ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) Lahore organised an event titled, “The Changing Logic of Mediation in Crisis Environment”. The event was attended by academics, intellectuals, and domain experts. Sibra Waseem, a Research Assistant at CASS Lahore, delivered the opening address.
Dr Marium Fatima, an academic began with an acknowledgement of a shifting global order where middle powers have become increasingly relevant, changing the paradigm of conflict resolution. She also drew upon the recent US-Israel-Iran conflict, highlighting Pakistan’s timely intervention as a facilitator after fatigue settled among all involved warring actors. She praised Pakistan’s shuttle diplomacy and attributed its success to Pakistan Armed Forces, especially PAF, which downed eight IAF aircraft during Marka-e-Haq.
Mr Ahmer Bilal Soofi, President Research Society of International Law, emphasised that the category of conflict impacts its resolution approach. He underscored the coercive approach used by the UN, and non-coercive mechanisms, which are judicial in nature. Mr Soofi also highlighted the status acquired by individual states as custodians of mediators, whilst stressing upon ad hoc states rising to fulfil the role of a facilitator. In particular, he accentuated the need for Pakistan to institutionalise its raised stature post-Marka-e-Haq by helping discourage conflict.
In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President, CASS, Lahore, stated the changing environment within which contemporary wars are fought, which has made bilateral talks limited. He highlighted the declining role of major powers in mediation efforts due to their vested interests. Rather, middle powers due to their credibility and accessibility have risen as facilitators. President CASS gave credit to the gallant performance of the Armed Forces, particularly PAF under the leadership of ACM Baber Sidhu in Marka-e-Haq. Victory in May 2025 by the Armed Forces raised Pakistan’s stature, which has enabled Islamabad to find space to settle the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Pakistan’s mediation efforts, under the guidance of PM Shahbaz Sharif and FM Asim Munir, have been praised globally. President CASS also emphasised the need to engage with the global causes of conflict, beyond short-term crisis management.
The event concluded with a lively interactive session. It highlighted transnational conflicts, the US’s role in South Asian conflict management, and Pakistan’s geopolitical position, challenging traditional mediation assumptions. The participants appreciated CASS Lahore’s initiative in hosting an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.
