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

October-December 2020 NEWSLETTER

Seminar on “Understanding Hindutva Mindset and Indian Hegemonic Aspirations” Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a seminar on December 16, 2020 titled, “Understanding Hindutva Mindset and Indian Hegemonic Aspirations”. The seminar comprised of two sessions titled, “Mapping Hindutva Mindset” and “Hindutva: Rise of Saffron in South Asia.” The President of , Dr. Arif Alvi was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Senator Shibli Faraz, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting joined as a Guest of Honor. The two sessions were chaired by Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani and Air Marshal (Retd.) Javaid Ahmed HI (M), VC Air University respectively. Other speakers at the occasion included: Dr. Khurram Iqbal, National Defence University, Islamabad; Ambassador Asif Durrani, Islamabad Policy Research Institute; Mr. Ahmer Bilal Soofi, President, Research Society of International Law; and Mr. Khalid Rehman, Director General, Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad. In his Keynote Address, the President maintained that India does not care about its own minorities nor its neighbors. The ideology of Hindutva has totally captured the Indian society as it is becoming increasingly exploitative. National Register of Citizens and Citizenship Amendment Act are all meant to isolate the Muslims who are around 15 per cent of the Indian population. While addressing the seminar, Senator Shibli Faraz stated Modi’s Hindutva ideology is transitioning India to the biggest fascist regime of the world for it is based on discrimination, hatred, and superiority. Inauguration of Centre for & (CMEA), ISSI The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) held the inauguration of its Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) on October 15, 2020. H.E. Sohail Mahmood, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan was the Chief Guest on the occasion. H.E. Prof. Julius Kibet Bitok, High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya & Dean of African Countries’ Ambassadors in Pakistan also made remarks on the occasion. During his remarks, Mr. Sohail Mahmood stated that the Middle East is one of the most critical areas in the world today. Its strategic significance stems from its importance as the major energy supplier in the world. The people of Pakistan share strong linkages with people of the Middle East region. The economic dimension of the Middle East is also significant for Pakistan. Similarly, he said that the African continent is where Pakistan’s past, present and future converge. He was of the view that with the Pak-Africa conference in Nairobi, Pakistan and Africa has embarked on a new journey. Moreover, under its Engage Africa policy, the Government of Pakistan is shoring up its diplomatic presence in this important part of the world and focusing on connectivity. He said that the establishment of CMEA is both timely and beneficial and ensured the support of the foreign office in its future endeavors. October-December 2020 2

Webinar on “The Future of Indian Occupied Webinar on “Upcoming US Elections, Jammu & Kashmir Under the UN Watch” Possible Outcomes & Prospects The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the of Relations with Pakistan” Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the a Webinar on October 1, 2020 titled, “The Future of Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir Under the UN a Webinar on October 13, 2020 titled, “Upcoming US Watch”. The speakers at the webinar included Elections, Possible Outcomes & Prospects of Relations Ambassador Shamshad Ahmad, former Foreign with Pakistan”. The speakers at the Webinar were: Dr. Secretary of Pakistan, Ambassador Aziz Ahmad Khan, Daniel Markey, Senior Research Professor, John Hopkins Pakistan’s former High Commissioner to India and School of Advanced International Studies, Washington, Ambassador Ishtiaq Andrabi. D.C; Dr. Rifaat Hussain; Professor & Head of Department In his introductory remarks, the Director General ISSI, of Government and Public Policy in School of Social Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, said that the Sciences and Humanities at National University of Kashmir issue has continued to resonate in the corridors Sciences and Technology, Islamabad; and Mr. Nadeem of the UN but has not reached its logical end. The Keynote Zaman, Director, Association of Pakistani Americans, Speaker at the webinar, Ambassador Shamshad Ahmad, Texas. stated that Prime Minister Imran Khan has very On US relations with Pakistan, Dr. Markey was of the effectively raised his voice in the UN on the Kashmir issue opinion that as long as Pakistan does not completely side and has reiterated Pakistan’s position on Kashmir while with China in this competition, it may find many describing Modi’s India by drawing parallels to Hitler’s opportunities for cooperation with US in areas of security fascist rule. He said it is for Pakistan to be realistic and and economics, as well as the resumption of the strategic focus more on action. dialogue.

