Press Release
The Arms Control & Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a briefing and discussion session for the class of BDDS-6 (45 Students) of the International Relations Department from the Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), Rawalpindi on May 24, 2022, at 1400 hrs. Students were accompanied by Ms Hira Malik, Lecturer IR Department.
Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC, gave a comprehensive presentation on the overall working of the Institute that has produced three books in the last year, organised 190 events and published 111 issue briefs. Ms Aamna Rafiq, Research Associate ACDC-ISSI, gave a briefing on the workings of the Centre. She apprised them of the vision and functions of the centre. The ACDC was established on October 30, 2019, as a part of the ISSI. The vision of ACDC is to contribute focused research and quality policy input through in-depth analysis and dialogue on issues of arms control, disarmament, nuclear safety and security, nuclear deterrence, emerging technologies and challenges to peace and strategic stability.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, had an interactive session with the students. There was an open and frank exchange of views regarding international world order and how it has transitioned from a Westphalian system to an order regulated by the United Nations to superpower competition and the emergence of non-state actors and the decline of state sovereignty in post 9/11 era of pre-emptive strikes. He talked about the peaceful rise of China and the US efforts to counter its influence through an increased strategic partnership with India and the formation of alliances like the QUAD. Ambassador Chaudhry also highlighted the major security challenges faced by Pakistan like the increasing Hindu extremism in India, the post-US withdrawal situation in Afghanistan, the humanitarian crisis in Kashmir and the balancing act in the face of China-US competition and Saudi-Iran rivalry and non-traditional security threats. He highlighted the need to pursue peace in the region to achieve economic prosperity and human security. He emphasised that Pakistan needs to work on overcoming its weaknesses including achieving political stability, achieving economic progress and improving the country’s image abroad. At the same time, he stressed that Pakistan need to build upon its strengths.
