Tag: (ISSI)

Islamabad, September 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) had a Panel Discussion on ‘Conversations on the Evolving Situation in Afghanistan: Europe’s Role in Afghanistan’ which is the sixth in a series of conversations CAMEA is having on Afghanistan – under its ‘Conversations on the Evolving situation in Afghanistan’.

The distinguished speakers included: Mr. Graeme Smith, former Senior Consultant on Afghanistan at the Crisis Group, Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz, former Pakistan Ambassador to Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and current President Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Mr. Daud Khattak, Managing Editor, Radio Mashaal (a Pashto language unit, broadcasting to regions on both sides of the Pak-Afghan border), Dr. Christian Wagner, Senior Fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), and Mr. Sangar Paykhar, founder of Afghan Eye podcast, freelance journalist and commentator on Afghan affairs. Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG, ISSI, also participated in the discussion.

During her opening remarks, Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA said although the Taliban gave assurances that it would work towards the formation of an inclusive political set-up, the interim government is anything but inclusive. However, even within the confines of a Taliban dominated set-up, a lot will depend on how the group delivers on governance, foreign relations, CT assurances, as well human rights. If the Taliban fail to deliver, it risks losing support and recognition need by the group to legitimize its rule. Hence, Taliban should work towards a future inclusive government.

Europe has been a key player in Afghanistan, being the second largest political, economic and security contributor, making Afghanistan the largest beneficiary of EU development assistance. Apart from fearing the loss of gains made during the past two decades, in the light of recent developments, key concerns for Europe revolve around instability, terrorism and increased migration. Moreover, Europe’s engagement, recognition, funding, and cooperation with the Taliban will be conditioned upon the group meeting its commitments.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said that Europe has always been a very important player in Afghanistan, and that he has always believed in the resilience of the European continent as it has been at the centre of human and intellectual evolution. However, In Afghanistan Europe took a backseat and let the US lead the show. Hence it is important to see what kind of role Europe now intends to play in Afghanistan in terms of providing assistance be it economically as well as bringing peace and stability to the country.

Mr. Graeme Smith said that a lot of us are hoping for a political setup in Afghanistan but unfortunately it ended up with a military takeover of the country. The new interim government in Afghanistan is presenting various challenges for European policymakers. Providing economic assistance and avoiding economic crises is the key concern of Europe right now. He mentioned that there is a real trust deficit between Europe and the current Taliban government in Afghanistan.

He stated that the future of Afghanistan is still unclear; however, there is hope that the Taliban will help international organizations continue their work and projects in Afghanistan. We are still in the very early days and we still have to wait for what comes out of Afghanistan, he said. It is the matter of survival of over 18 million Afghans. Hence, international community must come forward and play its due role before the events move towards the chaos.

Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz said that the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul and their establishment of an interim government in Afghanistan mean the group is now organised. The Taliban has transformed from what they were 20 years ago. They now have the capability to deliver and govern and should not be treated as an isolated entity by the international community. Talking about Europe’s concerns, he said that the influx of refugees is a serious concern for Europe because it will create instability in terms of security and, more specifically, with regards to harbouring terrorism.

In order to bring stability to Afghanistan, it is important to engage with the Taliban, and allow them to govern according to the people’s wishes. He said the group needed to be given a chance to deliver. He stressed that Europe should play a key role in ensuring the well-being of the people of Afghanistan and engaging with them. There is a need to find a middle ground where neither party suffers. Furthermore, engaging with Afghanistan is not only in the interests of the region, but also the world at large.

Mr. Daud Khattak, said that Europe has been a major ally of the US in the post 9/11 era, and it now has serious concerns about the future of Afghanistan. These concerns will guide the role of Europe in Afghanistan in the future. After the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Europe’s immediate concern is how to ensure women rights, human rights and freedom of the media. The safety and security of vulnerable Afghans is also an important concern along with an emerging humanitarian crisis in the country.

