The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted the launch of the book titled “India’s Hybrid Warfare: Implications for Pakistan’s National Security,” authored by Dr. Muhammad Ali.
Book Launch Examines India’s Policy Outlook and the Doval Doctrine
Gen. Hayat (Retd.) praised the publication as timely, noting that hybrid warfare has evolved from a theoretical concept into a practical method of conflict. Chief Guest Amb. Sardar Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stated that the book provides a valuable academic examination of hybrid warfare, observing that similar methods existed even during medieval periods. Amb. Khan emphasized that national integration remains an essential element of statecraft as Pakistan faces both internal and external challenges.
Did You Know? Author Dr. Muhammad Ali is an alumnus of the National Defence University Islamabad, where he studied public policy and strategic security, later completing his Ph.D. at the Islamia University Bahawalpur in 2024 following educational stints in the UK, China, and Saudi Arabia.
Multidimensional Conflict and Whole-of-Nation Responses
Malik Qasim Mustafa commended the book for its evidence-based analysis and called for a comprehensive whole-of-nation response grounded in stronger coordination, national cohesion, effective governance, and media resilience. Maj Gen Dr. Ehsan Mahmood Khan (Retd.), former Director General ISSRA, added that the conventional battlefield remains relevant but now overlaps with cyber, economic, and psychological domains of conflict.
Countering Disinformation and Strengthening Diplomatic Resilience
Prof. Dr. Tughral Yamin stressed that Pakistan must develop a comprehensive national response to counter hybrid threats, while Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja emphasized the importance of knowledge in empowering societies to resist cognitive biases and disinformation. In his vote of thanks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood highlighted that India utilizes diplomatic pressure, disinformation, and narrative manipulation to undermine Pakistan’s international standing. However, Ambassador Mahmood noted that Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role and institutional resilience have enabled the country to withstand these pressures and strengthen its global position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who authored the book launched at the ISSI event?
The book, titled “India’s Hybrid Warfare: Implications for Pakistan’s National Security,” was authored by Dr. Muhammad Ali.
Who served as the Chief Guest and keynote speaker at the event?
Amb. Sardar Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, served as the Chief Guest, while Gen. Zubair Mehmood Hayat (Retd.) delivered the keynote address.
What doctrine did the keynote speaker identify as influencing India’s policy outlook?
Gen. Zubair Mehmood Hayat (Retd.) stated that a significant change in India’s policy outlook was influenced by the Doval Doctrine, which treats civil society as a new frontier for conflict.
How might institutional resilience and a whole-of-nation approach shape Pakistan’s future strategic preparedness against emerging hybrid threats?
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