The Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), University of the Punjab organized a One Day Seminar on East Pakistan Debacle on December 16, 2024. Syed Mahmood H. Jafri, a renowned scholar & analyst was the Keynote speaker at the occasion. Mr. Jafri discussed the events that led to the dismemberment of Pakistan. He also highlighted the lessons learnt through this debacle & emphasized that ethno-linguistic and cultural diversity must be accepted through equitable distribution of resources. The Guest Speaker said that cohesive and inclusive decision making are important national issues that need to be addressed. While discussing the way forward, Mr. Jafri said that today we are facing gigantic challenges like terrorism, extremism and insurgencies necessitating a structured approach to stability. He said that External challenges such as cross border militancy demand strategic foresight thus an all-encompassing National Security Policy (NSP) is vital to protect citizens, sovereignty, democratic system, economic stability, critical infrastructure and national values. The Guest Speaker was of the view that Non-Kinetic approach is a must to combat traditional & non-traditional threats like poverty, illiteracy & socio-economic disparities. Mr. Mahmood Jafri said that Pakistan is a blessing and we need to take full utilization of youth bulge and utape the potential in the country's resources.
Prof. Dr. Naheed S. Goraya, Director CSAS thanked the honorable Guest Speaker. She said that the loss of East Pakistan was a traumatic and transformative event as it reshaped the geo-political landscape of South Asia. She underscored that the success of nations depends on the inclusiveness of political institutions. The more inclusive political institutions are in the country; the more economic inclusiveness it will have. In the end, the tribute was also paid to the martyrs of APS by expressing solidarity with their families & saluting their resilience.