KARACHI, Aug 6: Former senator and federal information minister Javed Jabbar has called for accepting opportunities of globalization that have been present throughout human history , and which have become more sophisticated and advanced in the contemporary world offering challenges and rewards.

He expressed these views while speaking at a seminar on "Peace studies and conflict resolution" organized by the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi.

Mr Jabbar speaking on "Pakistan and the challenges of globalization" completely explored the theme of globalization. He said that globalizing tendencies had existed in human history since time immemorial.

There have been certain religions, which have had globalizing influence on human history and the world, he said, adding the history of globalization could be comfortably put into two phases, archaic and modern. Archaic globalization continued until the 17th century, while it modern phase began in the 18th century.

Pakistan, he said, faced many challenges - political, economic, educational, social and technological - and did not have the capability to perform excellently in all areas.

Firstly, Pakistan needs to have a genuine and vibrant democratic culture, which should entail each citizen's participation in the political system. If necessary, compulsory voting be introduced to ensure greater participation of the people in the political process, he suggested.

Mr Jabbar observed that capitalism was the only economic system presently functional and dominant in the world, and it could be made to play a constructive role if given a humane colour.

He said that education in Pakistan faced a tough challenge, adding that without a highly educated and skilled population, no state could move towards development. Globalization, he acknowledged, also presented a social challenge. To combat that, he suggested, "We have to deepen our commitment to our values and ideals."

Lastly, the technological challenge needs to be faced with responsibility. Technologically, Pakistan had the requisite potential, which needs to be materialized, said.

Prof Dr Moonis Ahmar emphasized the need for improving the standard of education, which in his view, was the surest instrument to be able to deal with globalization. - PPI