International Conference Report

Challenges of Bilateral Pakistan-Afghanistan Dialogue and their Solutions

Compiled and Edited by

Prof. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Director & Mr. Sahar Gul, Librarian

Area Study Centre (Russia, China & Central Asia)

University of Peshawar, Pakistan

Introduction

Two days International Conference titled “Challenges of Bilateral Pakistan-Afghanistan Dialogue and their Solutions” was held on 15-16 November, 2022 at the Margala Hotel, Islamabad. It was a timely event organized by Area Study Center (Russia, China and Central Asia), University of Peshawar and Hanns Siedal Foundation, Pakistan. The conference aimed to review the existing policies critical to the economic development, national growth, connectivity and security cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan and in the region. Further, it was intended to find plausible recommendations for smooth political, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and also in the regional context. Participants included Afghan students as well as students from eight universities in Pakistan. The speakers included former Pakistan and Afghanistan ambassadors, area Specialists from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Germany, Australia and Singapore.

Objectives

The main objective of the conference has been to get together the academia, intelligentsia, media and Area experts from Afghanistan, Iran, and CARs to ponder upon the Afghan imbroglio and search for ways and means for cooperation between Pakistan, Afghanistan and other countries of the region which are more appealing in changed regional circumstances instead of competition or confrontation.
The conference generated academic debate and new insights into the thorny subject of Afghanistan, to help the war-torn country in effective governance and its relations with neighbors towards coordinated regional cooperation.
The conference also generated ideas that may become a potential source of peace and prosperity in the regions comprising Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Concept Note

The nature of relations between the states, by and large, displays three configurations; conflict, competition and cooperation. In majority of cases the dominant trend is one of cooperation and competition (Ali Meherunisa 2001:143). Same is the case with Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both the states having multiple linkages and close mutual interdependence remained in a kind of cooperative, competitive relations through the past seven decades. Since 1947, both the states Pakistan and Afghanistan have been showing fluctuating degree of dissatisfaction towards each while also showing prudence in sustaining bilateral relations. Afghanistan never tried to complicate security environment on Pak-Afghan border during Pakistan’s wars with India. Pakistan on the other hand provided strategic depth to Afghanistan in its wars of resistance against the former Soviet Union and US/NATO. Pak-Afghan relations, however, still exhibit a pattern of conflict and competition. Although the immediate neighboring states have common ideologies and share borders in hundreds of kilometers besides having historical, cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious ties. In the light of contemporary developments, Islamabad blames Talban government for giving shelter to Tehrik-e-Taliban-Pakistan (TTP), while other neighbors of Afghanistan have same concerns regarding Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Jundullah, Al-Qaida and Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP).

Thus, despite shared bonds of faith, language, history, ethnicity, culture plus economic interdependence, Pak-Afghan relations are characterized paradoxically by conflict and suspicion.

This environment of distrust and blame game has a potential negative impact on a population of around 250 million that resides in both the states. It also negatively affects the region, Central Asia, and poses a threat to regional and global peace. There is a need to explore ways and means towards a harmonized region for which smooth and cordial relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are the pre-requisite. In current era of geo-economics and interdependence, it is not logical for the two neighboring countries to continuously remain at loggerhead with each other. Afghanistan’s geo-economic and geostrategic location cannot be ignored by its neighbors as it offers one of the shortest and most cost effective connectivity between Central, South and West Asia. Similarly Afghanistan is land locked and it has heavy reliance and dependence on Pakistan in all walks of life makes it imperative for Afghanistan to be at good terms with Pakistan. The internal situation in Afghanistan is also precarious due to the socio-economic deterioration, international sanctions and presence of transnational terrorist groups which demands sympathetic approach from its neighbors and the world at large. The Afghan Taliban interim government is faced with tremendous challenges to transform from a military movement to a governing entity due to the lack of trust between Afghanistan and its neighbors plus the international sanctions.

Proceedings - Inaugural Session

In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmad khan Director Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar welcomed all the participants, experts and panelists from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Germany, Australia, UK, Singapore and Pakistan.

1. Prof. Shabir Ahmad Khan

He highlighted Afghanistan’s Internal Challenges in his address. He said that the evolving precarious situation in Afghanistan is the outcome of the two military interventions and continuous wars in Afghanistan have devastated the country’s political, social and economic fabric. The Afghans are equally responsible for the current state of affairs as they are divided society on political, tribal and ethnic basis. Historically, the Afghans have never hesitated to invite even foreign intervention to settle their internal rivalries. During the 21^st century an Afghan faction welcomed the NATO and even today I believe an Afghan faction is yet again ready to welcome a foreign intervention to grab the power. If the Afghans remain divided it may lead towards the physical division of the country and that will be catastrophic for the region. The dilemma is that there seems no substitute to Taliban inside Afghanistan to bring peace to the country while Taliban continue to govern with repressive policies in the presence of Trans-national terrorist groups in Afghanistan. It is highly unlikely that a force against Taliban emerges and controls Afghanistan. Any rebel will result in a civil war in Afghanistan. The threat to peace in Afghanistan still remains internal if the Taliban could not address a number of issues to overcome the insurmountable difficulties and challenges in governing the country. The uncertain movements inside Afghanistan are key to yield any cost and benefit of socio-political, geo-economic and strategic scenarios for Afghanistan, Pakistan and other regional countries. Though the Afghans enjoy a relative peace, their socio-economic condition has worsened due to the deficient domestic resources, international sanctions, frozen assets, exodus of skilled labor, dysfunctional institutions and a divided society. These challenges lead to poor governance and if prolonged, may result in un-governed spaces providing fertile ground for terrorist groups with trans-national agenda. A ground reality is that deaths, destruction and fighting have been diminished profoundly during the last year. The calm in Afghanistan is termed as a “negative peace” i.e. end of war or absence of violence. The “positive peace” refers to the attitude, institutions and structures that help and facilitate sustaining peace through justice, equality, economic development, human rights, inclusivity, conflict resolution and governance. It is worth mentioning that negative peace is a pre-condition for achieving the positive peace. Taliban have to realize that achieving positive peace is a process that even cannot be initiated without the assistance from international community.

The Taliban interim government for achieving positive peace needs to respect ethnic, religious, sectarian and political diversity as well as human and women rights within Afghanistan. The Afghan interim government also has to address the legitimate concerns of their neighbors and international community as the negative internal dynamics’ present security challenges to the immediate neighbors of Afghanistan and to other countries of the region. Governing by winning domestic and at least regional support will make things easier for the Taliban in terms of recognition.

The international community also needs to understand that war torn Afghanistan desperately needs capacity building to govern effectively. It is obvious that the Taliban lack operational and financial capacity to effectively govern and bring under control the varying militant groups present in Afghanistan. Sanctions and halted aid create liquidity crisis that in turn generate unemployment, restricts imports, endangers food security, internally displaces people and create social crises. This might lead Afghanistan to become an ungoverned space.

