PIPS Database

An independent database mapping Pakistan’s conflict and security landscape.

PIPS Statement

PIPS cancelled an event planned for International Peace Day following last-minute venue cancellation and visa-related issues

Islamabad, September 19, 2026 — The Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) regrets to announce the cancellation of its two-day Pakistan Security Dialogue 2026: “Pathways to Regional Peace and Stability,” which was scheduled to take place in Islamabad on September 20–21, 2026, in observance of International Peace Day.

The decision was taken after the venue, Serena Hotel, abruptly cancelled all hall and room bookings made for the event and its guests, citing security concerns reportedly conveyed by the relevant government authorities. The cancellation came at a particularly challenging moment, with several international guests already en route to Islamabad. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and extend our apologies to all those affected.

PIPS has organized numerous national and international events on regional and internal security since its inception in 2006. These gatherings have contributed meaningfully to intellectual and policy debates on regional security, geopolitics, counterterrorism, peacebuilding, and stability. The Pakistan Security Dialogue 2026 was conceived as another high-level platform for evidence-based policy dialogue on issues that remain central to Pakistan and the wider region, but that often receive limited attention in policy and academic discourse. Few of the themes were:

1. Global and regional security dynamics
2. Pakistan’s immediate neighbourhood: pathways to a stable region
3. The Russia-Ukraine war: implications for global and regional security
4. The security matrix of Central Asia, the SCO, Afghanistan, and Pakistan
5. Geopolitical dynamics after the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran: West Asia, the Indian Ocean, and Pakistan
6. Pakistan’s internal security: implications for CPEC and socio-economic development

Although the agenda was adjusted following feedback on some speakers and themes, and the level of delegate participation was subsequently reduced, the core objectives of the dialogue remained unchanged: to encourage informed discussion, promote regional understanding, and support peaceful approaches to complex security challenges.

PIPS deeply regrets that it has been unable, at this time, to sustain a space for dialogue on issues of critical importance to Pakistan and the region. The cancellation has resulted in financial costs and the loss of considerable organizational effort, while also presenting a setback to an initiative that has consistently sought to promote evidence-based discourse and constructive engagement since 2019, with a two-year interruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

PIPS hopes that Pakistan will continue to foster an environment in which dialogue, informed discussion, and diverse perspectives can contribute to public and policy discourse. The organization remains committed to advancing peaceful debate, rigorous research, and inclusive policy engagement, and looks forward to contributing to constructive and open dialogue on issues of importance to Pakistan and the region.

PIPS Digital

PIPS Team

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