The Department of Politics and International Relations at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), in collaboration with the Sanober Institute, organized a seminar titled “Current U.S. Foreign Policy towards South Asia” at the Allama Iqbal Auditorium.
The event featured a panel of policymakers, diplomats, and academics to discuss the geopolitical dynamics of South Asia and their impact on U.S. foreign policy.
Speakers included former Prime Minister of Pakistan and Chief Guest, Mr. Anwar ul Haq Kakar; former Foreign Secretary, Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry; former Foreign Minister, Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan; Prof. Dr. Amna Mahmood, Incharge, Female Campus, IIUI; Prof. Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr. Noor Fatima, Chairperson, Department of Politics and IR; and Dr. Nasreen Akhtar, Assistant Professor at the department.
The session began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by welcome remarks from Dr. Noor Fatima and an introduction by Dr. Nasreen Akhtar.
In his address, Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry outlined three phases of U.S. policy toward South Asia, especially Pakistan: the Cold War era, the post-9/11 War on Terror, and the period after 2017 shaped by the Indo-Pacific Strategy. He described the U.S.-Pakistan relationship as a “rollercoaster,” marked by ups and downs.
Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan highlighted Pakistan’s focus on protecting national interests and sovereignty. He noted that the country continues to face a “dependency syndrome” that affects its strategic autonomy.
Chief Guest Mr. Anwar ul Haq Kakar presented a regional overview, stressing the importance of strategic independence. He supported stronger economic engagement with Russia, China, and the United Kingdom.
Prof. Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi and Prof. Dr. Amna Mahmood also spoke and acknowledged the efforts of the department and the Sanober Institute in organizing the seminar.
The session ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Qamar Cheema, followed by a shield distribution ceremony to recognize the speakers and participants.