The current global system is becoming increasingly irrelevant: Ahsan

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said that the current post-World War II global system, especially its financial and multilateral structures, has become increasingly irrelevant, which is becoming increasingly irrelevant for developing countries. Fails to deal with economic challenges.

Mr. Ahsan was addressing the concluding session of the Islamabad Conclave on “Pakistan and the Emerging Global System” organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS) here.

Mr. Ahsan highlighted that Pakistan’s geographical location at the confluence of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East provides unparalleled opportunities for regional trade, energy and connectivity. He cited the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a key enabler in this transformation, which has already delivered 8,000 megawatts of power and major infrastructure projects including more than 500 kilometers of highways. These developments position Pakistan as an important hub for regional integration, trade and economic cooperation.

The minister outlined five strategic priorities to secure Pakistan’s place in the emerging global system. First, economic strength is fundamental to national resilience. Structural reforms, investment in human capital and regional trade should be prioritized to reduce dependence on foreign aid and promote innovation-led growth. Second, the nation must embrace technological advancements to remain globally competitive. Initiatives such as the National AI Policy and investments in emerging technologies including cyber security and green energy will be critical. Third, Pakistan should reclaim its leadership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and resolve issues such as Palestine and Kashmir while promoting collective economic development among Muslim countries. Fourth, regional cooperation with neighboring countries like India, Iran and Afghanistan is vital for stability and prosperity. Expanding initiatives like CPEC to include Afghanistan and Central Asia can promote peace and economic integration. After all, national unity is the cornerstone of an effective foreign policy.

He said that building bridges across ethnic, religious and regional divides would ensure internal harmony and a strong international presence. He concluded by emphasizing that Pakistan’s future lies in economic diplomacy, innovation and proactive policies that leverage its geostrategic strengths, ensuring its rightful place in the dynamic global landscape. Emphasizing the need for a revival of multilateralism at the core of the United Nations to address global crises.

National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairperson Hina Rabbani Khar said in her keynote address that the world is changing and people are fighting for supremacy to rule the world. The conflict in the Middle East has exposed the great powers. He further said that South Asia suffered due to lack of good bilateral relations.

The People’s Party leader said that Pakistan is centrally located in South Asia and collectively the region has not performed well in dealing with the challenges. He said that countries that do not learn from their mistakes are constantly suffering and history and geography are two constants that cannot be changed.

As the world moves from a unipolar to a multipolar world, the growing engagement of China and Russia is increasingly important, said University of Karachi’s Dr Monis Ahmar. The main regional fault lines are unresolved disputes between Pakistan and India. He said that peace and stability will remain impossible until India-Pakistan relations improve.

Earlier, Amina Khan, Director, ISS, in her welcome remarks said that the regional strategic landscape is primarily dominated by great power competition, events in neighboring Afghanistan as well as regional connectivity in South and Central Asia. There has been a change. He further said that these developments have prompted Pakistan to reassess its diplomatic strategies and find ways to further its national interests while maintaining its regional influence.