In a high-profile dialogue hosted by the Centre for Law and Security (CLAS), two prominent U.S. strategic analysts—Mr. Daniel F. Runde, Senior Vice President at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and Ambassador Robin Raphel, former Senior Assistant Secretary of State, emphasized the untapped potential for Pakistan-U.S. relations to grow beyond traditional security cooperation. They called for a strategic recalibration focused on emerging areas like energy, education, mineral trade, climate change, and people-to-people ties.

Ambassador Masood Khan, President of CLAS, TMUC and MiTE, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to constructive engagement with the U.S., noting that decades of bilateral cooperation have created interdependent interests that remain vital for regional and global stability.
The session was moderated by Rehman Azhar, Executive Director of CLAS and opened by Dr. Faisal Mushtaq, Chairman Advisory Board CLAS, founder and CEO of Roots Millennium and The Millennium Universal College (TMUC), who underscored the importance of academic diplomacy and committed to advancing educational linkages between Pakistan and leading U.S. universities.

Mr. Runde advocated for diversified bilateral cooperation, highlighting energy and higher education as key sectors. He suggested that U.S. universities explore establishing campuses in Pakistan to build long-term academic and cultural bridges.
Ambassador Raphel echoed a message of continuity and optimism. She acknowledged that while any new U.S. administration may review its foreign policy, enduring areas of cooperation such as education, climate research, and inclusive development will continue to define the engagement with Pakistan.
The event marked the beginning of a broader dialogue series to be held by CLAS, aimed at promoting candid conversations between Pakistani stakeholders and global policy experts.