Islamabad (Khyber Mail): The Center for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) hosted its fourth working session titled “Transforming Regional Dynamics and Architecture: Pakistan’s Posture.” The session featured prominent speakers including Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, former Foreign Minister and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Ms. Amina Khan, Director of CAMEA, Ambassador Asif Durrani, Mr. Kawa Hassan, Mr. Haroon Sharif, Mr. Michael Kugelman, and Mr. Leo Wigger.
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Amina Khan highlighted that the regional strategic landscape has been reshaped by great power competition, events in Afghanistan, and regional connectivity in South and Central Asia. She emphasized that these developments necessitate a reevaluation of Pakistan’s diplomatic strategies.
Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, in her keynote address, discussed the global struggle for primacy and the lack of strong bilateral relationships in South Asia. She criticized the impunity enjoyed by major powers and stressed the importance of learning from historical and geographical constants.
Ambassador Asif Durrani addressed the fragile stability in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, noting improvements in governance but criticizing the ban on women’s education and work. He warned of the regional and global threats posed by terrorist groups exploiting Afghan soil and called for a regional approach to counterterrorism dialogue.
Kawa Hassan emphasized the geopolitical shifts in the Middle East, describing recent events as transformative but warning that military gains are meaningless without resolving the Palestinian statehood issue. Haroon Sharif highlighted the economic advantage of physical proximity in West Asia and stressed the need for private capital to back connectivity initiatives.
Michael Kugelman discussed the serious threat of climate change to Pakistan and the importance of addressing this issue more comprehensively. Leo Wigger focused on enhancing trade and connectivity in South Asia, noting the potential for EU-German investment.
The session concluded with interactive discussions, expert analyses, and policy recommendations on Pakistan’s geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges and opportunities in the evolving global order.