He believed that Europe would be interested in avoiding a civil war in Afghanistan as well as Afghanistan becoming a sanctuary for terrorist organisations. He said the Taliban have to prove themselves as a successful political entity that can run the country in the long run. He also highlighted that the threat of terrorism is a key concern in Afghanistan. Regarding an international CT framework, he said the Taliban would not agree to have a CT mechanism with European countries, because they remained part of US/NATO coalition forces which the group opposed.

Dr. Christian Wagner, spoke about the reaction of Europe at three different levels: immediate pertaining to refugees, midterm, regarding the humanitarian crisis and long-term which revolved around the recognition of the Taliban government in Afghanistan. He mentioned that a huge refugee influx (which is already anticipated) will be a serious concern for Europe. He believed that discussing cooperation at this stage is very difficult because presently Afghanistan is in desperate need of large scale international support to run the country. If Europe does not recognize the Taliban, it will weaken the European position, he said.

While talking about the long term concerns of Europe, Dr. Wagner stated that Europe has learnt lessons from this failure of the US in Afghanistan and they will think before indulging in such kinds of interventions again. In the future Europe has to adopt different defence and security policies compared to the past. He suggested that Europe should set up its own rapid crisis force to deal with such crises which are independent of US influence. He also said regional countries including Europe should ensure that there is no civil war in the country and focus should be on developmental issues.

Mr. Sangar Paykhar said that at the moment, majority of the European countries are anti-immigrants, however, European countries cannot afford an unstable Afghanistan because it will ultimately cause a refugee crisis in Europe. He highlighted that any civil war would be another disaster that might last for decades. Europe should adopt a realistic approach towards the current political dispensation in Afghanistan instead of being idealistic. In order to be more responsible and avoid any further conflict in Afghanistan, they need to seek a more diplomatic approach, and they should make sure that individual Afghan does not suffer. He said that Afghanistan has immense potential, and therefore should remain engaged with Afghanistan. Speaking about the Taliban, he said while the group has not changed fundamentally, it has evolved.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood said Europe has been part of the US’s military presence and development aid for more than 20 years. Concerns of Europe are the evacuation of the remaining Europeans in Afghanistan and preventing the influx of refugees. There is a growing feeling in Europe that they cannot just depend on US stewardship in undertaking military operations. Provision of humanitarian assistance must not be made conditional on how the Taliban behave. I think there is a need to avoid any action, even unwillingly, that can prompt a civil war in Afghanistan. We have to show patience and time for things to work out in Afghanistan, he said.

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, September 15, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a webinar on “Indian Naval Modernisation and its Impact on Strategic Stability in South Asia” on September 14, 2021. While welcoming the guests, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, stated that the global maritime domain would be greatly affected by the geostrategic realities. India is now embarked upon hegemonic desires in South Asia. The rapid indigenous military modernisation and access to emerging technologies would further enhance the threats for Pakistan.

Earlier in his introductory remarks, Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC-ISSI, said that India has not only introduced nuclear weapons in South Asia but has also added a nuclear dimension in the Indian Ocean. India’s building of triad and offensive military preparedness is aimed against its neighbours. Its ongoing naval modernisation has severe implications for regional peace and security.

While providing a comprehensive quantitative overview of India’s naval capabilities and its future plans to achieve the blue water navy in her briefing, Ms Ghazala Yasmin Jalil, Research Fellow ACDC-ISSI, said that the extensive naval acquisitions would immensely improve the Indian reconnaissance capabilities, warfighting capabilities, anti-submarine capabilities and would provide the Indian Navy with a strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean. The nuclearisation of the Indian Ocean is a threat to all the littoral states, especially for Pakistan that aims to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent against India.

In his remarks on “Dynamics of Competition in the Indian Ocean Region,” Vice Admiral (Retd) Khan Hasham Bin Saddique HI(M), Managing Director Bahria Foundation, highlighted the overall strategic, geopolitical and geo-economic landscape of the Indian Ocean where future maritime conflict and great power competition will emerge and Pakistan’s role in it. He opined that the Indian Ocean region is not only complex and diverse but also greatly militarised by the littoral states and external major powers due to a spectrum of armed conflict. The region is also facing non-traditional threats like terrorism, piracy and Climate Change. However, the regional and bilateral security arrangements are not robust.

