The second Track II Meeting of Pak-Afghan regional security experts ended in Islamabad on Wednesday. Experts from both sides discussed various issues including peace and security and possible areas of cooperation between the two governments. The second day of meetings, in addition to discussions on opportunities for regional cooperation, included candid meeting with Lt. Gen (retd.) Nasir Janjua (Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security Affairs). Gen. Janjua welcomed the delegation and said: “Pakistan wants a stable Afghanistan and stands ready to cooperate with the Government of Afghanistan in all areas of mutual interest. We have to work together to promote security in the region.”
Addressing the concluding session, Former Ambassador Riaz Khokhar said that “Pakistan and Afghanistan have a lot in common and both sides should work sincerely for peace in this region. Both countries face common challenges and the in their best interests it is vital that they effectively tackle these challenges together.”
Both delegations also discussed the role of media, state of implementation of Pakistan’s development projects for Afghanistan and possible new initiatives which good promote good will between the two countries.
The Afghan Delegation was led by Ms. Mahbouba Seraj (Director, Organization for Research in Peace and Solidarity, Senior Women’s Rights Advocate). Other members include: Gen. Javed Kohistani (Advisor to CEO Dr. Abdullah Abdullah / Senior Military Analyst); Mr. Abbas Noyan (Former Member of Parliament); Mr. Ahmad Saeedi (Former Diplomat); Mr. Mohammad Nateqi (Political Analyst, Former Afghan Diplomat, Member of Afghan Peace delegation to Pakistan); Mr. Qutbuddin Hilal (Presidential Senior Advisor on Peace); Ms. Suraya Parlika (Senior Advocate, Women’s Political Participation); Ms. Wazhma Frogh (Founding Director, Institute for Women, Peace and Security); Mr. Haroon Mir (Political Analyst), Ms. Elay Ershad (Member of Parliament) and Mr. Mirwais Yasini (First Deputy Speaker, Lower House of Afghan Parliament).
The Pakistani delegation was headed by Ms. Shazia Marri (MNA-PPP). Other members include: Dr Shoaib Suddle (former Inspector General Police, Sindh); Lt. Gen (retd.) Asif Yasin Malik (former Defence Secretary); Lt Gen. Arshad Waheed Chaudhry (former Chief of General Staff); Dr. Syiad Ghazi Gulab Jamal (MNA-FATA); Ms. Ayesha Gulalai Wazir (MNA-PTI); Ambassador (retd.) Masood Aslam (Former Ambassador to Mexico), Senator Rozi Khan Kakar (PPP); Mr. Abbas Sarfaraz Khan (Former Federal Minister) and Mr. Tahir Khan (Senior Journalist, Express Tribune/NNI).
The third meeting of Pak-Afghan Regional Security Groups is expected to take place in Kabul during February 2016 and will address critical issues in regional security.
About Beyond Boundaries Track 1.5/2 Dialogue Project
This initiative supported by the British Government is organized by Center of Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in partnership with Duran Research & Analysis (Afghanistan) and the Foundation for Integrated Development Action (FIDA). This project has been launched as part of the efforts to help connect civil society and security stakeholders of both countries, improve relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Beyond Boundaries comprises two working groups, the Regional Security Group, and Regional Civil Society Group, aimed at facilitating and promoting people-to-people contacts.
The working groups on Regional Security and Regional Civil Society will address varied themes that are important in the peace process between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is also meant to build upon existing people to people relations and increase future people-to-people contact.
The key objectives of the initiative are: expanding the peace constituency through friendship groups in both countries; and improving support for better Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship through dialogue among the influential stakeholders and informing policy makers through consensus recommendations.