INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC STUDIES ISLAMABAD (ISSI)

Strategic Perspectives through Research & Dialogue

October-December 2020

NEWSLETTER
Seminar on “Understanding Hindutva Mindset and Indian Hegemonic Aspirations”
India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic
Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a seminar on
December 16, 2020 titled, “Understanding Hindutva
Mindset and Indian Hegemonic Aspirations”. The
seminar comprised of two sessions titled, “Mapping
Hindutva Mindset” and “Hindutva: Rise of Saffron
Terrorism in South Asia.”
The President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi was the Chief Guest
at the occasion. Senator Shibli Faraz, Federal Minister for
Information and Broadcasting joined as a Guest of Honor.
The two sessions were chaired by Ambassador Jalil Abbas
Jilani and Air Marshal (Retd.) Javaid Ahmed HI (M), VC
Air University respectively. Other speakers at the occasion
included: Dr. Khurram Iqbal, National Defence University,
Islamabad; Ambassador Asif Durrani, Islamabad Policy
Research Institute; Mr. Ahmer Bilal Soofi, President, Research Society of International Law; and Mr. Khalid
Rehman, Director General, Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad.
In his Keynote Address, the President maintained that India does not care about its own minorities nor its
neighbors. The ideology of Hindutva has totally captured the Indian society as it is becoming increasingly
exploitative. National Register of Citizens and Citizenship Amendment Act are all meant to isolate the Muslims
who are around 15 per cent of the Indian population.
While addressing the seminar, Senator Shibli Faraz stated Modi’s Hindutva ideology is transitioning India to the
biggest fascist regime of the world for it is based on discrimination, hatred, and superiority.
Inauguration of Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA), ISSI
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) held
the inauguration of its Centre for Middle East & Africa
(CMEA) on October 15, 2020. H.E. Sohail Mahmood,
Foreign Secretary of Pakistan was the Chief Guest on the
occasion. H.E. Prof. Julius Kibet Bitok, High
Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya & Dean of
African Countries’ Ambassadors in Pakistan also made
remarks on the occasion.
During his remarks, Mr. Sohail Mahmood stated that the
Middle East is one of the most critical areas in the world
today. Its strategic significance stems from its
importance as the major energy supplier in the world.
The people of Pakistan share strong linkages with people
of the Middle East region. The economic dimension of
the Middle East is also significant for Pakistan. Similarly,
he said that the African continent is where Pakistan’s
past, present and future converge. He was of the view that
with the Pak-Africa conference in Nairobi, Pakistan and
Africa has embarked on a new journey. Moreover, under
its Engage Africa policy, the Government of Pakistan is shoring up its diplomatic presence in this important part of
the world and focusing on connectivity. He said that the establishment of CMEA is both timely and beneficial and
ensured the support of the foreign office in its future endeavors.
October-December 2020 2

Webinar on “The Future of Indian Occupied Webinar on “Upcoming US Elections,

Jammu & Kashmir Under the UN Watch”
The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized
a Webinar on October 1, 2020 titled, “The Future of
Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir Under the UN
Watch”. The speakers at the webinar included
Ambassador Shamshad Ahmad, former Foreign
Secretary of Pakistan, Ambassador Aziz Ahmad Khan,
Pakistan’s former High Commissioner to India and
Ambassador Ishtiaq Andrabi.
In his introductory remarks, the Director General ISSI,
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, said that the
Kashmir issue has continued to resonate in the corridors
of the UN but has not reached its logical end. The Keynote
Speaker at the webinar, Ambassador Shamshad Ahmad,
stated that Prime Minister Imran Khan has very
effectively raised his voice in the UN on the Kashmir issue
and has reiterated Pakistan’s position on Kashmir while
describing Modi’s India by drawing parallels to Hitler’s
fascist rule. He said it is for Pakistan to be realistic and
focus more on action.
Possible Outcomes & Prospects
of Relations with Pakistan”
The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized
a Webinar on October 13, 2020 titled, “Upcoming US
Elections, Possible Outcomes & Prospects of Relations
with Pakistan”. The speakers at the Webinar were: Dr.
Daniel Markey, Senior Research Professor, John Hopkins
School of Advanced International Studies, Washington,
D.C; Dr. Rifaat Hussain; Professor & Head of Department
of Government and Public Policy in School of Social
Sciences and Humanities at National University of
Sciences and Technology, Islamabad; and Mr. Nadeem
Zaman, Director, Association of Pakistani Americans,
Texas.
On US relations with Pakistan, Dr. Markey was of the
opinion that as long as Pakistan does not completely side
with China in this competition, it may find many
opportunities for cooperation with US in areas of security
and economics, as well as the resumption of the strategic
dialogue.

