CASS Lahore Holds Seminar on “Military Diplomacy as a Strategic Enabler”

LAHORE: The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) Lahore organised a seminar titled “Beyond the Battlefield: Military Diplomacy as a Strategic Enabler,” bringing together academics, experts, and practitioners to discuss the evolving strategic role of military diplomacy. As an independent think tank, CASS Lahore continues to convene scholarly forums that examine the interplay of security, technology, and national policy.The event opened with remarks by Air Marshal Irfan Ahmad (Retd), Director CASS Lahore.Former Foreign Secretary Ambassador Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhary underscored that while foreign policy outlines national objectives, diplomacy — particularly military diplomacy — acts as a critical tool for advancing them through dialogue, training exchanges, and joint exercises. He emphasised that it enhances Pakistan’s strategic options, strengthens deterrence, and builds influence, but must be integrated cohesively with broader diplomatic instruments.Air Vice Marshal Dr. Liaquat Ullah Iqbal, DG PR & CPD NASTP, highlighted the Pakistan Air Force’s expanding technological partnerships and capability development efforts. He said NASTP, a national-level initiative led by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, is driving rapid modernisation, indigenisation, and youth-led innovation within the aerospace sector. These advancements, he noted, are contributing to strengthened operational readiness and expanding international cooperation.Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan (Retd), Vice Chancellor Air University, elaborated on the PAF’s deep-rooted international engagements, including joint exercises, training collaborations, and global deployments that have reinforced its reputation for operational professionalism. He noted that since 2021, the Air Force has undergone a major transformation — transitioning from a fighter-centric service to a multi-domain force by integrating cyber, space, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems alongside indigenisation and revamped command structures. This shift, he stated, has enhanced the PAF’s strategic relevance in contemporary conflict environments.In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President CASS Lahore, said recent developments have strengthened Pakistan’s strategic influence by showcasing disciplined multi-domain capability and effective military diplomacy. He commended the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu for advancing technological innovation, deepening defence partnerships, and elevating Pakistan’s diplomatic and operational profile.The seminar concluded with an engaging interactive session that explored NASTP’s expanding role, contrasts in India–Pakistan institutional approaches, the PAF’s domain-centric evolution, enhanced youth participation in aerospace innovation, Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach following recent regional developments, and the country’s position within emerging drone warfare trends. Participants lauded CASS Lahore for hosting an insightful and thought-provoking discussion.