ISLAMABAD: Intellectuals and experts gathered at a roundtable conference organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in collaboration with Beaconhouse National University (BNU) to discuss the challenges and opportunities for engagement between Pakistan and India after recent elections in both countries.
Keynote speakers included former chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee in Senate Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Former Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs Khurram Dastagir Khan, Former National Security Advisor Gen Nasir Khan Janjua, and Former Finance Minister Dr Salman Shah, with former Minister for Information and Climate Change and current chairperson of Senate Committee on Climate Change Sherry Rehman as the guest of honor.
Ambassadors Jauhar Saleem and Mansoor Ahmed Khan from IRS and BCPR respectively, initiated the session with an analysis of Pakistan-India relations, framing discussions around Pakistan’s current stance and future steps. Panellists deliberated various engagement strategies with India, contingent on India’s response, ranging from formal dialogues to track II diplomacy and alternative backchannel approaches.
The discourse extended to prospects for resolving the Kashmir dispute, enhancing economic ties, and normalizing relations. Recommendations included strengthening ties with Afghanistan and pursuing a strategic partnership with China, alongside calls for mediation from Russia and the US to facilitate dialogue.
Participants emphasized bolstering Pakistan’s socio-economic and military capabilities and improving governance as prerequisites for effective bilateral talks. They underscored the importance of creating a conducive environment for dialogue, addressing mutual concerns like climate change and water issues while upholding Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and honoring the Indus Waters Treaty. The speakers also highlighted the need for clarity on Pakistan’s long-term foreign policy objectives, advocating for a regional cooperative approach to tackle shared challenges such as poverty and human security.
Speakers criticized India’s unilateral actions in Kashmir, denounced proxy warfare against Pakistan, and expressed concern over India’s military posturing despite unresolved socio-economic challenges. The roundtable included a diverse group of experts, diplomats, and academics, fostering a comprehensive dialogue on strategic issues impacting regional stability and bilateral relations.
Participants included Ambassadors, former foreign secretaries, military officials, and academic leaders, highlighting the breadth of expertise and perspectives shaping the discussions.