Webinar on “Pakistan and the UN: A Partnership for Environmental Sustainability” The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Webinar on October 15, 2020 titled, “Pakistan and the UN: A Partnership for Environmental Sustainability”. The speakers at the webinar were: Ambassador Shafqat Kakakhel, Chairman BoG, SDPI; Ms. Afia Salam, Freelance Journalist; Dr. Sanval Nasim, Assistant Professor of Economics, LUMS; Mr. Basharat Saeed, Water Resources Specialist at World Bank Group; and Ms. Komal Shakeel, Director at Profectus Advisory Services. The Webinar was moderated by Mr. Najam Rafique, Director CSP, Research & Editor at ISSI. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, said that this Webinar was in synergy with a series of programs by ISSI pursuant to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s address at the 75th UNGA and the issues raised by him. Mitigating the disastrous impacts of Climate Change, he said, is an important topic of discussion. Ambassador Kakakhel, during his address as Keynote Speaker said that “Climate change creates social, economic and political issues in the world and will continue to do so if not addressed adequately.” October-December 2020 3

Strategic Virtual Dialogue on “Challenges to and Security in South Asia” The India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Strategic Virtual Dialogue with Myanmar Institute of Strategic & International Studies (MISIS) on October 14, 2020 titled “Challenges to Peace and Security in South Asia”. The speakers at the dialogue were Ambassador U Nyunt Maung Shein, Chairman, MISIS. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, DG ISSI, Dr. Farhan Hanif Siddiqi , Director, School of Politics and IR, Quaid- i- Azam University, Dr. Daw Khin Ma Ma Myo, Professor of IR Dept. at University of Yangon, Dr. Shabana Fayaz, Chairperson , Dept. of Def. & Strategic Studies, Quaid- i- Azam University, Islamabad and Mr. U Kyee Myint, Research Fellow, MISIS. In his introductory remarks, Director, ISC, Dr. Saif Malik said that the dialogue was very important to understand geo-political and geo-economics situation of the region. Director General, ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary highlighted the developments in Indo-Pacific and CPEC. Ambassador U Nyunt Maung Shein, Chairman, MISIS underscored the bilateral relations of Pakistan and Myanmar as both countries witnessed a couple of visits of armed forces from both sides. Web-Talk on South Africa’s Perspective Panel Discussion on “Pakistan and on Evolving Geo-Economic Trends and Russia: Challenges and Opportunities Pakistan South Africa Economic Ties for a Comprehensive Relationship” Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) at the Center for Strategic Perspective (CSP) at the Institute Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a organized a Web-Talk on November 18, 2020 by H.E. panel discussion on “Pakistan and Russia: Challenges Ambassador Mthuthuzeli Madikiza, the High and Opportunities for a Comprehensive Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Relationship” on November 12, 2020. The panel Pakistan titled, “South Africa’s Perspective on comprised of esteemed academics and scholars Evolving Geo-Economic Trends and Pakistan South including: Mr. Leonid Savin, Geopolitical Analyst, Africa Economic Ties.” Chief Editor at Geopolitca and Member - Ambassador Madikiza welcomed the establishment of Scientific Society MoD, Russia; Prof. Dr. Shabir CMEA as a centre of excellence within the ISSI and Ahmed Khan, Director, Centre for Russia, China & stated that he looked forward to closer cooperation Central Asia, University of Peshawar; Prof. Dr. Adam and interactions on issues of mutual interest. He said Saud, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Social stronger ties and increased collaboration between the Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad; and Mr. African Continent and partner countries in the Asian Taimur Khan, Research Associate, CSP-ISSI. region have been growing steadily over the years.

Posing a question to Mr. Leonid Savin, Mr. Najam asked how Russia views its relations with Pakistan. Responding positively to this question, Dr. Savin said that though there is still lack of knowledge about Pakistan in his country, Russia is nurturing it relations with the former. October-December 2020 4

Web-Celebration - “Eid Milad-ul-Nabi Web-Celebration - “Iqbal Day” at ISSI at ISSI” The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an In-House Web Celebration on the occasion celebrated the auspicious occasion of Eid Milad-ul-Nabi of Iqbal Day on November 9, 2020. All centres at the on October 30, 2020. Institute shared their views on the national poet of Pakistan, Allama Mohammed Iqbal. The web celebration was moderated by Director Research and Center for Strategic Perspective (CSP), Mr. Najam Rafique. In his introductory remarks he stated that while we all have read Iqbal as kids, it is unfortunate that we are unaware of his poetry and our relation with his work is only customary.

