Tag: (ISSI)

Islamabad, February 08, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, organized a special event on “76 Years of Pakistan-Iran Diplomatic Relations.”

The speakers included: Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General, ISSI; Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA; H.E. Sayed Mohammad Ali Hosseini, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan: H.E. Mr. Rahim Hayat Qureshi, Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran; Mr. Ehsan Khazaei, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of Iran in Pakistan; Amb.

Riffat Masood, Pakistan’s Former Ambassador to Iran; Mr. Hosseini Ebrahim Khani, Senior Fellow, IPIS Tehran; and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, BOG, ISSI. The event also included an exhibition of Iranian artefacts.

Ms. Amina Khan, while dilating on the subject, stated that Pakistan-Iran relations were time-tested and based on bonds of brotherhood, mutual respect, and support for each other in times of difficulty. The Treaty of Friendship signed between the two countries in 1950 was a reflection of this relationship.

She added that Pakistan-Iran relations were all-encompassing and that interests of the two countries converged broadly – including on the situation in Afghanistan, fight against terrorism, and relations with China in the context of regional connectivity.

Speaking on the occasion, DG ISSI Amb. Sohail Mahmood stated that while Pakistan-Iran diplomatic relations were 76 years old, the ties between the people of Pakistan and Iran went back centuries, based on immutable bonds of common faith, history and linguistic affinities.

The cultural dimension was the most manifest, as could be seen in a strong Persian imprint on Pakistan’s civilizational heritage. Pakistan-Iran ties were reinforced by a shared commitment to deepen the relationship in its multiple aspects. The two sides’ mutual interests ranged from enhanced bilateral trade to energy cooperation to coordination on regional and international issues.

The people of Pakistan appreciated Iran’s principled support for the just cause of Kashmir. The two countries also shared a crucial stake in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan as that would help advance to agenda of regional economic integration and connectivity. The two countries also supported Muslim causes such as Palestine and countering Islamophobia.

They also cooperated closely in regional and multilateral fora and Iran’s membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) would enable further expansion of mutual cooperation. In recent years, increased bilateral exchanges had served as a catalyst for enhanced collaboration and important steps were being taken to strengthen the economic relationship.

Rapidly transforming global and regional environments posed new challenges such as food and fuel crises as well as exacerbated tensions and polarization. In the wake of all this, it was important that Pakistan-Iran relations continue to grow on a stable and broader basis as this will serve the cause of peace, security and prosperity in the region.

Ambassador Sayed Mohammad Ali Hosseini, while talking about Iran-Pakistan ties, highlighted that bilateral relations have been growing in various fields. He underscored that solidarity between the two fraternal neighbouring countries was based on various commonalities and linkages which paved the way for a stronger relationship.

He added that the volume of trade exchanges between the two countries will reach more than two billion dollars this year. Shedding light on the expansion of cooperation between the two countries, he also identified the energy sector.

Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi, underscored that Pakistan-Iran relations had remained strong throughout history. He mentioned that Iran and Pakistan enjoyed linguistic bonds and the Persian language had a strong influence in South Asia.

While talking about the economic ties, he highlighted that MoUs for the establishment of six border markets had been signed. Pakistan and Iran had also opened additional border crossing points and this will help enhance people-to-people contacts and facilitate the border movement, he said.

Cultural Counsellor Khazai, in his remarks, said that Iran and Pakistan have close historical, cultural, religious, lingual and brotherly ties. By virtue of strong cultural affiliations the two countries could be called as ‘one homeland, one country’. He further said Iran and Pakistan both had a lot of potential to boost bilateral relations and cultural cooperation could play a major role in bringing the two nations even closer.

Ambassador Riffat Masood, in her remarks, said that “our neighbourhood is important” and in this context, Pakistan and Iran must make efforts towards knowing each other better. She said that we must focus on the present and also recognize that there are interdependencies between Iran and Pakistan. Stressing the importance of border trade, she said that we must cooperate in this area further as trade with Iran will bring more dividends to Pakistan.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, in his concluding remarks, said that Iran has been a time-tested friend and the bonds of brotherhood continue to strengthen. It was important to accelerate the pace of the initiatives aimed at expanding economic engagement. He concluded that “this is a precious relationship and we must guard it as it reflects the aspirations of the people.”

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

Islamabad, February 07, 2023 (PPI-OT):At the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Tariq Dahroug, Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan; Colonel Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Planning, Nasir Higher Military Academy, Egypt; Brigadier Mohamed Saad and Colonel Mahmoud Hassan of the Egyptian Defense Attaché Office; Dr. Raza Shahid, Deputy Head of Mission, Pakistani Embassy in Egypt; Ambassador Khalid Mehmood, Chairman Board of Governors, ISSI and Ms. Amina Khan, Director, Center for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa were also present.

Director Center for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa, Ms. Amina Khan, in her introductory remarks, said that the signing of the MoU is a reflection of the warmth of both sides and the desire to expand the scope of mutual dialogue. He hoped that this MoU would help to further promote the relations between Pakistan and Egypt, through such institutional linkages, cooperation between the two sides for mutual research and discussion on issues of mutual interest will be promoted.

Welcoming the conclusion of the MoU, Director General ISSI, and Ambassador Sohail Mehmood said that ISSI values ​​its relationship with Nasir Higher Military Academy. The two institutions had interacted in the past and this MoU formalized the institutional linkages between the two parties and laid the framework for building a mutual partnership in the future.

He added that the relations between Pakistan and Egypt are strongly bound by history, common faith and a common approach on regional and international issues. It was also in line with Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” ​​initiative. He added that Pakistan attaches great importance to its partnership with Egypt, which has historically played an important role in the region. Ambassador Sohail also referred to the historic agreement to establish ‘loss and loss’ funds at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh where Egypt’s role and support as host was invaluable.

Major General Tariq Mohammad Hilal, director of the Strategic Studies Center in the Armed Forces of Egypt, said that Pakistan and Egypt are very important countries in the region and friendly relations between these countries are of great importance.

The two countries have a long history of solidarity. He said that the entire team of Nasir Higher Academy is looking forward to a fruitful partnership with ISSI and this mutual cooperation will be beneficial for both countries. This MoU reflects the willingness of both sides to work together to meet the challenges faced by both countries.

The Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, Dr. Tariq Dahroug, believed that Pakistan and Egypt are two important countries and have a lot of potential that needs to be explored. The Egyptian Embassy has crossed important milestones to enhance relations and create new links between researchers from both Pakistan and Egypt. He said that this MoU is a reflection of the untapped potential of research-based cooperation between the two countries.

Dr. Raza Shahid, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Pakistan in Egypt, appreciated the work of ISSI and said that this MoU with Nasir Higher Academy will bring both Pakistan and Egypt together through academic links in areas of mutual interest. It will be helpful to bring it closer. He highlighted various aspects of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Egypt and hoped that this MoU would lay a solid foundation for future cooperation.

Chairman of Planning, Nasir Higher Military Academy, Egypt, and Colonel Mukhtar Ahmed said that the MoU will help to create diverse linkages and cooperation between the two institutions and facilitate regional and international cooperation. This will enable both parties to achieve better interaction and fruitful cooperation. Chairman ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mehmood expressed his views on Pakistan-Egypt relations in historical and contemporary context and added that the think tank dialogue between ISSI and Strategic Studies Center, will enhance Pakistan-Egypt relations.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

Islamabad, February 07, 2023 (PPI-OT):An MoU signing took place between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Strategic Studies Center (SCC), Nasser Higher Military Academy, Egypt, which was facilitated by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA). The ISSI was represented by its Director General, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood and SCC by its Director, Major General Tarek Mohamed Hilal.

The MoU signing ceremony was also attended by H.E. Dr. Tarek Dahroug, Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan; Col. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of Planning, Nasser Higher Military Academy, Egypt; Brig. Mohamad Saad and Col. Mahmoud Hassan of the Egyptian Defence Attache Office; Dr. Raza Shahid, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Pakistan in Egypt; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors (BOG), ISSI and Ms Amina Khan, Director, Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA).

Director CAMEA, Ms. Amina Khan, while giving her introductory remarks, stated that signing of MoU was a reflection of warmth and desire on both sides to expand the scope of bilateral interaction. She hoped that the MoU would help further the relationship between Pakistan and Egypt, through such institutional linkages between both sides for collaborative research and dialogue on issues of mutual interest.

Welcoming the conclusion of the MoU, Director General ISSI, and Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said that ISSI highly valued its relationship with the Nasser Higher Military Academy. The two institutes had interacted in the past and this MoU formalized the institutional linkages between both sides and laid the framework for building a collaborative partnership in the future. He added that Pakistan-Egypt relations were firmly anchored in history, common faith and convergent perspectives on regional and international issues.

This was also in line with Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” initiative. He added that Pakistan accords high importance to its partnership with Egypt, which had historically played a pivotal role in the region. Ambassador Sohail also referred to the historic agreement on establishment of the ‘Loss and Damage’ Funds at the COP27 in Sharm-el-Sheikh where, as the host, Egypt’s role and support was invaluable.

A closer and stronger Pakistan-Egypt relationship was of vital importance in these times of global flux and uncertainty, he said, adding that it would continue to grow as the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year. Director Strategic Studies Centre in the Armed Forces of Egypt, Major General Tarek Mohamed Hilal, said that Pakistan and Egypt are very important countries in the region and friendly ties between these countries are of utmost significance.

