LAHORE: A book titled “Existential Question for Pakistan” written by Iftikhar Ahmad was launched here at Quaid-e-Azam Library on Monday. Addressing on the occasion, the book author and former chief instructor National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Iftikhar Ahmad said effective public policy formulation and implementation along with good governance were key to address Pakistan’s security and development challenges. He said the book was an effort to evolve a frame of references regarding issues/challenges including policy and governance, regional and international strategies, economical aspects and others faced by the country. Iftikhar Ahmad said it was needed to convert threats into opportunities and weaknesses into strengths. He emphasized that internal unity was essential to overcome problems and issues, the country was facing today. He reiterated that the “Existential Question for Pakistan” required evolving, effective and realistic policy guidelines and dynamic state structures, which were necessary to make the country a modern progressive state. Speaking on the occasion, former federal minister and renowned intellectual Dr Hafeez A Pasha lauded the book’s focus on issues that were often neglected but were fundamental for securing a peaceful and prosperous future for the country. The book was timely as there was renewed policy emphasis lately on governance and reform to tackle the current economic crisis and to promote social equity and justice, he added. The event was attended by a large number of people from different walks of life including academicians, politicians, public and private sector and students. Published in Daily Times, October 23rd 2018.