Dr. Khurram Iqbal (IR Expert): Keeping in view the regional strategic developments, there is dire need for the fresh review of the security situation in Pakistan, especially in the context of what is happening in Afghanistan. In the last one decade, Pakistan has played a commendable role for regional peace and prosperity. The intra-Afghan consensus is vital for peaceful and stable Afghanistan and the role of Islamabad in this regard cannot be ignored. If the intra-Afghan dialogue process does not conclude, it would definitely have impact on Islamabad because of the geographical location of Pakistan. Regional stakeholders should play a constructive role to bring peace in the war-torn country. India is among the countries that are playing the role of peace spoilers in Afghanistan. We will not likely see a responsible role by India in future for regional peace and stability. India is spoiling all the efforts made by Islamabad for peace and stability in Afghanistan. The world must monitor the activities of peace spoilers and serious measures should be taken against such elements. 

Brig. (Retd.) Mehmood Shah (Defense Analyst): The political leadership of the country was briefed about the security measures in regard to post-withdrawal scenario in Afghanistan. There are risks of anarchy and chaos in the country after the withdrawal of United States and its allies. Pakistan has always supported an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and always backed the narrative of Afghan people as well. We must not support any particular group in Afghanistan. The impact of withdrawal of NATO forces will be there and this time Pakistan is in a better position to stop the flow of more Afghan refugees into the country. The Afghan groups must seize the historic opportunity and work out for an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.

Dr. Zafar Iqbal (IR Expert): It is a positive development that UNGA has adopted revised Global Counter Terrorism Strategy and called for measures to address the emerging terrorist threats on basis of xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia. The rising trend of Islamophobia, especially in west, is of great concern for the Muslim world. Basically, Islamophobia is an extreme type of hatred against the Muslims. It is western perception that situation in Afghanistan will have serious Islamophobic threats to the west. It is time that Muslim Ummah gets united and decides a plan of action against the rising Islamophobia. The rise of violent anti-Muslim movements and the hate campaign run by racist groups on social media has certainly been a serious challenge for democracies around the world. There is a need for a coordinated and concerted effort to counter the anti-Muslim campaign, but it should also be linked with the struggle against all other violent religious ideologies.

Dr. Masoom Yasinzai (Rector, IIUI): The only way to ensure peace and stability across the globe is to counter the rising Islamophobic trends. We have to respect all the religions and promoting tolerance is need of the hour. It is high time to convey a strong message to the world that Islam is a religion of peace and harmony. Unfortunately, the anti-Islamic sentiments are on the rise in west. Western governments should foster tolerance and stop anti-Muslim violence. Pakistan’s initiatives at the international level about awareness on Islamophobia are aimed at building mutual understanding and promoting inter-faith harmony. It is the responsibility of OIC to work for making the international community understand the deep-rooted love and reverence of all Muslims for the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and the Holy Quran. They should also promote universal values of tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful co-existence among all nations and peoples.