Panels comprising US and South Asia based experts from academia, government, non-governmental organizations and the religious leaders will discuss the following subjects in an objective manner. Each panel is to be chaired by members of the US Congress or an agency of the US Congress:

·Nuclear Issues – US-India-Pakistan – dynamics of the nuclear threat, nuclear proliferation, war on terrorism, regional security

·Religion and Politics – rise of religious fundamentalism and its impact on pluralism, as well as democratic institutions and fundamental human rights

·Socio-Economic Development – socio-economic justice, threat of AIDS, human trafficking, strategies for relief and development

·US-South Asia Trade Relations – international investment, trade policies of governments and related issues

Speakers include:

Douglas B. Shaw, nuclear proliferation control expert, Vice President for Policy and Programs, Institute on Religion and Public Policy

Shabana Azmi, Member, Indian Parliament

Fareed Zakaria, Editor, Newsweek International

Pashupati Rana, former Nepal cabinet minister, General Secretary, RPP

Ambassador Nancy Ely-Raphel, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, US Department of State; and many more


For periodic updates on speakers and invited guests visit www.pifras.org.


Symposium Schedule

7:30am – 8:30am Program Inauguration

9:30am – 5:00pm Symposium
7:00pm – 9:00pm Reception and Banquet

All participant must pre-register. For registration, please call:


Policy Institute for Religion and State Tel. 202.547.4700 or Email.  info@pifras.org

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