The Regional Peace Institute (RPI) is an outcome of intense dialogues and discussions that took place among research, diplomats, academics, and journalists, in South Asia. RPI was formally launched in June 2013. As far as the scope of work is concerned, the Institute focuses on India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, China and the US. The principal stakeholders come from the academic, diplomatic and military communities. Some professionals with expertise in analysing the dynamics impacting the regional situation are also part of the RPI team. The Board of Governors also includes representation from other countries of the region.

Image credit: Zahib Shahab Ahmed

Peace and stability is the key area of interest of RPI and that focused on working for the attainment of regional peace; prospecting development avenues and mechanisms to advance the cause of peace; and fighting for elimination of terrorism and extremism. In a very short span of time, RPI has been able to establish a good rapport through dialogues with relevant people in South Asia. The following are some examples of RPI’s work:

• Pakistan and Afghanistan Dialogue, June 2015
• China, Pakistan and Afghanistan Trilateral Dialogue, December 2014
• Pakistan-India Bilateral Dialogue, November 2014
• Pakistan-Pakistan dialogue: a talk on learning lessons from South Asian insurgencies and terrorism
• Pakistan-India bilateral dialogue, June 2014
• China, Pakistan and Afghanistan: Regional Perspectives, Future prospects, 2014

Towards regional peace and stability, friendly ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan are crucial; therefore, RPI has been focusing on that. After the June 2015, Afghanistan-Pakistan dialogue, an agreement of collaboration was signed by RPI with the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies.