INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC STUDIES ISLAMABAD (ISSI) Strategic Perspectives through Research & Dialogue

July-September 2020 NEWSLETTER

Public Talk by Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman, HCNR, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Public Talk by Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman, High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), Islamic Republic of Afghanistan under its Distinguished Lecture Series on September 29, 2020. The Foreign Minister of , Honourable Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq were also in attendance. Members of the diplomatic corps in Islamabad, academics, civil society, and former and current diplomats were also present. Dr. Abdullah stated that Pakistan and Afghanistan are at the threshold of a new era of bilateral relations based on mutual respect and shared prosperity. The current negotiations are an important opportunity. ISSI’s Participation in 15th SCO Think Tank Forum A 3-member delegation from Pakistan led by Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) participated in the 15th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Think Tank Forum on September 29, 2020. Other members of the delegation included: Maj. Gen. Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery, President, Centre for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS) and Dr. Maria Sultan, Chairperson and President, South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI). The Forum was chaired and hosted virtually by the National Institute for Strategic Studies (NISS) of the Kyrgyz Republic in the background of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Forum was welcomed by the Director of NISS, Mr. Kaptagaev E. S., and addressed by Mr. Madumarov A. K., Vice Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic and Mr. Kochkonov K. M., National Coordinator of the SCO from the Kyrgyz Republic. Webinar - “OIC at 50: Strengthening Partnership and Future Prospects” The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a commemorative webinar titled “OIC at 50: Strengthening Partnership and Future Prospects” on September 24, 2020 celebrating 50 years of the establishment of OIC. Honorable Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan and Honorable Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General OIC, addressed the webinar through messages recorded especially for the occasion. The speakers at the webinar included: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the OIC, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Mr. Khalid Rehman, Director General, Institute of Policy Studies and Mr. Ahmed Qureshi, Executive Director, Youth Forum for Kashmir. July-September 2020 2

Webinar on “Evolving Situation in the Middle Tuesday Dialogue on “Recent Developments East: Implications for the Region” in the : Implications for The Centre for Middle East & (CMEA) in the Region” collaboration with Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies The Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) at the (IPCS), University of Peshawar organized a webinar titled Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized “Evolving Situation in the Middle East: Implications for a Tuesday Dialogue on “Recent Developments in the the Region” on September 2, 2020. The distinguished Middle East: Implications for the Region and Pakistan” panel of speakers included: Dr. Hussain Shaheed on August 25, 2020. The participants included: Soherwordi, Director IPCS; Ambassador Javed Hafeez, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, DG ISSI; Former Pakistani diplomat; Dr. Farah Jan, Lecturer, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman ISSI; Amina University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Syed Qandil Abbas, Khan, Director CMEA; Syed Zahid Raza, Director General Associate Professor, Quaid-e-Azam University, Middle East, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Islamabad. Ms. Amina Khan, Director, Centre for Middle Asif Durrani, former Ambassador to the UAE; East & Africa (CMEA) stated in her remarks that fault Ambassador Khan Hasham bin Saddique, former lines within the Middle East are several and remain Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Dr. Nazir constantly evolving which makes it an ideal region for Hussain, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, QAU; Dr. Salma inquiry, research and debate. Malik, Assistant Professor at the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies, QAU; Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq, former Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Lt. Gen. Asif Yasin Malik, former Secretary Defense; Ambassador Naela Chohan, former Pakistan Diplomat; Senator Sehar Kamran, Patron in Chief, CPGS; Arhama Siddiqa, Research Fellow CMEA; Fatima Raza, Research Associate CMEA and Areeba Arif Khan, Research Associate CMEA.

Webinar on “Kashmir & Palestine: The Destruction of Indigenous Cultural Heritage” The Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) in collaboration with Middle East Monitor (MEMO), London, UK organized a webinar titled “Kashmir & Palestine: The Destruction of Indigenous Cultural Heritage” on September 10, 2020. The distinguished panel of speakers included: Sardar Masood Khan, President Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK); Dr. Salman Abu Sitta, Founder and President Palestine Land Society; Ms. Mushaal Hussein Mullick, Wife of detained Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Chairman; Mr. Kevin Chamberlain, Former Deputy Legal Adviser, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office & the Palestinian Authority; Dr. Salma Malik, Assistant Professor, Quaid-e-Azam University; Dr. Mahmoud Hawari, founder member of Oxford Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and Dr. Khuram Iqbal, Head of Department of International Relations (IR), National Defense University (NDU). July-September 2020 3

Webinar - “Iran, Pakistan and South Asia Under the Pandemic” Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with Institute for Political & International Studies (IPIS), hosted the 16th Bilateral Dialogue on “Iran, Pakistan and South Asia Under the Pandemic” on July 14, 2020 through a web-link. Speakers at the dialogue included: Dr. Kazem Sajjadpour, President, IPIS; Seyed Rasoul Mousavi, Director General for West Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iran; Mr. Asif Hussain Menon, Director General, Afghanistan, Iran & Turkey, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Kayhan Barzegar, Director, Center for Middle East Strategic Studies; Ambassador Javid Husain, former Ambassador to Iran; Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Senior Fellow, IPIS; Amina Khan, Director, Centre for Middle East & Africa, ISSI; Mir Mahmoud Mousavi, Iran’s former Ambassador to India and Pakistan; Hassan Ahmadian, Professor, University of Tehran and Ambassador Asif Durrani, former ambassador of Pakistan to Iran.

