An event in Islamabad organised by Afkar e Taza ThinkFest brought together diplomats, academics and civil society to examine German French reconciliation and the broader theme of European unification. Representatives from the French and German embassies in Islamabad and the European Union delegation in Pakistan joined Pakistani scholars to discuss how former adversaries built lasting peace and partnership after conflict.
Professor Yaqoob Khan Bangash joined the panel as a key contributor, and the moderator and panelists outlined the practical steps and political will that underpinned Franco German reconciliation. Speakers highlighted the role of dialogue, institutional cooperation and mutual trust in enabling the construction of a united, democratic and prosperous Europe, offering insights relevant to Pakistan’s own diplomatic and regional engagement.
Participants agreed that the Franco German reconciliation story offers important lessons for reconciliation processes elsewhere, including in South Asia. The discussion underlined the value of sustained diplomacy and cultural exchange, and reinforced calls for continued engagement between European missions in Pakistan and local institutions to foster shared learning and partnership.
