Bureau Report
Muzaffarabad: The Center for International Strategic Studies, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (CISS-AJK), conducted a Strategic Outreach Program titled “Strategic Literacy: Stability, Warfare and Technology” at the University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (UAJK), City Campus, on October 29, 2026. The program brought together a large number of students and faculty members for an engaging discussion on Pakistan’s strategic environment, nuclear doctrines, arms control and disarmament, and the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
The initiative aimed to enhance strategic awareness among university students and promote a deeper understanding of contemporary security challenges, technological developments in warfare, and their implications for regional and international stability.
The session commenced with opening remarks by Ms. Syeda Noor-us-Sahar, Lecturer in International Relations, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of developing strategic literacy among young people.
Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja, Executive Director CISS-AJK, delivered a lecture on “The Evolving Global Security Environment and Pakistan’s Strategic Choices.” Her presentation examined the changing contours of the international security landscape and discussed the strategic considerations shaping Pakistan’s policy choices amid emerging geopolitical and technological challenges.
Syeda Tahreem Bukhari, Associate Director CISS-AJK, spoke on “Nuclear Doctrines, Strategic Stability, and Escalation Dynamics in South Asia.” Her lecture introduced students to the fundamental concepts of nuclear doctrine and strategic stability, highlighting the dynamics of deterrence, crisis management, and escalation in the South Asian security environment.
Qurat-ul-Ain Shabir, Research Officer delivered a presentation on “Fundamentals of Arms Control and Disarmament: Exploring Its Relevance to the Masses.” Her discussion highlighted the significance of arms control and disarmament in international security, explaining how these concepts contribute to risk reduction, confidence-building, and the prevention of conflict.
Hira Bashir, Associate Research Officer addressed “Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology and Pakistan’s Scientific Progress.” Her presentation highlighted the role of nuclear science and technology in socioeconomic development, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, energy, and other civilian applications.
The program featured an interactive question-and-answer session, providing students with an opportunity to engage directly with the speakers and discuss issues relating to strategic stability, nuclear policy, disarmament, and technological advancements in warfare. The substantial student participation reflected a keen interest in contemporary strategic and security issues.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Syed Muraad Ali Shah, Head of the Department of International Relations, UAJK City Campus, appreciated CISS-AJK for organizing the outreach program and commended its efforts to promote strategic awareness among university students. He encouraged the continuation of such academic engagements, emphasizing their importance in broadening students’ understanding of national security and international affairs and strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and specialized research organizations.
Ms. Saba Ghulam Nabi served as the focal person for CISS-AJK, coordinating the Center’s engagement for the program in collaboration with the host department.
The program concluded with a group photograph and the exchange of souvenirs, symbolizing the spirit of academic cooperation and institutional engagement.
Through its Strategic Outreach Program, CISS-AJK continues to strengthen engagement with universities and academic institutions across Azad Jammu & Kashmir. By bringing expert knowledge and policy-oriented discussions into university classrooms, the Center seeks to equip students with a deeper understanding of strategic affairs and encourage informed, responsible, and critical engagement with the security challenges shaping Pakistan and the wider world.
