Islamabad, Pakistan – 25th April 2025:
Two leading think-tanks; the Centre for Law and Security (CLAS) and the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI), came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The ceremony was held at the H-11 campus of The Millennium Universal College. The collaboration between the Centre for Law and Security (CLAS) and Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, marks an important step toward advancing their goals through research, education and policy dialogue on security and strategic affairs.
President of TMUC and CLAS, Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan, while addressing the audience, warmly welcomed the partnership, emphasizing that the collaboration must go beyond the ceremonial signing of the MOU. He highlighted that there are boundless opportunities to engage with the next generation in shaping their future. He stressed that institutions like ISSI and CLAS serve as vital platforms for mentoring and empowering future leaders. He urged that this partnership be manifested through active initiatives to contribute positively to Pakistan’s global standing and generate a national discourse that strengthens the country’s image and policy resilience.
DG ISSI- Ambassador Sohail Mehmood addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of youth participation at the event, implying that the future of Pakistan’s policy thinking and national discourse lies in the hands of its vibrant younger generation. He further emphasized the evolving role of think tanks like ISSI in today’s rapidly changing global environment, noting that collaboration with dynamic institutions like CLAS is essential to develop fresh perspectives, strengthen public diplomacy and counter misinformation in the international arena. He also invited TMUC students to pursue internship opportunities at ISSI, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to promoting youth engagement in policy dialogue.
Mr. Rehman Azhar, Executive Director of CLAS, welcomed DG ISSI and emphasized the vital nexus between law and security, explaining that CLAS’s law division focuses on lawfare, while the security area covers a broad spectrum of traditional, non-traditional and emerging security domains. Mr. Azhar stressed that the MOU signing is not merely a formality between two premier think tanks but a step toward a meaningful collaboration that would help create informed policy dialogue and contribute to national interests.
The event concluded with the official signing of the MOU by President Sardar Masood Khan and Director General Sohail Mahmood, formalizing the framework for future collaboration between CLAS and ISSI. This agreement envisions joint research projects, youth engagement initiatives, policy dialogues and national discourse development in areas of mutual interest.