Staff Reporter
A webinar was held by Pak-Afghan Youth forum on “Pak-Afghan relations: Future goals setting”. The panelists and participants included prominent personalities from academia, media and policymakers from both sides of the border. The webinar was organized as part of PAYF’s initiatives to enhance people-to-people connection between the two countries. The brainstorming session was also arranged in an effort to start cross-border dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan in an attempt to discuss how the youth of the two countries could successfully navigate through these historic times.
The brainstorming session was an interactive and informal discussion between the panelists from both sides. The keynote speaker for the event was Ms. Wajiha Qamar, the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Professional Training. The Afghan panelists included Mr. Naimatullah Karyab (Parliamentarian), Mr. Ghulam Farooq Safi (Chairman BEST), Mr. Anees ur Rehman (Journalist, RTA Afghanistan), Mr. Samiullah Jabarkhail (Deputy Director, OSCAR), Mr. Wahadatullah Khaplwak (Executive Director C4A). While the Pakistani panel included Dr. Shabana Fayyaz (QAU), Ms. Amina Khan (ISSI), Mr. Sajid Iqbal Khattak (NUML) and Mr. Nizam Salarzai (Youth leader Erstwhile FATA).
Ms. Wajiha Qamar shared her views how the Pakistan-Afghan relationship had been plagued by misunderstandings and mistrust, however civil society organizations like PAYF isa great step in the right direction to change this. She also struck a sentimental note with the participants by mentioning how like our family, our geographical neighbors cannot be changed, which is why we should try to make our neighbors our strength. She also mentioned that Ministry of Education will extend is best possible support to Afghan students and bridge the gap to bring people of both sides together. Dr. Shabana Fayyaz highlighted how youth bulge from both sides can be more productive. Other speakers were of the opinion that Pakistan needs to make its relationship with Afghanistan more multifaceted rather than political.
