Message From Executive Director
Center for International Strategic Studies, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (CISS AJK) is an independent and autonomous Think Tank, under the auspicious patronage of National Command Authority (NCA), the highest civilian body on strategic issues. CISS AJK comprises of highly professional and competent research team, aims at bridging the research gaps through knowledge based critical thinking. It welcomes the knowledge community of the region to share their research studies. Primarily, we focus on the issues related to comprehensive security which includes strategic thought, nuclear politics, traditional and non-traditional security threats, new trends in warfare (character and conduct), women, peace and security, South Asia and Jammu and Kashmir. Being the first ever think tank on the subject in AJK, it is our responsibility to contribute in capacity building, discourse analysis and to lead the academic narratives. I have no doubt that the resilience, passion and academic excellence of our team will create the desired compatibility between international academic standards and local wisdom.
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Recent Activity
Conference: International Human Rights Day: Addressing Systematic Human Rights Violations in IIOJK
On Human Rights Day, CISS AJK organized a session on International Humanitarian Law and Systematic Human Rights Violations in IIOJK to engage with students and scholars on critical issues impacting the region.
Moderated by Saba Ghulam Nabi ( Research Officer, CISS AJK), the session featured insights from:
🔹 Qurat-ul-Ain Shabbir
Research Officer, CISS AJK
🔹 Dr. Raja Nazakat Ali Khan
Assistant Professor, UAJK
🔹 Ershad Mehmood
Author and Analyst
🔹 Farzana Yaqoob
Former Minister, AJK
Key topics covered included:
🔹 Mechanisms for Accountability and Justice in IIOJK
🔹 Systematic Violations Post-Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A
🔹 Humanitarian Implications of the Kashmir Conflict
🔹 Right to Self-Determination and the Way Forward
The speakers highlighted India’s violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) in Kashmir and emphasized the importance of justice, accountability, and upholding the right to self-determination.
CISS AJK on Media
Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja was invited as a guest analyst on PTV News’ show Kashmir Today. During the discussion she highlighted India’s blatant encroachment on the democratic rights of indigenous Kashmiris by enrolling non-Kashmiris at Jammu University in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir has sparked outrage among the Kashmiris. The move has ignited protests, with resolute Kashmiri students declaring that they will not allow their rights to be taken away by anyone (India).
The display of an Islamophobic sign in West Bengal sparked civil unrest, leading to rioting and stone-pelting by extremists. The violence left 51 Muslims injured and resulted in damage to public property. As (Hindu) extremists continue to operate with impunity in India, minority communities increasingly bear the brunt of such incidents.
Recent Media Coverage
Workshop on "Building Life-Saving Skills as a Social Responsibility Initiative"
The Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) AJK, in collaboration with the Pakistan Life Savers Programme (PLSP), organized a one-day workshop titled Building Life-Saving Skills as a Social Responsibility Initiative on November 28, 2024. The workshop aimed to teach participants essential life-saving techniques, including CPR, first aid, and bleeding control, to strengthen emergency response skills in the community.
Moderated by Hira Bashir, Associate Research Officer at CISS AJK, and led by Dr. Sohail Khan, pulmonologist and Assistant Professor at MZD Medical College, the workshop provided hands-on training for managing emergencies like cardiac arrests and severe bleeding. Dr. Sohail emphasized that Pakistan’s survival rate for cardiac arrests is near zero, highlighting the need for such training.
Dr. Asma, Executive Director of CISS AJK, concluded the session by underscoring the importance of health security as a part of human security and reaffirming CISS AJK’s commitment to similar future initiatives. The session equipped participants with the skills needed to respond effectively in emergencies, contributing to safer communities.