ISLAMABAD (October 1, 2025) — A rare conference, the Islamabad Process and the First Regional Dialogue on Regional Stability and Cooperation, concluded yesterday, successfully uniting over 100 dignitaries from Pakistan and Afghanistan to address the region's most pressing challenges.
Held from September 29 to September 30, 2025, the conference facilitated unprecedented candid discussions among participants, resulting in a strong consensus on the intertwined fates of the two nations and laying the groundwork for future engagement.
Hosted by SASSI University and the Women for Afghanistan (WFA), the conference aimed to provide a neutral platform for dialogue beyond traditional diplomatic channels. Its primary objective was to foster mutual understanding and identify actionable areas for cooperation, particularly in cross-border economic integration and shared security challenges.
The diverse group of attendees included 30 prominent Afghan figures, 40 high-profile former Pakistani officials, and 11 senior diplomats, ensuring a comprehensive exchange of perspectives. Dr. Maria Sultan emphasized the importance of such dialogues in a complex geopolitical landscape, stating, “Creating spaces for open and honest dialogue is essential. This conference was designed to build bridges among influential voices in policy, civil society, and academia.”
Discussions over the two-day event yielded significant outcomes, with a core consensus emerging that peace and stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan are inextricably linked. Participants unanimously committed to sustaining and expanding dialogue platforms to prevent misunderstandings and build lasting trust.
Economic interdependence was a major focus, with discussions on optimizing transit trade agreements and leveraging regional infrastructure projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Collaborative approaches to counter-terrorism and enhanced border management were also central themes, with a shared agreement on the necessity of joint mechanisms for de-escalation.
Mrs. Fawzia Koofi, president of WFA, highlighted the human dimension of the dialogue, stating,
“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of opportunity, justice, and understanding.” She underscored the importance of including women and youth in future discussions, emphasizing the desire for connection and the significance of educational and cultural exchanges.
Key actionable recommendations from the conference include:
Establishment of Bilateral Working Groups: Dedicated channels for experts and officials to collaborate on border security, trade facilitation, and cultural exchange.
Regularization of Dialogue: Follow-up conferences and thematic workshops to track progress and maintain momentum on a semi-annual basis.
Enhanced People-to-People Connections: Funding and facilitating exchange programs for students, academics, media professionals, and artists.
The Islamabad Process has concluded not as an endpoint but as a catalyst for sustained engagement. The commitments made and relationships forged during the event provide a robust foundation for turning consensus into concrete action, heralding a new potential for enhanced regional cooperation.
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