Muzaffarabad, April 21, 2025 — The Center for International Strategic Studies, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (CISS AJK), successfully organized a Hybrid Seminar titled “Assessing Developments in the Conference on Disarmament (CD): Likely Outcomes & Future Trajectories.” The session brought together distinguished experts who analyzed current challenges and prospects within the CD framework amidst a rapidly evolving global strategic environment.

Moderated by Ms. Tayyaba Khurshid, Research Officer at CISS AJK, the seminar featured a series of insightful presentations:

Mr. Tahir Hussain Andrabi underscored the urgent need for revitalizing the CD, emphasizing that meaningful progress requires adapting to the shifting global security dynamics.

Brig (R) Dr. Zahir Kazmi reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to global nuclear disarmament. He stressed that disarmament must be universal, verifiable, and non-discriminatory, cautioning against measures that reinforce existing inequalities.

Mr. Shams uz Zaman shed light on the politicization of the CD, particularly the challenges surrounding negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) and Negative Security Assurances (NSAs). He elaborated on Pakistan’s principled positions in these discussions.

Mr. Malik Qasim Mustafa Khokar highlighted the growing impact of emerging technologies on the global disarmament agenda, identifying them as significant hurdles to future arms control efforts.

In her concluding remarks, Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja, Executive Director of CISS AJK, reflected on the CD as a mirror of the international community’s political will. She emphasized that disarmament efforts are inherently non-linear and demand inclusive and innovative diplomacy.

The seminar offered a timely and comprehensive assessment of the Conference on Disarmament’s ongoing developments, contributing to broader discussions on advancing global arms control and disarmament objectives.