National purpose, public trust, and strategic clarity key to a resilient Pakistan, say experts
Pakistan’s contemporary challenges and emerging opportunities require renewed focus on national identity, governance, institutional development, public trust, and strategic vision in order to build a cohesive and resilient future. In this context, intellectual engagement, civic responsibility, and constructive dialogue remain essential for addressing national issues and understanding Pakistan’s evolving position in the regional and global environment.
This emerged as the central theme during the inaugural lecture of a 12-part series titled “Pakistan in Perspective: State, Society, and Strategy,” organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, in collaboration with the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), on May 13.
The lecture series aims to provide an academic platform for discussions on Pakistan’s state, society, politics, economics, public policy, national identity, and strategic thought while encouraging meaningful intellectual engagement among scholars and students.
The speakers included Air Marshal (r) Sohail Aman, former chief of the air staff; Prof Dr Ijaz Shafi Gilani, chairperson, Gallup Pakistan; Khalid Rahman, chairman, IPS; Prof Dr Manzoor Khan Afridi, dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, IIUI; and Dr Ghulam Mujaddid, assistant professor, National Defence University.
Elaborating on the objectives of the lecture series, Dr. Manzoor Afridi said that it seeks to create opportunities for deeper academic reflection on governance, society, and strategic thought while promoting dialogue among students, researchers, and policymakers.
Delivering the keynote address, Air Marshal (r) Sohail Aman emphasized that nations progress when citizens develop confidence in their country and institutions. Stressing the need for a clearly defined national purpose, he highlighted the importance of economic growth, technological advancement, education, and human development for Pakistan’s long-term stability. Referring to changing geopolitical realities, he discussed the rise of the Global South, artificial intelligence, and climate change, while underlining the need for institutional reform and investment in skilled human resources.
Reflecting on nationhood, democracy, and civilization, Dr. Ijaz Gilani observed that many modern political concepts emerged from colonial modernity and differ from historical Islamic political traditions. He stressed that universities should remain spaces for intellectual reflection, philosophical inquiry, and critical dialogue. He also highlighted the importance of understanding civilizations and historical trajectories in broader global contexts.
Addressing the relationship between state institutions and society, Dr. Ghulam Mujaddid discussed the importance of public trust, democratic legitimacy, and citizen engagement in governance. He noted that political polarization, distrust in institutions, corruption perceptions, and ineffective service delivery continue to weaken relations between citizens and the state. He emphasized participatory policymaking, institutional transparency, accountability, and stronger local government structures to rebuild public confidence.
In his concluding remarks, Khalid Rahman emphasized the importance of critical thinking, historical understanding, and intellectual depth in analyzing national and global issues. He urged students to engage deeply with ideas and avoid superficial information flows shaped by modern media culture while encouraging balanced analysis and informed judgment regarding Pakistan’s society and institutions.
