Prof. Dr. Naheed S. Goraya, Director Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), University of the Punjab participated in the webinar “ organized by the Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR), Islamabad. The webinar also featured insightful contributions from Chief Guest Mr. Mushahid Hussain Syed, along with Maj. Gen. Samrez Salik (Retd), Air Marshal Farhat Hussain (Retd.), Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed (Retd), Ambassador Masood Khalid, and Dr. Riaz Shad, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences NUML, Islamabad, each offering valuable perspectives on strategic, defense, diplomatic, and academic dimensions of Marka-e-Haq.
In her address, Dr. Goraya termed her participation both an honor and an intellectual privilege, emphasizing that Marka-e-Haq signifies far more than a historical or military milestone. She described it as a multi-dimensional construct reflecting national cohesion, institutional resilience, and the collective pursuit of purpose. Drawing from the broader fields of statecraft and security studies, she highlighted Marka-e-Haq as a paradigmatic example of how military efficacy, when aligned with national unity, strengthens sovereignty, justice, and sustainable peace. Dr. Goraya underscored the importance of such commemorative engagements, noting that they serve a vital epistemic function. Rather than merely recalling history, they contribute to the consolidation of collective memory, the reinforcement of national identity, and the development of strategic consciousness among future generations. Her remarks framed the webinar as an intellectual platform that bridges reflection with forward-looking national discourse. She also expressed appreciation for COPAIR’s initiative, acknowledging its role as a dynamic and credible forum under the leadership of President Ms. Amna Munawwar Awan. Dr. Goraya commended the organization’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and connecting academia with policy and practice, an approach she described as essential in addressing evolving national and global challenges.
In her concluding reflections, Dr. Goraya emphasized that the enduring significance of Marka-e-Haq lies in its role as a unifying national narrative; one that reinforces values such as integrity, resilience, and collective responsibility. She called for greater integration between institutions, academia, and society, particularly in navigating complex global challenges.
She also stressed the importance of youth inclusion in such platforms, highlighting it as critical for ensuring continuity of informed thought and leadership development. Concluding on a forward-looking note, Dr. Goraya urged participants to internalize the insights generated during the webinar and translate them into a renewed commitment to national development, unity, and resilience.