Independent Report
Islamabad | October 20, 2025
By Independent Report Staff
In a significant move to expand Pakistan’s academic and strategic outreach, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Arab Thought Forum (ATF), a prominent Jordan-based think tank. The virtual signing ceremony was attended by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, and Dr. Al-Sadig M. Al-Faqih, Secretary General ATF, along with Ms. Amina Khan, Director of ISSI’s Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East, and Africa (CAMEA), and Dr. Shakaib Rafiq, Pakistan’s Deputy Head of Mission in Amman.
During the event, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood lauded the visionary role of His Royal Highness Prince al-Hassan bin Talal, founder of ATF, for establishing a regional institution dedicated to research and dialogue on issues of strategic significance to the Arab world. He emphasized Pakistan’s long-standing historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties with Jordan and the wider Arab world, noting that the MoU would foster deeper academic collaboration and people-to-people engagement.
Dr. Al-Sadig Al-Faqih highlighted Pakistan’s pivotal role in the Arab and Muslim world, noting that ATF’s collaboration with ISSI would strengthen institutional engagement and create avenues for practical cooperation across research, training, and policy development.
Ms. Amina Khan underscored the importance of the initiative for bilateral and regional cooperation, while Dr. Shakaib Rafiq highlighted additional potential areas of partnership beyond traditional research domains, reaffirming Pakistan Embassy’s support for strengthened ties.
The MoU establishes a framework for the exchange of experts, officials, and knowledge, including joint scientific research, field studies, professional training, conferences, and publications. This collaboration marks a major step toward enhancing academic and strategic engagement between Pakistan and Arab nations, further consolidating shared objectives and mutual understanding.
