LAHORE: (Thursday, September 28, 2023): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood said that Central and South Asia are two regions sharing rich culture and history for thousands of years, the great Silk Road has connected the two regions. He was addressing a seminar on “Genetic and Historical Relations between Central and South Asia” organized by the Department of History and Pakistan Studies at Al Raazi Hall. On this occasion, Honorary Consulate General Rao Khalid Mehmood Khan, Director of the Scientific Institute for the Study of Ulus Jochi Prof Sabitov Zhaksylyk, Chairman Department of History Prof Dr Mahboob Hussain, faculty members and a large number of students were present. In his address, Dr Khalid Mahmood said that Central Asia has historically played an important part in enriching the South Asian region politically, spiritually, and culturally. He said that all the Sufis of South Asia originated in Central Asia and established the spiritual linkages between the two regions for centuries. He said that Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva and other cities of Central Asia have produced poets, Sufis, artists and scientists, who contributed immensely to the development of the South Asian region and similarly South Asian traders and businessmen have contributed substantially in the development of Central Asian states. He said that mutual history and heritage can provide opportunities for cultural and spiritual tourism. He said that security and extremist threats and climatic and environmental issues are faced by the two regions and can be resolved by mutual cooperation. Rao Khalid Mehmood Khan said that there is a lot of investment in research in the universities of Kazakhstan, which can also benefit the universities of Pakistan in many fields. He said that more steps are needed to enhance relations between the two countries at all levels. He thanked PU VC Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Dr Mehboob Hussain and others for organizing the seminar. Prof Sabitov Zhaksylyk emphasized the importance of genetics for the study of genealogy and history. He stated that Central and South Asia are the two regions which have close connections and due to migrations, communication affinities and blood relations have developed. He said that genetic studies can fill the gaps in history. He indicated the areas in which the Central and South Asian scholars could collaborate and develop joint projects. He invited the Pakistani scholars to come to Kazakhstan and work in genetic research to explore new avenues of history. Dr Mehboob Hussain said that Kazakhstan, a land of boundless beauty and cultural diversity, has a history that spans millennia. He said that its history is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and contributions of its people. “It is a history that has been carefully researched, documented, and preserved by historians who have dedicated their lives to uncovering the stories and events that have shaped this land,” he added. He said that genetics has played a crucial role in unraveling the historical relations between Central and South Asia, shedding light on the complex tapestry of human migrations, interactions, and connections over millennia. He said that this seminar serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas, where scholars, students, and history lovers alike can come together to explore the multifaceted aspects of Kazakhstan's history.