The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) celebrated its 52nd anniversary on Monday, marking over five decades of contributions to policy research and strategic thought.
The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar as chief guest, alongside Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch, diplomats, academics, think-tank representatives, and media professionals, said a press release.
The ceremony served as both a commemoration of ISSI’s legacy since its establishment in 1973 and a reaffirmation of its continued commitment to support national policymaking through informed research and analysis.
Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his opening remarks, thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for attending and acknowledged the collective efforts of Pakistan’s political and military leadership, diplomats, civil society, media, and youth in defending national interests, particularly in response to recent tensions with India. He noted that Pakistan’s principled and fact-based narrative had prevailed on the global stage, reaffirming the country’s rising geostrategic salience.
Ambassador Mahmood underscored the importance of sustained vigilance in the face of potential regional threats, while also advocating for continued efforts toward political stability, internal security, and economic progress. He called for adaptive and forward-looking diplomacy to address evolving challenges and seize new opportunities for Pakistan.
Highlighting the evolving role of think tanks, he emphasized ISSI’s growing contribution in supporting policy formulation. Over the past year, the Institute held more than 165 events, published over 180 issue briefs, and hosted international dialogues on themes ranging from the global order and major power dynamics to CPEC, climate change, critical emerging technologies, and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. With nearly 100 institutional partnerships and active engagement with youth and global counterparts, he stressed that the ISSI has strengthened its research-policy bridge role and deepened national and international outreach.