Both countries have a long-standing history of solidarity. He said that the entire team at the Nasser Higher Academy looks forward to a fruitful partnership with ISSI and this mutual cooperation will be beneficial for both countries. This MoU reflects both sides’ keenness to work together to counter the challenges faced by the two countries.

Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Tarek Dahroug, was of the view that Pakistan and Egypt are two important countries and there is a lot of potential that needs to be explored. The Egyptian Embassy has undertaken important milestones to enhance the relationship and create new linkages between researchers of both Pakistan and Egypt. He said that this MoU is a reflection of the untapped potential of research oriented cooperation between both countries.

Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Pakistan in Egypt, Dr Raza Shahid, appreciated ISSI’s work and said that this MoU with Nasser Higher Academy will be instrumental in bringing both Pakistan and Egypt closer together through academic linkages in areas of mutual interest. He highlighted the various facets of the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Egypt and hoped that this MoU will lay a solid basis for future cooperation.

Chairman of Planning, Nasser Higher Military Academy, Egypt, Col. Mukhtar Ahmed, said this MoU will help to produce diverse linkages and cooperation between the two institutions and facilitate collaboration at regional and international levels. It will enable the two sides to achieve better interaction and fruitful cooperation.

Chairman ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood shared his thoughts on Pakistan-Egypt relations in the historic and contemporary perspective and added that think-tank interaction, such as the one between the ISSI and SCC, was essential for enhancing Pakistan-Egypt ties.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

Islamabad, February 03, 2023 (PPI-OT):The India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Seminar to commemorate “Kashmir Solidarity Day”. The Chief Guest for the Seminar was Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmed Khan Babar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan. The Keynote Address was delivered by Amb. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Additional Secretary and Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his introductory remarks, Dr. Arshad Ali, Director India Study Centre, highlighted the importance of ‘Solidarity Day’ and stressed the importance of continuous support for people of IIOJK, who were facing the brunt of Indian state repression driven by the ideology of ‘Hindutva’.

In his remarks on the occasion, Director General ISSI Amb. Sohail Mahmood underscored the importance of the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, the long saga of Indian repression in IIOJK, the sinister Indian design to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory in violation of Security Council resolutions and the 4th Geneva Convention, firm resolve of the Kashmiris to pursue their legitimate aspirations at all cost, and Pakistan’s abiding support and solidarity for this just cause.

He stressed that Pakistan must continue to advocate the rights of the Kashmiris on all planes and platforms – including political, diplomatic, legal, cultural, human rights, and peace and security. He further added that the Pakistani nation must walk with their Kashmiri brethren on every step of this struggle until they get justice and secure peace.

In her Keynote Address, Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch highlighted how India had adopted a four-pronged approach of disenfranchisement, suppression, disinformation, and maligning the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiris. Stressing that India must reverse its illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, she reiterated that Pakistan will continue to steadfastly and unequivocally support the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination until its full realization.

In a recorded message, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman of the World Forum for Peace and Justice, thanked the people of Pakistan for their continuous support, prayers, compassion and understanding for the issues faced by the people of IIOJK. He called upon the international community and the UN Secretary General to fulfil their obligations towards the maintenance of peace as well as realization of the Kashmiris’ rights as enshrined in the UN Security Council resolutions.

Ms. Maliha Hamid Mughal, a student of NDU, highlighted the impact of the illegal occupation on the youth of IIOJK and said that continuous violence had exerted a direct impact on the education, socio-economic condition, mental health, and future prospects of the youth of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr. Mahmood Sagar, the Convener of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference AJK, thanked the people of Pakistan for commemorating “February 5” as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ for the last 30 years. He said that self-determination was an inalienable right of the Kashmiris and that their voice deserved to be heard in the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

He added that the Kashmiris were determined to continue their just struggle despite all kinds of violence and atrocities by India and remained grateful to the people of Pakistan for their unrelenting support through national consensus.

In his address, Chief Guest Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmed Khan Babar urged Pakistanis to actively continue to advocate the rights of the Kashmiris. He recalled that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had described Kashmir as the “Jugular Vein” of Pakistan; and the Kashmiris had proved that they were the jugular vein of Pakistan.

He highlighted the political unity within Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. He noted that India was attempting to make demographic changes through so-called delimitation process and introduction of domicile laws in IIOJK, which the Kashmiris and people of Pakistan had rejected.

He reiterated that the Government would continue to raise these issues at every forum, as the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had done. The SAPM concluded by reiterating Pakistan’s unflinching support for the Kashmir cause across party lines and all segments of society.