Webinar on “Pakistan and the UN: A Partnership for Environmental Sustainability”

The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized
a Webinar on October 15, 2020 titled, “Pakistan and the
UN: A Partnership for Environmental Sustainability”.
The speakers at the webinar were: Ambassador Shafqat
Kakakhel, Chairman BoG, SDPI; Ms. Afia Salam,
Freelance Journalist; Dr. Sanval Nasim, Assistant
Professor of Economics, LUMS; Mr. Basharat Saeed,
Water Resources Specialist at World Bank Group; and
Ms. Komal Shakeel, Director at Profectus Advisory
Services. The Webinar was moderated by Mr. Najam
Rafique, Director CSP, Research & Editor at ISSI.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General
ISSI, said that this Webinar was in synergy with a series of
programs by ISSI pursuant to Prime Minister Imran
Khan’s address at the 75th UNGA and the issues raised by
him. Mitigating the disastrous impacts of Climate
Change, he said, is an important topic of discussion.
Ambassador Kakakhel, during his address as Keynote
Speaker said that “Climate change creates social,
economic and political issues in the world and will
continue to do so if not addressed adequately.”
October-December 2020 3

Strategic Virtual Dialogue on “Challenges to Peace and Security in South Asia”

The India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic
Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Strategic Virtual
Dialogue with Myanmar Institute of Strategic &
International Studies (MISIS) on October 14, 2020 titled
“Challenges to Peace and Security in South Asia”. The
speakers at the dialogue were Ambassador U Nyunt Maung
Shein, Chairman, MISIS. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad
Chaudhry, DG ISSI, Dr. Farhan Hanif Siddiqi , Director,
School of Politics and IR, Quaid- i- Azam University, Dr.
Daw Khin Ma Ma Myo, Professor of IR Dept. at University of Yangon, Dr. Shabana Fayaz, Chairperson , Dept. of
Def. & Strategic Studies, Quaid- i- Azam University, Islamabad and Mr. U Kyee Myint, Research Fellow, MISIS.
In his introductory remarks, Director, ISC, Dr. Saif Malik said that the dialogue was very important to understand
geo-political and geo-economics situation of the region. Director General, ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad
Chaudhary highlighted the developments in Indo-Pacific and CPEC. Ambassador U Nyunt Maung Shein,
Chairman, MISIS underscored the bilateral relations of Pakistan and Myanmar as both countries witnessed a
couple of visits of armed forces from both sides.

Web-Talk on South Africa’s Perspective Panel Discussion on “Pakistan and

on Evolving Geo-Economic Trends and
Pakistan South Africa Economic Ties
Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) at the
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
organized a Web-Talk on November 18, 2020 by H.E.
Ambassador Mthuthuzeli Madikiza, the High
Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to
Pakistan titled, “South Africa’s Perspective on
Evolving Geo-Economic Trends and Pakistan South
Africa Economic Ties.”
Ambassador Madikiza welcomed the establishment of
CMEA as a centre of excellence within the ISSI and
stated that he looked forward to closer cooperation
and interactions on issues of mutual interest. He said
stronger ties and increased collaboration between the
African Continent and partner countries in the Asian
region have been growing steadily over the years.
Russia: Challenges and Opportunities
for a Comprehensive Relationship”
Center for Strategic Perspective (CSP) at the Institute
of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a
panel discussion on “Pakistan and Russia: Challenges
and Opportunities for a Comprehensive
Relationship” on November 12, 2020. The panel
comprised of esteemed academics and scholars
including: Mr. Leonid Savin, Geopolitical Analyst,
Chief Editor at Geopolitca and Member Military-
Scientific Society MoD, Russia; Prof. Dr. Shabir
Ahmed Khan, Director, Centre for Russia, China &
Central Asia, University of Peshawar; Prof. Dr. Adam
Saud, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Social
Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad; and Mr.
Taimur Khan, Research Associate, CSP-ISSI.