Afghanistan a Regional Responsibility in a Fragile Global Context

USA has shifted its focus from the region while Russia is in a prolonged conflict with Ukraine as opposed to its expectations. In such a scenario Afghanistan to a greater extent has become a shared regional responsibility. Stakes for the entire neighborhood of Afghanistan are high in terms of security and connectivity as they do not enjoy luxury of the distance. It was mainly due to the lack of regional cooperation that resulted in a chaotic Afghanistan during the 1990s. Nevertheless even the regional support for Afghanistan depends on the Taliban’s attitude and style of governance.

Prof. Shabir Ahmad Khan added that peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the World’s interest. Global companies can immensely benefit from the regional integration plans of trade, transportation and energy between Central and South Asia via a stable Afghanistan.

The Emerging Regional Scenario: from Shatter belt to Regionalism

Shatter belt is a geographical region with two main characteristics: First countries of the region are divided and secondly the region is subject to intense great power competition for control over. In other words, shatter belt is a region torn by internal strife and external intervention. As a rule it is the external intervention and consequent great powers’ competition that makes a region prone to internal divisions. An important development has been the end of active major powers’ competition from the region. The post-America Central Asia accompanied by diverted Russian attention and competition acquires additional space for maneuver and allowing the regional countries to make foreign policy choices driven by regional interests and most conducive to their national economic development. It is most probable that the region will move from a shatter belt status to strengthened regionalism to address the issues of security, connectivity and development from a regional perspective. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions on Russia drive the Central Asian Republics to revive the historical links and open up in the southern direction. The circumstances also induce Russia to open trade links in the southern direction via Central Asia.

Central and South Asia Economic Corridor via Afghanistan

Afghanistan presents challenges as well as opportunities to the regions of South and Central Asia. The development of economic corridor between Central and south Asia via Afghanistan comprising trade, logistics, transportation and energy networks will help build a solid basis for sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan. The networks of Central and South Asian economic corridor includes: Trans-Afghan Railway Line, Trans-Afghan-Pakistan-India Gas Pipeline (TAPI), Central and South Asia Electricity Transmission (CASA 1000), TAP 500, Khyber Pass Economic Corridor and the Highways and Railways under CAREC and ECO. In addition, the Asian Highway 7 from Yekaterinburg, Russia passes through Tashkent, Kabul and reaches Gwadar and Karachi.

These networks complement each other in terms of agglomeration effects and shall be viewed in a regional context. One can only imagine the benefits of this economic corridor in terms of employment generation, industrial development and revenue creation across the regions. Important factors that contribute to better prospects of the subject corridor are; the end of war in Afghanistan, the geographical landscape and the region’s diverse resource endowment.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations

Pakistan and Afghanistan have geographical, social, economic, linguistic, cultural and ethnic associations. Security and prosperity of both the countries are inseparably linked. The past was common and the destiny is shared. The bilateral relations mostly remained strained for sovereignty, security and border issues. However there has been a strong cooperative element in the bilateral relations. During recent decades a kind of economic and social integration has taken place due to a number of mutual dependencies. Historically Afghans preferred to use Pakistan for their transit trade.

The internal tribal, political and ethnic divisions in Afghan society have also been intensified. It is worth mentioning that Taliban were the creation of Afghanistan’s internal circumstances during the 1990s when on every few kilometers there were barriers on roads for toll collection by various warlords, kidnappings for ransom, killings, bombings and there was an absolute mayhem. The Afghans have to acknowledge these realities.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have to respect each other’s sovereignty and integrity. Geography cannot be changed, both the countries have to live, grow and prosper within this region and therefore the only way forward is to cooperate to help themselves and help the entire regions of Central and South Asia in connectivity. Cooperative relations will yield positive-sum outcomes where both the countries will win.

2. Excellency Mr. Alfred Grannas, German Ambassador

The Chief Guest Mr. Alfred Grannas, German Ambassador to Pakistan explicitly call for a new Afghanistan policy/strategy to conduct a bilateral dialogue on the issues and challenges face by both countries. He said that smooth bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are not only mutually beneficial to both the countries rather are essential for a peaceful region. He said that HSF is striving for peace and stability in the region through research and academic activities.

3. Dr. Steffen Kudella

The resident representative of the Hanns Siedel Foundation (HSF) Pakistan stated in his speech that Hanns Siedel foundation has always extended full cooperation in the provision of scholarships to research fellows including Afghan students and intends to furnish special grants to universities and other academic institutions in future so as to benefit the young generation to strengthen the bilateral relations between the both countries and to overcome the prevailing conundrums.

4. Excellency Mr. Muhammad Ayaz Wazir, Former Ambassador

In the keynote address, Mr.Muhammad Ayaz Wazir, former Ambassador of Pakistan to Afghanistan stated that Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained strained most of the times despite efforts to the contrary. Leaders of the two sides have visited frequently each other’s capitals and made tall claims of putting things back on the right track. But each time such a claim is made the relations go further down the hill.

What are the reasons for that, why are they not moving forward, what have ailed and continue to ail these relations? These questions need to be addressed with an open mind and with the spirits of accepting and correcting mistakes of the past which certainly will affect the present state of our relations.

Enough of ‘water has flown under the bridge. Its, I believe, the right time for the people of the two countries to come out of the fixated mind and take steps to remove the hurdles which are responsible for straining the relations between the two for the last 75 years.

I will not go into the details of history but merely make a mention of two incidents which laid the foundation of the adversarial relations between them since creation of Pakistan in 1947. The first stone towards that was cast by our Afghan brothers when on September 30, 1947 their representative in the UN voted against Pakistan’s admission into that body. Though that was a short lived episode of 20 days only and was reversed on October 20, 1947 but that set the ball rolling in the wrong direction.

While a mention of the negative vote is made almost in every public talk in Pakistan no one mentions the positive side of it when the Afghans voted in favour of Pakistan.

In all fairness the issue of self determination for the people of North West Frontier Province now called Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should not have been raised when that was already settled through Referendum in which overwhelming majority had opted for Pakistan.

The second stone was cast by Pakistan when on June 12, 1949 its fighter plane bombed a village called Mughalgai across the border inside Afghanistan. Pakistan claimed that it was an inadvertent act and offered compensation for the damages caused. But the Afghan side decided to convene meeting of Loya Jirga which decided;

To declare the Durand Line Agreement of 1893 and all other related Treaties as dead. The Afghans may be right in raising the issue of sanctity of the Durand Line but they did no justice to the reasons forcing Pakistan to use power for elimination of trouble makers from across the border. These two incidents have laid the foundation of bilateral relations on the wrong footing. It is rightly described in a Persian verse;

Khishte awal chon nehad memar kaj    Tha suaya mi rawad dewar kaj

Meaning that “If the foundation stone of a wall is laid tilted, no matter how high it is raised it will remain tilted”. Another important factor to keep in mind while discussing the reasons for strained relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan is the impact of the Soviet invasion of 1979 and the US led NATO Forces occupation of that country in 2001. Since then relations with Kabul remained strained irrespective of whichever government remained in power there.   

I think it is the right time to consider taking bold steps to set the relations on the right path. Afghanistan has not been under peaceful control of one authority over the last more than four decades has now come under one flag. The Taliban have proven their mettle by controlling the entire country without any serious challenge. They are now in a better position to take corrective measures. Similarly Pakistan must have learnt lessons from the wars in Afghanistan that power alone cannot solve all problems. Mistakes of the past should not only be accepted but repented as well by both sides. Only then can we move forward. We need to reconsider our policy towards Afghanistan keeping in view the fast changing regional and global situation. The way forward

Treat Afghanistan as a Sovereign and Independent state.
No wall or barbed wire can settle boundary disputes. That can be done through dialogue. Keep the border issue at the back burner and wait for an appropriate time. Afghans do have reservations about the Durand Line but respect its sanctity.
Focus on facilitating issuance of visas to the Afghans particularly to students and sick people. Also make the border crossing easy and smooth which presently is just the opposite. Smooth transaction of trade at Turkham, Chamman, Ghulam Khan and Angoor Adda is the requirement of the time. Similarly facilitating smooth operation of Afghan Transit Trade is equally important.
Relations between Afghan and India should not be of serious concern unless we see that Afghan soil is being used against us. Afghanistan like any other country has the right to maintain bilateral relations with other countries and India being an important regional neighbor cannot be ignored. Furthermore Afghanistan has historical links with that country. We should have no objection to that as long as that relation is not used for activities against Pakistan.

No doubt through this way we can set the ball rolling for putting the relations on the right path faster than expected. Let me qualify this by saying that whichever government comes to power in Afghanistan that will have no choice but to be friendly with Pakistan. What we need to do is to assure them of not having any designs for strategic depth in their country or any intention of interfering in their internal affairs.

Let the Afghans decide matters for themselves; let them decide how to restore peace in their country and how to form a government of their choice.

Proceedings - Session 1 Day 1

Theme: Evolving Situation in Afghanistan and Implications for Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Region

The first session was chaired by Prof. Azmat Hayat Khan, former vice Chancellor University of Peshawar. The diverse panel of the session comprised of Prof. Adam Saud (Pakistan), Mr. Marat Aitov (Uzbekistan), Dr. Omar Zakhilwal (Afghanistan), Ms. Amina Khan (Pakistan) and Dr. Uzma Shujaat (Pakistan).

5. Prof. Adam Saud faculty member of Bahria University, Islamabad

He talked on the “Rise of Taliban in Afghanistan: Are Storm Clouds Looming Over the Region?”. He said that It’s been almost a year and three months to the fall of Kabul into the hands of Taliban. Besides isolated terrorist incidents and few protests by the women for their rights, situation seems calm in Afghanistan. Political stability is also present for the time being. Although the economic conditions have still not stabilised and inflation is out of control, most of the businesses are working normal there.

Taliban’s assurance to international community to not allow anyone to use their territory for terrorist activities against any state was the baseline for regional cooperation. Furthermore, all neighbors want to see a stable Afghanistan and failure of 20 years of American and western engagement forced neighbors of Afghanistan to rethink about the solutions to Afghanistan’s instability.

Despite this ‘stability’ there are several issues which still needed to be addressed in Afghanistan. The most important is internal instability. Although, most of the regions are under Taliban control, there are few areas which are controlled by the opponent groups. Panjsher valley is an example which is currently the hub of resistance movement against the Taliban regime. Furthermore, warlords are also muscling their arms in order to regain their strength in respective regions.

Furthermore, Islamic State of Khorasan has started its violent activities against soft targets particularly Shia population. It also has started a propaganda campaign against Russia. They also attacked the Russian embassy during this summer. The divisions between Taliban ranks have also given ISK room to attract non-Pushtoon recruits. There are reports that non-Pushtoon commanders are being relegated within Taliban troops which has given birth to disappointment among non-pushtoon members. ISK has exploited the situation and started propaganda against the Taliban regime being a Pushtoon movement. In addition, resurgence of TTP and its activities in the bordering region of Afghanistan is another test for Taliban regime. Such violent activities carried out by the TTP have already brought Islamabad and Kabul to a standoff.

Human rights violations particularly women rights are at stake in Afghanistan. Taliban have barred girls from schools, colleges, and universities. Similarly, female employees are also in difficult situation.

Despite these challenges, prospects for stability in Afghanistan under Taliban regime are high. However, nature of Taliban rule and their legitimacy in the eyes of Afghan population is a big question mark. Afghanistan stability and reconstruction need collaboration of immediate neighbours, regional and global powers. Afghanistan is in dire need of assistance. Kabul’s assets must be defreezed so that it can be spent on public welfare. Taliban have to assure its population and international community that this money will not be used for the support of terrorist organisations or repression within Afghanistan.

Regional economic integration and energy projects, particularly TAPI, CASA-1000 and Trans-Afghan Railway Projects must be materialised in order to make Afghanistan a land-linked country between Central and South Asia. SCO needs to play an important role here. Afghan issue has to be resolved through constructive engagement rather than military use.

Taliban also need to recognize the role of women in the national and social development. They must immediately lift ban on all kind of women’s education. They should also respect the ethnic and linguistic diversity and form an inclusive rather than exclusive government. Genuine problems and complaints of common people must be resolved.

Afghanistan can be a roundabout or a dead-end street for the regional states as well as global powers. Therefore, Taliban should be engaged in order to bring a better outcome for the stability and development of Afghanistan.

6. Mr. Marat Aitov, Scholar from Uzbekistan

He said that it is a timely conference and I am representing all CARs here at this conference. It should be noted that all republics have a common wish that Afghanistan should be stable economically and politically which is not only important for Afghanistan rather for the whole region.

The topic of our session is extremely relevant in the current international realities. The pandemic, the crisis in international relations, accompanied by sanctions, trade wars and protectionism have led to the rupture of traditional transport and logistics ties. As a result, the costs of transport and logistics in the structure of the cost of goods on average increased from 20 to 50%.

In these conditions, the strengthening of interconnectedness between Central and South Asia becomes even more urgent. The regions have significant potential for regional integration due to their rich resources, economic complimentarily, common tasks and geographical proximity.

For thousands of years, our regions have closely interacted politically, economically and culturally. In the past, the Great Silk Road connected Central and South Asia and vibrant trade benefited us all. However, due to objective historical processes, the mutual ties of our regions have weakened.

In 2021, Uzbekistan held an international conference "Central and South Asia: Regional Interconnectedness. Challenges and opportunities", which once again raised the issue of ensuring connectivity between our regions to the center of the international agenda.

The world community supported our initiative. On July 11, 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a special resolution on strengthening the interconnectedness between Central and South Asia, developed by Uzbekistan in collaboration with 40 countries. The document emphasizes the important role of Afghanistan in strengthening interregional ties, as well as for international peace and security

Why should we develop interconnectedness? What will it give us?

Nowadays, Central Asia remains the least interconnected region of the world. According to the World Bank, Central Asia's access to the global economy is less than 60%, which significantly reduces the competitiveness of exports and development opportunities. As a result, shipping a container from Central Asian countries to Shanghai is five times more expensive than from Poland or Turkey.

