Islamabad (October 19, 2015): The Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) launched the project ‘Beyond Boundaries’ – Pakistan-Afghanistan Track 1.5/II Dialogue 2015-16. The dialogue would comprise consultations between two working groups: 1. Regional Security Group (RSG), 2. Civil Society and Youth Group (CS&YG). Both groups will have eight members each from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The first orientation meeting for the two Pakistani groups was held today at Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad. Mr. Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director, CRSS, welcomed Pakistani participants from the two working groups. He noted that in the current geo-political scenario and the growing trust-deficit between Afghanistan and Pakistan, it is vital that initiatives are taken to bring people from both countries together. ‘Beyond Boundaries’ aims to provide a platform for key stakeholders from both countries – former diplomats, civil society activists, former military officials, academia, journalists, parliamentarians and youth an opportunity to discuss challenges faced by both countries. The consultations between both working groups are expected to produce policy recommendations for the governments – with the overall aim of identifying opportunities for better relations through better understanding.
Mr. Aized Ali (Director, Media and Communications CRSS) gave a detailed presentation about the aims and objectives of ‘Beyond Boundaries’. Pakistani delegates lauded the initiative and underscored the need for a broader role of civil society and people to people exchanges between both countries – to improve mutual understanding and bi-lateral relationship.
Pakistani members of the Regional Security Working Group include: Lt. Gen (retd.) Waheed Arshad, Lt. Gen (retd.) Masood Aslam, Mr. Shoaib Suddle, Dr. G G Jamal (MNA), Ambassador (retd.) Ayaz Wazir, Shazia Marri (MNA-PPP), Ms. Ayesha Gulalai (MNA-PTI) and Mohsin Shahnawaz (MNA-PML-N).
Pakistani members of the Civil Society and Youth Working group include: Dr. Huma Baqai, Mr. Ahmad Rafay Alam, Ms. Samar Minallah, Ms. Gulmina Bilal, Mr. Hasan Khan, Mr. Faisal Rahman, Mr. Malik Ahmed Khan and Mr. Naseer Memon.
As part of the Beyond Boundaries dialogue, a total of seven meetings will be organized between the two Afghan and Pakistani working groups. Both groups will have three meetings each followed by a concluding meeting in Islamabad. The meetings are scheduled to take place from November 2015 through March 2016.