The India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) organised a panel discussion on “Pakistan – Bangladesh Relations in the Context of Peace and Stability in South Asia” on 16th of September, 2020. In his introductory remarks, the Director ISC Dr. Saif Malik said Pakistan and Bangladesh being two very prominent countries of South Asia are endowed with immense potential for cooperation and enjoy a pivotal geopolitical, geo-economic as well as geostrategic position in South Asia. Both countries are also connected by a shared history and a common faith. The main threat to the peace and security of South Asia rotate around the hegemonic designs of India towards all its neighbours including Pakistan and Bangladesh who share common borders with India.
Welcoming the guests, the Director General (ISSI) Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary said that a very disorderly world is emerging. There is a competition between China and US where India has decided to join hands with the US. This has emboldened Modi to create a Hindu Rashtra which is an anti-minority concept. It has also encouraged India to assert its hegemony in the South Asian region. Therefore, it is important that the smaller countries of South Asia must consult each other. Pakistan and Bangladesh need to break ice in their relationship and since Bangladesh has made great strides in economic field, Pakistan can also learn from Bangladesh’s experiences.
