CGSS organizes online conference; Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery HI(M), (Retd)- President CGSS welcomed guests; envoys and defence attaches share their views

STAFF REPORT/DNA

ISLAMABAD: Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad organized an “Online Conference”with the Ambassadors and Diplomats of the Embassy of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and, Russia on the topic “How EuroAsian Countries are Ensuring Preventive Measures Against COVID-19 & Their Suggestions for Others.”.

Keeping in view the recent situation of COVID-19 in Pakistan and around the globe, CGSS organized an online session to analyze and discuss the measures taken by Eurasian countries to effectively combat COVID-19.

The session was commenced by Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery HI(M), (Retd)- President Center for Global& Strategic Studies (CGSS). He welcomed the panelists to the online conference and highlighted the importance of  preventive measures taken on  regional level.

Brig Mansoor Saeed, discussed the steps taken by Pakistan Government for battling COVID-19, he also mentioned the special Tiger Force and their responsibilities.

Ali Alizada – Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan shared the preventive measures taken by the Government of Azerbaijan, they have imposed a country wide lockdown with limited mobility. He further mentioned the special organizations formed to control the spread of COVID-19.

Ismatullo Nasredin –Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan mentioned that till date no cases have been reported officially but Tajikistan Government is prepared and fully equipped to deal with any emergency. The government has closed all international borders and prohibited all large gatherings.

Akan Rakhmetullin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan expressed his views and mentioned that, serious quarantine measures have been taken in the country to control the spread. Furthermore, he briefed about the special measures taken for the most vulnerable citizens, they are being provided with free groceries.

Furqat A. Sidikov – Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan shared his thoughts and highlighted that all Educational Institutions and Offices have been closed to ensure social distancing. Moreover, to facilitate the effected tourism industry of Uzbekistan special financial support has been provided to hotels and tourist agencies.

Colonel Anatoly A. Fedotov- Defense Attache – Embassy of Russian Federation to Pakistan stated the goodwill gestures by Russian Government of sending aid to effected countries in the form of medical equipment. Furthermore, the government has also made a volunteering force for assisting the elderly citizens of the country.

Colonel Mehman Novruzov- Defence Attache, Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan highlighted the special flights arranged to facilitate the citizens of Azerbaijan around the world. He further stated that COVID-19 tests are being done regularly to limit the spread of the pandemic.

Lt Gen Naeem Khalid Lodhi, (Retd) – Senior Member Advisory Board CGSS advised the citizens to play their role in helping the government for collectively fighting the pandemic.

Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan – Member Board of Experts, CGSS & Regional Geopolitical Analyst reviewed the diversified policies taken by Eurasian countries against COVID-19 and appreciated the effective measures taken by Eurasian countries.

Brigadier Akhtar Nawaz Janjua (Retd)- Senior Member Advisory Board CGSS stated that this pandemic can be defeated by staying united as a nation.

Syed Muhammad Ali – Member Advisory Board CGSS gave valuable suggestions regarding the political, cultural, economic, and diplomatic measures that need to be taken in order to defeat COVID-19.

The online conference was attended by 25 participants including experts from academia and health sector.