On 26 October, IAIS Deputy Director Shakhboz Akhmedov, along with Hamza Boltaev, Head of the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies, and research fellows Mushtariy Usmonova and Odilbek Manabov, met with Pakistani experts General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery, President of the Centre for South Asia and International Studies (CSAIS), Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Dean & Meritorious Professor at the School of Politics and International Relations at Quaid-i-Azam University, and Mahmud Sultan, Leading Researcher at CSAIS, to discuss pressing regional issues and opportunities for collaboration.

The dialogue covered a range of interconnected topics. IAIS representatives shared insights into the Institute’s research and objectives, particularly highlighting the strategic interlinkages between Central Asia (CA) and the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides agreed on the increasing interconnectedness of these regions, where political and economic developments in one area significantly influence the other.

A significant focus was placed on examining the consistency and shifts in the foreign policies of major powers, including the United States, China, and Russia, and their impact on regional stability. Participants evaluated the implications of these policies on Pakistan, Central Asia, and their neighbouring regions, emphasising the importance of strategic adaptability in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.

The discussion then moved to the Middle East, where every conflict was viewed as intrinsically linked to broader geopolitical rivalries and alliances. The experts addressed the complex nature of Middle Eastern security and its relevance to both Central and South Asian regions, underlining the need for comprehensive approaches to conflict resolution.

Security and terrorism, pressing issues for both Pakistan and Uzbekistan, were examined in depth, with participants sharing perspectives on counter-terrorism strategies and cooperation. The conversation touched upon emerging security threats, as well as collaborative efforts required to mitigate them effectively.

The meeting also explored the modern developments in India-Pakistan relations, focusing on how bilateral tensions and cooperation could influence regional security. The potential of multilateral frameworks, such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), to foster dialogue and stability in the region was discussed as a promising avenue for engagement.

This meaningful exchange concluded with a commitment from both IAIS and CSAIS to pursue further academic collaboration, including joint research projects and seminars aimed at advancing mutual understanding of complex regional dynamics. The dialogue reaffirmed the shared objective of fostering stability and security across South and Central Asia through continuous scholarly engagement.