Experts call for regional cooperation, dialogue and conflict resolution to address longstanding disputesSpecial Correspondent: Academics and international relations experts have underscored the need for dialogue, mutual understanding and regional cooperation to resolve the Kashmir crisis and other longstanding conflicts in South Asia, stressing that sustainable peace requires greater academic engagement and humanitarian sensitivity.They made the observations at an international academic talk and roundtable discussion titled “Kashmir and South Asian Peace: Regional Co-operation, Conflict Resolution and Human Security” at Manarat International University (MIU) on Saturday.The event was organised by the university's Centre for General Education (CGE) at its Ashulia campus, bringing together academics, researchers and university officials to discuss the regional implications of the Kashmir conflict and explore pathways towards lasting peace.MIU Vice-Chancellor and internationally renowned environmental scientist Professor Dr Mohammad Abdur Rub delivered the keynote remarks, highlighting the importance of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding in addressing complex regional challenges.He said peaceful solutions to longstanding conflicts, including the Kashmir issue, could be achieved through meaningful discussions and greater mutual understanding among the parties concerned.Emphasising the need for broader academic engagement, Professor Rub called for creating more opportunities for dialogue and exchanges of views among scholars and researchers from different parts of South Asia, including India, Pakistan and Kashmir.He also stressed that discussions on the Kashmir issue should consider the perspectives and concerns of people living in different parts of the region.In particular, he called for including the voices of people from Indian-administered Kashmir, Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the Chinese regions of Ladakh and Aksai Chin in broader discussions on the issue.Professor Rub expressed hope that more academics and researchers from Pakistan, Kashmir and other parts of South Asia would participate in similar initiatives in the future.He observed that dialogue, mutual understanding and humanitarian sensitivity could help create an environment conducive to peaceful solutions to regional disputes.Dr Abida Rafiq, a faculty member of a university in Bangkok, Thailand, and former chairperson of the Department of International Relations at Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir, also spoke at the programme.She highlighted the importance of establishing peace in Kashmir and South Asia through regional cooperation, conflict resolution and a stronger focus on human security.Dr Rafiq discussed various dimensions of the Kashmir issue, emphasising the need for academic engagement and international cooperation to address the region's longstanding challenges.Dr Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, director of the Centre for General Education at Manarat International University presided over the session. MIU Treasurer Md Monirul Islam; Dean of the School of Engineering, Science and Technology Dr Mohammad Mizanur Rahman; Registrar AHM Abu Sayeed; Acting Director of the Department of Student Welfare Abdul Matin; Additional Registrar Md Alamgir Hossain; and teachers and officials of the university attended the programme among others. The discussion highlighted the potential role of universities and academic institutions in promoting regional understanding, encouraging informed debate and building bridges among communities affected by longstanding political and territorial disputes. The initiative also reflected the growing importance of academic diplomacy in addressing regional challenges, where dialogue, research and people-to-people engagement can complement formal diplomatic efforts towards lasting peace and stability.