The book addresses the country’s isolationist policies, with each chapter dedicated to a distinct aspect

Karachi – The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) hosted the launch of “North Korea – Never Ending Tragedy”, authored by Ambassador Syed Hasan Habib, on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Ambassador Syed Hasan Habib, a former Ambassador of Pakistan to North Korea, is currently serving as a Senior Fellow at IoBM. The event was attended by IoBM’s senior leadership, including President, Mr. Talib Karim; Rector, Prof. Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro, along with faculty members, management, and students. Representatives from the Thai Consulate and Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations were also present.

In his remarks, Mr. Talib Karim, highlighted that the Institute has significantly benefited from the engagement of former ambassadors. He shared that nearly ten books across diverse genres have been published over the past eighteen months with IoBM’s support. He further noted that students have learned extensively from ambassadors who have contributed to teaching at the Institute.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador G. R. Baluch, Director at IoBM’s Global and Regional Studies Center (GRSC), commended Ambassador Syed Hasan Habib for his courage in undertaking the work. Reflecting on the author’s experience, he described it as both emotionally and morally challenging, adding that the book goes beyond a scholarly exercise and should encourage deeper reflection.

Prof. Dr. Tanweer Khalid, Secretary General of the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, remarked that the author’s work offers a valuable contribution by exploring North Korea’s evolution from ancient to modern times. He noted that the book addresses the country’s isolationist policies, with each chapter dedicated to a distinct aspect.

Ambassador Alam Brohi remarked that, within the Foreign Service of Pakistan, postings such as Sudan and North Korea are regarded as especially difficult due to social isolation and limited facilities. He noted that the author has vividly captured the harsh realities of North Korea and praised Ambassador Syed Hasan Habib’s resilience, both during his service and in his continued academic contributions.

Prof. Dr. Riaz Ahmed Shaikh, Dean, Social Sciences & Education Department, SZABIST, observed that the book offers a concise account of North Korea’s history. He highlighted the difficulty of capturing such reflections and commended IoBM for bringing the work to publication. He further outlined North Korea’s historical trajectory in relation to its geopolitical strategy.

Ambassador Syed Hasan Habib stated that the book is grounded in credible sources, offering a reliable and insightful account. He emphasized that he was driven to present the truth, especially for students. He further noted that the work explores nuclear developments, international sanctions, and the realities of life in a tightly controlled state defined by surveillance and cyber operations.

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Read: Book Review: North Korea – An Enigma

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From Correspondent

Khairpur, Sindh  

The launch ceremony of book “The Security Imperative – Pakistan`s Nuclear Deterrence and Diplomacy”, authored by Ambassador Zamir Akram, was held at Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur organized by Center for International Strategic Studies Sindh.

Ambassador (R) Qazi M. Khalilullah Executive Director Center for International Strategic Studies Sindh addressing a Book Launching ceremony lauded Ambassador Zamir Akram for his valuable contributions to the field of nuclear diplomacy throughout a diplomatic career spanning over 38 years.

While highlighting the importance of the theme, he said that building nuclear deterrence was Pakistan`s indispensable response to the existential threat posed by India`s nuclear program.

He said that  Pakistan`s nuclear diplomacy has remained sharp, tenacious and imaginative; it has illustrated to the world the country’s India-specific rationale for the development of nuclear deterrent, reinforced efforts to maintain strategic stability in South Asia, opposed unfair and discriminatory approaches; and continuously countered the smear against Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program.

Ambassador Qazir M. Khalilullah added that the conceptual framework underpinning Ambassador Zamir Akram’s book is clear and unambiguous; it is the security imperative that singularly drives Pakistan`s pursuit of nuclear deterrence. He also underlined that the book illustrates the contributions of Pakistan’s diplomats and offers a distinctively Pakistani perspective on this important subject.

He said that Pakistan and China signed a $4.8 billion deal to build a 1,200-megawatt nuclear power plant. China National Nuclear Cooperation and Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission will execute the deal.

He said that for Pakistan, the security threat is both real and existential, which was further intensified by the Indian quest for war, domination and hegemony as so-called ‘net security provider’ in the region, Furthermore, narrative building is a core component of every aspect of the nuclear deterrence spectrum and Ambassador Zamir Akram has put forward Pakistan`s narrative in an effective manner. The essence of this book is how diplomacy transcends into nuclear diplomacy to support the national policy and posture, he said.

