Pakistan’s
stance on Ukraine is based on principles, irrespective of the game
between the US and Russia mutually agreed by experts at a seminar on “Changing Dynamics in Global Power Structures” jointly organized by
Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) & Pak China
Institute (PCI) at SDPI. Panelist discussed about the Russian government
staged an intervention by sending in troops into Crimea and refused to
accept the new government in place.

H.E.
Volodymyr Lakomov, Ukrainian Ambassador to Pakistan explained the
position of government and recent political development in Ukraine. He
also demanded for unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and
independence of this country. He said that diplomatic tools are being
used to convince Russia to withdraw the Crimea intervention, there
remains disagreement amongst some of the countries involved in the
effort. Further, he highlighted the importance of exchanging the
information related to the development of economy and nuclear energy for
peaceful purposes between the two countries.

Senator
Mushahid Hussain Syed, Pakistan Muslim League rejects any attempt to
change internationally recognised borders. He considered it the
violation of United Nation Charter and threatened the supremacy of
international law. “Unfortunately, we are the first victim of change
border in 1971 because of external aggression”, he said.  With reference
to the Tatar community, Senator Mushahid said that protecting the
interests of different groups in Crimea is essential as they have
suddenly become foreigners in their own country.

Arif
Alvi, MNA Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf proposed that this issue can be
limited by international pressures. It is important to realize that
international law has supremacy more than the political policies. He
said Russian military action is not a human rights protection mission.
It is a violation of international law and a violation of the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of the independent nation of
Ukraine. “Military action cannot be justified on the basis of threats
that haven’t been made and aren’t being carried out” he said. He also
appreciated the joint collaboration of PCI and SDPI on issues of
national and international interests.

On
this occasion, Dr. Abid Qayyium Suleri, Executive Director SDPI also
stressed upon the importance of the role of international community in
this issue.

The
seminar brought together representation from the parliament, diplomatic
community, academics and various opinion makers. It was also pointed
out that Ukraine has a sizable Pakistani diaspora with a Pakistani being
one of the richest men in the country.