By Zahid Karani
KARACHI: The Pak-Sudan Business Council organized a high-level session titled “Combating Non-Traditional Security Issues”, bringing together diplomats, defence analysts, academics, business leaders and civil society members to discuss the rapidly evolving global and regional security environment.
The session was spearheaded by entrepreneur and Honorary Trade Advisor to Sudan, Taab Khan, who stressed the importance of collective national responsibility in addressing emerging security challenges, including cyber threats, disinformation, extremism, climate-related risks and socio-economic instability.
Delivering the keynote strategic perspective, Brig (retd) Haris Nawaz highlighted the changing dimensions of national security and said modern threats required integrated responses involving both state institutions and civil society. He underscored the importance of preparedness, national cohesion and strategic policymaking in safeguarding Pakistan’s stability and sovereignty.
Academic and international relations expert Prof Dr Khalida Ghous spoke on the socio-political and human rights dimensions of non-traditional security threats. She emphasized the need for inclusive governance, education, regional cooperation and social resilience to counter challenges such as radicalization, misinformation and humanitarian crises.
Dr Chotirat, providing an international perspective, shared global best practices and regional experiences in addressing non-traditional security threats. The discussion highlighted the importance of diplomatic collaboration, intelligence sharing and public-private partnerships in dealing with transnational challenges.
Taab Khan said the military’s legacy was a source of pride, adding that while the armed forces continue to defend Pakistan, civilians, entrepreneurs and professionals also carry the responsibility of projecting a positive and progressive image of the country internationally.
The event was attended by a delegation including Sakib Sadakat, Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner; Sanjeewa Pattiwala, Consul General of Sri Lanka; Ms Dian Ratri, Consul of Indonesia; Senator Dr Abdul Haseeb Khan; Mr Fazal Dadabhoy, Honorary Consul of Ivory Coast; Barrister Shahida Jamil; Dr Samreen Hussain, Vice Chancellor of Dawood University; Syedain Naqvi, a bureaucrat; and Jarry Masood, CEO of NAPA.
Representatives of the council, Jahanzeb Khan and Tahoor Khan, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s international, diplomatic and economic relations through intellectual and strategic engagement.
The session concluded with a collective resolve to deepen collaboration between civilian institutions, the business community, academia and national security stakeholders to ensure a secure, progressive and prosperous future for Pakistan.
The event served as a platform for dialogue and strategic exchange, reinforcing the role of international partnerships and civic responsibility in addressing contemporary security challenges.