Posing a question to Mr. Leonid Savin, Mr. Najam

asked how Russia views its relations with Pakistan.
Responding positively to this question, Dr. Savin said
that though there is still lack of knowledge about
Pakistan in his country, Russia is nurturing it relations
with the former.
October-December 2020 4

Web-Celebration - “Eid Milad-ul-Nabi Web-Celebration - “Iqbal Day” at ISSI

at ISSI” The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an In-House Web Celebration on the occasion
celebrated the auspicious occasion of Eid Milad-ul-Nabi of Iqbal Day on November 9, 2020. All centres at the
on October 30, 2020. Institute shared their views on the national poet of
Pakistan, Allama Mohammed Iqbal. The web celebration
was moderated by Director Research and Center for
Strategic Perspective (CSP), Mr. Najam Rafique. In his
introductory remarks he stated that while we all have read
Iqbal as kids, it is unfortunate that we are unaware of his
poetry and our relation with his work is only customary.

The blessed ceremony began with introductory remarks

by Mr. Najam Rafique, Director, CSP, Research & Editor,
ISSI. He paid his humble homage to the Beloved Holy
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Director General ISSI,
Amb. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry wished everyone a blessed
Eid Milad-un-Nabi. He stated that there is no denying the
fact that Prophet Muhammad is a towering personality
that has no parallel in history.
Web - Celebration - Human Rights Day at ISSI
The Centre of Strategic Perspective (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an In-House
meeting to commemorate the International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2020. Remarks were made by the
representatives of the centres of excellence at ISSI. In his introductory remarks, Director CSP, Mr. Najam Rafique
stated that in an increasingly fragmented and contentious institutional and political environment, the United
Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains a symbol of unity. Quoting Eleanor Roosevelt, he said that
human rights begin close to home, unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.

Web Celebration - “Quaid’s Birthday” at ISSI “Christmas Celebration”

The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
organized an In-House Web Meeting to celebrate the celebrated Christmas with members of the Christian
144th birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah community working at the Institute.
on December 25, 2020. The representatives of all the
centres of the Institute shared their views about the
founding father of the nation. The web celebration was
moderated by Director Research and Center for Strategic
Perspective (CSP), Mr. Najam Rafique.
Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad
Chaudhry in his remarks stated that Quaid foresaw what
many could not predict at that time and fought for the
preservation of freedom of Muslims. He believed in equal
opportunity for all; even in foreign policy he advocated
friendliness with all, fair play and justice. In this regard,
the fulcrum he set has remained intact to this date.
October-December 2020 5

Panel Discussion on “Islamophobia Panel Discussion on “Future Directions of

and How to Deal With It?”
Center for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute
of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a panel
discussion on “Islamophobia and How to Deal with It?”
on November 10, 2020. The panel comprised of
esteemed academics and scholars including: Dr. Todd
Green, Associate Professor of Religion, Luther College,
Iowa; Dr. Charles Powell, Director of the Elcano Royal
Institute, Spain; Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad, VC Riphah
University, Islamabad; Prof. Dr. Samina Yasmin,
Director, Center for Muslim States and Societies, the
University of Western Australia; and Mr. Ahmad Naeem
Salik, Research Fellow, CSP-ISSI.
Pakistan-US Relations Post US Elections 2020”
The Centre for Strategic Perspective (CSP) at the Institute
of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a web panel
discussion on “Future Directions of Pakistan-US Relations
Post US Elections 2020” on November 12, 2020. The panel
of experts included: Ambassador Najmuddin Shaikh,
former foreign secretary of Pakistan; Dr. Nisar Chaudhry, a
Pakistani American affiliated with the State Department;
Dr. Irfan Qaisrani, Professor, Department of Humanities
and Social Sciences, Bahria University, and Mahrukh Khan
Research Fellow, CSP-ISSI. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad
Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, and Ambassador Khalid
Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI also joined the panel for
the discussion.

