The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) Lahore organised a talk titled “A Paradigm Shift in US National Security Strategy (NSS): Implications for South Asia and the Middle East” on 22 January 2026. As an independent think tank, CASS Lahore organises academic events for scholars and practitioners interested in national security in its wider context. The event was attended by academics, intellectuals, and domain experts. Ambassador Muhammad Haroon Shaukat (Retd), Director, CASS Lahore, delivered the opening address.
Dr Moeed Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of the Beaconhouse National University, stated that the 2025 NSS, very different from previous ones, sets out President Trump’s vision of the world. As a reflection of the 1904 Roosevelt Doctrine, the strategy has upended the liberal free trade order. He asserted that this would lead to the rise of middle powers, coming together on issue-based partnerships. Pakistan’s geographic location at the nexus of the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia provides a strategic opportunity. In that regard, he emphasised that Pakistan needs to adopt three key measures: become a regional connectivity hub, move from an assistance-based model to geoeconomics, and adopt no-camp politics. Moving forward, he stressed that Pakistan must navigate the global morass by strengthening the military without undermining economic growth and resolving political schisms.
In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President, CASS, Lahore, stated that the 2025 NSS signals a shift in the US’s global outlook. He said that this change matters and could have effects in the future across key regions. He further stated that the Indo-US relations are at a historic low, with India’s diminished role in the Indo-Pacific. He explained that although Pakistan features soberly in the NSS, its relations with the US have improved following Pakistan’s success in Marka-e-Haq, which has boosted its global standing and credibility. Moreover, opportunities have emerged for Pakistan to deepen engagements with the Middle East.
The event concluded with a lively interactive session. It highlighted Pakistan’s defence exports, the National Security Policy, and engagements with the Middle East. The participants appreciated CASS Lahore’s initiative in hosting an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.