South Asia, with its high economic growth dynamics, huge market potential and a population of almost two billion people, is rapidly transforming into one of the centers of the global economy. Moreover, transit through Afghanistan to ports in the Indian Ocean will provide the countries of Central Asia with the shortest access to the seas, improving the transport connectivity of the region at times.

In this regard, the development of comprehensive interconnectedness with South Asia is becoming a strategic task for the Central Asian states, which makes it possible to expand export markets, increase the growth rates of economies and their industrialization, radically improve the transport and logistics situation of the region and, in general, the economic and investment attractiveness of Central Asia.

In turn, South Asia is increasing attention to our region, its economic, energy and transit potential. Pakistan, having joined the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program in 2010, is now intensifying cooperation with Central Asian countries in the fields of trade, transport and energy. India, in accordance with the course "Connecting with Central Asia" adopted in 2012, is increasing multifaceted cooperation with the states of the region.

Thus, the high mutual interest of the two Asian regions in restoring centuries-old interconnectedness, enhancing cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, energy, transport and logistics, as well as broad cultural and humanitarian exchange is obvious.

Uzbekistan supports the implementation of trans-regional connectivity projects that will connect Central Asia via Afghanistan with Pakistan and the Middle East in the shortest way, and provide an opportunity for the states of South Asia and the Middle East to enter the CIS and European markets.

The implementation of the Trans-Afghan Railway project will facilitate this process. It will ensure uninterrupted interregional transport links and give a new impetus to the dynamics of trade and economic exchanges. The projected volume of cargo transportation will be 4 million tons with a further increase to 7 million tons per year. Its implementation may take up to 5 years.

The realization of the Trans-Afghan Corridor will open up additional advantages for the countries of the region in entering promising markets, reduce the time and cost of cargo transportation between the countries of South Asia and Europe through Central Asia. For example, with the full implementation of the project, the transportation of goods from Pakistan to Uzbekistan will take 3-5 days instead 35.

The cost of transporting a 20-foot container will decrease by more than 3 times – from $900 to $286.

Moreover, the trans-Afghan corridor will create unique opportunities for ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan, stimulating the progressive economic growth of this country. Tens of thousands of new jobs will be created, roadside infrastructure will be built, conditions will be created for the development of rich mineral reserves along the route of the railway.

The proposed projects will increase the interest of the internal political forces of Afghanistan and the countries of the region in establishing security in Afghanistan, and are able to stabilize the region more than any political deal.

In addition, these initiatives will return Afghanistan to its lost historical role as a key link between Central and South Asia; contribute to the consolidation and further development of the concept of regional interconnectedness.

We are well aware that it is possible to ensure interregional connectivity between South and Central Asia only if long-term peace and stability are established in Afghanistan.

At the same time, against the background of events in Eastern Europe, the issue of Afghanistan is no longer in the spotlight of the international community. At the same time, we firmly believe that Afghanistan cannot be put on the sidelines of the global agenda. This may lead to a repeat of the situation of the 90s, when Afghanistan found itself in international isolation.

Therefore, the international community should take effective measures to restore its economy, integrate the country into interregional economic processes, implement infrastructure and socially significant projects, with the support of the UN, international financial institutions and donors.

This can be facilitated by the creation of a high-level international negotiating group for negotiations with the Afghan authorities, announced by the President of Uzbekistan during the VI meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia.

This mechanism could become an effective and efficient platform for defining clear mechanisms, deadlines and conditions for the fulfillment of obligations by the Interim Government of Afghanistan and the international community.

7. Ms. Amina Khan

Director, The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA), Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, presented her speech on the “Evolving Situation in Afghanistan - A Pakistani Perspective”. She said that Taliban didn’t come by force they came through a process and signed agreement. Taliban may be not the solution, but is a reality. Global communication is going on with the Taliban through Doha. The US, on one hand signed agreement with the Taliban and on the other hand placed financial sanctions on Afghanistan and freezed their assets. Here one must know that India and Iran have already signed strategic agreements with Afghanistan while Pakistan never has done so.

We must not put the real issues under the carpet and we must know that Afghanistan is a regional roundabout that opens many doors for economic relations with regional countries. Therefore, our visa policy must be easy so that people can have easy access and explore more business opportunities in both the countries.

8. Dr. Uzma Shujaat

Director, Area Study Centre, University of Karachi, presented her speech on "Prospects of Pakistan and Afghanistan Relations". She was of the opinion that Pakistan must work with Afghanistan as the Taliban has been isolated by the world. In other cases, this will further make bad results in Afghanistan and the ultimate affectees will be the people. Pakistan should stress on unfreezing of funds and assets but these should be utilized for the development of Afghan people and for peace and stability in the region.

9. Dr. Omar Zakhilwal

The Former Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan presented his thesis on "The Existing Threats & Opportunities for Stability & Durable Peace ". Pakistan and Afghanistan are the major stakeholders in the development of security in the region. If any country of the world gets into turmoil for forty years like Afghanistan, that would be divided into many pieces. It means Afghanistan will never be physically divided. We look at Afghanistan as a political threat, not as an opportunity. Our basis of policies should be culture, tradition, and common historical heritage. Our relationship must be based on political and economic engagement and not be developed solely from a security perspective. In fact, the way of looking at things from a security perspective has highly damaged our educational, cultural, and intellectual heritage which had never been the concerns of policy influencers. Policy should be framed on the basis of exploring opportunities.

Session 2 Day 1

Theme: Challenges in Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations and the Way-forward

The second session was Chaired by Dr. Farhan Hanif Siddique, Director School of Politics and International Relations Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. The session panelists included Dr. Arshi Saleem Hashmi (Pakistan), Dr. Zahid Shahab (Australia), Mr. Zia Ul Haq Amirkhel (Afghanistan) and Dr. Abdul Basit (Singapore).

10. Prof. Arshi Saleem Hashmi

Head of Department, Peace and Conflict Studies, National Defence University, Islamabad presented her paper on "Tehreek Taliban Pakistan and implications on Pak - Afghan Relations". She said that the USA withdrawal was expected to bring peace in the region, however, an increased fragility and threat was amplified by the re-emerging of TTP. The world must well facilitate the Taliban and educate them rather than curse them.

She said that US withdrawal and Taliban seizing the power paved way to another phase of already security-centered relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The increasing fragility and the developments eventually evolved the threat matrix for the Pakistan’s national security. The Afghan Taliban’s takeover of Kabul has given birth to a new narrative among militant groups, “if Taliban in Afghanistan can defeat superpower America, why TTP cannot defeat Pakistan!” The effect of this narrative can be seen through increased acts of terrorism in Pakistan.
In her concluding remarks she said any true help for the Afghan people can hardly materialize if one bypasses the interim government of Afghanistan. But even as Pakistan scrambles to boost the prospects of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan by convincing the world to interact with the Afghan government, Islamabad finds itself facing several challenges from ongoing developments in Afghanistan. These challenges have led to mutual disdain, but cooperation between the two nations must take precedence.
Pakistan needs to revisit its Afghanistan policy and concentrate on strengthening security through measures like: Border fencing, talking to the TTP on its terms Addressing the genuine grievances of its Pashtun population, Restoring purposeful dialogue with India, Pushing for intra-regional and cross-regional cooperation because TTP given its expanding role is no longer a security threat to Pakistan only but it can certainly affect the South and Central Asian region.

