Agenda: Enhancing Pakistan’s position in the Muslim World
Date: March 9, 2023
Headed by Abubakar Farooqui, Director Rationale-47
Prominent participants:  Sherdill Khagga, Haseeb Ahmed, Hammad Nawaz, Mohammad Shakeeb Sharif, Huzefa Tallal

During the session, participants discussed ways to enhance Pakistan’s position in the Muslim world. Huzefa Tallal noted that Pakistan needs to get its house in order and embrace professionalism and meritocracy nationwide. Sherdill Khagga highlighted some challenges Pakistan faces in its relations with the Muslim world, including the Iran-KSA divide and the need to focus on multi-lateral trade relations, educated diaspora, Islamic banking, and halal food markets. Abubakar Farooqui suggested that Pakistan could capitalize on its strong ties with Turkey to forge a more balanced foreign policy that includes strong ties with Qatar and Iran as well as seek scientific cooperation with Muslim countries. Haseeb Ahmed emphasized the need for Pakistan to focus on human development to boost economic growth and improve its reputation in the Muslim world. Hammad Nawaz also noted that while terrorism has impacted Pakistan’s image, the country has also generated a significant amount of foreign exchange from cooperation with the Muslim world and that currently Pakistan needed to focus on internal development more and its reputation will automatically improve. Overall, the participants agreed that Pakistan needs to focus on enhancing its diplomatic effectiveness, developing its industries, and diversifying its economic partnerships with Muslim countries.

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