Organization for Policy Research and Development Studies (DROPS) conducted this webinar discussion on ‘Afghanistan-Pakistan: Prospects and Challenges Bilateral Cooperation in Security and Peace?’ on 14 June, 2020.
The discussion aimed to create an engaging environment that can allow for a rich discussion between Afghan policymakers, academia and regional counterparts on ways in which mutual interests can be redefined in the pursuit of better cooperation and coordination on peace and security matters between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
DROPS launched this discussion at a time when the Afghan peace process is back on track following the US-Taliban Agreement and the commencement of steps towards starting the Intra-Afghan Dialogue where the Afghan government for the first time will begin negotiations with the Taliban for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. It is a unique moment in the country’s history and a great opportunity to finally end the decades long conflict in Afghanistan. This watershed moment reflects the findings of Volume 5 of DROPS ‘Women and Public Policy Journal’ titled “Towards Security and Stability: Fostering Regional consensus.”
In this sessions the speakers evaluate and discuss the following key questions:
a). How do policymakers in Pakistan view security and peace matters in Afghanistan?
b). What are the drivers of the Afghan conflict in the lens of policymakers in Pakistan?
c). What are existing opportunities that can build upon a common security understanding between Afghanistan and Pakistan to help facilitate the peace process in Afghanistan?
d). What role does Pakistan envision for itself in the Afghan peace process?
e). How does the India factor impact Pakistan’s foreign and military policy towards Afghanistan?
Moderator:
Dr. Omar Sharifi
Senior Research Fellow and Kabul Director of the American Institute of Afghanistan Studies
Speakers:
- Ambassador (rtd.) Aziz Ahmad Khan
Former Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Afghanistan
- Mr. Ahmad Shuja Jamal
DG for International Affairs & Regional Cooperation at the NSC of Afghanistan
- Ms. Nasema Zeerak
Rotary Peace Scholar at the University of San Diego
About DROPS:
The Organization for Policy Research and Development Studies (DROPS) is based in Afghanistan. As an interdisciplinary and impartial institution, DROPS is committed to strengthening democratic ideas and values by conducting policy oriented research that provide decision-makers with sound alternative solutions to national issues.
Stay Connected with DROPS:
Twitter: twitter.com/drops_afg
Website: www.dropsafghanistan.org
Email: info@dropsafghanistan.org
