As part of a mutual academic collaboration between the Centre for International Strategic Studies Azad Jammu and Kashmir (CISS-AJK) and the 1 AK Brigade Headquarters, a guest lecture was held on December 27, 2024.
Brigadier Qaiser Iqbal, Station Commander of 1 AK Brigade, delivered an insightful lecture on “The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT): Pakistan’s Position and Legitimate Concerns.”
The session began with an introduction to CISS-AJK, highlighting the institution’s role in promoting informed discussions on national and international security matters.
Brigadier Iqbal then provided an in-depth analysis of Pakistan’s position on the Arms Trade Treaty. He discussed the country’s legitimate concerns regarding sovereignty and security, the treaty’s potential impact on regional stability in South Asia, and the delicate balance between fulfilling international obligations and safeguarding national interests.
Following the lecture, an interactive session was held in which the research faculty of CISS-AJK engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas.
The discussion covered topics such as arms control, disarmament, emerging disruptive technologies, disinformation, nuclear politics, and Pakistan’s strategic outlook.
Brigadier Iqbal commended the efforts of CISS-AJK in creating platforms for meaningful dialogue on these significant subjects.
Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja, Executive Director of CISS-AJK, also addressed the participants, emphasizing the challenges posed by colonial-era knowledge structures and the role of disinformation in shaping perceptions. She encouraged attendees to resist becoming passive recipients of external narratives, urging them to adopt a critical approach to understanding and analyzing global issues.
As a gesture of mutual respect, a shared commitment to fostering academic dialogue on critical strategic and security issues, and continued collaboration, both parties exchanged commemorative souvenirs.
Due to security protocols, no photographs were taken during the session.
This successful collaboration underscored the importance of academic partnerships in advancing critical discussions on Pakistan’s security and strategic imperatives.[