KU Holds Seminar On “The Gulf Crisis, Makkah Declaration And Beyond”
Published August 19, 2026 | 08:46 PM
The Department of International Relations of the University of Karachi organized a seminar titled “The Gulf Crisis, Makkah Declaration and Beyond” on Wednesday, at the KU’s Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium. The event brought together leading scholars, strategic affairs experts, journalists, faculty members, and students to discuss the rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East and their implications for regional and global security.
Keynote Speakers:
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Dr Naeem Ahmed, KU Chairperson of the Department of International Relations, emphasized the importance of academic spaces for critical engagement with contemporary global issues. He also highlighted the department’s commitment to research, intellectual exchange, and informed policy discourse.
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Professor Dr Talat Ayesha Wizarat, former KU Chairperson of the Department of International Relations (joining virtually), presented on “The Gulf Crisis: What Next?”. Her analysis delved into the shifting political landscape of the Gulf region, future regional alliances, and strategic ramifications of recent Middle East developments.
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Professor Dr Muhammad Ali Ehsan, DHA Suffa University, discussed “The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement: A Security Guarantor for the Middle East and Beyond?”. Based on his academic and military background, he explored the potential of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a regional security framework and its implications beyond the Middle East.
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Professor Dr Muqtedar Khan, University of Delaware, USA (joining virtually), presented on “The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement: An Alternate to the US Security Umbrella in the Middle East”. His talk critically examined the evolving security architecture in the region and assessed whether regional arrangements could offer an alternative to US-led security partnerships.
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Nasim Haider, renowned journalist and Controller News at Geo News, addressed “US-Iran War: Who’s the Winner, Who’s the Loser?”. His analysis provided insights from a media perspective.
