Ambassador Shakeeb emphasized that Afghanistan and Pakistan are not merely two neighboring countries. “Our geographies are interconnected, our peoples and societies share deep ties, and our histories are intertwined in many respects,”

Monitoring Desk

Islamabad, 1 Sept 2026 — Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb delivered a thought-provoking address at the National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad, highlighting the deep interconnection between Afghanistan and Pakistan. His remarks underscored the shared geography, intertwined histories, and mutual security concerns that bind the two nations together.

Ambassador Shakeeb emphasized that Afghanistan and Pakistan are not merely two neighboring countries. “Our geographies are interconnected, our peoples and societies share deep ties, and our histories are intertwined in many respects,” he stated. He noted that trade, transit, and the movement of people connect the economies and societies of both nations, while decades of wars and security developments have created a situation in which their security calculations are also deeply linked.

The Ambassador’s speech reflected a broader vision of regional cooperation, where connectivity and mutual reliance are seen as essential for stability and prosperity. He pointed out that both countries have suffered from the consequences of conflict, yet their shared destiny lies in collaboration, not division.

Ambassador Shakeeb’s remarks at NDU resonated with the audience, particularly in the context of ongoing discussions about regional connectivity and cooperation. His emphasis on shared destinies and mutual reliance highlighted the importance of building bridges rather than walls, and of fostering trust to overcome decades of mistrust.

The address is expected to spark further dialogue between policymakers, academics, and security experts in both countries, reinforcing the idea that Afghanistan and Pakistan’s futures are intertwined — and that cooperation is the only viable path forward.