He said that Pakistan, Afghanistan ,Uzbekistan had recently Signed Joint agreement for rail Link to connect with Central Asia, Russia to transfer goods to restrengthen the  China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Earlier in the introductory remarks Prof: Dr. Ameer Khuhro Dean Faculty of the Social Science Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur,  Prof: Dr. Liquat Ali Chandio Director of Institute of International Relations Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur and Dr. Sarfaraz Ali Korejo Executive Director students’ advancements fund endowment Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur and Dr. Ishrat Mirani had shared their valuable remarks on the Book and they said that inked MOU with  Center for International Strategic Studies Sindh will encourage the Students of the Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur in the field of research, Internship and other programs.

Dr. Saba Sehar  Associate Director Research at CISSS Karachi said that CISS established in 2021, had organized National and international conference and she said that to establish positive linkages with academic institutions of higher learning in Sindh.

She said that CISSSA Sponsor and groom a talent pool of young scholars through effective writing, talks and wide participation in seminars and conferences.

She said that CISSA hosts and provides a forum to national and international think tanks, and those involved in Track – 1.5 / 2 dialogues, to engage in meaningful debate on official policies on nuclear/strategic issues.

Safia Malik who had written a Book review on the “The Security Imperative – Pakistan`s Nuclear Deterrence and Diplomacy had shared her experiences and Thoughts.

Ambassador Zamir Akram Author of the Book The Security Imperative – Pakistan`s Nuclear Deterrence and Diplomacy highlighted the biased and unfair treatment towards Pakistan in the nuclear realm.

He stressed that Pakistan had repeatedly made clear that the development of its nuclear program was a ‘security imperative’ and India-specific.

The failure of security alliances to protect Pakistan`s territorial integrity and sovereignty in 1965 and 1971, contributed to engendering the determination to acquire nuclear weapon capabilities.

The 1998 testing was the finest hour in the history of Pakistan. These tests brought about a paradigm shift in the historic correlation of power between Pakistan and India and replaced it with a new security calculus between India and Pakistan.

He also said that credible deterrence does not remain static because of changes in technology and policy. Therefore, Pakistan should be vigilant and continuously evolve its conventional and nuclear capabilities to avoid nuclear ‘blackmail’ from India.

He said that he first contacted Oxford University Press, but Oxford University Press refused to publish his book, however Paramount Books Limited published his book.

He said that Bhutto proved that Pakistan has capability to Launch Nuclear Program in a time when the USA and India criticized that Pakistan has no capability to launch Nuclear Program.

He said that ZA Bhutto in 1972 held a secret meeting in Multan with the Scientists to launch Nuclear Program.

He said that Bill Clinton had pressurized on Benazir Bhutto to rollback nuclear Program of Pakistan but Benazir Bhutto refused and told him that despite of the US sanctions Pakistan will survive.

He said that we should have to focus now on Artificial Intelligent as well as to focus on Development technologies, besides this to Economic challenges, Terrorism and Sectarian violence.

He also talked about Nuclear Doctrine and he also answered the raised questions from him by the Teachers, Students and Journalists about the security issues and Threat to Nuclear Installations and future Challenges.

Teachers, Students and people of the different Segment of Society in a Large number had attended the Book Launch ceremony of “The Security Imperative – Pakistan`s Nuclear Deterrence and Diplomacy.

Earlier The Leadership of Center for International Strategic Studies Sindh, Karachi & Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur Signed MoU at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Chair, of capacity building of the Students, specially offered internship Program.

Read: Book Launching: When She Took To The Sky

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Abu Dhabi

During the ongoing Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Kalimat Group launched the highly anticipated book by Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum titled “When She Took To The Sky.”

The new release chronicles the journey of women pilots worldwide, celebrating those who have carved their names in the annals of aviation history and paved the way for other ambitious women.

Divided into four sections, the book discusses women’s early attempts to conquer the skies using balloons and primitive aeroplane models, focusing on their boldness and courage in venturing into a new world of adventure, risk, and exploration. It also highlights how they broke the stereotypical barriers that prevented women’s participation in one of the most astonishing and unusual fields at the time.

The second section recounts prominent women worldwide who achieved record-breaking feats and outstanding accomplishments in aviation, inspiring girls and women globally to become pilots. The third section shines light on the participation of Arab women in aviation across all its specializations, chronicling the achievements of pioneering aviators who left an inspiring legacy for future generations, proving the limitless potential and energy of Arab women.

The book illustrates women’s presence in the world of aviation from its inception, affirming that external circumstances are not a barrier to the dreams of youth if the will is present

In the fourth section, Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum presents women who have travelled to space, asserting that aviation began women’s journey in exploring the world and beyond. The book, with its four inspiring sections, encourages children, youth, and especially girls to believe in their dreams and strive to develop their skills and capabilities.

Commenting on the book launch, Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum expressed her delight in working with Kalimat Group, noting the high professionalism of the team that oversaw and promoted the book.

