LAHORE: The AAS-in-Asia 2026 concluded on Sunday at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (Lums), marking the successful conclusion of a three-day international academic gathering that brought more than 1,000 scholars and participants from over 37 countries to Pakistan.
Held under the theme “Centering Asia: Refiguring Connections, Recharting Futures,” the conference brought together scholars, students, university leaders and academics from 517 institutions, including some of the world’s leading universities, such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, University of Tokyo, National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Harvard University, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford and Yale University.
The AAS-in-Asia has previously been hosted in countries including South Korea, Indonesia, Nepal, Japan, India and Thailand. Its first edition in Pakistan brought an international academic community to Lahore.
The conference featured hundreds of panel sessions, pre-conference workshops, roundtables, open houses, exhibitions and cultural events. Discussions explored a wide range of themes, including Asia’s transformation and global perspectives, conflict and cooperation, democratic change, technology and society, artificial intelligence, Asian ecologies, cities and infrastructure, gender and marginality, cultural and artistic expression, and old and new approaches to knowledge and epistemology.
The sessions examined how Asia’s economic, political and cultural transformations are reshaping global debates, while also addressing issues including border disputes, contested sovereignties, civic spaces, climate disruption, displacement, inequality and social justice. Discussions also explored the role of literature, art, performance, heritage and everyday cultural practices in shaping Asian identities and creating spaces for connection and dialogue.
President of the Association for Asian Studies Prof. Shehabuddin said AAS-in-Asia conferences had previously travelled across Asia, with each host location enriching the association’s academic conversations and creating opportunities for new collaborations.
The conference also featured cultural performances, exhibitions and activities showcasing Lahore’s heritage, crafts, cuisine, music and artistic traditions.
The closing ceremony’s cultural programme opened with a journey through South Asia’s expressive dance traditions. Bhangra, Gidda, Kathak and Sufi devotional folk dance came together in a continuous medley, celebrating the region’s cultural heritage.
Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2026
