LAHORE: Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) is set to host the AAS-in-Asia 2026 conference from September 25-27, 2026, marking the first occasion this prestigious event will be held in Pakistan. This milestone event is expected to attract over 1,000 scholars from more than 37 countries, representing esteemed institutions such as Harvard, Cambridge, and the University of Tokyo.

According to Lahore University of Management Sciences, the conference, themed "Centering Asia: Refiguring Connections, Recharting Futures," will provide a platform for scholars to engage on topics ranging from politics and culture to economics and history. The event has previously been hosted in countries including South Korea, Indonesia, and Japan. Dr. Ali Khan, Dean of the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences at LUMS, expressed pride in showcasing Pakistan's academic potential to a global audience.

Dr. Adil Najam, President of WWF International, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on international relations and South Asian affairs. The conference aims to offer Pakistani scholars a unique opportunity to engage with global experts and present their research on an international stage. The Scholar Support Fund has been established to ensure participation from scholars across Pakistan.

The conference represents a collaborative effort between LUMS and the Association for Asian Studies, with Dr. Krisna Uk playing a pivotal role in the partnership. The event's organization is spearheaded by Tajwar Awan, a LUMS alumna, who is coordinating various aspects of the conference to ensure a memorable experience for all participants.