Webinar - “New Domicile Law and The Future Web-Celebration - Pakistan Defense Day of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir” The Arms Control & Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at The India Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Webinar on organized an in-house web-celebration on September “New Domicile Law & Future of IOJK” on August 5, 6, 2020 to commemorate Pakistan Defense Day. 2020. The webinar brought together distinguished During his remarks, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad speakers and experts on the issue. The panelists Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, stated that hybrid included: Sardar Masood Khan, President Azad warfare is being waged against Pakistan by India. The Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Sikander Shah, Professor at core component of this war is to tarnish the image of LUMS, Dr. Noman Hanif, University of London, Mirza Pakistan at the national, regional and international Saaib Beg, Kashmiri Lawyer, Oxford University and level. It is important not only to counter this negative Dr. Syed Hussain Shaheed Soherwordi, Professor and narrative construction but also to draw attention to the Director Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, positive aspects of Pakistan as a united and committed University of Peshawar. The Chief Guest at the nation. He also highlighted the plight of the Kashmiri occasion, Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan, people under the fascist Modi regime. In his President Azad Jammu and Kashmir stated, “The observations on the occasion, Ambassador Khalid imposition and enforcement of the New Domicile Law Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI, said that Defense Day is a very sinister move and it will have dire commemorates the day when the Pakistani armed consequences.” He stated that the facade of secularism forces successfully defended the attack by the Indian has come off and the ugly face of Hindutva and forces. This day gives a lesson that a nation can face all religious fascism has reared its head. He opined that challenges with unity, commitment and collective India’s intention is to ‘saffronize’ Kashmir. He further efforts. added that RSS should be declared a global terrorist organization. July-September 2020 4

Webinar on “Pakistan & the UN at WebTALK on “India and Pakistan: Searching 75: Past, Present and Future” for Humanity in South Asia” The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a webinar titled “Pakistan and the United organized a WebTALK titled “India and Pakistan: Nations at 75: Past Present and Future” on August 31, Searching for Humanity in South Asia” on August 6, 2020. Former Senator and federal minister, Mr. Javed 2020. Given the hostile and deteriorating relations Jabbar was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Dr. Maleeha between Pakistan and India, this talk served as a message Lodhi, former ambassador and Pakistan’s Representative of peace between the two neighbors and bridged the to the United Nations was the keynote speaker. Other communication barrier by bringing together two pre- speakers at the occasion included: former Senator and eminent Pakistani and Indian historians and scholars: Dr. minister, Mr. Nisar Memon and Dr. Tughral Yamin, Akbar S. Ahmed and Dr. Rajmohan Gandhi. Associate Dean, Centre for International Peace and Dr. Akbar S. Ahmed highlighted the plight of minorities in Stability (CIPS) at NUST. Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, while talking South Asia, particularly India, and cautioned that if about UN and challenges to multilateralism stated that the Indian politicians are allowed to breed unchecked hatred UN is marking a milestone at an unprecedented time, with against Muslims the result might be an unwanted conflict countries turning inward and the divisions becoming with Pakistan. His analysis was based on three broad sharper between an increasingly interconnected world. aspects: Madness, Hatred, and Hope. He emphasized his point by mentioning a plethora of instances of discrimination and bigotry that Muslims in India are subjected to.

Senator Nisar Memon talked about Pakistan’s progress on the SDGs and stated that Pakistan has made some progress in achieving the SDGs which shows that there is willingness on the part of the government to move forward in the right direction. He said that the ten years that are left to achieve Dr. Rajmohan Gandhi acknowledged that “India- the Agenda 2030 are very critical and that the SDGs are one Pakistan relations are in a deep-ditch” and noted that the of the finest achievements of the UN. Mr. Memon stressed construction of Ram Mandir is a testament of the fact that that commitment by the leadership is important and the India has lost its secular nature. However, he took this parliament must also play its role in the achievement of the opportunity to highlight the similarities between India SDGs. and Pakistan and particularly focused on the thoughts of Senator Javed Jabbar spoke on the relevance of the UN to an average Indian citizen. He said that it is crucial to praise the world of 2020 and beyond. He stated that generations the ordinary teachers, doctors and police officers who born in the last five or six decades are very lucky as they have witnessed the significant transformations that the world preach love and compassion with Muslims. He said, “we has undergone. He said that the UN Human Rights charter need to hear the quiet murmurs of friendship and ignore is very significant as it transcends all divisions and the people with megaphones who amplify voices of hate.” accommodates all the diversity. He stated that one can look at Indian and Pakistani diasporas communities to see how the two cultures can and do live together in harmony. July-September 2020 5

WebTALK - “Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on EU’s Role as a Global Actor” The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with Elcano Royal Institute, Madrid, Spain organized a webTALK by Director Elcano Royal Institute, Dr. Charles Powell on “Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on EU’s Role as a Global Actor” on July 15, 2020. Dr. Powell touched upon almost all dimensions of the pandemic and the European Union’s (EU) role in global politics. He emphasized that for EU, the recovery of its economy as it was before the pandemic is the most immediate concern to address. Regarding US-China strategic rivalry, he highlighted EU’s role in reducing the bilateral tensions. Nonetheless, he explained, a future scenario in which, even if Joe Biden wins, he does not see Beijing Washington tensions diffusing anytime soon.

Web-Celebration “Celebrating 73rd Pakistan Independence Day” The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an In-House meeting on August 14, 2020 to celebrate Pakistan’s 73rd Independence Day. During his remarks at the occasion, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General, ISSI stated that a nation is a culmination of its individuals. This is why each individual needs to work hard in their particular fields, all the while maintaining self-respect and self-confidence. He also laid emphasis on the repercussions of negatively bashing our country and said one should refrain from doing so. We should count and cherish the great blessing of freedom Pakistan has granted us and protect its sanctity at all levels. In his observations on the occasion, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG, ISSI said that 14th August is a testament to the struggle and resilience and sacrifices of our forefathers. Their contribution cannot be compared. Validity of our founder’s far-sighted vision of the two-nation theory can be seen in the detriment that RSS’s separationist and exclusionist ideology has yielded on the Muslims of India.

Webinar - “Changing Global Arms Control Norms: Prospects and Challenges” The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a webinar on “Changing Global Arms Control Norms: Prospects and Challenges” on July 21, 2020. The webinar brought together distinguished national and international speakers and experts on the issue. The discussants included: Mr. Tariq Rauf, former Head of Verification and Security Policy Coordination, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Mr. Zhou Chang, Director and Research Fellow, China Arms Control & Disarmament Association (CACDA); Mr. Michael Krepon, Co-founder and Distinguished Fellow, Stimson Centre; Mr. Usman Iqbal Jadoon, Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Ms. Aamna Rafiq, Research Associate at the ACDC-ISSI. July-September 2020 6

Virtual Dialogue in collaboration with Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) held a bilateral virtual dialogue with Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) on August 12, 2020 via video conferencing. Dialogue focused on exchange of views on international security, regional environment and Pakistan-China cooperation to advance peace and stability. Leading scholars, former diplomats and officials from both sides were invited to join the dialogue. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI led the Pakistan side, which included Ambassador Masood Khalid, Dr. Rifaat Hussain, Lt. Gen (R) Naeem Khalid Lodhi, and Dr. Saranjam Baig. Prof Chen Dongxiao, President SIIS led the Chinese side comprising Dr. Wang Shida, Prof. Wu Chunsi, Prof. Zhang Jiadong and Prof. Wang Xu. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG, ISSI delivered the vote of thanks while Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC made introductory remarks.

Panel Discussion - “Pakistan– Bangladesh Relation Webinar on “Shifting Indian Nuclear in the Context of Peace and Stability in South Asia” Doctrine: Implications for Regional Stability” The India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) organized a panel discussion on Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the “Pakistan – Bangladesh Relations in the Context of Peace Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and Stability in South Asia” on September 16, 2020. In his organized a webinar titled, “Shifting Indian Nuclear introductory remarks, the Director ISC Dr. Saif Malik said Doctrine: Implications for Regional Stability” on Pakistan and Bangladesh being two very prominent July 2, 2020.The distinguished panel of speakers countries of South Asia are endowed with immense included: Air Vice Marshal Faaiz Amir (Retd), former potential for cooperation and enjoy a pivotal geopolitical, Vice Chancellor, Air University; Dr. Rabia Akhtar, geo-economic as well as geostrategic position in South Director CSSPR, University of Lahore; Air Marshal Asia. Both countries are also connected by a shared history (Retd) M. Ashfaque Arain, Director CASS; Professor and a common faith. The main threat to the peace and Han Hua, Director, Centre for Arms Control and security of South Asia rotate around the hegemonic designs Disarmament, Peking University, China and Dr. of India towards all its neighbors including Pakistan and Ghulam Mujaddid, Dean Faculty of Department of Bangladesh who share common borders with India. Aerospace Sciences and Strategic Studies (DASSS), Air University. Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC said that vagueness and ambiguity surrounding the Indian No First Use (NFU) policy continues. The keynote speaker, Professor Han Hua, Director, Centre for Arms Control and Disarmament, Peking University, China stated that while India has moved from counter-value to counter force strategy, it still does not have an assured first-strike capability against Pakistan. July-September 2020 7