The blessed ceremony began with introductory remarks by Mr. Najam Rafique, Director, CSP, Research & Editor, ISSI. He paid his humble homage to the Beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Director General ISSI, Amb. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry wished everyone a blessed Eid Milad-un-Nabi. He stated that there is no denying the fact that Prophet Muhammad is a towering personality that has no parallel in history. Web - Celebration - Human Rights Day at ISSI The Centre of Strategic Perspective (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an In-House meeting to commemorate the International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2020. Remarks were made by the representatives of the centres of excellence at ISSI. In his introductory remarks, Director CSP, Mr. Najam Rafique stated that in an increasingly fragmented and contentious institutional and political environment, the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains a symbol of unity. Quoting Eleanor Roosevelt, he said that human rights begin close to home, unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Web Celebration - “Quaid’s Birthday” at ISSI “Christmas Celebration” The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an In-House Web Meeting to celebrate the celebrated Christmas with members of the Christian 144th birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah community working at the Institute. on December 25, 2020. The representatives of all the centres of the Institute shared their views about the founding father of the nation. The web celebration was moderated by Director Research and Center for Strategic Perspective (CSP), Mr. Najam Rafique. Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry in his remarks stated that Quaid foresaw what many could not predict at that time and fought for the preservation of freedom of Muslims. He believed in equal opportunity for all; even in foreign policy he advocated friendliness with all, fair play and justice. In this regard, the fulcrum he set has remained intact to this date. October-December 2020 5

Panel Discussion on “Islamophobia Panel Discussion on “Future Directions of and How to Deal With It?” Pakistan-US Relations Post US Elections 2020” Center for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute The Centre for Strategic Perspective (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a panel of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a web panel discussion on “Islamophobia and How to Deal with It?” discussion on “Future Directions of Pakistan-US Relations on November 10, 2020. The panel comprised of Post US Elections 2020” on November 12, 2020. The panel esteemed academics and scholars including: Dr. Todd of experts included: Ambassador Najmuddin Shaikh, Green, Associate Professor of Religion, Luther College, former foreign secretary of Pakistan; Dr. Nisar Chaudhry, a Iowa; Dr. Charles Powell, Director of the Elcano Royal Pakistani American affiliated with the State Department; Institute, Spain; Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad, VC Riphah Dr. Irfan Qaisrani, Professor, Department of Humanities University, Islamabad; Prof. Dr. Samina Yasmin, and Social Sciences, Bahria University, and Mahrukh Khan Director, Center for Muslim States and Societies, the Research Fellow, CSP-ISSI. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad University of Western ; and Mr. Ahmad Naeem Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, and Ambassador Khalid Salik, Research Fellow, CSP-ISSI. Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI also joined the panel for the discussion.

The interactive discussion began with introductory remarks by Director CSP and Editor at ISSI, Mr. Najam Rafique. Defining “Islamophobia”, Mr. Rafique described it as bias of Western society that reflects in everything associated with Islam and its followers. Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad During the discussion, Dr. Todd Green said that the Chaudhry said that the most important change that will reasons behind tensions between western and Muslim happen under the new administration is US resumption to populations are various. global engagement, multilateralism and international Describing the situation of Islamophobia in Australia agreements that will reverse the trend of isolationism set by and responses from the Muslim world, Dr. Samina Donald Trump. Yasmin was of the view that aftermath of 9/11 Concluding the discussion, Mr. Najam Rafique said that all accelerated this phenomenon. She suggested that saner the issues discussed are important for Pakistan. What and pacifist sections in both Muslim and Western would be US policy towards China, how would Pakistan societies must come forward for building an enabling manage US-China competition, how would Pakistan environment of inter-faith harmony, understanding manage US-India relationship, and the situation in and knowledge. Afghanistan all require extended discussion and debate. Panel Discussion on “The Role of China in the Middle East & Africa” The Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a web panel discussion titled “The Role of China in the Middle East & Africa” on November 26, 2020. The panel of experts included: Ms. Maria German, School of and Public Affairs Fudan University (China); Dr. Zahid Ahmed, Research Fellow at the Deakin University (Australia) and Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director, China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC- ISSI). Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI also joined the panel for the discussion. Director CMEA, Ms. Amina Khan moderated the discussion. Answering a question regarding China’s overall role in the Middle East, Ambassador Aizaz stated that there are three dimensions of China’s regional approach, the economic, political and security dimensions. October-December 2020 6

