*Leading Counterterrorism Expert Amir Rana addressed Central Asian Security at IRS Eminent Speaker Series
Islamabad: Prominent counterterrorism analyst, DAWN columnist, and President of the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), Mr. Amir Rana delivered an insightful lecture at the Institute of Regional Studies, (IRS) Islamabad. Held under the prestigious Eminent Speaker Series, the talk was titled “Counterterrorism Challenges in Central Asia: A Pakistani Perspective.”
Mr. Rana provided a comprehensive analysis of the shifting security landscape across Central Asia, offering critical insights and lessons for Pakistan as it navigates its own internal and regional counterterrorism challenges.
He praised Central Asian states for their firm and consistent policies in tackling violent Islamist extremism—particularly their efforts to ban extremist groups and political entities. Pakistan, he stressed, must adopt a similarly resolute and unambiguous approach, and ensure that counter-extremism efforts are holistic and inclusive.
“Terrorism demands a holistic, objective strategy, grounded in both political resolve and societal resilience,” Mr. Rana asserted.
Highlighting persistent threats from groups like ISKP and Al Qaeda, Mr. Rana warned against lowering security vigilance, even in periods of relative calm. He noted that transformative extremist currents—from Tunisia to Malaysia—continue to shape global trends, posing potential threats to regional and international stability.
A key focus of his talk was the need to further curb any financial infrastructure of terrorism. Mr. Rana advocated for enhanced regulatory oversight and intelligence cooperation to ensure a complete cut off of funding to extremists. He further stressed the role of regional platforms, especially the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), in mounting a coordinated response to transnational terrorism and radicalization.
“Security in Central Asia is intrinsically tied to strategic choices in South Asia. What we need is cooperation, not complacency,” he concluded.
The session attracted a diverse audience of scholars, diplomats, policy experts, and practitioners, sparking an engaging discussion on shared regional threats and the future of counterterrorism collaboration.
The Institute of Regional Studies continues to serve as a key forum for fostering dialogue on Pakistan’s strategic priorities, bringing together experts and stakeholders for meaningful exchanges on issues of national and regional importance.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