While expressing his views on “Indian Maritime Modernisation: Implications for Balance of Power in South Asia,” Commodore (Retd) Baber Bilal, Director, National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), opined that Indian naval muscles in the Indian Ocean and future planned induction will make it a “Bull in China Shop” which will challenge the combined naval arsenal of all other states of the Indian Ocean region and global powers. It will also have far-reaching effects on the naval environment in the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern oceans. Therefore, Pakistan and like-minded states should increase interaction, cooperation and inter-dependence to safeguard their legitimate interest against the Indian challenges.

In his remarks on “India’s Development of Sea-Based Nuclear Capabilities and Deterrence Stability in South Asia” Captain (Retd) Dr Syed Aqeel Akhtar Naqvi (PN), former naval aviator addressed three key areas: assessment of regional strategic stability; the conception of sea-based nuclear forces in the postures of India, China and Pakistan and impact of Indian naval development on deterrence stability in South Asia. Indian naval development especially nuclear submarines will not only generate an escalatory effect during the crisis but also drive a new arms race in the region.

In his remarks on “India’s Maritime Strategy: Repercussions for Regional Security Architecture,” Mr Sufian Ullah, Research Fellow, Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Islamabad identified five key aspects of India’s maritime strategy: acquiring the massive naval capabilities, expanding great power role in the Indo-Pacific region, acquiring emerging military technologies from Quad alliance to contain China; projecting India’s image as a net security provider in the region and acquiring nuclear triad by developing nuclear submarines. In addition to these aspects, the Indian postural shift to counter-force operations will undermine the strategic stability in the region.

The presentations were followed by an extensive question and answer session. Concluding the webinar, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI, said that India’s motivations are to acquire the status of regional hegemon global power and US partnership to contain China. Towards that end, it is heavily militarising and nuclearizing the Indian Ocean. Pakistan must not seek parity and look for smart ways to maintain deterrence. Talking about the role of the US, Russia and Western powers, he said that their military assistance has played a greater role in disturbing the regional military balance.

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, September 09, 2021 (PPI-OT):China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized 1st Pakistan-China Think Tank Forum on “Evolving Regional Situation and Pakistan-China Cooperation” on September 8, 2021. The event was a series of joint collaboration between CSP-ISSI and China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR). The participants included: DG ISSI, Amb. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry; President CICIR Dr. Yuan Peng; Dir. CPSC, Dr. Talat Shabir; Director of Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceanian Studies, CICIR, Dr. Hu Shisheng; Director General China, MOFA, Mr. Faraz Zaidi; Director General Asia at MFA, Mr. Liu Jinsong; Former DG-ISSRA, Maj Gen (R) Dr. Samreez Salik; Vice President China Institute of International Studies (CIIS), Dr. Rong Ying; Prof. Li Li, Tsinghua University; Dir. Centre for Middle East and Africa (CAMEA)-ISSI, Amina Khan; Dr. Wang Shida CICIR; Dr. Sumeera Imran, National Defense University (NDU); Dr. Mukesh Kumar Khatwani, Jamshoroo University; and Dr. WangXu, Peking University.

Dr. Talat Shabbir and Dr. Hu Shisheng set the agenda of the Think tank Forum with their opening remarks. Dr. Talat said that the emergence of new political dynamics in Afghanistan in the wake of Taliban’s take over has prompted Pakistan and China to push for realisation of extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan. Mr. Hu Shisheng described how the evolving situation in the region, particularly in the context of Afghanistan, is an important juncture for both Pakistan and China. He also explained how it is critical to develop a common understanding of current and future dynamics of Afghanistan.

