The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad hosted a warm farewell for Ambassador Sohail Mahmood as he completed his tenure as Director General, marking the end of a transformative chapter for the research body.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood assumed charge on 1 January 2023 after retiring from Pakistan’s Foreign Service, where he served with distinction as the 30th Foreign Secretary. During his time at ISSI he led a programme of institutional reform aimed at strengthening research capacity, improving administrative efficiency and widening both national and international outreach.
Under his leadership the Institute launched dedicated centres and resources to deepen thematic engagement, including an ASEAN Corner, a China Corner and a Kashmir Resource Centre, initiatives that colleagues say have reinforced ISSI’s role as a leading policy research and advocacy institution in Pakistan.
Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director (Administration) and head of the China-Pakistan Study Centre, Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Centre, and other research faculty shared reflections on working with Sohail Mahmood, praising notable gains in research output, dialogue initiatives and the Institute’s profile under his stewardship.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, paid tribute to Ambassador Sohail Mahmood’s contributions, highlighting his pivotal role in enhancing the quality and relevance of ISSI’s research and expanding its policy influence at home and abroad. He commended the outgoing director’s vision and tireless commitment to raising the Institute’s institutional standing.
In his farewell remarks Ambassador Sohail Mahmood described it as a privilege to lead ISSI, expressing pride in the commitment and professionalism of the research faculty and administrative staff. He thanked colleagues for their support and paid special tribute to Ambassador Khalid Mahmood for his guidance as chairman of the Board of Governors.
The event concluded with the presentation of the Institute’s souvenir by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood. Starting 1 January 2026, Sohail Mahmood will take up new responsibilities as Secretary General of the Developing-8 organisation, a move that will carry his experience on regional economic cooperation to an international forum.
