Islamabad — August 2025 — The South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) University is set to host a groundbreaking two-day dialogue on August 25 and 26, 2025, focused on regional peace and stability.
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| SASSI University to Host Pak-Afghan |
This event, described as the first formal Pak-Afghan dialogue since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul, will bring together Afghan leaders and women activists for high-level discussions on Afghanistan’s future and the broader region.
A Platform for Joint Stance on Afghanistan
According to Dr. Maria Sultan, chairperson and director general of SASSI University, the dialogue aims to provide a platform for Afghan stakeholders to exchange views on the situation in Afghanistan and adopt a joint stance on peace and stability.
The discussions will be held under the framework of the Islamabad Process, an initiative intended to facilitate ongoing dialogue between Afghan stakeholders and regional actors.
Not Against the Taliban, But Focused on Peace
Although neither the Taliban government nor Afghan political parties have been invited to this initial round, Dr. Sultan clarified that future sessions will include them.
She emphasized that the dialogue is not intended to oppose the Taliban or any political entity, but to focus solely on peace, inclusivity, and stability.
A Closed-Door Beginning
The conference will be a closed-door event, marking the first step in a series of dialogues that aim to build trust, strengthen regional cooperation, and develop a long-term framework for Afghan stability.
The inclusion of women activists highlights the importance of gender perspectives in peace-building, particularly in the context of Afghanistan’s current challenges.
FAQ's
Q1. What is the purpose of the SASSI University dialogue?
The dialogue aims to discuss Afghanistan’s situation and promote a joint stance on peace and regional stability.
Q2. Who will attend the dialogue?
The first session will bring together Afghan leaders and women activists. The Taliban and political parties have not been invited to this round but may join future sessions.
Q3. Why is this dialogue significant?
It marks the first formal Pak-Afghan dialogue since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul, making it a key step in regional diplomacy.
Q4. What is the Islamabad Process?
The Islamabad Process is a dialogue framework launched by SASSI to encourage structured conversations about Afghanistan’s future and regional peace.
Q5. When and where will the dialogue take place?
The dialogue will take place on August 25–26, 2025, at SASSI University in Islamabad.
