Overview

The Centre for Peace, Security and Developmental Studies (CPSD) hosted an international seminar in Karachi titled “Changing Regional Dynamics in the Wake of US Sanctions: Opportunity of Cooperation between Pakistan, Iran and Turkey.” The seminar brought together experts and diplomats from Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey to explore opportunities for trilateral cooperation amidst the shifting geopolitical landscape, particularly following the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and subsequent imposition of sanctions.

Welcome Address

• Mr. Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi
  Secretary General, Foreign Relations Section, CPSD
  Mr. Zubairi welcomed participants and contextualized the longstanding historical, cultural, and religious ties among Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey. He emphasized the potential of these three nations to shape the future of Eurasia through coordinated efforts.

Working Sessions

The seminar included two working sessions with notable speakers from the three participating nations:

Iranian Delegation

• Mr. Sayed Kazem Sajjadpour — Chairman, Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS)

• Ambassador Ali Reza Bikdeli — Senior Representative, IPIS

Turkish Delegation

• Mr. Süleyman Şensoy — Chairman, Turkish Asian Center for Strategic Studies (TASAM)

• Ambassador Aydin Nurhan — Senior Representative, TASAM

Pakistani Delegation

• Ambassador Najmuddin A. Shaikh

• Ambassador Asif Ali Khan Durrani

• Ambassador Jamil Ahmed Khan

Key Themes Discussed

• The U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and imposition of unilateral sanctions on Iran were examined for their broad regional implications.

• Speakers stressed that the sanctions would negatively impact Iran’s economy and also pose indirect challenges for neighboring states including Pakistan and Turkey.

• Panelists emphasized the increased importance of regional cooperation among the three nations in light of shifting power dynamics.

Concluding Remarks

• Mr. Abdullah Dadabhoy
  Chairman, Dadabhoy Foundation and CPSD
  Mr. Dadabhoy concluded the seminar by emphasizing the need for internationally accepted frameworks for cooperation in economic, political, and social spheres. He thanked all participants for their contributions to a constructive and timely dialogue.

Audience

The seminar was attended by:

• Diplomats and international policy experts

• Academics and strategic analysts

• Members of the media and civil society