DHA Suffa University organizes International Relations Dialogue on Middle East Crisis

KARACHI: DHA Suffa University (DSU) organized an International Relations Dialogue at its auditorium to discuss the ongoing Middle East crisis, its regional and global implications, and the role of diplomacy in promoting peace. The event was held in collaboration with Bahria University, DHA Suffa University, and Greenwich University, bringing together academics, diplomats, journalists, and students for an exchange of perspectives on contemporary international affairs.
The programme began with the recitation and the national anthem, followed by a welcome address by Air Cmdre Zahid ul Hassan, Registrar of DHA Suffa University. He highlighted the importance of the dialogue as a collaborative academic initiative and stressed that the Middle East crisis had consequences extending far beyond the region.
He emphasized the need to examine the crisis and its wider implications through informed discussion and interdisciplinary perspectives. Welcoming the Consul General of Russia in Karachi, he also referred to Russia’s role in regional peace efforts. He underscored that platforms of this nature were essential for strengthening connections between universities, diplomatic missions, journalists, and policymakers. He thanked all participating institutions, speakers, and guests for their contributions.
The Consul General of Russia in Karachi highlighted the importance of diplomatic engagement and negotiations in addressing regional conflicts. Presenting Russia’s position, he expressed his country’s willingness to contribute to ceasefire efforts and initiatives aimed at restoring peace in the Middle East.
He argued that, in Russia’s view, the United States was playing a significant role in intensifying regional tensions and that strategic competition was contributing to instability. His remarks offered participants an opportunity to consider the perspectives of major powers and their influence on regional developments.
Emphasizing the importance of negotiations over armed conflict, he shared a saying attributed to his ancestors: “Ten years of negotiations are more important than one year of war.” The quotation reflected his emphasis on peaceful engagement as a means of preventing escalation and achieving lasting stability.
The Consul General also responded to questions from students and encouraged them to continue engaging with diplomatic representatives. He expressed his willingness to visit the university again and interact with students whenever an opportunity arose.
Panel Discussion on Diplomacy and Pakistan’s Foreign Policy: The subsequent session featured Dr. Naazir Mahmood, Dean at Greenwich University; Ahmed Zia, renowned journalist; Dr. Ali Ehsan, Professor at DHA Suffa University and prolific writer; and Prof Dr. Tanweer Khalid secretary of the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA).
The speakers discussed the significance of diplomatic negotiations, regional cooperation, and dialogue in managing international crises. They highlighted the value of bringing together academic expertise, journalistic insight, and diplomatic experience to develop a more comprehensive understanding of complex geopolitical developments.
The panelists also discussed Pakistan’s foreign policy and acknowledged its diplomatic engagement in efforts to promote regional peace. They emphasized the need for continued negotiations and constructive engagement among regional and international actors to reduce tensions and support stability.
The discussion further highlighted that the Middle East crisis should be examined beyond its military and security dimensions, taking into account its political, diplomatic, and wider international implications.
An important objective of the International Relations Dialogue was to encourage interaction among academia, diplomatic circles, journalists, and policymakers. The participation of students provided an opportunity for direct engagement with diplomatic perspectives and helped promote critical thinking about contemporary international relations.
The Consul General’s interaction with students and his willingness to return for future discussions reinforced the value of sustained academic-diplomatic engagement. The event also demonstrated the importance of collaboration among universities in creating platforms for discussing pressing regional and global issues.
The International Relations Dialogue at DHA Suffa University provided a forum for discussing the Middle East crisis, diplomatic negotiations, and Pakistan’s engagement in regional peace efforts. Through the welcome address, the Consul General’s remarks, and the panel discussion, participants explored the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing international challenges.
The event reaffirmed the value of bringing together academics, diplomats, journalists, and students to exchange perspectives and deepen understanding of the changing international environment. It also highlighted the role of universities in facilitating informed debate and encouraging peaceful approaches to conflict management.