Beyond Boundaries- Pakistan Afghanistan Regional Economic

Geographical Focus: Pakistan-Afghanistan

Period of Intervention: May 2015 – Ongoing

Partner: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office UK

Project Summary

The Center for Research and Security Studies has been implementing a unique Pakistan-Afghanistan Track 1.5/ II initiative “Beyond Boundaries” since October 2015 as part of its efforts to help improve relations between the two countries and enhance people -to- people contacts. Pak-Afghan group of influencers, through these dialogues, hold captive interactions to formulate policy recommendations and hold high level strategic meetings with senior government and non-government stakeholders to share the policy recommendations during their visits to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Besides the dialogue and strategic sideline meetings, the project aims to amplify the importance of bilateral relations through a devised strategic communication strategy.

Moreover, through this initiative, the project is drawing attention to the current trade/economic issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan and recommending solutions and strategies to address these core issues. These stated objectives are achieved via regular sideline meetings with significant ministries and influential business representatives as well as by conducting Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with the relevant stakeholders. Consequently, the project since its inception has played a vital role in promoting and enhancing bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan which ultimately reinforces the regional economic connectivity.