Yunnan University Press launched a new book –– Gwadar: Balance in Transition, at a launch conference held by the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on March 13.

The author of the book, Azhar Ahmad, along with Zhao Lijian, counselor at China’s embassy in Pakistan; Asif Sandila, former Pakistani chief of naval staff; Farrokh Ahmed HI, former deputy Pakistani chief of naval staff, and Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema, director of the Department of Contemporary Studies at Pakistan National Defense University, attended the conference.

Zhao extended his congratulations on the publication of the book, claiming his book was not only of academic value but also of significance for contemporary politics. 

He also briefed the attendees on the current status of China’s assistance projects in Gwadar, such as the construction of schools, hospitals and airports, claiming that all these efforts would benefit local people. 

Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema commented positively on the author’s elaborated analysis on regional maritime affairs. He also said that China is a true friend of Pakistan, a friendship that has stood the test of time. 

The author, Azhar Ahmad is a scholar with a doctorate from Pakistan National Defense University and is also a senior researcher at Islamabad Institute of Strategic Studies. His research mainly focuses on regional politics. 

In his book, the author delves into the trends of regional maritime affairs from the perspective of Gwadar. 

As an endpoint of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the importance of Gwadar Port is self-evident. The book aims to clarify the role Gwadar plays in the context of geopolitics and economics. 

The launch conference was reported by several Pakistani mainstream media organizations, such as the Daily Times, Dawn and Pakistan Observer.

Yunnan University Press launches Gwadar: Balance in Transition, at a conference held by the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on March 13. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]