- International Seminar in Islamabad Urges Issue-Based Engagement, Political Commitment and Equal Sovereignty to Promote Regional Peace and Prosperity
ISLAMABAD — The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) has called for renewed regional cooperation in South Asia, stressing that the world’s most populous and strategically significant region cannot afford continued disintegration amid mounting traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
The call was made at an international seminar titled “Reimagining Regionalism in South Asia,” organised by ISSI’s India Study Centre (ISC). Participants emphasised the need to revitalise existing regional institutions, particularly the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), while adapting cooperative mechanisms to contemporary political, economic and security realities.
The seminar underscored that meaningful regional integration requires political will, mutual trust, respect for sovereignty and a pragmatic focus on shared challenges affecting the lives of more than two billion people across South Asia.
SAARC Remains the Most Viable Platform for Regional Cooperation
Participants observed that, despite its limitations and prolonged inactivity, SAARC remains the most viable institutional framework for promoting cooperation among South Asian countries.
They stressed that the organisation’s revival should be guided by the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect and inclusivity, ensuring that all member states participate on an equal footing.
Speakers highlighted the importance of strengthening SAARC’s practical capacity and preventing political disagreements from indefinitely obstructing regional engagement on issues of common concern.
Separating Political Differences from Shared Regional Priorities
The seminar called for a more pragmatic, people-centred approach to regionalism, urging South Asian countries to distinguish political disputes from areas where cooperation could deliver tangible benefits.
Priority areas identified during the discussions included:
- Poverty alleviation and sustainable economic development.
- Climate change, environmental protection and water scarcity.
- Trade facilitation and regional economic connectivity.
- Disruptive technologies and digital transformation.
- Migration and public health.
- Maritime cooperation and regional security.
Participants stressed that practical collaboration in these fields could help improve livelihoods, strengthen economic resilience and build confidence among regional countries, even where political differences persist.
Minilateral Cooperation and Potential Engagement with China
Alongside efforts to revive SAARC, the seminar recommended exploring minilateral arrangements involving smaller groups of countries to advance cooperation in specific areas of shared interest.
Such flexible mechanisms could complement existing regional institutions by enabling participating countries to pursue practical initiatives where broader consensus remains difficult to achieve.
The speakers also discussed the potential for China to participate in appropriate cooperative initiatives, citing the importance of promoting stability, connectivity and constructive engagement across South Asia.
Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani Calls for Political Commitment and Statesmanship
Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, attended the seminar as the Chief Guest.
In his remarks, he emphasised that successful regional cooperation depends on sustained political commitment, mutual confidence and a willingness among all countries to recognise one another as sovereign equals.
He expressed hope that the leadership of South Asian countries would demonstrate the necessary statesmanship to advance the collective interests of the region’s more than two billion people.
The speakers collectively maintained that South Asia’s vast population, geographical significance and economic potential could become drivers of shared prosperity only through meaningful cooperation and a sustained commitment to peace and human development.
Distinguished Diplomats and Regional Experts Share Perspectives
The seminar brought together diplomats, policymakers and regional specialists to examine the future of regionalism and the prospects for renewed cooperation in South Asia.
Other speakers included:
- Ambassador Masood Khalid, former Ambassador of Pakistan to China.
- Mr. Fazle Lohani Babu, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan.
- Professor Maneesha Wanasinghe-Pasqual, Executive Director of SASSRI, Sri Lanka.
- Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Director General, ISSI.
- Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, Board of Governors, ISSI.
The discussion highlighted the urgency of moving beyond prolonged political stalemates and developing practical mechanisms capable of addressing shared regional vulnerabilities.
Regional Integration Essential for Lasting Peace and Prosperity
The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to exchange views on the challenges and opportunities facing regional cooperation.
The overarching message was clear: South Asia needs a renewed commitment to dialogue, institutional revitalisation and issue-based collaboration. Reviving SAARC, complemented by flexible minilateral initiatives, could provide a pathway towards stronger economic ties, improved human development and greater regional stability.
Participants stressed that the future of South Asia depends not only on managing political differences but also on recognising shared interests and building a cooperative framework that delivers concrete benefits for the region’s people.
BY: The Times Union
