Islamabad Symposium 2025—Opening Session

The NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) successfully hosted the Islamabad Symposium 2025 on October 15–16 at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)’s main campus.

Held under the theme “Balancing Relationship Between Global North and Global South: Challenges and Opportunities,” the Symposium brought together diplomats, policymakers, academics, and civil society leaders for an in-depth dialogue on shifting power dynamics, economic asymmetries, and the need for inclusive multilateral cooperation. The opening session featured a welcome address by Rector NUST Dr. Muhammad Zahid Latif, a video-recorded address from H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and an inaugural keynote by H.E. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defence.

Over three plenary sessions chaired by Ambassador Masood Khalid, Mr. Hamid Sharif, and Dr. Atia Ali Kazmi, eminent speakers and experts deliberated on geopolitics, global trade, and sustainable cooperation. The event also marked the launch of two significant publications:
‘Pakistan’s Search for Peace with Afghanistan: Statecraft, Policy and Strategy’ by Dr. Muhammad Zahid Latif; and ‘Domestic Politics and Foreign Policy: A Case Study of Pakistan-India Relations’ by Dr. Arshad Mahmood

The keynote address by General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI, NI(M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and constructive engagement.
NUST Rector Dr. Zahid Latif thanked all participants, emphasizing NIPS’s resolve to foster policy-relevant research, youth engagement, and knowledge-driven dialogue.