In a significant step toward fostering regional cooperation, the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Pakistan, hosted a one-day international conference titled “Pakistan and the Region: Enhancing Regional Connectivity, Addressing Non-Traditional Threats, and Countering Terrorism.” Held in Islamabad, the event brought together policymakers, scholars, and diplomats to discuss Pakistan’s pivotal role in regional stability, economic integration, and security.

The conference focused on three critical areas:

1. Enhancing Regional Connectivity: Strengthening economic and cultural ties through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other regional projects.

2. Addressing Non-Traditional Threats: Tackling challenges such as climate change, population growth, and humanitarian crises.

3. Countering Terrorism: Developing coordinated strategies to combat evolving terrorist threats and cross-border security challenges.

Inaugural Session Highlights

The inaugural session featured prominent speakers, including:

• Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA

• Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI

• Mr. Hamayoun Khan, Programme Advisor, FES Pakistan

• Mr. Arno Kirchhof, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of Germany

• Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Former Minister and Chief Guest

A moment of silence was observed to honor martyrs of recent Indian aggression, reflecting the gravity of regional tensions.

Pakistan’s Strategic Role in Regional Connectivity

Ms. Amina Khan emphasized Pakistan’s unique geopolitical position at the crossroads of South, Central, and West Asia, making it a linchpin for regional connectivity. She highlighted:

• Pakistan’s commitment to fostering stable ties with Afghanistan and neighboring countries.

• The importance of projects like CPEC under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for economic prosperity.

• The need for collective security measures, including intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism coordination.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed underscored the cultural compatibility within the region, citing initiatives like the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and projects such as TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Pipeline) and railway connectivity as drivers of integration.

Evolving Security Challenges

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood outlined Pakistan’s evolving strategic approach, which prioritizes:

• A comprehensive security framework focusing on economic and human well-being.

• A shift toward geo-economics while navigating geopolitical complexities.

He highlighted the renewed momentum in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with increased dialogue in security, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. However, cross-border terrorism remains a significant challenge, exacerbated by the regrouping of terrorist outfits.

Non-Traditional Threats

The conference also addressed pressing non-traditional threats:

• Climate Change: A lived reality causing displacement and food insecurity, necessitating regional cooperation.

• Humanitarian Crises: Governance challenges and population growth require collaborative solutions.

• Religious Extremism: In some cases, state-sponsored extremism poses a serious regional threat.

Mr. Hamayoun Khan emphasized the interconnected nature of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and the need for cross-border solutions to address climate-induced challenges and governance issues.

Rising Tensions with India

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the deteriorating India-Pakistan relations, particularly following the Pahalgam attack and India’s subsequent actions. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood condemned India’s:

• Unprovoked attack on May 6-7, 2025, targeting multiple locations in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

• Violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children.

• Unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a legally untenable and morally reprehensible move.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed criticized India’s pattern of blaming Pakistan without evidence, as seen in the Pahalgam incident. He warned against the RSS ideology as a non-traditional security threat and affirmed Pakistan’s right to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Global Perspectives on Regional Stability

Mr. Arno Kirchhof, representing Germany, stressed the importance of dialogue in addressing complex challenges like terrorism, climate change, and humanitarian crises. He noted that the conference provided a platform for nations to collaborate on solutions for regional stability and peace.

Conference Structure and Participation

The conference featured three working sessions:

1. Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations: Exploring challenges and opportunities for cooperation.

2. Regional Security and Counter-Terrorism: Strategies to address evolving threats.

3. Non-Traditional Security Threats: Solutions for climate change and humanitarian challenges.

Eminent scholars, academics, and practitioners from Pakistan and abroad participated, ensuring a diverse exchange of ideas.

Why This Conference Matters

The event underscored Pakistan’s proactive role in shaping a stable and prosperous region. By addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, Pakistan is positioning itself as a constructive and responsible power. The focus on regional connectivity through initiatives like CPEC, TAPI, and ECO highlights the potential for economic integration, while the emphasis on counter-terrorism and climate action reflects a commitment to collective security and sustainability.