Seminar on “Commemorating Black Day: Kashmir and Right to Self Determination” India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir organized a seminar titled, “Commemorating Black Day: Kashmir and Right to Self Determination” on October 27, 2020. The Chief Guest at the occasion, Mr. Shehyar Afridi, Chairperson of Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir said that what Modi is doing in Kashmir, the UN and the world should have taken notice of that. He expressed his astonishment that a country which claims to be democratic and secular can indulge in practices like Ghar Wapsi Program where minorities are being asked to either revert back to Hinduism or leave India. He also highlighted the fact that Pakistan has laid down huge sacrifices to combat terrorism and the world needs to see what India has been doing. He also expressed his firm resolve that Pakistan will stand united as a nation and there will be no compromise on the issues of national security. ACDC-ISSI In-house Meeting with Pakistan First Bilateral Dialogue with the Heart Nuclear Society (PNS) Delegation of Asia Society (HAS) The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a held its first bilateral dialogue with the Heart of Asia delegation from the Pakistan Nuclear Society (PNS) on Society (HAS) based in Kabul, Afghanistan on December 21, 2020. Dr. Imtinan Elahi Qureshi, President- December 2, 2020. The distinguished panel of elect PNS, headed the delegation. speakers included; Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC, briefed the Chaudhry, Director General, ISSI; Ambassador participants on the working of ISSI and what ACDC had Jawed Ludin, President, HAS; Ms. Amina Khan, accomplished since its establishment on October 30, 2019. Director, Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA- He also enlightened the participants about the ACDC-ISSI ISSI), Ambassador Janan Mosazai, Vice President, Vision 2023. HAS and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG, ISSI. Dr. Imtinan Elahi Qureshi appreciated the working of the Centre. He also highlighted the contribution of PNS in the The key points raised during the discussion were that areas of peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the welfare of the prospects for a long term strategic partnership the community of nuclear scientists in Pakistan. agreement between the two countries needs to be discussed. Five areas of cooperation where the two Both sides agreed to exchange information, building countries could work together were also identified: linkages with the scientific community of Pakistan, and political, economic, security, people to people and organizing joint events on various themes related to refugees. nuclear safety and security, peaceful applications of nuclear technology, and its integration with other emerging All speakers agreed that the key challenge at a time technologies. The visit concluded with the delegation’s tour when there is a softening in the relationship, is to of ACDC and the ISSI library. focus on sustaining the current momentum and make sure it translates into tangible results all the while preventing any potential impediments in this regard. October-December 2020 7

2nd Pak-China Dialogue China-Pakistan Study Center (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted 2nd Pakistan- China Think Tank Dialogue via video conferencing on December 23, 2020. The Dialogue focused on emerging strategic environment, regional dynamics, and Pakistan- China cooperation to advance peace and stability. The Dialogue was addressed by Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General, ISSI and Ms. Pang Chunxue, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of China in Islamabad. The Dialogue brought together eminent experts of Pakistan-China relations including Dr. Fazal-ur-Rehman, Director Pakistan Institute of China Studies, Sargodha University, Dr. Wang Shida, Deputy Director, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, Mr. Amir Rana, Director, Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies and Prof. Zhang Jiadong, Director, Center for South Asian Studies, Fudan University. MOU - CMEA at ISSI & HAS Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) represented by its Director General, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and Heart of Asia Society (HAS), Kabul, Afghanistan represented by its Co-Founder and President, Ambassador Jawed Ludin signed an MOU on October 20, 2020. Ambassador Janan Mosazai, Co-Founder and Vice President HAS was also present on the occasion. Directors of the five Centres of Excellence at ISSI were also in attendance. Cooperation between the two organizations concerns establishment and promotion of regular relationships in academic and research fields in an institutionalized framework.

In-House with IRCRA The Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a delegation from the International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA) on December 31, 2020. The delegation included participants from Afghanistan. President IRCRA, Mr. Muhammad Israr Madani was also present on the occasion. Director CMEA, Ms. Amina Khan, who also works on Afghanistan, welcomed the delegation and gave a brief introduction of ISSI. Director General, ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry briefed the delegation on global politics and Pak-Afghan ties. He talked about the situation in Afghanistan and the peace process which is paramount not only for Pakistan but for the region and subsequently the world. He also emphasized on how ISSI is working on increasing its outreach to Afghanistan through academic linkages and welcomes such initiatives to further strengthen the bilateral relationship. October-December 2020 8