11. Dr. Zahid Shahab Ahmed

Research Fellow, Middle East Studies Forum, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalization (Australia) presented his research on "Strategic Distrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan". The scholar concentrated on the impact of Pakistan and Afghanistan's strategic mistrust on their relationship. Strategic distrust, according to him, is a shared mistrust of one another's long-term goals. Since 1947, there has been more hostility than collaboration in the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Their relationship has been harmed by the Durand Line legacy and their growing suspicion of each other since the Afghan-Soviet War. Before the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Islamabad continued to express doubt about India's involvement in Afghanistan and Kabul was concerned about Pakistan's influence on the Afghan Taliban. The relationship has been securitized by both parties, which has adverse effects on their cooperation in terms of trade, culture, and security. By examining the historic and contemporary factors, Dr. Ahmed explored the drivers of strategic distrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He also used some primary data in his presentation to highlight a degree to which there is mistrust on both sides and a widespread anti-Pakistan sentiment in Afghanistan.

12. Mr. Ziaulhaq Amarkhail

The Ex- Governor of Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan, founder of Milli-Subat political movement, Former senior advisor to HE President in political and public affairs, State minister of parliamentary affairs and CEO of Independent Electoral Commission of Afghanistan. He stated that at least 20 years of progressively work in senior government position and work with international NGOS has given me the professional experience that combines intellectual, strategic, political and managerial leadership in governance and foreign relations. Specifically, working as governor of Nangarhar province (which shares a long border with neighboring Pakistan) mostly experienced me in issues involved between the two brotherly countries.

He said that "I am here to express my views as an independent expert from my own experience and grassroots' relations with the general public of Afghanistan in different levels, and not as a representative of the current or former administration of Afghanistan.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are often bracketed as brother nations, having deep rooted historical links, traditional affinity, striking social fabric similarity, shared religious identity, ethno-cultural bondage, and strategic partnerships for a long time. Nevertheless, in the post-partition regional dynamics and legacy of issues between the British Raj and Afghanistan, bilateral relations between the two have been wavy, marked by ups and downs; yet the affinity and warmth at people-to-people level have remained generally cordial if not idyllic. It is worth to appreciate the generosity and hospitality of the Pakistan nation towards millions of Afghan refugees particularly during the soviet war, especially in terms of accommodating, educating and rising with respect.

I believe that this type of dialogues and discussion is very crucial because both Afghanistan and Pakistan are willing to improve relations and there is no other way without good relations with each other by strengthening political mutual trust, enhancing cooperation in various fields including trade and economic development, counter-terrorism, and jointly meeting security challenges.

I would point out the following main challenges based on my own experience and understanding of mutually challenging issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan;

The border arrangements and the existing Durand Line has always been the first issue to be raised by Afghanistan all the time.
From both sides, blames and allegations are frequently exchanged pertaining to illegal border crossings or illegal building of infrastructures.
The trust deficit and the understanding on Afghan side that Pakistan is involved in interference in Afghanistan affairs, proxy war and exporting religious extremism to Afghanistan. Similarly, Pakistan understands that the Afghan soil is used by the TTP against Pakistan.
Further Afghanistan–Pakistan tensions have arisen concerning a variety of issues, including the Afghan refugees in Pakistan, illegal trade of commodities and weapons, and establishment of friendly relationship between Afghanistan and India.
Afghans believe that Pakistan's religious leaders are involved in backing the religious extremism in Afghanistan over the last 4 decades, while they are the supporters of democracy in Pakistan.
Non-compliance and negligence in the implementation of transit and trade agreements and other obligations between the two countries, creating problems in front of Afghan trade and transit which always highlighted by Afghan chamber of commerce and industries especially during the fruit season in Afghanistan.
Lack of cooperation and problems in issuance of Visa for Afghans.
Afghans appreciate the cooperation provided by the Pakistan in terms of facilitating evacuations of those Afghans who wanted to flee the country and accommodation of certain people inside Pakistan, however, there are some reports of mistreatment such considering Afghans with legal documents and un-illegible to stay in some parts of the country and some hotels.
In certain cases, irresponsible statements, negative and even insulting and humiliating comments of some government members and religious leaders of both sides about the government, people and culture of each other.

Detailing, analyzing and finding a solution for all the above issues one by one require a lot of time, but I would like to point out some solutions to overcome the challenges mentioned above. The main idea is that Afghanistan and Pakistan need to adopt a more realistic approach towards each other’s sensitivities

In order to achieve this goal we need;

A sustainable political will from both sides is essential for evolving robust and durable bilateral relations.
There are some overlapping national interests of the two countries, baring a few barriers. Commonality of interests is underwritten by geographical contiguity, cultural, religious, ethnic and historical similarities. Both countries could safeguard their interests through cooperation and coordination. They should work in unison to overcome these barriers.
In cases of mutual security and diplomatic concerns, it is better that cooperation between the two governments are established to address the concerns instead of blaming and accusation of each other.
Both the states can become the hub of transit trade, if the already existing trade agreements are implemented. Early materialization of TAPI (Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India Pipeline) and its security on Afghan soil will help in boosting the economies of Pakistan and Afghanistan. We believe that facilitating smooth business for traders will pave the way for good relations, in that sense, Afghanistan needs access to Karachi and Gwadar ports and in return Pakistan needs access to the Central Asia through Afghanistan. This will help both countries achieve mutual business and economic goals.
To assist with trade issues, both countries should create a joint commission that will help manage disputes.
Start exchange programs between the civil society, academia, media, and business and religious scholars of the two countries. The objective of the exchange program should be to promote better bilateral and people-to-people relations between Afghanistan-Pakistan.
Focus on non-security related economic sectors for social enterprise development, resources and environment, sports, cultural diplomacy, and art.
Conduct exhibitions that display existing cross-border collaborations. This would help put a cooperation narrative into mainstream media, bypass political narratives, and potentially foster new collaborative enterprises.
To build trust and stop blame game; Improve media cooperation for good faith and stop propaganda
To support and protect the development of free press in both countries, create a pool network for Afghan and Pakistani journalists. This would not only provide a cross-border support network for journalists, but could also be used to promote a cooperation narrative in media outlets. This could be accomplished using existing social media platforms media groups.
Pak- Afghan youth dialogue; provide a platform for the youth of Pakistan and Afghanistan to interact on issues of bilateral concerns, exchange ideas and become messengers of peace and cooperation beyond boundaries. The vibrant youth of both countries can be the catalyst for peace through informed discourse, joint research ventures and thus mobilizing the peoples of both countries towards constructive development.
In long term, both countries must support democracy and freedom of thought for each other that will bring peace and stability to the region.

I believe that this kind of forums and discussions will connect the two nations and help the decision makers across borders to sort out the uncertainties and misunderstandings between the countries.

Hoping for a better future and good relations between the two countries!

