ISSI Meeting Commemorates Defence Day, Highlights Pakistan’s Defence Capabilities
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Sep, 2026) The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an in-house meeting today to commemorate Pakistan Defence Day.
The event brought together members of the ISSI to:
- Reflect on the historic significance of Defence Day.
- Pay tribute to the shuhada (martyrs) of Pakistan's armed forces.
- Examine the technological transformation of Pakistan’s national defence architecture.
- Showcase Pakistan’s achievements in the conventional, nuclear and space domains, said a press release issued on Sunday.
Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Director General ISSI, paid rich tributes to the valiant Armed Forces of Pakistan and the martyrs who made ultimate sacrifices to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He highlighted that:
- Pakistan’s acquisition of nuclear capabilities restored strategic balance in South Asia.
- Full-spectrum deterrence serves as the bedrock of national security.
Appreciating presentations on Pakistan's evolving capabilities, Ambassador Haque emphasized that national defence extends beyond geographical borders. He stressed the importance of:
- National cohesion.
- Economic strength.
- Strategic clarity.
He also highlighted the need for personal sacrifices, unity, discipline, and hard work across all segments of society—including researchers, diplomats, doctors, and teachers—to strengthen the nation under Quaid-i-Azam's enduring motto: Unity, Faith, and Discipline.
Earlier, Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC, noted that Defence Day stands as a testament to national resilience, unity, and strategic resolve. He observed that it reminds us that Pakistan’s defence is not solely the responsibility of our armed forces but a shared national responsibility.
Mahzaib Khan, Research Associate, ACDC, discussed Pakistan’s space programme, emphasizing its contributions to:
- Scientific research
- National security
- Socioeconomic development.
She noted that Pakistan’s space programme has progressed from upper atmospheric research and sounding rocket launches in the 1960s to communication and remote sensing capabilities. International cooperation, particularly with China, plays a significant role in this success.
Muhammad Shahzaib Hassan, Research Assistant, traced the evolution of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) since its decisive performance during the 1965 war, highlighting the importance of:
- Readiness.
- Training.
- Tactical leadership.