Dialogue Pakistan 2020

It is the lack of communication and dialogue that has been at the heart of most conflicts and discords that have been persisting on the level of state and society in Pakistan. Dialogue is not only limited to verbal conversation; practical steps are an important element of dialogue. For instance, the federation must pay heed to the problems faced by marginalized provinces and people and initiate a dialogue with them. Also, the relationship between the state and society should be based on constitutionalism, inclusivity, service delivery and related democratic norms and governance ideas of a modern nation-state instead of confines of a security state. For that purpose, Pakistan’s social contract or Constitution needs a revisit and reforms. Modern realities, new generation, changing economic order, and various definitions of individuals and people and their rights and limitations have to be taken into consideration.

These were some of the findings that emerged during Dialogue Pakistan 2020, which was organized by Pak Institute for Peace Studies in Islamabad on January 25, 2020. Fifty-eight (58) leading experts/speakers from politics, media, civil society, military, religious studies and academia gathered under one roof to discuss, deliberate, and dialogue the most pressing issues of the day.

Complete report of the Dialogue Pakistan 2020, including key findings and recommendations as well as transcribed proceedings, can be seen here: