MUZAFFARABAD, May 17, 2025 — The Centre for International Strategic Studies Azad Jammu and Kashmir (CISS-AJK) organized a roundtable discussion to commemorate Youm-e-Tashakur, bringing together its research faculty to reflect on recent strategic developments and Pakistan’s growing role in regional stability. The session was led by Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja, Executive Director CISS-AJK, who in her opening remarks congratulated the nation and armed forces on the successful culmination of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos and Marka-e-Haq. She emphasized the importance of academic research and strategic discourse in shaping national narratives and encouraged scholars to continue contributing to national defense and policy through rigorous academic work. Syeda Tahreem Bukhari, Associate Director at CISS-AJK, shared her insights on the state of strategic stability post-Kashmir crisis and outlined a way forward for Pakistan. She stressed the urgency of resolving the Kashmir issue and expressed concern over the potential for future aggression from India under its current political leadership. Zohaib Altaf, Associate Director CISS-AJK, provided a detailed analysis of the technological and operational dimensions of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos. He termed the operation a textbook example of multi-domain warfare, highlighting Pakistan’s technological advancements and the integration of defense systems that effectively countered India’s conventional superiority. He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to peace and proposed dialogue and confidence-building measures (CBMs) as essential tools for long-term stability in the region. Tayyaba Khurshid, Researcher at CISS-AJK, discussed the post-crisis security landscape, particularly the role of DGMO hotlines and the non-attack agreement between the two states. She acknowledged the positive impact of these mechanisms while also pointing out the persistent challenge of Indian war rhetoric and jingoism that undermine peace efforts. Participants of the roundtable also engaged in a broader discussion on the internationalization of the Kashmir issue, sharing practical suggestions on how Pakistan can more effectively present its case on global forums. The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and a collective prayer for the unity, strength, and continued progress of the Pakistani nation.
