In a significant development for Pakistan’s strategic and policy research landscape, two of the country’s 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) in a formal ceremony held at the H-11 campus of The Millennium Universal College (TMUC). The partnership marks a new chapter of institutional collaboration aimed at deepening cooperation in the fields of security, law, education, and international policy discourse.
The event featured key addresses by senior leadership from both institutions. Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan, President of CLAS and TMUC, welcomed the collaboration with great optimism, urging both think tanks to go beyond ceremonial formalities and instead pursue meaningful, sustained initiatives. He emphasized the pivotal role of think tanks in shaping youth leadership, mentoring future policymakers, and fostering a national narrative that strengthens Pakistan’s image and enhances policy resilience in a complex global environment.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, echoed these sentiments in his remarks. He applauded the strong presence of students at the event, calling attention to the growing importance of youth in shaping strategic thought and public diplomacy. Highlighting ISSI’s evolving mission, he noted that partnerships with dynamic and multidisciplinary institutions like CLAS are critical to generating fresh policy perspectives and countering disinformation on global platforms. He extended an open invitation to TMUC students for internship opportunities at ISSI, reinforcing a shared commitment to youth-led engagement in the policy arena.
Mr. Rehman Azhar, Executive Director of CLAS, contextualized the collaboration within CLAS’s dual focus on lawfare and comprehensive security. He underscored that the MoU represents more than just a formal agreement—it is a strategic alignment of two premier research institutions, united in their aim to catalyze informed national debates, produce impactful research, and craft nuanced responses to both traditional and emerging security challenges.
The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the MoU by Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan and Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, formalizing the shared vision for joint research projects, youth capacity-building programs, policy dialogues and public engagement initiatives.
This collaboration stands as a testament to the role of academia, think tanks, and youth engagement in building a resilient and strategically aware Pakistan.
