October 10, 2025 – The National Institute of Public Policy (NIPP) hosted a high-level round table discussion titled “Quest for Regional Peace: Sour Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations and the Way Forward” in Lahore. The event brought together prominent policymakers, academics, and media professionals to explore avenues for peace and stability in the region.
The session opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Naveed Elahi, Dean NIPP, who emphasized the critical importance of stable and constructive relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan for broader regional peace and connectivity. He highlighted the role of dialogue and policy-oriented research in building mutual trust and fostering sustainable solutions. An analysis of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations was prepared and presented by NIPP.
The panel featured a distinguished lineup of guest speakers:
- Lt. Gen (R) Bilal Akbar, former Chief of General Staff of Pakistan Army and former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who offered insights into the evolving security dynamics in the region and stressed the need for a recalibrated strategic approach anchored in cooperation and intelligence-sharing.
- Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Khan, former Ambassador to Afghanistan, shared firsthand diplomatic experiences, advocating for consistent dialogue mechanisms and confidence-building measures to address bilateral irritants and border management issues.
- Mr. Aamir Ghauri, Resident Editor of The News International in Islamabad, highlighted the media’s role in shaping public perception and regional narratives. He called for responsible journalism that promotes peacebuilding and counters misinformation.
- Dr. Aamer Raza, Assistant Professor and regional affairs expert, provided a historical and socio-political perspective on Pakistan-Afghanistan ties, underscoring the challenges of mistrust, cross-border militancy, and the lack of institutional engagement.
The interactive session fostered thoughtful discussions on policy options, the role of regional players, humanitarian concerns, and the necessity of continued diplomatic engagement.
In his closing remarks, by Dr. Naveed Elahi, Dean NIPP reiterated the Institute’s commitment to facilitating informed discourse on pressing regional issues and providing a neutral platform for stakeholders to deliberate on policy solutions. He expressed hope that such dialogues would pave the way for mutual understanding and long-term peace in South Asia.
