The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad convened a roundtable with a visiting US delegation led by Imran Shaukat to explore practical pathways for Pakistan and the region. Delegation members included Skip Waskin, Anthony Renzulli, Jon Danilowicz, Maureen Shauket, Elizabeth Threlkeld and Michael Kugelman, and the meeting brought together former diplomats, practitioners and South Asia experts from both countries to discuss regional progress, partnership and peace as part of the broader South Asia Partnership agenda.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, opened the discussion by stressing the timeliness of the dialogue and the region’s untapped economic potential. He observed that South Asia’s momentum is held back by structural inequalities, political divisions and a persistent trust deficit, and argued that adopting a habit of sustained dialogue and a culture of cooperation—similar to ASEAN—would be essential for achieving shared prosperity. He underlined Pakistan’s readiness to pursue inclusive development and enhanced regional connectivity.
Mr Imran Shaukat thanked ISSI for hosting the conversation and highlighted the central role of Pakistan’s youth and private sector in driving regional initiatives. He advocated for greater self-reliance, expanded cultural and business linkages, and regional cooperation models inspired by successful frameworks like ASEAN. Participants exchanged perspectives on how connectivity projects, trade facilitation and human capital development can strengthen the South Asia Partnership.
Dr Talat Shabbir of the China-Pakistan Study Centre at ISSI welcomed delegates and urged a reimagining of regional development strategies to better integrate economic, social and diplomatic efforts. In his closing remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, commended the thoughtful inputs and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to sustaining forums that promote constructive engagement and partnerships for peace and prosperity in South Asia.
The roundtable concluded with a shared understanding that South Asia’s stability and progress depend on renewed cooperation, inclusive policies and a collective will to convert regional challenges into opportunities. Strengthening the South Asia Partnership through continued dialogue, private sector involvement and youth engagement emerged as key priorities for building long-term peace and development.