In his closing remark, the Chairman BOG of ISSI, Amb. Khalid Mahmood argued that the principle of self-determination is enshrined in the UN charter and that Pakistan has historically adopted an extremely principled stance on the issue. The Seminar was attended by senior officials, academics, students, members of civil society, and diplomatic representatives.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

Islamabad, February 03, 2023 (PPI-OT):The China Pakistan Study Center at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad hosted a delegation from the Youth Parliament to discuss the topic of ‘Global and Regional Perspectives of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy’. ISSI Director General Ambassador Sohail Mehmood addressed the question and answer session. The Youth Parliament delegation was led by Mr. Rizwan Jaffar. Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC welcomed the guests in his introductory remarks and briefed the guests about ISSI.

Giving a warm welcome to the members of the Youth Parliament, Ambassador Sohail Mehmood highlighted the global and regional perspective of Pakistan’s foreign policy amid the rapidly changing global environment. He said that the current international conditions are rapidly going towards degradation. States are faced with the challenge of international peace keeping in mind their own interests.

He highlighted some of the key factors in states’ foreign policy – ​​including geography, identity, history, resource allocation, leadership, economic imperatives, overarching strategic concepts, and the role of national institutions. He also emphasized the important relationship between the internal stability of states and their external influence.

Ambassador Mehmood emphasized that Pakistan’s foreign policy is based on the strategic concept of ‘peaceful neighbourhood’, commitment to good relations with all major powers and multilateralism based on mutual cooperation. The most recent shift in the country’s approach was from geostrategic to geo-economics.

Ambassador Sohail Mehmood highlighted Pakistan’s relations with America, China, Russia, and Muslim world, European Union, Japan, ASEAN and Africa. In the regional context, the importance of bilateral relations with Afghanistan and India was emphasized.

It was emphasized that a just solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is the promise of lasting peace in South Asia. Ambassador Sohail Mehmood also highlighted Pakistan’s role on global issues such as Corona Virus, Climate Change, Islamophobia, and UN Security Council reforms.

Mr. Rizwan Jaffar also explained how Youth Parliament has evolved into a national level organization with global reach. He highlighted that the aim of the organization is to empower the youth who are the most valuable asset of this country. Their development will lead them to participate effectively in policy making and represent Pakistan better.

At the end of the event there was a question and answer session in which the participants asked many questions. In the end, Chairman BOG Ambassador Khalid Mehmood gave his closing remarks, after which a commemorative shield was presented to the visiting delegation of the Youth Parliament.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

Islamabad, February 02, 2023 (PPI-OT):China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad hosted a delegation of Youth Parliament to discuss, ‘Global and Regional Dynamics of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy’. The interactive session was addressed by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General, and ISSI. The delegation of the Youth Parliament was led by Mr. Rizwan Jaffar. Dr. Talat Shabir, Director CPSC in his introductory remarks welcomed the guests and briefed the guests about ISSI.

Extending a warm welcome to the Youth Parliament members, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the global and regional dynamics of Pakistan’s foreign policy amidst a rapidly changing global environment. He noted that the hallmark of the current international environment was its complete flux and fluidity.

States, driven by their own interests, had the challenge to constantly evaluate the environment and adjust accordingly. He highlighted some key determinants of states’ foreign policy — including geography, identity, history, resource endowment, leadership, economic imperatives, over-arachingstrategic concepts, and role of national institutions. He also stressed the vital linkage between states’ internal strength and their external influence.

Ambassador Mahmood stressed that Pakistan’s foreign policy was driven by the strategic concept of a ‘peaceful neighbourhood’, the commitment to have good relations with all major powers, and cooperative multi-literalism. The most recent shift in the country’s approach was from geostrategic to geo-economics.

Ambassador Mahmood highlighted Pakistan’s relations with the US, China, Russia, Muslim World, EU, Japan, ASEAN and Africa. In the regional context, the dynamics of bilateral relations with Afghanistan and India were emphasized. It was underscored that a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute held the key to durable peace in South Asia.

Amb. Sohail Mahmood also highlighted Pakistan’s role on cross-cutting global issues such as COVID-19, climate change, Islamophobia, and UN Security Council reforms. Mr. Rizwan Jaffar also presented how Youth Parliament has evolved into a national-level organization that has global outreach. He highlighted that the organization aims to empower youth which is the most valuable asset of this country. Their growth will lead them towards effective participation in policy-making and representing Pakistan in a better way.

Towards the end of the events Q and A session was held in which participants asked very pertinent questions. In the last Chairman BoG Ambassador Khalid Mahmood delivered his concluding remarks which were followed by a presentation of memento to the visiting delegation of Youth Parliament.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/