Sheikha Mozah expressed that the book’s purpose extends beyond documenting the achievements of women who conquered barriers in aviation and ventured into space. It also strives to convey a powerful message to Arab children, youth, especially girls: that the limits of achievements are determined only by self-belief and confidence in one’s potential, and that history teaches us that nothing is impossible as long as you have willpower and determination.

Sheikha Mozah said, “This book embodies a personal dream. Since childhood, I wanted to be a pilot and explore the world from the highest point, to be in constant touch with the creator’s innovations and the beauty of God’s creations. In this book, I invite everyone who reads it to follow their dream. There are no impossible dreams, only dreams for which we haven’t worked hard enough. I hope my book leaves an impact, not only on the dream of flying but on all ambitions in every field.”

Mariam Al-Obeidli, Managing Director of Kalimat Group, said, “Kalimat Group is proud to launch the first edition of “When She Took To The Sky” by Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum. This book marks important milestones in women’s historical journey towards participation in unconventional fields. It is worth mentioning that the book illustrates women’s presence in the world of aviation from its inception, affirming that external circumstances are not a barrier to the dreams of youth if the will is present.”

Published under the International Cooperation Protocol with Middle East Business | Life Magazine

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Larkana, Sindh

The Literary Committee of Arts Council Larkana hosted a reception at its Bhittai Hall for renowned intellectual and writer Dr. Sikandar Mughal and honored him with Lifetime Achievement Award.

Two new Sindhi books – ‘Asaan Ja Pandh Pahaarr Ja’ and ‘Samajan Ji Uthal Puthal’, authored by Dr. Sikandar Mughal, were also launched on this occasion, says a press release issued on Sunday June 4, 2023.

A number of writers and intellectuals including Jami Chandio, Advocate Amanullah Shaikh, Pro Vice Chancellor Sindh University Larkano Campus Dr. Azhar Ali Shah, broadcaster Abid Kazmi, Dr. Zulfiqar Rahujo, Engineer Saima Rahujo and Esa Memon, chairman, Literary Committee, spoke about the literary works of Dr. Sikandar Mughal. According to them, Dr. Mughal has a scientific thinking and through his works, he has guided the readers how to transform the society following the path of science education.

The speakers hoped that the books, authored by Dr. Mughal, will help youth in their character building and developing a scientific thinking. They said the books are based on science and philosophy.

Dr. Sikandar Mughal in his address advised the young generation to essentially read the first five chapters of Bible translated into Sindhi language. He also urged the youth to benefit from the digital developments taking place globally.

Earlier, Engineer Saima Rahujo gave a detailed introduction of Dr. Sikandar Mughal and read out views given by various writers about the works of Dr. Mughal.

Advocate Rahila Ghumro, Dr. Hassan Chandio, Dr. Zaffar Pirzado and others presented books and cultural gifts of Ajrak to Dr. Mughal. A large number of writers and artists of Larkana attended the program. (PR)

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Report by: Maftuna Abdurasulova

Tashkent

‘The beauty which did not save the world’, a new book of acclaimed Uzbek writer Sherzod Artikov, was launched here at a ceremony. The new book is compilation of essays. Author’s first book ‘Symphony of autumn’, collection of 30 short stories, was published last year. The book is in Uzbek language.

Writer, translator Sherzod Artikov is favorite writer of Uzbek literary world. Till now, he had published majority of his works like, essays and stories via various web-pages and sites over the world as well as magazines and journals of Uzbek.

As we know, last year Sherzod Artikov had published his first book named “Kuz simfoniyasi” (Symphony of autumn), which consists of nearly 30 stories. This book had also been translated and published in foreign languages like India and Vietnam.

The majority of his essays and stories have been published in other countries like India, USA, Bulgaria, Romania, Spain, and Vietnam and so on, in a foreign languages.

Within short period, after hard works and efforts, he has presented his new book named “Dunyoni qutqarmagan go’zallik” (The beauty which did not save the world) to Uzbek literary world.

On 21 of May, first presentation of this book was organized by book.uz which is the best book shop in Uzbekistan. On this occasion a number of book-lovers and literary persons who are interested in the style and works of Sherzod Artikov, had participated which created a liveliest literary atmosphere.

All participants asked the questions about this book to its writer. Most of the readers said their wishes to the writer for his future literary works and they thanked to writer for creating this kind of prestigious work which had a great impact on their thoughts and imaginations.

During this ceremony, the author and the audience debated the literary matters related to new book. It was clear from this that although the book has recently been marketed but it had already been read by most and appreciated by a lot.

At the end of the presentation Guljamol Asqarova, who is the member of writers associations, author of a lot of poems and recipient of the award named “Zulfiyakhonim qizlari”, also spoke and wished success and luck for writer’s future life and literary works.

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