13. Dr. Abdul Basit (Singapore)

In fact, the center of gravity between Pakistan and Afghanistan is mistrust now we need to change that center of gravity so that we can have trustworthy relationships in the future.

The Pakistan-Taliban ties have deteriorated since August 2021 when the latter took over in Afghanistan due to four factors. First, the Taliban’s lack of action against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) carrying out attacks in Pakistan. Second, the Taliban’s outreach to India to forge a functional relationship to Pakistan’s dismay. Three, Pakistan’s decision not to recognise the Taliban regime in line with the policies of other regional countries and the international community. Finally, the budding US-Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation against the residual threat of transnational terrorism in Afghanistan.

The Taliban-Pakistan ties are likely to remain tense and may deteriorate further in the foreseeable future.

Session 4 Day 2

Theme: Research Presentation of HSF Grant Holders on Regional Dialogue

Moderator: Mr. Lal Zaman

14. Mr. Aamer Mushtaq Cheema

Ph.D. Scholar, Area Study Centre (Russia, China & Central Asia) University of Peshawar presented his research on "Tribal Militias of Western Frontier & Their Impaction Regional Peace Keeping"

Key findings of the research are

The mistrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan is rooted not only in history but also due to geography. Two key elements are Tribe and concept of Frontier. Tribes migrated from Highlands to the plains through few passes in Hindu Kush, these tribes still occupied these passes like Khyber and Tochi. Tribes act as republics and sovereign, these tribes according to Ibn Khaldun theory of Aasabiyah are more loyal to each other than the modern concept of loyalty to state. Furthermore geographically, Kabul is part of Indus Civilisation as its water joins the River Indus, thus geographically it is the Kabul city which is the watershed rather than the Durand Line of 1893/94.

To manage the affairs of Frontier and tribes, Lord Curzon raised Frontier Militia in 1903, the men were recruited from the tribes occupying the passes and tribal areas. This Militia which is known as Frontier Corps has been able to preserve peace for last over one century and as such is pivotal to present and future good relations between these two countries. FC is also running schools in tribal areas, thus molding the minds of new generation in accordance with Pakistan policy, provide education to girls, create healthy sports activities in tribal belt and districts, thus in this manner it is promoting regional peace.

15. Ms. Arooj Fatima,

Research scholar, School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam, University Islamabad presented her research on "Combating Smog: Prospects of Multilevel Regional Dialogue in South Asia"

Environmental problems pose a regional threat; South Asia is a region highly sensitive to the consequences of climate change due to its environmental degradation. The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) is one of the most highly polluted regions in the world. Each year, the ratio of death tolls increases in India and Pakistan, which respectively are attributed to exposure to outdoor air pollution. According to the World Bank report, about 114,000 Pakistanis die annually from the impact of air pollution, accounting for about 9 percent of all deaths.
She particularly talked about Combating smog in the Indo-Pak region. This cannot be controlled only through distance discussion but rather through mutual harmony and close coordination. She took examples of Los Angeles Smog and London Smog in order to better understand the current situation of the Indo-Pak smog problem. Some relevant ideas are as follows.

Theorizing the puzzle:

Human Security must be the first priority.
State-centered to Human-Centered security.
Crop burning, industry, traffic, and other materials must be controlled.
Cardiac issues Asthma and other issues have been observed.
Air Movement Regulatory must be installed.
Shared technologies and shared efforts
e-vehicle e-rickshaws must be introduced on both sides.
Historical critical relationship makes a bad impact on this issue as well.

Prospects for Indo-Pak Environmental cooperation

Exchange of information on emission, meteorology and air quality
Sharing of technology and farming practices
Collective effort to control pollution sources

16. Mr. Muhammad Ayaz

Research Scholar Area Study Centre for European Studies, University of Karachi presented his research on "Socio-economic Cohesion of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan's Large Cities (Peshawar & Karachi): Opportunities and Challenges"

Armed conflict, violence, and political instability have caused forced migration worldwide. Most forcibly displaced people remain internally displaced or travel to neighboring countries. Refugees have been the fastest-growing demographic over ten years. Afghans are one of the world's longest-term refugees. Pakistan hosts the majority of Afghan refugees displaced by the 1979 Soviet invasion. Due to socio-cultural ties, many Afghan refugees have fled to Pakistan. An empirical and analytical methodological approach was adopted for this research. This research provides insight on the difficulties that Afghan refugees face in integrating into Pakistani society and cohesion of Afghan refugees in Pakistani society. At the same time examined, the threats posed by Afghan refugees to Pakistan's fragile economy and social system. This research provides guidance on the cohesiveness of Afghan refugees with Pakistanis and covers the economic and social impacts of migration on Pakistan. It will also help improve the policy making and the integration of different communities.

17. Mr. Taimoor Azam

Ph.D. Scholar, Area Study Centre (Russia, China & Central Asia) University of Peshawar presented his research on "Taliban Ban on Opium Poppy Cultivation in Afghanistan: its Challenges and Opportunities for South Asia"

The key research findings:

Without any alternative economic livelihood program and broad political support from regional countries, any prohibition attempt on opium cultivation in Afghanistan will result in serious security implications. The security implications will not be limited to Afghanistan only but will affect its immediate neighbors in the region. As long as Afghanistan is left as an economically failed and politically isolated state, the illicit drug economy cannot be practically curtailed, nor with it organized crime and terrorist activities.

18. Ms. Asma Siddique

Research scholar, School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam, University Islamabad, presented her research on "Low Politics and Functional Integration in South Asia: Possibilities and Challenges". Her research was focused on three main components, the link between Low politics & Functional Integration, Endogenous challenges to South Asian Integration and Current dynamics and future trajectory.

Low politics generally includes domestic issues of economic and social domains.
Functional integration direct attack on mutual problems confronting regions through the agency of functional regional organizations.
Endogenous challenges to south Asian functional integration are domestic politics, week political institutions, inter-state conflicts, low intraregional trade, adverse trading patterns, inadequate industrial development and lack of infrastructure and lack of complementarities among SAARC economies

19. Ms. Gullain Faraz

Research Scholar Area Study Centre for European Studies, University of Karachi presented her research on "Social and Ideological Barriers to Transnational Mobility in South Asia: A Case Study Kartarpur Corridor ". South Asia comprises of eight states and each state consists of multiple religious, ethnic, and cultural groups. Pre 1947, these countries were one big continent where people could travel freely from one corner to the other with less restrictions and barriers. As a result, there was affiliation among the people and they conceded to a common identity. However, the episode of partition turned out brutal for these countries as the British Empire divided them based on religion. Religion still has an evident impact in the political landscape of South Asia due to certain reasons. The borders follow the same line in South Asia. They are not merely lines at the edge of the polity instead; they are chaotic and always evolving. In this current scenario of border issues and ideological differences, the opening of Kartarpur corridor on the India-Pakistan border has made headlines all around the world. It facilitates the Sikh community to visa free access to the shrine of Baba Guru Nanak, located in Narowal district of Pakistan. This study deals with the opening of Kartarpur Corridor in the midst of all heated politics in the region plus it also evaluates the importance of religious tourism in South Asia. The research problem behind this study is to identify social and ideological barriers that hinder the transnational mobility and process of regional integration in South Asia.

