Rubaba Khan Baledi stresses Pakistan’s emerging diplomatic role at Governor House conference

QUETTA: Adviser to the Chief Minister Balochistan on Women Development Dr Rubaba Khan Baledi has said that effective diplomacy, meaningful dialogue, peaceful resolution of disputes and interfaith harmony are of fundamental importance for lasting peace, economic stability and greater mutual cooperation in the present global and regional situation. She said Pakistan’s emerging diplomatic role has the potential to create new possibilities for peace, stability and economic cooperation in the region. However, she said, the effective participation of all sections of society, especially women, is essential for sustainable development.

She expressed these views while addressing a provincial conference at Governor House Quetta. The conference was titled “Pakistan’s emerging role in the post-Marka-e-Haq era in the context of global mediation, strategic diplomacy, conflict resolution and the promotion of economic activity”. It was organised by the International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA) with financial support from the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism Balochistan.

Diplomacy and confidence-building

Dr Rubaba Khan Baledi said Pakistan’s diplomatic role has become important in view of global conflicts, political tensions and economic challenges. She said that by promoting confidence-building, negotiations and cooperation based on shared interests at the global and regional levels, not only can ways to resolve conflicts be found, but new opportunities for trade, investment and economic activity can also be created.

She said peace does not simply mean the end of war or conflict. It is the process of creating a social environment in which people from different religions, cultures and social backgrounds have equal rights, security and opportunities for progress. Interfaith harmony, tolerance and mutual respect are the basic pillars of stability in any society, she said. She added that promoting education, social awareness and positive dialogue is essential to end extremism and intolerance.

Women’s participation and economic empowerment

The Adviser on Women Development said women have an exceptionally important role in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. She said women play a basic role in shaping families and society, and can also play an effective part in social harmony, tolerance, community-level dialogue and conflict prevention. It is therefore necessary to give women proper representation and opportunities in decision-making, diplomacy, peace talks and economic policymaking, she said.

She said economic empowerment, education and job opportunities strengthen women’s social standing and also increase the prospects of stability and progress in society. She said that expanding women’s economic participation, skills development and access to business opportunities in Balochistan and other backward areas of the country is important for inclusive and sustainable development.

Dr Rubaba Khan Baledi described the conference as an important academic and intellectual effort. She said such forums help bring together different views on global diplomacy, regional security, interfaith harmony and economic cooperation, and help draw up workable proposals. She expressed the hope that the discussions and recommendations of the conference would play a positive role in promoting peace, stability, social inclusion and economic progress in Pakistan.

Photo: courtesy DG PR Balochistan