The Gulf Observer, The Gulf Observer Research Forum and the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad Hold Round Table Conference on 30 Years of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: The Gulf Observer and The Gulf Observer Research Forum and the Embassy of the Republic of Turkmenistan in Pakistan, organized a Round Table Conference at the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), Islamabad, to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality — a cornerstone of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and a beacon of peace, dialogue, and cooperation in the modern world.

The distinguished gathering brought together diplomats, scholars, journalists, policymakers, and intellectuals from across Pakistan and abroad. The event symbolized the growing intellectual and cultural partnership between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, rooted in shared history, regional cooperation, and mutual respect.

The conference was graced by the Chief Guest His Excellency Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, who was warmly received by Dr. Rashid Hameed, Executive Director of the NLPD and Mr. Muhammad Ali Pasha, Patron-in-Chief of The Gulf Observer, and

Later, H.E. Mohammad Yahya, United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Pakistan, was also welcomed by Mr. Muhammad Ali Pasha, Dr. Rashid Hameed, and The Gulf Observer’s Editor-in-Chief Ms. Fatima Tuz Zehra.

The proceedings commenced with the national anthems of Turkmenistan and Pakistan, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Inam.

Opening Session

Dr. Rashid Hameed, in his opening remarks, extended his profound respect to His Excellency Qurbanquly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen People, and His Excellency Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the President of Turkmenistan, praising their leadership in guiding Turkmenistan toward sustainable development, cultural advancement, and international diplomacy anchored in peace and neutrality.

A recorded message from Ms. Derya Soysal (Brussels) highlighted Turkmenistan’s unwavering commitment to neutrality and international peacebuilding.

Reflections and Scholarly Inputs

Following this, Ms. Yusra Nisar elaborated on Turkmenistan’s diplomatic philosophy of neutrality, while Mr. Imran Yousaf emphasized that neutrality, as practiced by Turkmenistan, is a conscious choice for dialogue over division and peace over conflict.

Dr. Ghazala Khan, representing the National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), drew parallels between Turkmenistan’s human-centric development approach and Pakistan’s vision for youth empowerment and skills training.

Mr. Hammad Hassan added that neutrality represents not weakness but wisdom — the courage to pursue cooperation in an increasingly polarized world.

In her concluding note Ms. Fatima Tuz Zehra, Editor-in-Chief of The Gulf Observer, commended Turkmenistan’s sustained commitment to neutrality under the leadership of His Excellency Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and His Excellency Serdar Berdimuhamedov. She noted that December 12, celebrated as Neutrality Day, marks 30 years of the United Nations’ official recognition of Turkmenistan’s neutral status — a principle now enshrined in its Constitution.

Barrister Zoopash Khan described Turkmenistan as a “living example of neutrality in action.” He added that Our collaboration in initiatives such as TAPI reflects as a share vision for regional development, connectivity and sustainable growth.

Advocate Adil Qazi, a prominent legal expert, analyzed the Year of Peace and Trust 2025 and its significance in promoting multilateral diplomacy.

Raja Abdul Qayyum, former Director General of the Directorate of Electronic Media and Publications, shared his impressions of Ashgabat’s cultural heritage and recited Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poetry on Turkmenistan’s capital.

Veteran journalist Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Raza provided a historical overview, recalling Turkmenistan’s post-independence journey under Saparmurat Niyazov (Turkmenbashi) and its consolidation under successive visionary leaders, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The session was moderated by Mr. Muhammad Ali Pasha, who also acknowledged the absence of Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, a renowned philanthropist and author, and lauded his enduring contributions to the field of modern journalism in Pakistan.

H.E. Mohammad Yahya, UNRC Pakistan, reflected that Today’s commemoration is a timely reminder that neutrality, as championed by Turkmenistan, is not passive — it is a powerful instrument for peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding. In an era of growing mistrust and polarization, building confidence among nations is vital to our shared future. The United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to transform principles into action — fostering cooperation, inclusivity, and tangible progress for all. Let us continue to strengthen the bonds of trust that sustain peace and humanity.

The keynote address by H.E. Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan, was a powerful reaffirmation of Turkmenistan’s diplomatic philosophy of peace and neutrality. He traced the historical roots of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, highlighting its recognition by the United Nations through multiple resolutions. He emphasized that neutrality has become a cornerstone of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy — enabling the nation to serve as a bridge of cooperation, dialogue, and trust.

Ambassador Movlamov discussed the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Ashgabat, the Group of Friends of Neutrality, and the upcoming International Forum on Peace and Trust 2025. He also underscored the economic dimension of neutrality, citing initiatives like the TAPI pipeline, which embody the spirit of peaceful regional cooperation.

The Ambassador’s inspiring words concluded with the reaffirmation of the deep friendship between Turkmenistan and Pakistan, encapsulated in the slogan “Turkmenistan–Pakistan Dosti Zindabad.”

Concluding Reflections

Dr. Saleem Mazhar, Director General NLPD and co-chair of the conference, appreciated the scholarly discussions and drew connections between Persian literature and Turkmen cultural heritage.

Mr. Malik Muhammad Shafiq, who chaired the concluding session, expressed gratitude to all participants — especially H.E. Atadjan Movlamov, H.E. Mohammad Yahya, and other distinguished panelists — for their insightful contributions. He also commended The Gulf Observer and the NLPD management for successfully organizing a meaningful intellectual exchange celebrating Turkmenistan’s legacy of peace.

Certificates and Closing Ceremony

The conference concluded with a certificate award ceremony for keynote speakers and contributors. The certificates were jointly presented by H.E. Atadjan Movlamov, H.E. Mohammad Yahya, Dr. Saleem Mazhar and Mr. Muhammad Ali Pasha.

The event was attended by civil servants, media personalities, and civil society representatives, including Raja Javaid, Dr. Farhat Asif, Mr. Nisar Chaudhry, Mr. Tahir Farooq, Ms. Sadia Aamir, Rana Kausar, Mr. Shafi Agha, Mr. Muhammad Naeem Qureshi, Dr. Rabia Kayani, Mr. Safeer Shah, and Mr. Shams Abbasi (APP), among others.

The conference successfully underscored the enduring message that neutrality and peace are interdependent values — essential to building a stable, cooperative, and inclusive global order.