Call to strengthen national security narratives

Amid concerns over the vulnerability of the country’s youth to hostile propaganda of the rivals, Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed has emphasised the critical role of well-researched narratives on national security to counter such influences.

Dr Mukhtar, while delivering a lecture at the Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Islamabad, pointed out the necessity of engaging think tanks in the battle against misinformation, advocating for their central role in educating the youth through accurate information dissemination, according to a press release issued by CISS on Friday.

His suggestion underscored the importance of leveraging research, digital literacy and public dialogue to cultivate a generation capable of discerning fact from fiction, thereby fortifying national discourse against adversarial propaganda efforts.

He highlighted the exceptional contributions of Pakistani researchers in fields such as nuclear and missile technology, which have been instrumental in maintaining national security.

Dr Mukhtar further stressed the pressing need for collaboration between universities and think tanks to serve the larger security interests of the country.

By fostering collaboration, enhancing research quality, and leveraging available resources, these collaborative efforts can equip Pakistan’s youth with the knowledge and resilience to resist enemy propaganda and safeguard the country’s interests.

HEC, he offered, can facilitate such collaboration and even provide resources where necessary.

Dr Mukhtar identified the need for enhancing the quality of research in Pakistan, as meticulously crafted research, grounded in solid data and analysis, holds the power to earn respect even from the most formidable adversaries.

Addressing the event, CISS Executive Director Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi said an educated population serves the interest of society and helps strengthen traditional and non-traditional elements of national security.

He further stated that Pakistan is at a very critical point where combining innovative research, good planning, and forward-thinking leadership could help us grow and become more resilient.

CISS Director of Research Dr Atia Ali Kazmi suggested forming a think tank consortium under the aegis of HEC to promote integrated social sciences research and viable policy guidelines for national development.

Heads of other think tanks, academics, and foreign policy experts participated in the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2024.