"A View of the Current Situation in the Swat Valley and Waziristan"

MEI is honored to host Dr. Babar Awan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs in Pakistan, to address the Pakistani government's ongoing law enforcement operations in Swat, Dir, and FATA provinces.  Dr. Awan brings a unique perspective on the Taliban insurgency as a former member of the Jamiat-ul-Ulama-i-Islam (Assembly of Islamic Clergy).

In a recent interview with the Pakistan Observer, Dr. Awan argued that the Pakistani government has deployed troops to the area to "bring peace and stability back to Pakistan for greater progress and prosperity.”  Awan explained that the government would never allow outside forces to create a sovereign state within the Pakistani nation and would maintain its control over all parts of the country.  Dr. Awan will also discuss the government's post-operation strategy to promote development and good governance, and to ensure the safety of the people in the area.

BIO:
Dr. Awan has been the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs in Pakistan since 2008.  He is a member of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Central Executive Committee.  He is also a practicing lawyer and has worked for many high profile clients, including former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Zardari.

To RSVP, click 'Register' at the bottom of  the page.