BY: Khalid Taimur Akram
On August 30, 2023, the Pakistan Research Centre for a Community with a Shared Future (PRCCSF) organized a meeting at their Chairman Secretariat, bringing together experts and scholars. The event marked the inauguration of the Shared Community Social Media Centre, aimed at using social media to spread shared values. Experts shared insights on using social media to enhance the concept of a community with a shared future. A comprehensive plans for women’s development and empowerment was discussed.
Mr. Ovais Ali Khokhar, Chairman, Board of Experts, PRCCSF, made a welcome address and called for the enhancement of regional connectivity for regional peace and stability and for fulfilling the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) objectives.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, ED, PRCCSF, welcomed the attendees and emphasized that a community with a shared future could advance the Belt and Road Initiative.
Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Advocate, High Court, and Advisor on International Relations, PRCCSF, discussed linking the Silk Road and Gandhara civilizations to build shared values, while Ms. Fatima Javed focused on promoting social media and youth participation in broadening the concept. Mr. Hanan, Digital Marketing Manager, House of Elaan discussed ways of encouraging youth to take part in social media to spread shared values and common ideas.
Professor Dr. Safia Ahmed, vice chancellor, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, discussed how the concept of community with a shared future brings cultures and regions together and close to each other. She also discussed how women can play an immense role in promoting shared values.
Professor Li Huailiang, Dean, Institute for a Community with a Shared Future, called for collaboration and cooperation with Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, and encouraged women’s empowerment and their participation to broaden the concept of a community with a shared future. We have to have spirit and mutual cooperation to solve global challenges. We have to develop more ideas to go further.
Col. Nasir recommended how to promote more cooperation between Pakistan and China in the agriculture, livestock, and education sectors. Professor Dr. Zhang Yanqiu, Deputy Dean of the Institute of Community with Shared Future at the Communication University of China, called for increasing communication to foster this concept. She said we have to do a lot on social media and work together through training and seminars.
Ms. Wajeeha Khan, Lecturer, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, said students have great potential in our country, but we have to focus on encouraging opportunities.
Ms. Sadaf Bashir, Associate professor, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar highlighted the past conferences held by Benazir University about CPEC and BRI. emphasized the importance of mentorship training programs for women during her address to the Chinese delegation. She highlighted that these programs would help women gain a better understanding of the shared future concept.
Dr. Zarmina Baloch, Regional Analyst and Assistant Professor, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, explained how the concept of community with a shared future promotes integration in South-Central Asia and how to bring both countries’ people together.
Mr. Obaid Ayub, Director, House of Elaan and Member Board of Experts, PRCCSF, discussed areas such as infrastructure, trade, and investment to establish businesses through this concept.
Mr. Sumaira Gul, Head of the Political Science Department at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, said we can provide more things to increase connectivity through research.
In the end, Mr. Khalid expressed the ambition to establish a PRCCSF center in Peshawar. He highlighted Peshawar’s strategic location as a gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asia, offering a route for the linkage and enhancement of regional connectivity through initiatives like CPEC and BRI.
