Pakistani, Afghan civil society members to hold peace dialogue

Two-day dialogue titled 'Beyond Boundaries' begins in Islamabad on Monday

ISLAMABAD: Researchers, as well as members of the Pakistani and Afghan civil society will open on Monday a two-day dialogue in Islamabad to counter the growing mistrust between the two neighbouring countries.

“Pakistan-Afghanistan Track 1.5/II project Beyond Boundaries has unusual significance because of the persistent tension and stalled talks between the two governments,” says a statement by the organisers.

The key objectives of the initiative are expanding the peace constituency through friendship groups in both countries; improving support for better relationship among the influential stakeholders and putting forth recommendations to policymakers.



Initiatives such as Beyond Boundaries will bring together influential government and non-governmental stakeholders who can help lessen tensions, address misconceptions, and revive confidence, said Imtiaz Gul whose Center of Research and Security Studies in partnership with its Afghan counterpart DURAN Research and Analysis (DRA) is launching the project.

The Beyond Boundaries project comprises two working groups, Regional Security Group, and Civil Society and Youth Group, aimed at facilitating and promoting people-to-people contacts.



The first in a series of seven meetings of the group will take place from November 9-10 in Islamabad.

The groups will address varied themes that are important in the peace process between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and build upon existing people to people contacts.