PESHAWAR: The Department of International Relations, University of Peshawar, on Monday organized a commemorative event titled “Marka-e-Haq: One Year of Courage, Sacrifice, and National Resilience” to mark the first anniversary of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Faculty members, students, media representatives, and guests attended the event, which was organized by the Thinkers IR Forum.The speakers highlighted the significance of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos and its impact on Pakistan’s national narrative, regional security, and international standing.
Chairman of the Department of International Relations, Dr. Syed Sami Raza, addressed the participants. He remarked that the day would be remembered in history as a reflection of Pakistan’s resilience in a challenging geopolitical environment.
The event then moved to a panel discussion featuring distinguished panelists, including retired security analyst Brigadier Syed Nazeer; journalists Dr. Rehmanullah Tariq Waheed and Mehmood Jan Babar; social activist Shahid Hussain Shinwari; and Chairman of the International Relations Department, Dr. Syed Sami Raza.
The discussion revolved around media narratives, regional geopolitics, national security, strategic communication, and the evolving relationship between Pakistan and India in the context of recent regional tensions.
Retired Brigadier Syed Nazeer discussed the strategic challenges faced by Pakistan and emphasized that, despite political and economic pressures, the country has consistently transformed challenges into opportunities.
Tariq Waheed discussed the changing international and political dynamics in South Asia. He compared past conflicts, including the 1971 war and the Kargil conflict, with contemporary tensions, emphasizing the role of modern media and digital communication in shaping public perception.
Mehmood Jan Babar focused on the relationship between media narratives and psychological warfare. Drawing from his experiences during the Afghanistan conflict, he spoke about how narratives are strategically used to influence public opinion and regional perceptions.
Shahid Hussain Shinwari shared his thoughts on Pakistan’s growing role at the international level. He discussed the importance of sports, trade, and economic cooperation in building stronger international relationships and reducing regional tensions.
