The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad hosted a high-level roundtable with a visiting US delegation led by Imran Shaukat, Founder and Chairman of JOBS Group, to discuss pathways for South Asia cooperation focused on progress, partnership and peace. The delegation included Skip Waskin, CEO of International Solutions; Anthony Renzulli, Associate Partner at Albright Stonebridge Group; Jon Danilowicz, Editor of South Asia Perspectives; Maureen Shauket, COO of URC; Elizabeth Threlkeld, Senior Fellow and Director of the South Asia Program at the Stimson Center; and Michael Kugelman, former Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center.
Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood framed the discussion by underlining the urgency of advancing South Asia cooperation. He observed that while the region holds vast potential for economic development and integration, progress remains hindered by structural inequalities, political divisions and a persistent trust deficit. Drawing lessons from ASEAN, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood urged cultivation of a “habit of dialogue and culture of cooperation” as essential for shared prosperity and stability across South Asia.
Mr Imran Shaukat thanked ISSI for convening the conversation and stressed the role of Pakistan’s youth and private sector in driving innovation and regional linkages. He highlighted the need for self-reliance, expanded cultural and business ties, and adaptation of cooperative models similar to ASEAN to boost South Asia cooperation and economic connectivity.
Participants from both countries offered practical perspectives on regional cooperation, cross-border connectivity and human capital development, stressing that actionable projects and sustained people-to-people engagement will be central to rebuilding trust. Delegates praised ISSI’s platform for facilitating an informed exchange on evolving regional architecture and underscored continued engagement to identify viable avenues for collaboration.
Dr Talat Shabbir, Director of the China-Pakistan Study Centre at ISSI, opened the session by calling for a reimagining of regional development and cooperation strategies that place connectivity and inclusive growth at the centre. In closing, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors at ISSI, thanked contributors for their thoughtful inputs and reiterated the Institute’s commitment to fostering constructive dialogue and partnerships that advance peace and prosperity in Pakistan and the wider region.
The discussion concluded with a shared resolve to pursue renewed cooperation, inclusive policies and concrete initiatives that can transform South Asia’s challenges into opportunities for sustainable development and lasting peace.
