NUST Institute of Policy Studies

The NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) successfully hosted the Islamabad Symposium 2025 on October 15–16 at NUST's main campus.

Held under the theme “Balancing Relationship Between Global North and Global South: Challenges and Opportunities,” the Symposium brought together diplomats, policymakers, academics, and civil society leaders for an in-depth dialogue on shifting power dynamics, economic asymmetries, and the need for inclusive multilateral cooperation.

The opening session featured a welcome address by Rector NUST Dr. Muhammad Zahid Latif, a video-recorded address from H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and an inaugural keynote by H.E. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defence.
Over three plenary sessions chaired by Ambassador Masood Khalid, Mr. Hamid Sharif, and Dr. Atia Ali Kazmi, eminent speakers and experts deliberated on geopolitics, global trade, and sustainable cooperation.

The event also marked the launch of two significant publications:
📘 'Pakistan’s Search for Peace with Afghanistan' by Dr. Muhammad Zahid Latif
📗 'Domestic Politics and Foreign Policy' by Dr. Arshad Mahmood

The keynote address by General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI, NI(M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and constructive engagement.
NUST Rector Dr. Muhammad Zahid Latif thanked all participants, emphasizing NIPS’s resolve to foster policy-relevant research, youth engagement, and knowledge-driven dialogue.

Stay tuned for highlights and reflections from the Symposium’s distinguished speakers!

🎥 Movie Screening: "Gazing Back from the Cosmos-Outside Window is the Blue Planet."

NUST is set to host the screening of the world’s first 8K film shot in space, “Gazing Back from the Cosmos-Outside Window is the Blue Planet,” produced by the China Media Group (CMG) aboard the Chinese Space Station during the Shenzhou-13 mission. The voice of astronaut Wang Yaping will take us through the film, showcasing the fusion of science and technology, reflecting the astonishing life in orbit.
Join us for the screening tomorrow at 10:00 AM!

📍 Venue: Jinnah Auditorium, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)

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Gear up for Islamabad Symposium 2025

Are you ready to connect, learn, and lead? 🌍

⏳ Just 2 days to go!
Gear up for Islamabad Symposium 2025
Are you ready to connect, learn, and lead? 🌍

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🌍 A New Era of Dialogue Begins!

🔍 Hosted by NUST Institute of Policy Studies, NUST’s flagship think tank, the Islamabad Symposium 2025 will bring together ambassadors, academics, and policy experts to explore new geo-economic realities, inclusive growth, and future alliances.

📍 15–16 October 2025 | Jinnah Auditorium, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)

✨ This is where ideas meet impact.

It was an honour to witness the NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) host a high-level Chinese delegation to explore academic collaboration between NUST and top institutions in China. From insightful discussions on joint initiatives to strengthening cultural and academic ties, the visit highlighted the enduring bond between Pakistan and China 🇵🇰🤝🇨🇳

The NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) hosted a high-level Chinese delegation at the university’s main campus. The visit was aimed at exploring avenues of academic collaboration between NUST and China’s leading universities, research institutions, think tanks, and policy centers. Mr Amir Yaqub, Director NIPS, moderated the session, particularly highlighting the cultural dimension of cooperation between the two countries.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Muhammad Arif Malik, NUST Pro-Rector Planning & Resources, warmly welcomed the delegation and emphasised the importance of deepening academic collaboration between Pakistan and China.

The delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Lei Xin, Deputy Director General, Information Center, International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. In his remarks, he underscored the significance of the visit, highlighting China’s commitment to deepening academic, cultural, and people-to people ties with Pakistan.

Dr. Ashfaque Hasan Khan, Director General NIPS, reaffirmed the time-tested friendship between the two countries, mentioning the enduring strategic partnership in various areas of mutual interest. He appreciated the support of Excellency Yang Nuo, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Islamabad for arranging the visit.

Ms. Maria Qadri, Director Marketing and Communications, NUST, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the NUST knowledge eco-system, the university’s international engagement, ongoing collaborations with Chinese universities, strong research ecosystem, global standing, and its growing role as a regional hub for knowledge exchange. She also identified potential areas of cooperation.

One of the key highlights of the visit was an interactive session between the Chinese delegation and the faculty and students from NUST School of Social Sciences & Humanities (S3H) and NUST Centre for International Peace & Stability (CIPS). The discussion was primarily focused on joint initiatives, and possible student & scholars exchange programes. Later, the delegation was given a guided tour of the NUST campus, providing a glimpse into the university’s state-of-the-art academic and research facilities, and the robust innovation ecosystem.

After nearly two years away from the media spotlight, Dr. Ashfaque Hasan Khan, Director General of NIPS, shared insightful perspectives on Pakistan’s economic challenges amidst the ongoing IMF Program. Speaking on the educational platform hosted by Dr. Nadeem ul Haque, former Vice Chancellor of PIDE, the discussion covered critical topics, including the shortcomings of the IMF Program, the urgent need for structural reforms, issues surrounding the throwforward of PSDP, and the main culprits driving public expenditure. This thought-provoking conversation is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Pakistan’s economic landscape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPcQ692R8f4

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