Earlier, in his introductory and welcome remarks, Amb. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry cautioned that the irresponsible and hasty withdrawal of the US has not only contributed to the current chaos in Kabul but it is also going to have long-term impact on the peace and stability in the region. He was of the view that the peace in Afghanistan hinges upon the assurances that the Taliban gave. He reiterated that Pakistan is ready to extend the support that is needed to push the Afghan peace forward but the Afghans must realize that they are the ones who will suffer the most if peace is not kept. He suggested that the regional countries, particularly Islamabad and Beijing, should continue to engage in a dialogue vis-a-vis the Afghan conundrum and its regional dimension.

Mr. Faraz Zaidi said that our region is passing through a critical while a drastic transformation is being taking place in the region. Pakistan has recalibrated its vision from geopolitics to geo-economics and, through connectivity drive and economic diplomacy, the region has enormous potential to prosper.

He referred to projects of CPEC and explained how it helped Pakistan in addressing its energy and infrastructure problems. Mr. Liu Jinsong began by saying that Pak-China relations have always stood the test of times and are entrenched deep in the hearts of the two nations. He stated that US defeat in Afghanistan teaches us many great lessons i.e., hegemony, intervention by force, and selfish interests are bound to fail. Pakistan and China should maintain close communication regarding evolving situation in Afghanistan.

In the first working session, Dr. Samriz Salik opined that the current security situation in Kabul is a litmus test for the regional problems and the regional countries must join hands to avert any spill-over effect. Dr. Rong Ying suggested for a proactive role of China and Pakistan in the region because, in his view, the major power competition is going to intensify in the future. Prof. Li Li said that the role of China has increased in the current situation and, with this, the need for Pak-China collaboration has also increased.

In the second working session, Dr. Wang Shida suggested to navigate the chartered waters of the Afghan peace process by employing economic and diplomatic means and giving humanitarian assistance. Ms. Amina Khan said that, though the Taliban are actively engaging with all the national stakeholders, their government is far from inclusive. She highlighted that the success of the group depends upon how they run the government and run the different institutions particularly military and police. Dr. Sameera elucidated that a Chinese Marshal Plan in Afghanistan can serve as a game changer for the region.

In the third session, Dr. Mukesh Kumar said that TTP, Daesh or may be sponsored by India or Indian groups and the terrorist groups in Afghanistan can pose a big challenge for Pakistan. Dr. Wang Xu predicted that, with the evolving situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan and China would come even closer to forming a community of shared future in the region. The webinar was concluded with remarks by Dr. Talat and Dr. Hu Sheshang recommending for more events focusing on regional roadmap for the future.

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, September 09, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organised a webinar titled “Make in Pakistan: Pakistan’s New Industrial Policy,” on September 9, 2021. Dr Salman Shah, Advisor to CM Punjab, was the Keynote Speaker on the occasion. Other speakers for the webinar included Mr Humayun Akhtar Khan, Dr Usman W. Chohan, Ms Nazish Afraz and Dr Liaquat Ali Shah. Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director CSP/ACDC at the ISSI, moderated the Talk.

Mr Mustafa in his introductory remarks said that the manufacturing share in GDP is decreasing along with its share in Exports. This is due to many reasons like poor trade agreements. Make in Pakistan initiative is aimed to improve the situation.

Dr Shah in his keynote address said that the demographics of Pakistan could make it a production hub and a factory of the world. The working labour age needs to be fully utilised in production and industry. Furthermore, Pakistan is the fastest urbanising country in the world and clusters of manufacturing are forming around major cities in Pakistan, especially Punjab.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, said that Make in Pakistan policy will affect the lives of all Pakistani’s and will likely improve it. The new industrial policy will increase employment. However, there are many obstacles in its way like attitude towards industrialists, facilitation of SEZs and lack of regulations.

Mr Khan said that Pakistan needs export diversification as it has low value-added products. To move towards new industrial policy a commitment of the top leadership and long-term vision. Pakistan’s focus should be on industries of exports, with increasing levels of technology and value addition.

Dr Chohan in his remarks said that in Pakistan the role of manufacturing has declined and the rate of growth lags far behind neighbours. Pakistan is deindustrialising prematurely and not integrated well into global value chains. If a strong industrial policy is implemented a strong industrial base will help, ensure national economic sovereignty.

