International Conference: "Pakistan in the Emerging Geopolitical Landscape"

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), in collaboration with the Institute for Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), convened a series of working sessions focused on navigating the complex geopolitical landscape in Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The sessions, held under the thematic banner of "Unravelling Afghanistan's Shifting Landscape," "From Dependency to Diversity: The Evolution of the Middle East," and "Rising Non-Conventional Security Threats in Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Middle East," brought together esteemed experts and scholars to analyze critical issues impacting regional stability and prosperity.

The first working session, "Unravelling Afghanistan's Shifting Landscape," moderated by Ms. Amina Khan, Director of CAMEA, featured insightful discussions led by prominent figures such as Rangina Hamidi, Former Minister of Education of Afghanistan, and Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s former Special Representative for Afghanistan. Speakers provided a comprehensive analysis of Afghanistan's evolving dynamics, highlighting the detrimental effects of divisive politics and emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive strategies to address the country's challenges.

In the second session, titled "From Dependency to Diversity: The Evolution of the Middle East," moderated by Dr. Shabana Fayyaz, Chairperson and Associate Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, experts delved into the shifting geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Discussions underscored the importance of economic diversification amidst evolving security concerns, with a focus on Pakistan's potential role in fostering regional stability through diplomatic engagement and cooperation.

The third session, "Rising Non-Conventional Security Threats in Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Middle East," moderated by Dr. Simbal Khan, Conflict Prevention and Stabilization Expert at UNDP Pakistan, addressed emerging security challenges posed by non-state actors and non-conventional threats such as cyber-attacks and climate change impacts. Speakers emphasized the imperative of regional cooperation to mitigate risks and promote sustainable peace and development.

In his concluding remarks, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, emphasized the importance of responsible action and pragmatic diplomacy in managing Pakistan's relations with neighboring countries and regional stakeholders. Hamayoun Khan, Programme Advisor at FES Pakistan, highlighted the significance of the conference in exploring the multifaceted challenges and opportunities for Pakistan amidst shifting global power dynamics.

The collaborative efforts of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and ISSI underscore their commitment to fostering informed dialogue and promoting regional cooperation to address the complex geopolitical challenges facing Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Middle East.