A panel discussion hosted by TRENDS Research & Advisory on the sidelines of its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair emphasized the importance of dialogue and the exchange of views in understanding regional challenges and opportunities.

During the session, moderated by Mohamed Al-Dhuhoori, Senior Researcher and Deputy Director of Research Department at TRENDS, H.E. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates, talked about Pakistan’s ambitious future vision to strengthen economic integration with Central and South Asia. The discussion also addressed current regional challenges and explored ways to overcome them and achieve shared stability and prosperity.

Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi presented an “Overview of Pakistan” highlighting the country’s strategic geopolitical location, its economic potential, and its ongoing efforts to position itself as a regional economic hub.

Ambassador Tirmizi expressed optimism about the future of economic integration between Pakistan and the Central and South Asian regions, emphasizing that Pakistan’s location is a vital crossroads linking these regions with the Middle East. He noted that his country’s ambition is based on peace, infrastructure, and diplomacy as foundational pillars. He also highlighted the importance of major regional projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the CASA-1000 energy project, and the TAPI gas pipeline, which aim to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade and transit across borders.

On Pakistan–India relations, Ambassador Tirmizi expressed his hope for resolving longstanding issues with New Delhi through constructive dialogue and diplomacy. He stressed the urgent need for peaceful and lasting solutions that serve the interests of both nations and contribute to regional stability.

The session further addressed Pakistan’s efforts in countering extremism and terrorism along its border with Afghanistan. The Ambassador reaffirmed his country’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional security and stability, stressing the importance of regional and international cooperation in this regard.

Amid intensifying global economic competition between China and the United States, Ambassador Tirmizi noted that Pakistan seeks to maintain balanced relations with both powers in a way that serves its national interests and strengthens its economic cooperation with all partners. He reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to leveraging opportunities within China’s Belt and Road Initiative while preserving its trade and investment ties with the U.S. and other countries.

Ambassador Tirmizi also underlined the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and economic ties between Pakistan and the Gulf states, affirming Pakistan’s keenness to expand cooperation with them in investment, energy, trade, and labor, which are key sectors that offer promising avenues for mutual growth.

In closing the session, Al-Dhuhoori praised the ambassador’s vision for advancing economic integration and stability across the region and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and the exchange of perspectives in understanding regional challenges and opportunities.