholars of international relations and political science, including Prof Mir Hamid Ali Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor KU Dr Akhlaq Ahmed, Dr Mohammad Ahmed Qadri, Syed Abid Hussain and others.

Dr Mohammad Ahmed Qadri deplored that political science as a subject was neglected by governments since inception of Pakistan and added that unlike other countries, establishment of think-tanks comprising academicians and experts were also ignored.

Dr Qadri said in years to come, China would be equally powerful as US other superpowers and suggested that Pakistan should formulate its foreign policy by learning from policies adopted by the Malaysian governments.

Pro-Vice Chancellor KU D. Akhlaq Ahmed said the only way left for the Islamic world to regain its past glory was acquiring economic and political stability through science and technology, promotion of education and literacy and taking wise decisions.

He said that the Ummah was passing through worst time in its history as Muslims were in a state of war in Iraq, Palestine, Kashmir and other regions of the world for their survival and added that the issue of Iran was being exaggerated to protect Israel, which was in fact “Islamic Phobia”.

Dr Akhlaq said in Pakistan feudalism destroyed country’s economy and destabilized political situation while in a neighbouring country feudalism was eradicated through land reforms which is necessary for survival and strengthening of democracy in the country.

Prof Mir Hamid Ali Khan advocated formation of think-tanks to provide suggestions to the government on important national issues and assist in formation of foreign policies.

Syed Abid Hussain said education was vital for democracy and called for paying importance to having excellence in science and technology, saying it was pivotal for Pakistan’s existence.—PPI