The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK), in collaboration with the Centre for International Strategic Studies Azad Jammu and Kashmir (CISS-AJK), hosted an academic engagement session titled “In Conversation with Thought Leaders” to strengthen research culture and foster dialogue in the field of strategic studies.
The session brought together academics, researchers, and practitioners to explore ways of linking education with policymaking. Vice Chancellor UAJK Prof Dr Nasir Jamal Khattak, addressing the event as chief guest, underlined the transformative role of universities in shaping ideas and solutions.
“Universities are not just places for teaching, they are hubs for generating new ideas and solutions,” Dr Khattak said. “It is through dialogue and collaboration that we can transform education and contribute meaningfully to statecraft, communication, and the pursuit of truth.” He also commended CISS AJK for creating valuable opportunities for students and faculty to engage with global and regional challenges.
The session featured presentations by CISS AJK representatives. Associate Director Zohaib Altaf shared the Centre’s vision and initiatives, while Research Officer Nimrah Javed introduced Strategic Perspectives, the Centre’s academic journal aimed at promoting research-driven discourse. Associate Director Syeda Tahreem Bukhari delivered a talk on “Bridging Knowledge Gaps: Strengthening Academic Collaboration”, emphasizing the importance of linking scholarly research with national policy.
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Executive Director CISS AJK Dr Asma Shakir Khawaja, in her concluding remarks, praised the speakers’ contributions and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to fostering informed dialogue and collaborative research for the betterment of academia and society. The event concluded with a group photograph and distribution of souvenirs, marking another step in strengthening intellectual engagement in AJK.