In this seminar, two of Pakistan's foremost experts on the Kashmir conflict, Senator Mushahid Hussain and Dr. Maria Sultan, will discuss the background, dynamics, and consequences of what is frequently listed as one the most dangerous conflicts in today's world.
The dispute in Kashmir has dire effects on peace and cooperation in South Asia, effectively blocking the way to regional cooperation. It is also a serious concern to international stability, hosting the longest-standing UN-observer mission in the world, yet with little prospects of an opening for genuine attempts at conflict resolution.
Recently, we have seen an escalation of the conflict over Kashmir, with dire consequences for the civilian population. India's introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Bill of 2019 are seen to represent a major turning point, which can be understood in the light of changing political-ideological, as well as military-strategic, orientations in India.
Main speakers
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed is well-known Pakistani journalist, analyst, author and politician, currently serving in the Senate of Pakistan, where he represents Pakistan Muslim League (N). With a degree from Georgetown University, Senator Hussein has been serving in academic posts, as a journalist and editor, and in various political posts. He is a frequently used commentator and lecturer, both in Pakistan and internationally.
Dr. Maria Sultan is the Chairperson and President of the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) University. She also serves as an advisor to Pakistan's Ministry of Defence, and is a visiting lecturer in a number of academic institutions in Pakistan and internationally. She is a security expert with a particular focus on South Asian nuclear arms and disarmament. Dr. Sultan has published widely on regional security, disarmament and related issues.
Commentators
Khalid Chaudry Mahmood is a Norwegian journalist, commentator and politician, serving on the Oslo City Council for a total of 24 years. Mahmood has a background in macro-economics. He is currently working on a book about the Kashmir conflict.
Dr. Kaja Borchgrevink is a Senior Researcher at PRIO, whose main research focus is on religion, civil society and development. Borchgrevink has spent a number of years living in Pakistan, and conducting research there.
The event will be moderated by Kristian Berg Harpviken, Research Professor at PRIO.
