Islamabad
Pakistan’s contemporary challenges and future opportunities require a particular focus on national identity, governance, institutional development, public trust, strategic vision, and the country’s evolving role in a changing regional and global environment. In this context, intellectual depth, civic responsibility, institutional confidence, and constructive dialogue are essential for shaping a more cohesive, resilient, and forward-looking national future.
This was observed by leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners during the inaugural lecture of a 12-part series titled “Pakistan in Perspective: State, Society, and Strategy,” on public policy, national identity, and strategic thought organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) in collaboration with the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).
The speakers included Air Marshal (r) Sohail Aman, former chief of the air staff; Prof Dr Ijaz Shafi Gilani, chairperson, Gallup Pakistan; Khalid Rahman, chairman, IPS; Prof Dr Manzoor Khan Afridi, dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, IIUI; and Dr Ghulam Mujaddid, assistant professor, National Defence University.
Elaborating on the lecture series, Dr. Manzoor Afridi said that it aims to provide an academic platform for discussions on Pakistan’s state, society, politics, economics, public policy, national identity, and strategic thought, while encouraging meaningful intellectual engagement among scholars and students.
Delivering the keynote address, Air Marshal (r) Sohail Aman emphasized that nations progress when citizens develop confidence in their country and institutions.