Ms Afraz said that the Make in Pakistan policy needs a concrete formulation at the policy level. Value-added production is necessary for the industrial growth of Pakistan. Also, the types of incentives given to the industry will determine the objectives it will achieve. In his concluding remarks Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI, said that focus should be given to environmentally friendly policies in manufacturing and emerging technologies should be looked at to improve exports.

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, September 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) had a Panel Discussion on ‘Conversations on the evolving situation in Afghanistan: Russia’s Role in Afghanistan,’ fifth in a series of conversations CAMEA is having on Afghanistan – under its Conversations on the evolving situation Afghan series.

The distinguished speakers included: Ambassador Omar Samad, Nonresident Senior Fellow Atlantic Council; Dr. Alexander A. Kornilov, Prof. Dr. at Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod, Head of Region Studies of Foreign Countries; Dr. Nigel Gould-Davies, Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS); Ambassador Qazi M. Khalilullah, Executive Director Center for International Strategic Studies Sindh (CISSS) and Former Ambassador of Pakistan to Russia; Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General, ISSI and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG, ISSI, also took part in the discussion.

During her opening remarks, Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, said that with the US withdrawal, the real test for Afghanistan has only just begun. It is imperative for the Taliban to engage with Afghan stakeholders and form a government that is inclusive and representative of all Afghans. This is a historic opportunity for all Afghans to come together and work for the future of Afghanistan. Despite previous differences, regional stakeholders, including Russia are coming out of the woodwork to assume a more substantive role in the future of Afghanistan.

Pakistan, Iran, Russia, China, and the Central Asian nations appear to have a common (regional) vision for the future of Afghanistan, which entails regional ownership, recognition of a negotiated settlement with the Afghan Taliban as a key component, inclusive political set up, as well as curbing transnational terrorist group, the illegal flow of arms and trade. Needless to say, in such trying times, Russia’s role has been revitalized as a supportive regional actor highlighting Moscow’s keen involvement in the peace process and is its desire to showcase itself as a leading player and advocate for peace and stability in the region.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad said that Russia has been striving hard for a peaceful Afghanistan and we see quite a bit of congruence between Russia and all regional countries in their approach towards amnesty in Afghanistan. Though the Taliban have given assurances, the challenges have however, only begun and we have yet to see to what extent will the Taliban live up to their commitments. It appears that at the moment all regional countries, including Russia are in a wait and see mode.

Dr. Alexander A. Kornilov said that Afghanistan cannot be conquered and cannot be won. Russia is not interested in the disintegration of Afghanistan. Officials in Russia have made it clear that if the Government in Afghanistan partners with regional countries, it will be able to counter all external and violent threats within the country. The sooner the Taliban form a government, the easier it would be for the group to communicate with other countries. Hence, in this regard, they should make a framework that ensures regional security.

He also pointed out that Qatar and Turkey will now be actively and deeply involved in the process in Kabul. He said that the future government must be representative and inclusive, which will be sustainable for a certain period without facing any major internal political threat. With regards to the future role of India in Afghanistan, Dr. Alexander said that given that there is now more cohesion and trust between Russia, China and Pakistan, Pakistan is a very important country.

Dr. Nigel Gould-Davies said that the last time the Taliban ruled Afghanistan, it was a very difficult time and radiated various problems in Central Asia. Russia being a near neighbour of Afghanistan is rightly concerned about the evolving situation. He said the recent fall of Kabul was different from the past and this time, the Taliban are seen as a stabilizing force. He pointed out how right before the fall of Kabul, Russia conducted joint military exercises with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan at the Afghanistan border- a posture that had different meanings for different actors.

In this regard, he said the Taliban must not look beyond the borders of Afghanistan and with respect to foreign forces, they must be assured that there will be no interference. He voiced his scepticism about how stable the Taliban government would be in the backdrop of reports of violence coming out from Afghanistan. He pointed out that the Taliban remain a banned organisation in Russia even though Russia is one of the first countries whom the Taliban have invited for the inauguration of their new government.

