Islamabad: The Margalla Dialogue 2025, hosted by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), brought together local and international experts to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and regional cooperation can shape Pakistan’s future.

Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that AI is changing the way nations govern and defend themselves. She emphasized that Pakistan is developing a national roadmap to adopt emerging technologies, boost innovation, and support startups and young tech talent.

Experts agreed that AI is redefining modern warfare and decision-making. Brig (retd) Dr. Raashid Wali Janjua highlighted how autonomous weapons and drones are transforming combat, urging countries to create global rules to keep human control over such technologies.

Siddique Humayun, IPRI’s Director of Advocacy, noted that power today lies in data and algorithms, which shape economies, media narratives, and governance across the world.

The dialogue also focused on Pakistan’s soft power and image-building. Veteran intellectual Javed Jabbar said that Pakistan should use positive storytelling and humanitarian initiatives to improve its global reputation while maintaining responsible use of its hard power.

Other speakers, including Indus Water Commissioner Mehar Ali Shah and Lt Gen (retd) Aamer Riaz, stressed the importance of peaceful water management and moving from aid reliance to equal partnerships.

Regional stability, especially in Afghanistan, remained a central topic. Diplomats and security experts, including Ambassador Asif Durrani and Gen (retd) Ehsanul Haq, noted that Afghanistan’s continued unrest hampers regional connectivity. They called for multilateral cooperation to bring lasting peace.

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin suggested opening trade routes linking Pakistan to Central Asia, while former Afghan diplomat Idrees Zaman urged regional countries to support a home-grown Afghan peace process.

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