Founded in 1973, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) marked its 52nd anniversary with a grand celebration that underscored its pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy and global outreach. The milestone event, held in Islamabad, was honored by the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar as the Chief Guest, alongside Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch and a distinguished gathering of diplomats, scholars, think-tank representatives, academics, and media. This occasion not only celebrated ISSI’s five decades of impactful policy research but also reaffirmed its commitment to driving informed decision-making in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Pakistan’s Forward-Looking Diplomacy in a Multipolar World
In his keynote address, Senator Ishaq Dar outlined Pakistan’s dynamic foreign policy amid a rapidly evolving global order. Highlighting the shift toward multipolarity, he noted the rise of China, Russia’s resurgence, and the growing influence of the Global South. He praised ISSI for its thought leadership and its role in bridging the gap between academia and policy, strengthening Pakistan’s strategic positioning on the global stage.
Addressing regional tensions, Senator Dar took a firm stance on India’s recent escalatory actions, asserting that Pakistan would not be coerced or intimidated. He condemned India’s unilateral moves regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, calling them legally invalid, and emphasized the need for a just resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions. On global issues, he denounced Israel’s actions in Gaza and its aggression toward Iran, advocating for peaceful resolutions through dialogue and adherence to international law. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for Palestinian self-determination and welcomed the recent Iran-Israel ceasefire.
Regional Cooperation and Geo-Economic Priorities
Senator Dar highlighted Pakistan’s proactive engagement in trilateral frameworks like Pakistan-Afghanistan-China and Bangladesh-China-Pakistan, signaling a commitment to regional cooperation and geo-economics. As an elected member of the UN Security Council, Pakistan aims to amplify the voices of the marginalized, championing multilateralism and the UN Charter. He congratulated ISSI on its contributions and pledged continued collaboration with the Foreign Office to advance Pakistan’s strategic goals.
ISSI’s Growing Influence in Policy and Research
Director General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood reflected on ISSI’s achievements, emphasizing its role as Pakistan’s premier think-tank. He highlighted the nation’s unified response to India’s post-Pahalgam aggression, crediting the synergy of political, military, and civil society efforts in projecting Pakistan’s principled narrative globally. Looking ahead, he urged sustained preparedness against potential misadventures by India, alongside efforts to bolster internal stability, economic growth, and proactive diplomacy.
Over the past year, ISSI organized over 165 events, published 180+ Issue Briefs, and contributed to global dialogues on critical issues like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), climate change, emerging technologies, and the Kashmir dispute. With nearly 100 institutional partnerships and active youth engagement, ISSI has solidified its role as a bridge between research and policy, amplifying Pakistan’s voice worldwide.
New Publications and Future Commitments
The anniversary event featured the launch of seven new ISSI publications, showcasing its diverse research portfolio:
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Pakistan-China Relations: Connecting at the People’s Level (China-Pakistan Study Centre)
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The Kashmir Question in a Changing World: Beyond August 2019 (India Study Centre)
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A New Era of Uncertainty: Emerging Technologies and Strategic Stability (Arms Control & Disarmament Centre)
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Crossroads of Conflict: Transnational Terrorism from Afghanistan to Africa (Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa)
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Pakistan-Russia Relations: A Comprehensive Historical and Strategic Analysis (Centre for Strategic Perspectives)
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Strategic Studies (ISSI’s biannual journal)
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Annual Report 2024
These publications reflect ISSI’s commitment to producing actionable insights on pressing global and regional issues. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood announced plans to further expand ISSI’s research and outreach, ensuring it remains a trusted platform for policy discourse.
A Vision for the Future
The event concluded with Chairman BoG Ambassador Khalid Mahmood presenting a special shield to Senator Ishaq Dar, followed by a ceremonial cake-cutting. As ISSI embarks on its next chapter, it remains dedicated to advancing Pakistan’s strategic interests, fostering regional cooperation, and shaping global narratives through rigorous research and dialogue.
For policymakers, scholars, and global observers, ISSI’s 52nd anniversary is a testament to its enduring legacy and its vital role in navigating the complexities of a multipolar world. With a forward-looking vision, ISSI is poised to continue influencing Pakistan’s foreign policy and contributing to a more just and peaceful global order.