20. Mr. Syed Noman Ali

Research Scholar Area Study Centre for European Studies, University of Karachi presented his research on "Challenges in SDGs for South Asia: Social and Environmental Pillars". This research demonstrates a regional obligation to develop strategies for achieving sustainable development goals in the context of hunger and food security in Pakistan. The purpose of this research is to highlight the challenges of achieving SDG goals from the perspective of the South Asia region, especially in Pakistan. The aim is to promote the significance of sustainable development programmes that result in uplifting economic and social goals as well. The research focused on the goal of "Zero Hunger" from the 17 SDGs to ensure food security in Pakistan by achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030. The research found out the challenges faced by Pakistan and suggested some solutions for maintaining social and economic sustainability goals.

21. Ms. Urooba Ibrahim

Ph.D. Scholar, Area Study Centre (Russia, China & Central Asia) University of Peshawar presented his research on "Current Security Dynamics of Afghanistan and their Impact on Regional Connectivity".

Regionalism or regional connectivity provides shared progress and prosperity to every inter-connected state. By following respective doctrine, Afghanistan has also been engaged with bilateral, trilateral and multilateral agreements with regional states that aim to ensure a common progressive future.
This study exclusively examines how regional connectivity through Afghanistan is positively influencing the home-constructing trends, lifestyle, food business, dress designing, business languages, religion-based economy, cross-cultural marriages, and export-import-related industries in the region.
No one can neglect that Afghanistan as a Heart of Asia is clicking on the entire indicators for domestic, national and regional economic growth. Whether regional integration observes on behalf of bilateralism, trilateralism or multilateralism, Afghanistan has become a cause of upholding localism (where people love to stay within their locality because of resources availability), structure functionalism (that insists the inhabitant of each state to obey state structure), unitarization (which grows the sense of unity among ethnic segments within a state or region), multiculturalism (when distinct regional cultural segments socio-economically and politically engage with each other. Therefore, neither Afghan nor other regional stakeholders now allow any ‘’third party’ for perplexing regional integration, but they only seek shared prosperity and a common progressive future. Sometimes, refers as patriotism).Because of shared goals or assumed common future.

22. Ms. Sarosh Fatima

Research scholar, SPIR, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad presented her research on "Regional Dialogue on Infectious Diseases: Mitigating Risks of Emerging Outbreaks in South Asia" She said that South Asia is an infectious disease red zone reveled by the World Health Organization (WHO) report in 2022. More than 500 million COVID-19 cases and 6 million deaths have been reported to WHO because of the lack of new vaccines.

She said that there must be Cooperation is in the best interest of states within a region. She emphasized on the A Global Health Emergency because there is a significant threat to global health and human security which requires extraordinary measures, interdisciplinary research, and specially created organizations and institutions and Regional Dialogue and Collaboration in South Asia. She highlighted the challenges such as Political Will, Political tensions and conflict, Absence of Infrastructure, Inadequate Information and Lack of Funding to regional cooperation.

Session 5 Day 2

Theme: Regional Cooperation: Imperative for Regional Connectivity

Session Chair: Dr. Azmat Hayat Khan

23. Dr. Farah Mostakwai

The research scholar from (Afghanistan), her topic of presentation was "Historical and cultural linkages of Afghanistan and Pakistan and Regional Connectivity ". She was of the opinion that Afghanistan’s situation is evolving as a threat to the region as well as to the entire world.

It is about Afghans’ basic rights and freedom that has been removed from the life through repressive governance, may be Taliban as a terroristic group backed by very diplomatic language to say that they are the reality of Afghanistan. Answer to the given narrative is NO!

Dr, Farah said that a proxy fighter group cannot be the reality of a nation. Afghanistan is geography without owner, the country from the long history of proxy war, suffered from selective choices of the neighboring countries, the countries that backed Taliban in order to kick out the US from Afghanistan.

The collapse of state structure in Afghanistan depicts the failure of the Afghans who never respected the law including elections. Corruption to the highest record level remained one of the main factors in failure of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan today is a potential threat that will evolve to a real threat in the region. The vacuum of power, presence of ideologically extreme groups, increase of smuggling and economic liquidity crises are looming large over Afghanistan. In the short run the group (Taliban) may stay committed to some of the countries who backed them. In the long run groups and movements as such never remain committed and may go out of control.

Humanitarian situation:

It is a reason to create a counter fact to the realities on the ground, currently genocide and out of law mass killing of not only Hazaras other groups included Tajiks, Uzbeks, former security forces and suppression of women, denying access to education and to humanitarian assistance systematically continues, the people may not die from hunger but from suppression and fare, yes, they will be killed.

We don’t die we are killed and the one who paved the way for today’s tragedy must be hold responsible.

Counter narratives for Afghanistan is enough, human right is the priority not humanitarian support that continues under unknown reasons with 40 millions of dollars per week.

Afghanistan is abandoned by the international community which remains a concern but the world may not forget that. Iran was recognized after revolution as a country not de-facto system, after four decades, the country is a threat to its own people and to the world. The best option for the international community from the facts in the history is to learn lessons otherwise a group of illegal fighters recognized as the representative of Afghans who are involved in mass killing and genocide may create a sarcastic world without system in which any country can invade the next country and be recognized due to its power.

The Dark Culture is Looming:

Believing that no war is peace, paying no attention to what emerges from the peace without law, the dark culture is looming to take over the region, that is crossing from the boarders to Pakistan as well. Ignoring the waves, pushing me to recall the moments in which Malala almost killed due to her stand for education.

The symbols are apparent, girls in border areas will soon suffer equally as Afghans, this should not be ignored and needs the civil society of Pakistan to do their homework and think of the future that is very clear. Darkness is emerging.

Connectivity:

A positive connectivity must be planted in the region, as we witness the first darkness looming remains the main topic of discussion, myths are removed like Malala or replaced with honor killings, reduction of women presence in the public life. We are connected as a historic culture that brought us to today, the Hada(هده)civilization is not limited to Nangarhar and Peshawar, the roots of that civilization goes back to Persia, sharing the values from the past to Moghuls and Babur’s.

Can one Pakistani say, they don’t know the emperor Babur?

Or they will call the Moghuls as descendent and fathers who had gone to India.

Can anyone differentiate Alama Iqbal (علامه اقبال) from Maulana Jalal din Balkhi?

In today’s Afghanistan/Pakistan, can anyone find a small difference between what a Talib believes in and wants in Afghanistan and in Pakistan.

having said it, we as intellectuals of the two countries with same culture from the history must stay alerted, not believing on official narratives but of realities and draw a future for our children that they should not be pushed backward.

This is our shared value and duty to bring positive changes, find ways to prevent disputes that remain united for political reasons but unfortunately this is not the case. To stay connected for creation of coordination instead of separation, in order to create a future in which our children are safe from the evil and can live in peace and prosperity.

