Press Release – ISSI organized an In-house Meeting to Commemorate Pakistan Defence Day

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Press Release - ISSI organized an In-house Meeting to Commemorate Pakistan Defence Day

Press Release
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Organized an In-house Meeting to Commemorate Pakistan Defence Day

The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an in-house meeting today to commemorate Pakistan Defence Day. The event brought together members of the ISSI to reflect on the historic significance of Defence Day, pay tribute to the shuahada of Pakistan's armed forces, examine the technological transformation of Pakistan's national defence architecture, and showcase Pakistan's achievements in the conventional, nuclear and space domains.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Director General ISSI, paid rich tributes to the valiant Armed Forces of Pakistan and the martyrs who made ultimate sacrifices to protect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He highlighted that Pakistan's acquisition of nuclear capabilities restored strategic balance in South Asia, establishing full-spectrum deterrence as the bedrock of national security. Appreciating the presentations on the evolution of Pakistan's air capabilities, indigenization, nuclear forces, and space programme Ambassador Haque emphasized that national defence extends beyond geographical borders. He stressed that national defence was a multi-dimensional enterprise not only encompassing conventional readiness, technological adaptation in emerging domains, national cohesion, economic strength and strategic clarity but also requiring personal sacrifices, unity, discipline, and hard work across all segments of society - including researchers, diplomats, doctors, and teachers - working hand-in-hand with the Armed Forces to strengthen the nation under the enduring motto of Quaid-I-Azam: Unity, Faith, and Discipline.

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC, highlighted that Defence Day stands as a testament to national resilience, unity, and strategic resolve. He observed that the day was a reminder that Pakistan's defence is not only the responsibility of our armed forces but a shared national responsibility.

Talking about Pakistan's space programme, Mahzaib Khan, Research Associate, ACDC, highlighted that space technology contributes not only to scientific research and national security, but also to socioeconomic development. She noted that Pakistan's space programme has gradually evolved from upper atmospheric research and sounding rocket launches in the 1960s to communication and remote sensing capabilities. She further highlighted the significant role of international cooperation, particularly Pakistan's partnership with China. Muhammad Shahzaib Hassan, Research Assistant, traced the evolution of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) from its decisive performance during the 1965 war - where readiness, training, and tactical leadership proved to be vital force multipliers - to today's high-tech, networked combat ecosystem. He highlighted that Pakistan's airpower journey reflects a broader transition from imported platforms to modernization, indigenization, and network-centric warfare. Subsequently, Ramsha Ashraf presented an overview of Pakistan's nuclear force architecture and strategic delivery capabilities. She highlighted that Pakistan maintains a credible, diversified nuclear deterrent anchored by established land- and air-based legs alongside an emerging sea-based leg, anchored in the doctrine of Full Spectrum Deterrence that aims to deter aggression at tactical and strategic levels.

In his concluding address, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, Board of Governors (BOG) ISSI, underscored that Pakistan's pursuit of robust conventional and nuclear capabilities has successfully safeguarded national sovereignty and prevented major wars. He highlighted that the events of May 2025 decisively shattered dangerous illusions of a "new normal" for cross-border strikes, proving that any act of aggression will be met with resolute counteraction. While emphasizing that peace can only be sustained from a position of strength and strategic equilibrium, he reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peaceful coexistence and result-oriented diplomacy, commending the ACDC and ISSI research team for providing rigorous analysis to support strategic stability in the region.

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