HYDERABAD, April 23: Former foreign minister Mr Agha Shahi has called upon politicians and scholars to play their role for sustainable development with an understanding of the international political situation.

He was speaking on “Geopolitical politics of subcontinent” at the University of Sindh on Saturday.

The programme was organised by the Area Study Centre for Far East and South-East Asia and the department of International Relations.

He said that 9/11 had changed the world and geopolitics of the subcontinent.

He said that there were complications in the geopolitical situation, especially for the sub-continent, and that the US geopolitics was affecting the entire region.

He said that there was difference in policies of the US for Pakistan and India and added that the US was not treating Pakistan at par with India.

He said that in the present international scenario, China was concentrating on peaceful advancement and that the US was worried about the rise of China as an economic power.

He said that for the development of economy, trade, import and export, there should be stress on the private sector for improving economic conditions.

About the economic situation of China, Mr Shahi said that due to concentration on trade, China has emerged as one of the leading economies in the world.

He said that scholars needed to forcefully project their point of view on international issues, particularly in South Asia.

He said that it was the duty of scholars not only to express their views but also to devote their time to the study of issues related to international politics for the understanding of geopolitics.

He said that in the current international situation, only those countries would prosper which concentrated on sustainable development of business and trade.

He said that China was a superpower in the making due to its powerful economy and diversification of its import and export.

He said that for the development of economy it was necessary for the business community to participate in healthy business activities and competition.

The dean of the faculty of social sciences, Dr Rafia A. Shaikh, also spoke on the occasion.

The director of the Area Study Centre for Far East and South-East Asia, Dr Lutfullah Mangi, introduced the guest speaker.

A large number of faculty members and students from the centre and other departments attended the lecture.