The interactive discussion began with introductory

remarks by Director CSP and Editor at ISSI, Mr. Najam
Rafique. Defining “Islamophobia”, Mr. Rafique
described it as bias of Western society that reflects in
everything associated with Islam and its followers. Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad
During the discussion, Dr. Todd Green said that the Chaudhry said that the most important change that will
reasons behind tensions between western and Muslim happen under the new administration is US resumption to
populations are various. global engagement, multilateralism and international
Describing the situation of Islamophobia in Australia agreements that will reverse the trend of isolationism set by
and responses from the Muslim world, Dr. Samina Donald Trump.
Yasmin was of the view that aftermath of 9/11 Concluding the discussion, Mr. Najam Rafique said that all
accelerated this phenomenon. She suggested that saner the issues discussed are important for Pakistan. What
and pacifist sections in both Muslim and Western would be US policy towards China, how would Pakistan
societies must come forward for building an enabling manage US-China competition, how would Pakistan
environment of inter-faith harmony, understanding manage US-India relationship, and the situation in
and knowledge. Afghanistan all require extended discussion and debate.
Panel Discussion on “The Role of China in the Middle East & Africa”
The Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) at the Institute of
Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a web panel
discussion titled “The Role of China in the Middle East &
Africa” on November 26, 2020. The panel of experts included:
Ms. Maria German, School of International Relations and
Public Affairs Fudan University (China); Dr. Zahid Ahmed,
Research Fellow at the Deakin University (Australia) and Dr.
Talat Shabbir, Director, China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC-
ISSI). Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General
ISSI, and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI
also joined the panel for the discussion. Director CMEA, Ms.
Amina Khan moderated the discussion.
Answering a question regarding China’s overall role in the
Middle East, Ambassador Aizaz stated that there are three
dimensions of China’s regional approach, the economic,
political and security dimensions.
October-December 2020 6

Seminar on “Commemorating Black Day: Kashmir and Right to Self Determination”

India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic
Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with
Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir organized a
seminar titled, “Commemorating Black Day: Kashmir
and Right to Self Determination” on October 27, 2020.
The Chief Guest at the occasion, Mr. Shehyar Afridi,
Chairperson of Parliamentary Special Committee on
Kashmir said that what Modi is doing in Kashmir, the UN
and the world should have taken notice of that. He
expressed his astonishment that a country which claims
to be democratic and secular can indulge in practices like
Ghar Wapsi Program where minorities are being asked to
either revert back to Hinduism or leave India. He also highlighted the fact that Pakistan has laid down huge sacrifices
to combat terrorism and the world needs to see what India has been doing. He also expressed his firm resolve that
Pakistan will stand united as a nation and there will be no compromise on the issues of national security.
ACDC-ISSI In-house Meeting with Pakistan First Bilateral Dialogue with the Heart
Nuclear Society (PNS) Delegation of Asia Society (HAS)
The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a held its first bilateral dialogue with the Heart of Asia
delegation from the Pakistan Nuclear Society (PNS) on Society (HAS) based in Kabul, Afghanistan on
December 21, 2020. Dr. Imtinan Elahi Qureshi, President- December 2, 2020. The distinguished panel of
elect PNS, headed the delegation. speakers included; Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad
Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC, briefed the Chaudhry, Director General, ISSI; Ambassador
participants on the working of ISSI and what ACDC had Jawed Ludin, President, HAS; Ms. Amina Khan,
accomplished since its establishment on October 30, 2019. Director, Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA-
He also enlightened the participants about the ACDC-ISSI ISSI), Ambassador Janan Mosazai, Vice President,
Vision 2023. HAS and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman
BOG, ISSI.
Dr. Imtinan Elahi Qureshi appreciated the working of the
Centre. He also highlighted the contribution of PNS in the The key points raised during the discussion were that
areas of peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the welfare of the prospects for a long term strategic partnership
the community of nuclear scientists in Pakistan. agreement between the two countries needs to be
discussed. Five areas of cooperation where the two
Both sides agreed to exchange information, building
countries could work together were also identified:
linkages with the scientific community of Pakistan, and
political, economic, security, people to people and
organizing joint events on various themes related to
refugees.
nuclear safety and security, peaceful applications of
nuclear technology, and its integration with other emerging All speakers agreed that the key challenge at a time
technologies. The visit concluded with the delegation’s tour when there is a softening in the relationship, is to
of ACDC and the ISSI library. focus on sustaining the current momentum and make
sure it translates into tangible results all the while
preventing any potential impediments in this regard.
October-December 2020 7

