The Center for Pakistan and Gulf Studies was launched in Islamabad in February to promote relations between Pakistan and the Gulf countries. CPGS President Sen. Sehar Kamran in an interview to Absar Syed of Urdu News spoke about the objectives of launching this think tank and how it is going to strengthen relations between Pakistan and the GCC.
Following are the excerpts from the interview:
What was the rationale behind the launch of CPGS?
The rationale behind establishing this think tank was to protect and promote the interests of Pakistan and to foster relations with countries of the Gulf region by rediscovering the strength of our relations and providing them a direction. Pakistan’s perspective needs to be projected aptly at strategic forums and institutes. International conferences focus only on growing terrorism in Pakistan. Consequently, it was important to highlight the cause of Pakistan and to give a real picture of our contributions and sacrifices in fighting terrorism and attaining global peace.
The Senate of Pakistan plays an important legislative role and after securing the position of a senator in Pakistan, I am trying to bring forward the cause of Pakistan effectively.
Would you enlighten us about operational framework and basic objectives of CPGS?
This think tank aims to promote regional integration for international peace, harmony, security and stability by making substantive intellectual, academic and global contributions with a broader aim to present viewpoints of Pakistan and the Gulf region to the rest of the world.
CPGS endeavors to create understanding of issues between peoples, governments, intellectuals and other entities of Pakistan and the Gulf region for strategic, political, economic and cultural cohesion through discussion and dialogue for sustainable development in the region. It will also formulate recommendations for Pakistan and the Gulf governments to assist in policy formulation on regional and international issues. Moreover, CPGS will collaborate with other research institutions and think tanks for achieving the core objectives.
When was CPGS established and when did it start functioning?
Being a member of the Senate standing committees on defense and foreign affairs, I got the opportunity to acquire knowledge on important issues through regular briefings and felt the need for an independent institution to study important subject through research and intellectual discourse.
In my pursuit to establish such an institution I was inspired by the motto of, “Innovating a future,” and it was August 2012 when I met Lt. Gen. (retd) Agha Muhammad Umer Farooq, the former president of National Defense University, who supported my idea and Gen. Ehsan Ul Haq also extended his support. Later on, intellectuals, experts and scholars like Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema, Tanveer Ahmed Khan (former foreign secretary) joined us.
Gradually, we started working on the basic structure of CPGS i.e., registration, website, logo and its motto “Innovating Future.” Our institute was registered in December 2012 and subsequently the governing board and the advisory board were formed.
The governing body does not include any personality from Saudi Arabia...any specific reason?
CPGS is registered in Pakistan therefore the governing board members are Pakistani, it is basically an administrative body comprising talented and motivated personalities who will work toward accelerating social, political and economic development for the benefit of the people of Pakistan and the Gulf region.
Currently, how many think tanks are working in Pakistan? And how effective they are?
Unfortunately, we lag behind and roughly 25 think tanks are working. Last month, in our seminar ‘Innovating Pakistan and Gulf Relations,’ held in Islamabad, Gen. Eshki, during his address pointed out that 6,000 think tanks operate in the US. Eshki said that he used to ponder why the Muslim countries did not have a think tank and he commended the establishing of CPGS.
Our first seminar in Islamabad was very successful. The presentations made by panelists illustrated the richness of their background and first-hand knowledge they have gathered from their overwhelming experience in various domains. They flagged issues relevant to the dynamics of energy security, post withdrawal Afghan scenario, and perspectives on what may lie ahead in terms of interaction between Pakistan and the Gulf region.
How did the president of Pakistan respond to the CPGS initiative?
President Asif Ali Zardari appreciated the setting up of CPGS and assured his continuous support to the initiative.
Will the Gulf countries and Pakistan accept suggestions given by your think tank?
Research work has been undertaken. Various alternatives for management and resolution of various issues are suggested to the governments and private entities for consideration. Nevertheless, we do not impose our resolve, so analysts and relevant experts deliberately think over the perspectives for the mutual benefits of the regions.
You say that think tank will present Pakistan and Gulf countries’ viewpoints on international level. Aren’t OIC and GCC countries enough as they are doing the same work?
OIC and GCC have their own platform, they work according to their charters and regulations. Whereas think tanks are independent institutions to promote research, intellectual discourse and recommend policy options.
Will this think tank be helpful in establishing peace and strengthening ties between different countries?
We are passing through a very turbulent phase of our history that is characterized by political upheavals, economic instability etc. This Center aims to launch a dialogue and to provide a forum where political perspectives and academic analysis could be converged and channelized into practical and viable policy alternatives.
Do you have any plans to conduct research on the post-withdrawal situation in Afghanistan? Will the think tank play any role in rooting out terrorism?
Peace in Afghanistan is linked to Pakistan. No other country has more stakes in Afghanistan than Pakistan and definitely after the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, its stability and security is necessary. For that we have to make future plans to tackle these challenges. The emerging circumstances demand that we pay careful attention to the dynamics of the region. Peace and security can only be ensured through a sustainable intellectual discourse on matters that concern the people of this region and the world at large. Hence, we will conduct research and coin our policies accordingly. I would add here that thoughts need to be understood before changing the mindset. Here Saudi Arabia can be cited as an example for its approach in dealing with their masses.
From where do you get funds to run the CPGS operation?
CPGS is an independent organization headquartered in Islamabad. Our governing board members contribute toward providing funds. Sponsorship is one of the sources. Later on CPGS memberships will generate funds. Many think tanks in Pakistan and the GCC are willing to sign MOUs with us.
What is your message regarding CPGS?
The message is simple. We are committed to providing analysis that is both actionable and effective, with our primary areas of concentration devoted to enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and the countries of Gulf region by assisting the policy makers with research and analysis based on facts and regional realities. The think tank that we have formed will serve the larger interests of Pakistan.
