ISLAMABAD: An international conference held in Islamabad called for a proactive and inclusive approach among regional stakeholders to address the challenges facing Afghanistan.
The conference, themed “Unravelling Afghanistan’s Shifting Landscape,” saw experts advocating for a regional dialogue, cooperation, and improved border and refugee management to tackle Afghanistan’s issues.
The speakers also emphasized the importance of leveraging partnerships, engaging with local communities, and enhancing Afghanistan’s economic capacity through connectivity, trade, and transit routes.
Organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), the conference featured speakers such as Rangina Hamidi, former Minister of Education of Afghanistan, Prof. Victoria C. Fontan from the American University of Afghanistan, Qatar, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, Dr. Ye Hailin, Professor and Vice Dean of the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (NIIS, CASS); Dr. Foad Izadi, Associate Professor, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran; and Dr. Bette Dam, Investigative Journalist, Author.
The speakers provided a detailed analysis of Afghanistan’s evolving landscape, highlighting the detrimental effects of militarized education and divisive politics on the economy and society.
They underscored the role of ethnic discord and its contribution to the complex situation in Afghanistan, particularly concerning women’s education and the humanitarian crisis.
Despite the challenges, the speakers expressed optimism about Afghanistan’s potential as a historic transit route connecting East and West. They emphasized the need for a proactive and inclusive strategy, including regional cooperation and a broader perspective on addressing Afghanistan’s issues.
In a separate session titled “From Dependency to Diversity: The Evolution of the Middle East,” speakers discussed the dynamic shifts and evolving alliances in the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape.
They highlighted security concerns, including non-state conflicts and emerging threats such as cyber-attacks, stressing the importance of addressing these challenges for global stability.
Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, commended the conference for shedding light on crucial matters concerning Pakistan amidst regional and global power shifts. He emphasized the importance of Pakistan’s responsible action in managing its relations with countries like Iran, Afghanistan, India, China, and the GCC.
Programme Advisor at FES Pakistan, Hamayoun Khan, praised the conference for exploring various challenges and opportunities for Pakistan in the emerging geopolitical landscape. He thanked ISSI for the fruitful collaboration with FES, underscoring the importance of such discussions in navigating complex regional dynamics.
