Speakers at the national conference on “Future Prospects of Regional Connectivity Through Dialogue in South Asia: Global and Strategic Perspectives,” held at the University of Karachi and organized by Area Study Center for Europe, highlighted the importance of regional harmony among South Asian states for enhanced trade ties and socio-economic development. Dr. Khalid Iraqi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi, emphasized that sustainable economic development in South Asia relies on resolving disputes among regional states in the best interest of their nations.NusratMirza, Chairman of Rabta Forum International, underscored the significance of strong diplomatic ties among South Asian states, stressing that they would lead to regional development in various sectors, including trade, economy, and tourism.
Former Foreign Secretary NajamUddin Sheikh suggested that Pakistan should resolve the core issue of Kashmir’s conflict with India to pave the way for meaningful regional connectivity with other states. He also urged Pakistan to review its policy with Afghanistan to foster strong ties based on mutual interest. Former diplomat Qazi M A Khalil recommended that Pakistan should adapt its foreign policies to the changing dynamics of geopolitics and geoeconomics, leveraging its strength through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its role in the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD).
Prof. Dr. ShaistaTabbasum highlighted SAARC’s pivotal role in regional connectivity and emphasized that it should also address emerging issues such as global warming and climate change. She noted that regional connectivity could resolve the energy crisis in the area, but the lack of trust between Pakistan and India remains a significant obstacle. In the conference’s concluding session, Prof. Dr. Tanveer Khalid stated that the event discussed essential aspects of Pakistan’s foreign policies, offering valuable recommendations to state departments for shaping future strategies aimed at building confidence, peace, and harmony among regional countries.