2nd Pak-China Think Tank Dialogue

China-Pakistan Study Center (CPSC) at the Institute of
Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted 2nd Pakistan-
China Think Tank Dialogue via video conferencing on
December 23, 2020. The Dialogue focused on emerging
strategic environment, regional dynamics, and Pakistan-
China cooperation to advance peace and stability. The
Dialogue was addressed by Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad
Chaudhry, Director General, ISSI and Ms. Pang Chunxue,
Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of China in Islamabad.
The Dialogue brought together eminent experts of
Pakistan-China relations including Dr. Fazal-ur-Rehman,
Director Pakistan Institute of China Studies, Sargodha
University, Dr. Wang Shida, Deputy Director, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, Mr. Amir
Rana, Director, Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies and Prof. Zhang Jiadong, Director, Center for South Asian
Studies, Fudan University.

MOU - CMEA at ISSI & HAS

Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) represented by its Director General, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and
Heart of Asia Society (HAS), Kabul, Afghanistan represented by its Co-Founder and President, Ambassador Jawed
Ludin signed an MOU on October 20, 2020.
Ambassador Janan Mosazai, Co-Founder and Vice President HAS was also present on the occasion. Directors of
the five Centres of Excellence at ISSI were also in attendance.
Cooperation between the two organizations concerns establishment and promotion of regular relationships in
academic and research fields in an institutionalized framework.

In-House with IRCRA

The Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a
delegation from the International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA) on December 31, 2020. The
delegation included participants from Afghanistan. President IRCRA, Mr. Muhammad Israr Madani was also
present on the occasion. Director CMEA, Ms. Amina Khan, who also works on Afghanistan, welcomed the delegation
and gave a brief introduction of ISSI. Director General, ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry briefed the
delegation on global politics and Pak-Afghan ties.
He talked about the situation in Afghanistan and the peace process which is paramount not only for Pakistan but for
the region and subsequently the world. He also emphasized on how ISSI is working on increasing its outreach to
Afghanistan through academic linkages and welcomes such initiatives to further strengthen the bilateral
relationship.
October-December 2020
Briefing to 10-Member Delegation from KIIR
A group of ten young researchers led by Mr. Altaf Hussain
Wani, Chairman, Kashmir Institute of International
Relations (KIIR) called on Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad
Chaudhry, Director General, Institute of Strategic
Studies Islamabad on October 5, 2020. The group was
briefed by Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry on the
organization and research being carried out at the
Institute. He highlighted the fact that it is ISSI’s priority
to maintain quality research, develop synergy, stay
relevant and to build narratives in the domain of research
in international arena. In the second part of his talk,
Ambassador Chaudhry emphasized on the fact that
Kashmir is the core issue of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He
also spoke about the politics of global regional dynamics
impacting Pakistan in today’s contemporary
environment. The briefing was later followed by an
informal discussion with young researchers on other
issues of concern.
Visit – H.E. Ambassador Nong Rong,
Chinese Ambassador to ISSI
China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at Institute of
Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted H.E.
Ambassador Nong Rong, China’s Ambassador to
Pakistan on December 10, 2020.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, DG ISSI, warmly
welcomed the ambassador on his first visit to ISSI and
briefed him about the structure of ISSI and its
contribution in enhancing China-Pakistan ties. Director,
CPSC, Dr. Talat Shabbir briefed the Ambassador about
the working of CPSC, its achievements in the past two
years and also shared the planned activities for the
upcoming year.
8
Visit - Pak-Afghan Youth Forum
Director General, Institute of Strategic Studies
Islamabad (ISSI), Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry
briefed a delegation from Pak-Afghan Youth Forum
(PAYF) on October 29, 2020. Mr. Salman Javed,
Director, PAYF was also in attendance. Over fifty
students and journalists from the PAYF participated in
the event.
Director, Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA), Ms.
Amina Khan introduced the Institute’s workings to the
participants.
During his remarks, Ambassador Aizaz stated that
Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan are of critical
importance. Speaking about the role of Pakistan in the
peace process in Afghanistan, Ambassador Aizaz said
Pakistan has been equally affected from the war in
Afghanistan. He stated that it is important that an
enabling environment is created for peace talks to
succeed.
Briefing - SAPM-NSD
On October 15, 2020, Dr. Moeed Yusuf, Special Assistant
to Prime Minister on National Security Division and
Strategic Policy Planning visited ISSI. He was briefed by
DG ISSI, Amb. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry. Directors of all
centres were present at the occasion.
October-December 2020 9

