Army outreach in Lahore universities focuses on modern security challenges

LAHORE: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry held a series of interactive sessions with students and faculty at leading educational institutions in Lahore, emphasising the crucial role of youth in safeguarding national security amid evolving global challenges.

According to official sources, the outreach included visits to prominent institutions such as Aitchison College, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, and Lahore College for Women University. The sessions focused on contemporary security dynamics, hybrid warfare, and the importance of informed civic participation among young citizens.

During the engagements, the DG ISPR discussed the nature of modern conflicts, which increasingly extend beyond conventional battlefields into domains such as information, cyber space, and public perception. He highlighted how hybrid warfare — a blend of military, political, economic, and informational tactics — poses complex challenges that require awareness and resilience across society, not just within armed forces.

University leadership, faculty members, and students reportedly expressed strong confidence in the professional capabilities and preparedness of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Educators emphasised that academic institutions play a vital role in shaping responsible citizens and informed leaders who can contribute to national stability.

Participants noted that such direct interactions provide valuable insight into security issues that are often discussed only in abstract terms within classrooms. Faculty members said the sessions helped bridge the gap between academic understanding and real-world strategic considerations.

Students described the discussions as enlightening, particularly in explaining how intellectual and informational fronts have become central to modern warfare. Many said the exchange enhanced their awareness of the responsibilities that come with citizenship in an interconnected and rapidly changing world.

The sessions also encouraged open dialogue, allowing students to raise questions and share perspectives on regional security, media narratives, and technological transformations affecting defence strategies. This interactive format was widely appreciated for fostering a sense of inclusion and mutual understanding.

Officials view such engagements as part of broader efforts to strengthen trust and communication between national institutions and the country’s youth. By engaging directly with students, the military aims to promote awareness, counter misinformation, and encourage constructive participation in national development.

Participants expressed a sense of unity and confidence in the country’s defensive capabilities, underscoring the importance of collective resolve in the face of external and internal challenges. Students also voiced pride in the armed forces and reaffirmed their commitment to contributing positively to society.

Observers note that universities serve as key spaces for intellectual discourse and critical thinking, making them important partners in discussions about national resilience. As security challenges grow more multidimensional — spanning cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and geopolitical competition — informed youth are increasingly seen as a strategic asset.

The outreach initiative reflects a recognition that national security is not solely a military concern but a societal one, requiring awareness, education, and cooperation across sectors. By engaging academic communities, officials hope to cultivate a generation that is both knowledgeable about security issues and committed to democratic stability.

Such interactions are expected to continue in other parts of the country as part of ongoing efforts to build confidence, promote transparency, and strengthen the relationship between state institutions and citizens, particularly young people who will shape Pakistan’s future trajectory.