School of Politics and International Relations - QAU

What drives cooperation and trust across Asia? In our latest blog, we explore how soft power, economic collaboration, and governance shape regional security and connectivity. Insights from Day I, Session I of the Emerging Asia Conference at SPIR QAU.

Happening Now | Day 2 – Session II Soft Power Politics in South and Central Asia The discussions continue on Day 2 of the SPIR-FES International Conference on Emerging Asia: Central Asia–South Asia Connectivity & Security, as scholars explore the role of soft power and cultural diplomacy in shaping regional cooperation and mutual understanding. - Session Chair: Dr. Ayesha Younas, Assistant Professor, SPIR, Quaid-i-Azam University - Speakers: Dr. Sarwat Rauf — Navigating Pakistan–Central Asia Relations: Past Linkages and Shared Futures Dr. Afsah Qazi — Regional Platforms and Minilateralism Dr. Rehana Saeed Hashmi — Discursive Construction of Soft Power as a Means of Regional Connectivity #SPIRFES2025 #EmergingAsia #ConnectivityAndSecurity #SoftPower

Happening Now | Day 1 – Session III Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience The final session of Day 1 at the SPIR-FES International Conference on Emerging Asia: Central Asia–South Asia Connectivity & Security is underway at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. This session highlights the urgent need for sustainable development and climate resilience in shaping a stable and cooperative regional future. - Moderator: Dr. Sadia Suleman, Chairperson, Area Study Centre, QAU - Speakers: Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry — Pakistan’s Role in Balancing Regional Power Rivalries Ms. Zile Huma — Green Connectivity and Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Dr. Summar Iqbal Babar — Regional Climate Security Risks #SPIRFES2025 #EmergingAsia #ConnectivityAndSecurity

Happening Now | Day 1 – Session II Leveraging Energy and Infrastructure for Economic Growth The discussions continue at the SPIR-FES International Conference on Emerging Asia: Central Asia–South Asia Connectivity & Security, now focusing on the vital role of energy, infrastructure, and trade in advancing regional prosperity. 🎙 Session Chair: Ms. Aiza Azam, Lecturer, Air University Islamabad 💬 Speakers: Ms. Meerim Osmonalieva — Infrastructure Development in Connectivity Projects Dr. Syed Qandil Abbas — Revitalizing Trade Frameworks and Economic Partnerships Dr. Hassan Daud Butt — Investment Opportunities in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) #SPIRFES2025 #EmergingAsia #ConnectivityAndSecurity #EconomicGrowth #Infrastructure #SPIR #FES

Happening Now | Day 1 – Session I Regional Security Dynamics and Cooperation in Asia The first session of the SPIR-FES International Conference on Emerging Asia: Central Asia–South Asia Connectivity & Security is now in progress at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. This session focuses on the evolving security landscape of Asia and explores pathways for regional cooperation and stability. - Session Chair: Dr. Salma Malik, Associate Professor, DSS, QAU Speakers: Mr. Philipp C. Jahn — Human Security and Transboundary Governance Dr. Mujtaba Ali Isani — Challenges to Revitalising Cultural Diplomacy in South & Central Asia Mr. Emil Dzhuraev — Revitalising Connectivity Corridors #SPIRFES25 #EmergingAsia #ConnectivityAndSecurity #RegionalSecurity #SPIR #FES

Happening Now | Inaugural Session The SPIR-FES International Conference on Emerging Asia: Central Asia–South Asia Connectivity & Security is officially underway at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad! The inaugural session features opening reflections from distinguished leaders and scholars, setting the stage for two days of meaningful dialogue on regional cooperation, connectivity, and security. - Welcome Note — Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Mirza, Director SPIR - Introductory Note — Mr. Felix Kolbitz, Country Director, FES Pakistan - Inaugural Address — Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, QAU #SPIRFES2025 #EmergingAsia #ConnectivityAndSecurity #SPIR #FES #InauguralSession

Concluding Session | SPIR-FES International Conference Bringing two days of insightful dialogue to a close, the concluding session of the SPIR-FES International Conference on Emerging Asia: Central Asia–South Asia Connectivity & Security will reflect on the key discussions and outcomes of the conference. The session will feature the Concluding Report presented by Dr. Arslan Ahmad, Assistant Professor, SPIR, Quaid-i-Azam University, followed by reflections from Dr. Muhammad Mujeeb Afzal, Assistant Professor, SPIR, QAU. Together, they will highlight major takeaways and policy recommendations emerging from deliberations on regional security, economic connectivity, and sustainable cooperation. 🗓 8 October 2025 📍 SPIR Seminar Hall, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad #SPIRFES25 #EmergingAsia

Day 2 | Session III — Decolonising Regional Research Epistemologies Concluding the SPIR-FES International Conference on Emerging Asia: Central Asia–South Asia Connectivity & Security, this final session will engage with the critical task of decolonising knowledge and research frameworks in the study of South and Central Asia. Distinguished speakers will discuss: - The pedagogy of pluriversity and decolonial perspectives - Cultural and academic exchange between South and Central Asia - Bridging colonial and post-colonial narratives in regional studies Session Chair: Dr. Nazish Mahmood, Assistant Professor, SPIR, Quaid-i-Azam University - 8 October 2025 📍 SPIR Seminar Hall, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad #SPIRFES2025 #EmergingAsia #ConnectivityAndSecurity

Day 2 | Session I — Geoeconomics of South and Central Asia Opening Day 2 of the SPIR-FES International Conference on Emerging Asia: Central Asia–South Asia Connectivity & Security, this session will explore the geoeconomic forces shaping South and Central Asia’s regional and global relevance. Distinguished speakers will discuss: - Broadening geoeconomic space for sustainable development in the Global South - Positioning South and Central Asia in regional and international geoeconomics - The promise of Gwadar in regional economic connectivity Session Chair: Dr. Adil Sultan, Dean, Faculty of Aerospace and Strategic Studies, Air University Islamabad - 8 October 2025 📍 SPIR Seminar Hall, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad #SPIRFES25 #EmergingAsia #ConnectivityAndSecurity #Geoeconomics

Session III | Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience The final session of Day 1 at the SPIR-FES International Conference on Emerging Asia: Central Asia–South Asia Connectivity & Security will focus on the pressing need for sustainable development and climate resilience across South and Central Asia. Distinguished speakers will discuss: - Pakistan’s role in balancing regional power rivalries - Green connectivity and climate-resilient infrastructure - Regional climate security risks Session Moderator: Dr. Sadia Suleman, Chairperson, Area Study Centre, QAU • 7 October 2025 📍 SPIR Seminar Hall, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad #SPIRFES25 #EmergingAsia #SPIR #FES