Briefing to 10-Member Delegation from KIIR Visit - Pak-Afghan Youth Forum A group of ten young researchers led by Mr. Altaf Hussain Director General, Institute of Strategic Studies Wani, Chairman, Kashmir Institute of International Islamabad (ISSI), Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry Relations (KIIR) called on Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad briefed a delegation from Pak-Afghan Youth Forum Chaudhry, Director General, Institute of Strategic (PAYF) on October 29, 2020. Mr. Salman Javed, Studies Islamabad on October 5, 2020. The group was Director, PAYF was also in attendance. Over fifty briefed by Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry on the students and journalists from the PAYF participated in organization and research being carried out at the the event. Institute. He highlighted the fact that it is ISSI’s priority Director, Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA), Ms. to maintain quality research, develop synergy, stay Amina Khan introduced the Institute’s workings to the relevant and to build narratives in the domain of research participants. in international arena. In the second part of his talk, During his remarks, Ambassador Aizaz stated that Ambassador Chaudhry emphasized on the fact that Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan are of critical Kashmir is the core issue of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He importance. Speaking about the role of Pakistan in the also spoke about the politics of global regional dynamics peace process in Afghanistan, Ambassador Aizaz said impacting Pakistan in today’s contemporary Pakistan has been equally affected from the in environment. The briefing was later followed by an Afghanistan. He stated that it is important that an informal discussion with young researchers on other enabling environment is created for peace talks to issues of concern. succeed.

Visit – H.E. Ambassador Nong Rong, Chinese Ambassador to ISSI China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted H.E. Ambassador Nong Rong, China’s Ambassador to Pakistan on December 10, 2020. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, DG ISSI, warmly welcomed the ambassador on his first visit to ISSI and briefed him about the structure of ISSI and its Briefing - SAPM-NSD contribution in enhancing China-Pakistan ties. Director, On October 15, 2020, Dr. Moeed Yusuf, Special Assistant CPSC, Dr. Talat Shabbir briefed the Ambassador about to Prime Minister on National Security Division and the working of CPSC, its achievements in the past two Strategic Policy Planning visited ISSI. He was briefed by years and also shared the planned activities for the DG ISSI, Amb. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry. Directors of all upcoming year. centres were present at the occasion. October-December 2020 9

First Advisory Board Meeting- Centre for First Advisory Board Meeting – CPSC Middle East & Africa (CMEA) China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of The Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) at the Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted its first Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) held its Advisory Board meeting on November 19, 2020. first Advisory Board meeting on October 29, 2020. Participants joined the meeting both physically and Participants joined the meeting both physically and virtually. Those present on the occasion included: virtually. Those present on the occasion included: Director General, ISSI, Amb. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Senator Sahar Kamran, Patron in Chief, Centre for Amb. Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG, ISSI; Professor Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS); Director General Dr. Aliya H. Khan (Retd.), Former Dean, Quaid i Azam ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Ambassador University; Professor Dr. Attaullah Shah, Karakoram Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG, ISSI; Ambassador International University; Dr. Farida Faisal, Arid Naela Chohan; Dr. Zahid Ahmed, Deakin University Agriculture University; Dr. Guo Xuetang, Shanghai Australia; Dr. Salma Malik, Quaid-i-Azam University University of International Business and Economics; Mr. (QAU); Dr. Qandeel Abbas, QAU; Dr. Mona Sheikh, Hasan Daud Butt, KPK Board of Investment; Amb. Danish Institute of International Studies (DIIS); Dr. Masood Khalid, Former Ambassador to China; Mr. Hassan Abbas, Near East South Asia Strategic Studies Mohammad Muddasir Tippu, DG China, Ministry of Centre (NESA), NDU, Washington, D.C.; Dr. Günter Foreign Affairs; Lt. General Naeem Khalid Lodhi (Retd.), Seufert, Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at Former Defence Minister; Ms. Pang Chunxue, Deputy Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP); Dr. Waqas Chief of Mission, Embassy of China in Islamabad; Mr. Sajjad, UMT; Dr. Christian Wagner, Stiftung Qazi Azmat Isa, Chief Executive, Pakistan Poverty Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) and Dr. Shahid Alleviation Fund; Dr. Safdar Sohail, Executive Director, Hashmat. Pakistan Alliance for Social Protection; Mr. Ziad Alahdad, former Director of Operations, World Bank and Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director, CPSC.