Soft Launch – Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad organized a soft launch of its fifth dedicated centre, the Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP), on September 14, 2020. The launch was attended by DG ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Chairman BOG ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood and the research team. Director CSP, Najam Rafique introduced the centre, its vision, research areas, functions and program of work over September- December 2020. The Centre is dedicated to research on major power competition, multilateralism, global political economy and non-traditional threats. Team members of the Centre include: Sarah Akram (multilateralism); Mahrukh Khan (US); Ahmad Naeem Salik (Political economy & non-traditional threats); Ume Farwa and Taimur Khan (Europe-Russia). Aside from his other duties as Director Research and Editor, Najam Rafique has been nominated as Director CSP as well.

MOU -C entre for Middle East and Africa (CMEA) MOU - Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad at ISSI & Middle East Monitor, London (UK) & Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad Centre for Middle East and Africa (CMEA) at ISSI Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and represented by its Director, Ms Amina Khan and the Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad (IRS) signed an Middle East Monitor, London (UK) represented by its MOU on July 15, 2020. Cooperation between the two Director, Dr. Daud Abdullah signed an MOU on institutes concerns interaction and research in specific September 2, 2020. Cooperation between the two fields of mutual interests. The MOU was signed by DG- organizations concerns establishment and promotion of ISSI Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and regular relationships in academic and research fields in Ambassador Nadeem Riaz, President IRS. an institutionalized framework. Director General Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry welcomed the signing of this MOU as a constructive and useful collaboration between CMEA and MEMO.

Webinar –“Doha Agreement and Future of Peace in Afghanistan” The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Webinar on the “Doha Agreement & Future of Peace in Afghanistan” on July 1, 2020. Speakers at the webinar included: Ambassador Riaz Mohammad Khan, former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan; Ambassador Jawed Ludin, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Afghanistan; Dr. Huseyin Bagci, Professor International Relations, Middle East Technical University, Ankara and Dr. Marvin Weinbaum, Director for Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies at The Middle East Institute, Washington D.C. The webinar included an interactive session in which scholars from various countries actively participated. July-September 2020 8

5th Think Tank Forum ISSUE BRIEFS Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized July-September 2020 the 5th Think Tank Forum on September 9, 2020. The forum was attended by more than thirty-seven think tanks US Caesar Act and Syrian Economic Despair situated in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta Arhama Siddiqa and Jamshoro. The Forum was also addressed by SAPM UN and The Impact of Covid-19 on Internally Displaced on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Persons Planning, Dr. Moeed Yusuf. Dr. Yusuf said that the Sarah Akram government needed inputs by the Think Tank community on the issues of national interests and aspires to create co- The Iran-China Deal: A New Strategic Partnership in the ordinated and coherent narratives for Pakistan. Making? Fatima Raza

Covid-19 and The Progress on SDGS Sarah Akram

IOJK & The New Domicile Law: Opening The Demographic Flood Gates Mahwish Hafeez

Vision 2030, Saudi Economy and Covid-19: An Assessment Arhama Siddiqa

UAE-Israel Rapprochement: Implications for the Region Fatima Raza

Assessing The Economic Crisis in Lebanon Arhama Siddiqa

The Future of New Start: Is the World at Risk of Another Nuclear Arms Race? Shayan Jamy

Pentagon Report on Chinese Military Developments: An Assessment Mahrukh Khan

Intra-Afghan Dialogue: Breaking The Ice Amina Khan

Imran Khan’s Article in Washington Post Charts the Path To Peace in Afghanistan Sarah Akram

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Address to The UNGA 2020: Some Reflections Sarah Akram

Editor ISSI’s Latest Publications Najam Rafique Deputy Editors Fatima Raza & Areeba Arif Designed by Saad Iftikhar Bhatti Contact Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Sector F-5/2, Islamabad Tel: 0092-51-9204423, 0092-51-9204424 Fax: 0092-51-9204658 Email: [email protected] Website: www.issi.org.pk Facebook www.facebook.com/Institute.of.Strategic.Studies.Islamabad Twitter @ISSIslamabad LinkedIn pk.linkedin.com/in/issipakistan Details of events and publications can be found on our website: www.issi.org.pk