24. Dr Najam Abbas

Mentor/trainer of United Kingdom Pakistan Science and Innovation Global Networking. He presented his research on "Roadmap to Regional Connectivity: The way forward for 2023"
In his talk, he said that there are three lenses to look at road map ahead for regional connectivity for 2023-2030:
Firstly, the stock taking for seven past years between 2014 and 2022
Scenarios for the next seven years medium term between 2023 and 2030
Long term 27-years’ scenario between 2023 and 2050
Authorities in Pakistan and Afghanistan must remain alert to the landmark shifts that are happening in the region. It is a time when tectonic shifts are happening push and pull factors in the economic spheres are defining the dynamics and dimensions of emerging geo-economic realignment. Recent months have witnessed ruptures causing rearrangement and reconfiguration of relations between past allies and present partners.
It is high time that the political leaders in Pakistan and Afghanistan make the right choices to pursue rising fortunes or contributing a declining of stakes. Is it only due to insufficient infrastructure or do with continuous of capacity lags insufficiencies which have so far denied to optimally tapping the potential of tourism trade and transport linkages and invention activity.
Much depends on how stakeholders in the region will prioritize measures to improve connectivity and what alternative supply chain arrangements are being put in place. The regional player must remain mindful why they remain least connected why low connectivity continues to be a notable feature with longest delays in between markets.
To what extent the stakeholders are conducting an empirical engagement with evolving events. Are some stakeholders need moving in circles in their perennial zero sum pursuits staying in silos and remaining captive of misplaced perceptions and misgivings.
There are dormant projects which are being reactivated. Alternate supply chain imperatives specially for energy exporting Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan another vision. Economic advancement for enhanced energy exports via improved connectivity and linkages.
These are the times witnessing shifting landscapes bringing sweeping changes
We see progress made by Uzbekistan when it pursues opening up to outgoing links and uplift economy. We see distancing despite distances involved Mongolia despite being Eurasia's most language landlocked country yet achieving landmark rises in trade and transit.
An important development is the rupture as Kazakhstan undergoing a water shed moment as it is exploring ways to disinvests from partnerships in Russian ventures.
Following the pursuit of decoupling by Western powers, alternates are being explored which could provide alternates to Chinese Belt and Road initiative.

25. Dr. Pashmina Mughal,

Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, National University of Modern Languages Islamabad, Pakistan presented her research on "Geopolitical Dynamics and the Prospects of Regional Connectivity for Afghanistan".

She highlighted the significant role of Afghanistan as a regional actor. She said Geopolitically, Afghanistan holds a significant position between Central and South Asia. It is situated at the crossroads of major trade routes with the potential of being a transit economic zone between Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Being an energy bridge between two significant regions, it has all the prospects to become a valuable junction point for energy and trade flow. The emerging geopolitical dynamics also suggest the emerging role of Afghanistan in the context of regional connectivity. Unfortunately, Afghanistan possessing a history of volatile conflicts and violence remain a hub of the clashing interests of the major powers throughout the centuries. The discordant society of Afghanistan, the paradoxical nature of domestic politics, and the deteriorating security situation in the country remain vital challenges in this regard. In post 9/11, Afghanistan has become the nucleus of global strategic and security concerns. The United States — after fighting for almost two decades of indecisive war against terrorism, Al-Qaeda network and Taliban, has left the country to its own fate. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan has further regional and international implications.

Furthermore, she highlighted the Prospects of Regional Connectivity for Afghanistan. Though landlocked, Afghanistan can build a ‘regional hub/hegemon’ alongside Iran, Russia, China, and Pakistan. There are multiple agreements pertaining to the power sector, energy resources, and cargo facility for Asia, particularly for Central and South Asia to other vital regions. Furthermore, the unique geographic location enhances its importance to become a natural hub for access through roads, energy pipelines, electric supply connections, and railroads. These linkages will strengthen the scope of Afghanistan as a regional connecting actor benefiting Central and South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the future emerging course of world order through rising economic powers such as China, Russia, India, Iran, and Turkey. The political, economic, and regional synchronization of Afghanistan with other states/regions will create connectivity between the economic nodes and hubs.

Session 6 Day 2

Theme: Conclusion

Vote of Thanks by Dr. Steffen Kudella HSF Pakistan Representative

In a vote of thanks, Dr. Steffen Kudella, country representative of Hanns Siedel Foundation (HSF) Pakistan appreciated the participants and speakers for raising pertinent questions and valuable discussions. He emphasized the significance of the Pakistan Afghanistan Dialogue in the regional dynamics in addition to accentuating effort to promote regional cooperation as well.

Key Takeaways

Peace has come to Afghanistan which should be translated into a positive peace that is the process to have human rights, equality, development and justice through attitude, governance and institutions.

A threat to peace remains there and this time it seems to be internal if the Taliban interim government could not win internal support through winning hearts and minds of Afghans and does not address legitimate concerns of the neighbors of Afghanistan.
Taliban interim setup or whichever authority is there in Kabul, they have to respect ethnic, religious, political and linguistic diversity of Afghanistan.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have to mutually respect each other’s sovereignty and integrity.
Smooth and cordial Pak-Afghan relations not only beneficial mutually rather these are essential for a harmonized, connected and economically integrated regions of Central and South Asia.
Policies shall be framed across the borders on basis of trade and economic opportunities in an altered regional geo-political context rather than framed solely from security perspective.
An Afghanistan in peace with itself and with its neighbors shall guide the rules of the game for countries of the region.
A regional strategic alignment as opposed to a fragile alignment of regional interests during the immediate post 9/11 period is the way forward in a changed regional context. The regional strategic alignment must be based on anchoring the diplomatic relations more to geo-economics i.e. trade and economic connectivity rather than geo-politics. The neighbors of Afghanistan through a regional alignment may help in many ways, in peace building, trade promotion and governance. Instead of confrontation and promoting differences to indulge in a zero sum game, the regional states and Afghanistan better opt for cooperation towards shared growth and prosperity.
The neighbors of Afghanistan have ethnic, linguistic, cultural, political and economic links with Afghanistan, they need to push Afghanistan in a right direction through coordinated approach.
Peace in Afghanistan is not only in the interests of the region rather it is in the interest of the world therefore the international community must support regional efforts for sustainable peace. Without international support regional efforts will face severe limitations in helping peace and development in Afghanistan.
The Historical reasons such as the border issue, the role of political leadership of both the countries and the specific geo-politics of the region that invited the foreign intervention time and again shall come to an end. It is time to leave the past and mend fences for the future. The way forward is to promote the culture of dialogue, engage academia and institutions to institutions contact stakeholders in order to develop trust between the two states.
Moreover, there is a dire need for formalizing people to people contact, promotion of trade and maximum accessibility, harmonizing media groups and various sections of both Pak-Afghan societies to interact with each other.
The event promoted and stabilized the dialogue between socio-political multipliers in South Asian region by inviting experts on Pakistan and Afghanistan from research and academic establishments in Germany, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Singapore, and Australia.

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Disclaimer: Views expressed are of the speakers and are not necessarily reflective of Area Study Centre (Russia, China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar policy.