First Advisory Board Meeting- Centre for
Middle East & Africa (CMEA)
The Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) at the
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) held its
first Advisory Board meeting on October 29, 2020.
Participants joined the meeting both physically and
virtually. Those present on the occasion included:
Senator Sahar Kamran, Patron in Chief, Centre for
Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS); Director General
ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Ambassador
Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG, ISSI; Ambassador
Naela Chohan; Dr. Zahid Ahmed, Deakin University
Australia; Dr. Salma Malik, Quaid-i-Azam University
(QAU); Dr. Qandeel Abbas, QAU; Dr. Mona Sheikh,
Danish Institute of International Studies (DIIS); Dr.
Hassan Abbas, Near East South Asia Strategic Studies
Centre (NESA), NDU, Washington, D.C.; Dr. Günter
Seufert, Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at
Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP); Dr. Waqas
Sajjad, UMT; Dr. Christian Wagner, Stiftung
Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) and Dr. Shahid
Hashmat.
First Advisory Board Meeting – CPSC
China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of
Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted its first
Advisory Board meeting on November 19, 2020.
Participants joined the meeting both physically and
virtually. Those present on the occasion included:
Director General, ISSI, Amb. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry,
Amb. Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG, ISSI; Professor
Dr. Aliya H. Khan (Retd.), Former Dean, Quaid i Azam
University; Professor Dr. Attaullah Shah, Karakoram
International University; Dr. Farida Faisal, Arid
Agriculture University; Dr. Guo Xuetang, Shanghai
University of International Business and Economics; Mr.
Hasan Daud Butt, KPK Board of Investment; Amb.
Masood Khalid, Former Ambassador to China; Mr.
Mohammad Muddasir Tippu, DG China, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs; Lt. General Naeem Khalid Lodhi (Retd.),
Former Defence Minister; Ms. Pang Chunxue, Deputy
Chief of Mission, Embassy of China in Islamabad; Mr.
Qazi Azmat Isa, Chief Executive, Pakistan Poverty
Alleviation Fund; Dr. Safdar Sohail, Executive Director,
Pakistan Alliance for Social Protection; Mr. Ziad Alahdad,
former Director of Operations, World Bank and Dr. Talat
Shabbir, Director, CPSC.

