Islamabad : In a gracefully hosted event, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) bid a warm and respectful farewell to Ambassador Sohail Mahmood upon the completion of his term as Director General of the Institute.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood took charge as the Director General of the ISSI on 1st January 2023, following his retirement from the Foreign Service of Pakistan. He served with distinction as the 30th Foreign Secretary of Pakistan. During his tenure at ISSI, the Institute underwent far-reaching reforms aimed at strengthening its research capacity, institutional efficiency, and national and international outreach. Several new initiatives including: establishment of dedicated ‘ASEAN Corner’, ‘China Corner’ and the ‘Kashmir Resource Centre’ were undertaken by the Institute under his visionary leadership; further reinforcing ISSI’s role as a leading policy advocacy and strategic research institution.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director (Administration) and Director of the China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC), Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC), along with other members of the Research faculty shared their enriching professional experiences of working with Ambassador Sohail Mahmood. They highlighted the notable progress achieved in research output, dialogue initiatives, and institutional visibility under his stewardship.
Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, paid rich tribute to Ambassador Sohail Mahmood’s transformative contributions for the ISSI. He lauded his pivotal role in enhancing the quality and relevance of the Institute’s research, expanding its outreach, and strengthening its policy input at national and international levels. He also appreciated Ambassador Sohail Mahmood’s tireless efforts in elevating ISSI’s institutional profile with commitment and vision, noting that his leadership and dedication would be greatly missed.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stated that it was a great privilege and honour for him to serve as the Director General ISSI. He reflected warmly on his tenure, describing the Institute’s committed research faculty and administrative staff as a source of strength and pride, and expressed gratification that ISSI was well-positioned to scale new heights in both research excellence and outreach and remain the country’s premier think-tank. He thanked his colleagues for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering support in carrying forward the Institute’s mission. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood also paid special tribute to Ambassador Khalid Mahmood for his sagacity and wise guidance to the Institute leadership in his capacity as chairman BoG, ISSI.
The event concluded with the presentation of Institute’s souvenir to Ambassador Sohail Mahmood by Chairman ISSI’s Board of Governors, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood.
Starting 1st January 2026, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood will assume new responsibilities as Secretary General of the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
