Dr. Maleeha Lodhi’s Book Unveiled At ISSI

The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), organized launching of the book titled “Pakistan Search for Stability”, edited by Dr. Maleeha Lodhi

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Mar, 2024) The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), organized launching of the book titled “Pakistan Search for Stability”, edited by Dr. Maleeha Lodhi.

The two other contributors to the book include Zahid Hussain, a prominent journalist and Dr Dushka Saiyid, a former Professor of History at Q.A.U, were also present on the occasion.

The event was attended by eminent members of foreign and civil services, academia, media, and the diplomatic corps here, said a press release.

During her initial remarks, Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of CSP, underscored the importance of Dr. Lodhi's book, which delves into the complexities of Pakistan's policy formulation in its pursuit of stability.

Dr. Nigar stated that this book has the potential to greatly enhance people's understanding of the crucial subject-matter that it addresses.

In his welcoming address, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted Dr. Lodhi's extensive experience and valuable contribution to Pakistan throughout her long public career including as an accomplished political scientist, journalist, and diplomat.

He also commended the other 18 eminent contributors to the book, analysing Pakistan’s history, politics, economy, society and foreign relations from their respective academic, professional and practitioners’ viewpoint and proposing a practical way forward.

Ambassador Sohail noted that Dr. Lodhi's latest book explores Pakistan's pursuit of stability amidst its current challenges, outlining the requisite solutions as well as strategies.

He said, the book carries a message of hope and optimism, reassuring that it is indeed possible to overcome the challenges. The book serves as a reinforcement of self-belief and contains a call to decisive, achievable, and transformative action.

Ambassador Sohail further stressed that the book is a serious and non-partisan contribution to the policy discourse in Pakistan, serving as a valuable resource for policy-makers as they navigate the beginning of a new political cycle.

The timing of its release is particularly opportune for learning and insight.

In her address, Dr. Lodhi emphasized the importance of seeking opportunities amidst crises. She noted that in Pakistan, political dynamics have yet to catch up with socio-economic changes occurring in the country.

Dr. Lodhi lauded all the contributors to the book, acknowledging their comprehensive set of policy guidelines covering a wide array of topics.

Furthermore, Dr. Lodhi highlighted Pakistan's youthful and highly talented demographic, expressing optimism about their potential to drive positive political change. However, she lamented that governance structure remains entrenched in outdated thinking, and the situation marked by a number of political, social and structural fault-lines.

The polarisation and absence of consensus, and tolerance within political system, she argued, contributes to destabilization. Moreover, Dr. Lodhi pointed out the economic challenges facing Pakistan, including the debt cycle leading to increased inequality perpetuated by a minority elite's control.

She remarked that the book aims to chart a course towards overcoming the existing fault-lines within Pakistan's system and needs to be read with care and attention by the policy circles.

Dr. Dushka Saiyid emphasized the importance of educating the younger generation about historical figures, particularly highlighting the life and teachings of Pakistan's founder, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah.

She navigated through historical contexts to emphasize the enduring relevance of Jinnah's principles in shaping a progressive and united Pakistan for generations to come.

She underscored Jinnah's democratic, secular and inclusive principles as well as his emphasis on constitutionalism, education and women emancipation as essential for contemporary Pakistan, which she has elaborated upon in her chapter in the book.

Zahid Hussain stressed the necessity for policy-makers to glean insights from historical precedent, which has often resulted in Pakistan facing crises, whether in politics or economics.

He noted that internal security situation was further exacerbated by challenges such as climate change and population growth. Highlighting concerns at three of Pakistan's four borders, he particularly emphasized the serious situation along the Pak-Afghan border. Zahid Hussain highlighted the spillover effects of the situation in Afghanistan, contributing to heightened insecurity in this country, and advocated for a reassessment of Pakistan's Afghan policy, a subject he has addressed at length in his chapter in the book.

Later, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the board of Governors, ISSI presented the Institute’s shields to the speakers followed by a group photo.