ACDC’s First Anniversary Review Meeting

The Arms Control & Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized its
“First Anniversary Review Meeting” on November 4, 2020. Participants joined the meeting both physically and
virtually on Zoom.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, moderated the meeting. Malik Qasim Mustafa,
Director, ACDC, briefed the participants on the working of ACDC and what the Centre had accomplished since its
establishment on October 30, 2019. He also enlightened the participants about the ACDC-ISSI Vision 2023. All
participants appreciated the working of the Centre and put forward constructive and valuable recommendations for
future projects on various international and national issues related to arms control and disarmament.
October-December 2020 10

ISSUE BRIEFS
October-December 2020
“The G20 Summit in Riyadh”
Ms. Arhama Siddiqa
“20th SCO Summit: Strengthening Cooperation in Fighting
Covid-19”
ISSI’s Latest Mr. Ali Haider Saleem
Publications “What the Future Holds for Palestine?”
Ms. Arhama Siddiqa
“Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Set to Enter into
Force: Prospects and Challenges”
Ms. Ghazala Yasmin Jalil
“India’s Role in the Quad”
Mr. Dost Muhammad Barrech
ISSUE BRIEFS “Towards a Cautious Reconciliation in Libya”
October-December 2020 Ms. Arhama Siddiqa
Hypersonic Missile Race: Implications for Regional and Global “Imran Khan’s Visit to Kabul: An Assessment”
Security” Ms. Amina Khan
Ms. Ghazala Yasmin Jalil
“New Land Rules in IIOJ&K: Proverbial Last Nail in the Coffin”
Abdullah’s Visit to Pakistan: A New Path to Pak-Afghan Ties” Mr. Asad ullah Khan
Ms. Amina Khan
“Prospects of Pak-China Cooperation in Agriculture”
“India Heads Towards Economic Recession Amid Covid-19” Ms. Neelum Nigar
Mr. Dost Muhammad Barrech
“Fakhrizadeh: Calculating Iran’s Response”
“UNGA Speeches at the 75th Session 2020: Key Takeaways” Ms. Fatima Raza
Ms. Sarah Akram
“Compounding Complications in Yemen: An Assessment”
“India’s Financial Irregularities: Money Laundering and Ms. Arhama Siddiqa
Systemic Issues”
Ms. Misbah Mukhtar “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh: Shades of Neo-Nazism in
India”
“Escalating Cyberwarfare in the Middle East” Ms. Mahwish Hafeez
Ms. Aamna Rafiq
“Role of Who in Combating Covid”
“US Elections 2020 and The Future Trajectory of its Foreign Ms. Sarah Akram
Policy”
Ms. Mahrukh Khan “Indian Terror Activities Inside Pakistan Exposed”
Ms. Mahwish Hafeez
“US-India Basic Exchange Cooperation Agreement: Providing
India a Military Edge” “Growing Indian Interest in Malabar Naval Exercise”
Ms. Mahrukh Khan Mr. Dost Muhammad Barrech
“Russian Interests in the Nagorno-Karabagh Conflict” “Modi’s Citizenship Amendment Act: Pakistani Hindus Hit a
Mr. Muhammad Taimur Fahad Khan Reality Check”
Ms. Mahwish Hafeez
“FATF’s Verdict on Pakistan: Signs of Cautious Optimism and
Persistent Action” “US-India Strategic Tech Alliance (UISTA): An Assessment”
Ms. Misbah Mukhtar Ms. Aamna Rafiq
“Indian Prospective Trade Deal with Taiwan: Creating New “United States Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote
Troubles for China” Stability- 2020”
Mr. Dost Muhammad Barrech Ms. Mahrukh Khan
India-US Military Agreement: BECA and its Implications for “US Approach Towards Arms Control and Disarmament under
the Region” Biden Administration”
Ms. Misbah Mukhtar Ms. Ghazala Yasmin Jalil
“RCEP: Emergence of the Largest Trading Block” “Growing Farmers Protest in India: Yet Another Political
Mr. Mian Ahmad Naeem Salik Blunder by Modi”
Mr. Dost Muhammad Barrech
“Re-Emergence of Chinese Economy Under Covid-19”
Mr. Mir Sherbaz Khetran “South Africa Investment Conference: Opportunities for
Pakistan”
“Growing Islamophobia and Responses from the Muslim Ms. Areeba Arif
World”
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