ISSI Book Launch Examines India’s Hybrid Warfare and Pakistan’s Security Challenges

ISLAMABAD: The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted the launch of a new book, “India’s Hybrid Warfare: Implications for Pakistan’s National Security”, authored by Dr Muhammad Ali.

Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, attended the event as chief guest, while General Zubair Mehmood Hayat, NI(M), HI(M) (Retd), delivered the keynote address. The ceremony also featured remarks by Major General Dr Ehsan Mahmood Khan (Retd), former Director General ISSRA; Professor Dr Tughral Yamin, Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad; and Dr Asma Shakir Khawaja, Executive Director of CISS AJK.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan said the book provided a valuable academic assessment of the theoretical framework of hybrid warfare. He observed that hybrid warfare was not a new phenomenon, as similar practices had existed in medieval periods. He underlined that national integration remained a vital component of statecraft, adding that Pakistan must deal with both external and internal challenges while staying ready to counter hybrid threats.

In his keynote address, General Zubair Mehmood Hayat (Retd) appreciated the author for bringing out the publication at an important time. He said a major shift in India’s policy approach towards Pakistan had been shaped by the Doval Doctrine, in which the new frontier was civil society and which called for offensive and defensive measures against Pakistan.

General Hayat said hybrid warfare was no longer confined to theory but had become an evolving and practical form of conflict. He added that no society could remain great, or even survive, if it lost “hope” and “faith” in itself. He noted that by damaging public confidence in national identity, an adversary could weaken a country without resorting to conventional war.

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, ISSI Director General Ambassador Moin ul Haque described the book as an important contribution to the understanding of emerging security challenges. He said modern warfare had become increasingly complex and multidimensional, while hybrid warfare aimed to achieve strategic objectives without crossing the threshold of declared war. He also praised the author for presenting actionable recommendations to strengthen Pakistan’s response to threats to its national security.

In his introductory remarks, Malik Qasim Mustafa commended Dr Ali for an evidence-based analysis of India’s hybrid warfare against Pakistan. He stressed the need for a comprehensive whole-of-nation response built on stronger coordination, national cohesion, effective governance and media resilience.

Major General Dr Ehsan Mahmood Khan (Retd) said the conventional battlefield had not vanished and would remain relevant. However, he noted that it was now being overlapped by other domains of conflict, including cyber, economic and psychological warfare.

Professor Dr Tughral Yamin said Pakistan needed to develop a comprehensive national response to hybrid warfare. Dr Asma Shakir Khawaja, in her remarks, highlighted the importance of knowledge in empowering societies and countering cognitive biases and disinformation. She termed the research study timely and said it contributed to a deeper understanding of the subject.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, while offering the vote of thanks, said India used diplomatic pressure, disinformation and narrative manipulation to weaken Pakistan’s international standing. He added that Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role and institutional resilience had helped it withstand these pressures and strengthen its global position.

Dr Muhammad Ali is an alumnus of the National Defence University Islamabad, where he studied public policy and strategic security. He later joined the Islamia University Bahawalpur, from where he completed his PhD in 2024. He has gained varied experience during his engagements with educational institutions in the UK, China and Saudi Arabia, which helped him develop a diverse perspective on global defence and security issues.