ISLAMABAD:The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Wednesday accorded a warm and dignified farewell to its Director General, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, on the completion of his tenure, paying rich tribute to his transformative leadership and lasting contributions to the Institute.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood assumed charge as Director General ISSI on January 1, 2023, following a distinguished diplomatic career, including service as the 30th Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, said a press release.
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.
In his farewell address, 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 ceremony concluded with the presentation of an Institute souvenir to Ambassador Sohail Mahmood by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood. From January 1, 2026, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood will assume his new responsibilities as Secretary General of the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation.
