Strategic Outreach Program (Neelum Valley)
From October 14th to 17th, CISS AJK team conducted an academic outreach visit to Neelum Valley, aimed at enhancing youth capacity-building and promoting awareness of key strategic issues. The team engaged with students at Kel Girls Degree College, Sharda Boys College, and UAJK Campus Athmuqam, delivering lectures on topics such as Cyber Security, Economic Security in AJK, Strategic Stability in South Asia, and Arms Control and Disarmament. The visit generated substantial interest among students and led to the identification of critical regional challenges for informed policy recommendations, while also establishing a network of CISS AJK Ambassadors across local educational institutions
Visit to Asria Schools and Colleges in Chella Bandi, Muzaffarabad
On June 10th, 2024, the Center for International Strategic Studies AJK (CISSAJK) visited Asria Schools and Colleges in Chella Bandi, Muzaffarabad, for a Strategic Outreach Program. Led by Executive Director Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja, the team included RO Saba Ghulam Nabi, Nazia Sheikh, ARO Tayyaba Khurshid, Nimra Javed, and Rimsha Malik. The team received a warm welcome from the school staff and students.
The session was moderated by RO Saba Ghulam Nabi, with RO Nazia Sheikh introducing CISS AJK to the Asria School staff and students. Managing Coordinator Reena Khawaja delivered welcome remarks, expressing appreciation for the CISS AJK outreach program. She also briefed the students about the entire program.
ARO Nimra Javed presented on Artificial Intelligence, discussing how emerging technologies like AI are transforming contemporary dynamics . She emphasized on the importance of understanding these changes. ARO Rimsha Malik gave an introductory lecture on Cyber Security Essentials, explaining the relevance of cyber security in the digital age and how students can ensure their security online. ARO Tayyaba Khurshid concluded with a lecture on the 76 years of the Kashmir struggle and Pakistan’s solidarity. Her talk covered the historical analysis of the Kashmir issue, its status as a long-standing dispute at the UN, Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Kashmir cause, and the contemporary dynamics following the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A.
After the lectures, the research team conducted an assessment to gauge the students’ understanding of the topics discussed. Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja concluded the session by highlighting the importance of emerging technologies and the opportunities for students to excel in these fields. She motivated the students to pursue studies in these areas, emphasizing that Pakistan and Kashmir need cyber and AI experts to meet the growing demands of the time.
The principal of Asria Schools expressed appreciation for the CISS AJK team and showed interest in future collaborations.
Visit to Koushar School System Manakpian, Muzaffrabad for Second Session of Strategic Outreach Program
On 24th May 2024, CISS AJK research faculty visited Koushar School System Manakpian, Muzaffrabad for Second Session of Strategic Outreach Program .
The session was moderated by RO Nazia Sheikh. RO Saba Ghulam Nabi gave lecture on ” Kashmir History and Cultural Identity ” and spoke on the 400 years old history of AJK and how it is divided into various phases. She also emphasized the need to preserve the unique Kashmiri Identity and stressed the need to be connected to roots.
ARO Hira Bashir highlighted the “Environmental Hazards faced by AJK” and motivated the youth to take necessary actions to preserve environment.
In the end, ARO Tayyaba Khurshid deciphered the “Kashmir Issue” and History of India Pakistan Relations. She stressed the need to understand Kashmir issue and its multifaceted aspects especially the steadfast support of Pakistan towards Kashmir cause.
The KSS appreciated CISS AJK efforts in educating Kashmiri Youth about various issues and contemporary dynamics of Kashmir and showed interest for future collaboration.
Third consultation meeting with over 50 principals from private colleges across AJK
On May 9th, RO Dr. Abida Rafique held a third consultation meeting with over 50 principals from private colleges across Mirpur, Bhimber, and Kotli at Mirpur AJK, as part of CISS AJK’s outreach efforts. The objective was to raise awareness among the youth of AJK regarding emerging trends, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and cybersecurity. CISS AJK will soon initiate awareness sessions in AJK through seminar sessions.
Visit to Scholars Foundation Azad Jammu and Kashmir
CISS AJK team visited the Scholars Foundation Azad Jammu and Kashmir for a second outreach meeting. Research Officer Saba Ghulam Nabi, Nazia Sheikh, Abida Rafique, and Associate Research Officer Tayyaba Khurshid represented CISS AJK team in the meeting. ARO Tayyaba Khurshid introduced CISS AJK to the esteemed audience and RO Abida Rafique highlighted the objectives of CISS AJK outreach program. Heads of private colleges welcomed the initiative and discussed the complete plan to coordinate on areas of mutual interest.
Meeting with Principals of Private Colleges of Muzaffarabad
On the 14th of March, 2024, the Center for International Strategic Studies Azad Jammu and Kashmir (CISS AJK) convened its first consultation meeting with the leadership of Private Colleges Muzaffarabad, under the stewardship of Executive Director, Dr. Asma Khawaja. The meeting commenced with an exchange of introductory remarks, wherein both parties introduced their institutional mandates and . ARO Tayyaba Khurshid introduced the guests with the mission and activities of CISS AJK.
The discussion encompassed topics of shared concern, coupled with a deliberative discourse on the modalities required for the establishment of a formal Memorandum of Understanding between CISS AJK and the Private College Association Muzaffarabad. In this regard, an overarching strategy was delineated to pave the path towards enhanced collaboration.
Of particular significance was the recognition and commendation extended by the heads of Private Colleges towards the Outreach program spearheaded by Director Outreach, Dr. Abida Rafique, under the auspices of CISS AJK. Evidencing a pronounced interest in synergistic endeavors, the leadership of the Private Colleges expressed their keenness to engage in collaborative ventures with CISS AJK, signaling a promising trajectory of cooperation between the two entities.