April 13, 2026
Sanober Institute organized a national conference on ‘Pakistan and the World Disorder’ in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES). The Conference was held in Marriott Hotel Islamabad on April 13, 2026.
As the post-1945 global order undergoes significant transformation, the world is entering a period of uncertainty marked by shifting power dynamics, growing geopolitical competition, economic protectionism, and rapid technological change. The intensifying world disorder presents complex challenges for countries like Pakistan as they navigate evolving international alignments, economic uncertainty, and the demands of a technology-driven future. Where is the world headed and what should the middle powers like Pakistan do to survive and thrive in this period of world disorder.
The conference brought together policymakers, academic scholars, practitioners, and civil society representatives to discuss Pakistan’s strategic options, with focus on three key themes:
- Pakistan and Global Geopolitics: Managing relations with major powers in a polarized international environment.
- Pakistan and Geoeconomics: Advancing sustainable economic growth amid global fragmentation.
- Pakistan and Youth Potential: Preparing Pakistan’s youth for an AI-driven future while promoting democratic values and pluralism.
The program featured keynote speeches and interactive roundtable discussion aimed at generating practical policy recommendations for the policy makers of Pakistan. The keynote inaugural address was delivered by General Zubair Mahmood Hayat ®. The closing address was delivered by Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman ®.
The first roundtable, Pakistan and Global Geopolitics, was chaired by Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister.
The session included a policy brief from Dr. Aiza Azam, Director of Strategic Affairs for StrafAsia Pakistan; Dr. Amina Khan, Director of the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA); Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad; Dr. Nazish Mahmood, Associate Professor at the School of Politics and International Relations, QAU Islamabad; and Mr. Imran Khan, former Country Director of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). The discussion focused on global power shifts, regional conflicts, and Pakistan’s role within an evolving geopolitical environment.
The second roundtable, Pakistan and Geoeconomics, was chaired by Senator Mushahid Hussain. The session included a policy brief from Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director at the Centre for Strategic Perspectives, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and speakers included Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, Former Ambassador to China along with contributions from ; Engr. Khalid Bashir, Chief Executive Officer of Zirva (Pvt.) Ltd.; and Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam, former Inspector General of National Highways and Motorway Police. The discussion emphasized economic connectivity, regional trade, and structural challenges facing Pakistan’s economy.
The third roundtable, Pakistan and Youth Potential, was chaired by Major General (Retd.) Zahid Mahmood, Principal of the NUST Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. The session included a policy brief by Mr. Sardar Yasir Ilyas, CEO Centaurus and Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Tourism and contributions from Ms. Absa Komal, journalist and anchor; Ms. Sabahat Rafiq, President and CEO of Lampro Mellon and founder of Luna Heritage; and Ms. Syeda Amna Batool, politician and youth development advocate. The discussion highlighted the importance of youth engagement, digital transformation, and human capital development in shaping Pakistan’s future.
Welcome remarks by Mr. Felix Kolbitz, Country Director of FES Pakistan:
Keynote address by Mr. Arno Holger Kirchhof, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany:
Inaugural Address General (Retd.) Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee:
Closing Remarks by Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Sohail Aman, Former Chief of the Pakistan Air Force:
The first roundtable, Pakistan and Global Geopolitics, was chaired by Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister.
The session included a policy brief from Dr. Aiza Azam, Director of Strategic Affairs for StrafAsia Pakistan; Dr. Amina Khan, Director of the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA); Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad; Dr. Nazish Mahmood, Associate Professor at the School of Politics and International Relations, QAU Islamabad; and Mr. Imran Khan, former Country Director of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). The discussion focused on global power shifts, regional conflicts, and Pakistan’s role within an evolving geopolitical environment.
The second roundtable, Pakistan and Geoeconomics, was chaired by Senator Mushahid Hussain. The session included a policy brief from Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director at the Centre for Strategic Perspectives, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and speakers included Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, Former Ambassador to China along with contributions from ; Engr. Khalid Bashir, Chief Executive Officer of Zirva (Pvt.) Ltd.; and Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam, former Inspector General of National Highways and Motorway Police. The discussion emphasized economic connectivity, regional trade, and structural challenges facing Pakistan’s economy.
The third roundtable, Pakistan and Youth Potential, was chaired by Major General (Retd.) Zahid Mahmood, Principal of the NUST Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. The session included a policy brief by Mr. Sardar Yasir Ilyas, CEO Centaurus and Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Tourism and contributions from Ms. Absa Komal, journalist and anchor; Ms. Sabahat Rafiq, President and CEO of Lampro Mellon and founder of Luna Heritage; and Ms. Syeda Amna Batool, politician and youth development advocate. The discussion highlighted the importance of youth engagement, digital transformation, and human capital development in shaping Pakistan’s future.
