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News Release

Last modified: Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Saeed Shafqat, leading expert on Pakistan, to speak at IU Bloomington on Monday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 29, 2012

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- As American and NATO forces continue their phased withdrawal from Afghanistan, what are the implications for the region, including in neighboring Pakistan? Saeed Shafqat, a leading scholar on Pakistani political science and policy analysis, will answer that question as part of a presentation at Indiana University Bloomington on Monday, March 5.

The Dhar India Studies Program and the Center for the Study of the Middle East, which are based in IU's College of Arts and Sciences, will present Shafqat at 5:30 p.m. at India House, 825 E. Eighth St.

Shafqat, who is a professor and director of the Centre for Public Policy and Governance at Forman Christian University in Lahore, Pakistan, will speak on the topic, "End Game in Afghanistan: What are the implications for Pakistan?" His talk is free and open to the public.

He is expected to discuss how radicalism and governance are likely to gain new regional salience. Improving regional governance and security will increasingly fall upon Afghanistan's neighbors and near neighbors, such as Iran, Pakistan, India, China, Russia and other Central Asian states.

The U.S. mission in Afghanistan has been questioned after a heavy week of anti-American violence and the killing of U.S. military advisers.

More than 3 million Afghan refugees have moved into Pakistan and changed the demographic composition and culture of many parts of the country. Drug trafficking and addiction and a proliferation of portable arms and cross-border terrorism have emerged as new challenges to Pakistani governance.

More information on the Dhar India Studies Program and a roster of upcoming events can be found at its home page or by calling 812-855-5798. More information on the Center for the Study of the Middle East at its home page or by calling 812-855-4221.

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