ACDC’s First Anniversary Review Meeting The Arms Control & Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized its “First Anniversary Review Meeting” on November 4, 2020. Participants joined the meeting both physically and virtually on Zoom. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, moderated the meeting. Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director, ACDC, briefed the participants on the working of ACDC and what the Centre had accomplished since its establishment on October 30, 2019. He also enlightened the participants about the ACDC-ISSI Vision 2023. All participants appreciated the working of the Centre and put forward constructive and valuable recommendations for future projects on various international and national issues related to arms control and disarmament. October-December 2020 10

ISSUE BRIEFS October-December 2020 “The G20 Summit in Riyadh” Ms. Arhama Siddiqa “20th SCO Summit: Strengthening Cooperation in Fighting Covid-19” ISSI’s Latest Mr. Ali Haider Saleem Publications “What the Future Holds for Palestine?” Ms. Arhama Siddiqa “Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Set to Enter into Force: Prospects and Challenges” Ms. Ghazala Yasmin Jalil “India’s Role in the Quad” Mr. Dost Muhammad Barrech ISSUE BRIEFS “Towards a Cautious Reconciliation in Libya” October-December 2020 Ms. Arhama Siddiqa Hypersonic Missile Race: Implications for Regional and Global “Imran Khan’s Visit to Kabul: An Assessment” Security” Ms. Amina Khan Ms. Ghazala Yasmin Jalil “New Land Rules in IIOJ&K: Proverbial Last Nail in the Coffin” Abdullah’s Visit to Pakistan: A New Path to Pak-Afghan Ties” Mr. Asad ullah Khan Ms. Amina Khan “Prospects of Pak-China Cooperation in Agriculture” “India Heads Towards Economic Recession Amid Covid-19” Ms. Neelum Nigar Mr. Dost Muhammad Barrech “Fakhrizadeh: Calculating Iran’s Response” “UNGA Speeches at the 75th Session 2020: Key Takeaways” Ms. Fatima Raza Ms. Sarah Akram “Compounding Complications in Yemen: An Assessment” “India’s Financial Irregularities: Money Laundering and Ms. Arhama Siddiqa Systemic Issues” Ms. Misbah Mukhtar “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh: Shades of Neo-Nazism in India” “Escalating in the Middle East” Ms. Mahwish Hafeez Ms. Aamna Rafiq “Role of Who in Combating Covid” “US Elections 2020 and The Future Trajectory of its Foreign Ms. Sarah Akram Policy” Ms. Mahrukh Khan “Indian Terror Activities Inside Pakistan Exposed” Ms. Mahwish Hafeez “US-India Basic Exchange Cooperation Agreement: Providing India a Military Edge” “Growing Indian Interest in Malabar Naval Exercise” Ms. Mahrukh Khan Mr. Dost Muhammad Barrech “Russian Interests in the Nagorno-Karabagh Conflict” “Modi’s Citizenship Amendment Act: Pakistani Hindus Hit a Mr. Muhammad Taimur Fahad Khan Reality Check” Ms. Mahwish Hafeez “FATF’s Verdict on Pakistan: Signs of Cautious Optimism and Persistent Action” “US-India Strategic Tech Alliance (UISTA): An Assessment” Ms. Misbah Mukhtar Ms. Aamna Rafiq “Indian Prospective Trade Deal with Taiwan: Creating New “United States to Prevent Conflict and Promote Troubles for China” Stability- 2020” Mr. Dost Muhammad Barrech Ms. Mahrukh Khan India-US Military Agreement: BECA and its Implications for “US Approach Towards Arms Control and Disarmament under the Region” Biden Administration” Ms. Misbah Mukhtar Ms. Ghazala Yasmin Jalil “RCEP: Emergence of the Largest Trading Block” “Growing Farmers Protest in India: Yet Another Political Mr. Mian Ahmad Naeem Salik Blunder by Modi” Mr. Dost Muhammad Barrech “Re-Emergence of Chinese Economy Under Covid-19” Mr. Mir Sherbaz Khetran “South Africa Investment Conference: Opportunities for Pakistan” “Growing Islamophobia and Responses from the Muslim Ms. Areeba Arif World” Editor Contact Ms. Ume Farwa Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Najam Rafique Sector F-5/2, Islamabad “How would the Biden Presidency Impact Iran-US Relations?” Deputy Editors Tel: 0092-51-9204423, 0092-51-9204424 Fatima Raza & Areeba Arif Fax: 0092-51-9204658 Ms. Fatima Raza Designed by Email: [email protected] Saad Iftikhar Bhatti Website: www.issi.org.pk “Third China International Import Expo: China’s Way Forward and Opportunities for Pakistan” Facebook www.facebook.com/Institute.of.Strategic.Studies.Islamabad Mr. Ali Haider Saleem Twitter @ISSIslamabad “Growing Civil War in Ethiopia” LinkedIn pk.linkedin.com/in/issipakistan Ms. Areeba Arif Details of events and publications can be found on our website: www.issi.org.pk