Dr. Omar Samad said that Russia was recalibrating its position when the government of Ashraf Ghani was involved in corruption, mismanagement, and bad governance which eventually led Russia to open its doors for the Taliban. He said Russia wants inclusivity in the future government in Afghanistan and does not want the Taliban to monopolize power. He also pointed out that increased coordination between all stakeholders is a positive development. However, whether this can be consolidated will depend on how the Taliban run the country and whether they will be open to broad-based solutions.

He was of the view that if the Taliban fail the credible expectations of the regional and international countries, the fall-out will result in the suffering of all the neighbouring countries, including Pakistan. On the high poverty levels Afghanistan has been experiencing, Ambassador Samad said this is a huge challenge for the Taliban and how the international community will handle this is interesting. There should be regional mechanisms in place as well as qualified individuals who can advise the government in this regard. It is also important to not fall back on the previous system of the 90s where Afghanistan was an NGO-run government. The needs and expectations of the people are now different, he said.

Ambassador Qazi M. Khalilullah said that Russia knows that events in Afghanistan leave deep impacts on neighbouring countries which makes the latter immediate stakeholders of peace in Afghanistan. This is also a primary reason that has led Russia to view Pakistan as a very important country, including it in all important meetings held regarding the future of Afghanistan. Afghans must be allowed to govern their affairs and Afghan soil will not be used against any country and both Russia and Pakistan are hoping that the future Afghan government should be inclusive, without any external involvement.

He stressed that the Taliban need the help of regional countries and should be provided due humanitarian assistance. He stated that Pakistan’s agenda has always been peace because of its long border with Afghanistan due to which events in Afghanistan have affected almost all walks of life in Pakistan. There are a lot of expectations from the Taliban in the short span they have taken over. Hence, it would be prudent to wait till they announce the form and structure of their government. This time, the Taliban are in a better position to formulate and implement their policies, as opposed to the past.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood said that if the Taliban implement their assurances regarding respecting human rights and making an inclusive government in Afghanistan, then the country and region will enjoy peace and stability. He said that Russia has three key concerns; apprehension of extremism and terrorism, the possible flow of refugees and drug trafficking. Taliban have to fulfil their commitments about an inclusive government.

He said Russia has adopted a dual approach, one of which is a diplomatic approach and one which encompasses securing their borders by conducting military exercises. He went on to say that one cannot ignore the plight of Afghan people who are asking for assistance. If trillions of dollars can be spent on war, a few dollars to help Afghan people will not be a difficult task. It is the collective responsibility of the international community to help Afghans, he said.

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, September 07, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organised an in-house meeting today to celebrate Pakistan Defence Day under the theme “The Impregnable Defence of Pakistan”.

The occasion commenced with recitation from the Holy Quran and the playing of the national anthem. Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director, ACDC-ISSI moderated the event. While praising Pakistan’s robust defence capability in his remarks, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General, ISSI stated that the global strategic landscape is shifting from kinetic to hybrid or 5th generation warfare.

Therefore, defending the ideological borders is as important as defending the physical borders of Pakistan. Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director, ACDC-ISSI said that the immense hard work, dedication and passion over the years have empowered the Armed Forces of Pakistan to stand like an Iron wall against threats.

In his observations on the occasion, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI, said that 6th September is not only a day to pay tribute to all the martyrs of the 1965 war but also a day to appreciate the serving officers who are sacrificing their lives in the ongoing war against the terrorism. He also recollected the strength, bravado and valour of the entire nation, bureaucracy and Armed Forces of Pakistan that he witnessed during his posting in East Pakistan during the 1965 war.

While providing a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s defence capabilities, Ms Ghazala Yasmin Jalil, Research Fellow ACDC-ISSI, said that the full spectrum deterrence capabilities of Pakistan eliminate space for the Indian limited war doctrines. In February 2019, Pakistan has shown that it can counter any adventurism by India.

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/