Department of Politics & IR’s Four- Day Educational Trip to Islamabad
Preamble
Under the direction and guidance of honorable Pro-Rector, Dr. Nassar Ikram, Department of Politics and International Relations organized a four-day educational trip to Islamabad from February 28th to March 03, 2022. During the trip, the UCP delegation paid visit to Parliament (National Assembly & Senate), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), Institute of Security and Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), National Institute of Pakistan Studies (NIPS), and School of Politics & International Relations, Quaid-e-Azam University. During the visit, UCP delegation explored multiple opportunities of institutional linkages, collaborative research projects, students and faculty exchange programs, Internships and jobs placement, joint conferences, seminars, webinars, and training workshops.
Day 1
UCP delegation paid a brief visit to National Assembly where they were briefed about the history, constitutional and political developments, procedures and functions of both houses in terms of law-making and their powers.
Day 2
On day two, UCP delegation was scheduled to visit Institute of Regional Studies (IRS). The delegation was fortunate to participate in an ongoing session at IRS on the pressing Kashmir issue and Peace in South Asia. The keynote speaker of the Seminar was the well-acclaimed historian and renowned scholar Professor Dr. Victoria Schofield. Key highlight of the session was the active participation of UCP’s students and faculty. Later on, faculty members had a meeting with the President and officials of IRS for the future cooperation between the two institutions. Topics of the discussion included Internship and job-placement of students, and joint research projects. Both agreed to ink the Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) in this regard.
In the second half of the day, UCP delegation went to the School of Politics & International Relations, and Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (P.I.D.E), Quaid-e-Azam University. At both avenues students were sensitized with the ongoing programs of the institutions. Visiting UCP faculty also explored the possibilities of joint research projects, conferences, seminars as well as faculty development and exchange programs.
Day 3
On day three, UCP delegation visited Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At IPRI, UCP delegation was given a brief snapshot of the historical timeline, current research projects, publications, research journals, and their input in policy making of Pakistan. This presentation was followed by an interactive and robust session with the former Ambassador, Asif Durrani who enlightened the students with the skillset they need to pursue their career goals. Dr. Waheed Ahmed Khan had a word with the Acting Head, Editor and senior research fellows and explored the likely options in terms of institutional cooperation.
At ISSI, UCP contingent was warmly welcomed by the Director Admin Dr. Talat and his team who arranged the seminar on Sino-Pak and Pak-Afghan relations and the changing dynamics of global politics. Students actively participated in the seminar. Director Admin ISSI himself suggested signing of an MOU with Department of Politics & International Relations, UCP, which was warmly welcomed by Dr. Waheed Ahmed Khan.
In the later part of the day, UCP delegation was received with great honor by the protocol officer and team of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). A comprehensive presentation was given by the MOFA officials on the functions and operationalization of Pakistani foreign missions. It was followed by the interactive Q &A session led by the Director General of Strategic Communication Division, MOFA. Students were very motivated to join diplomatic frontline of Pakistan and enquired about the possibilities of joining foreign service.
Day 4
The UCP delegation visited the Centre for International Security Studies (CISS). Dr. Waheed Ahmed Khan had a candid and useful interaction with Ambassador (R) Iftikhar-ud-din Hassan, Editor CISS journal ‘Insight’. CISS representative briefed the delegation about the mission of his research center, which focuses on nuclear issues of Pakistan. He also encouraged the students and faculty members to get engaged in research on non-conventional parts of national security. Dr. waheed Ahmed Khan showed his expression of interest in establishing institutional collaboration and linkages. CISS representative responded the query very positively and asked the delegation to send official correspondence in this regard.
