LAHORE : The National Institute of Public Policy (NIPP) organized the “NIPP Public Policy and Book Festival 2026” at the National School of Public Policy, bringing together policymakers, academics, civil servants and students for a day of dialogue and literary engagement.
The event was inaugurated by Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, who attended as chief guest. A large number of political figures, administrative officers, media representatives, civil society members and researchers participated in the festival.
In his opening address, Dean NIPP Dr. Naveed Elahi said the festival aimed to strengthen linkages among policymakers, academic institutions and civil society, promote research, encourage informed policy dialogue and reinforce a culture of reading and scholarship.
Panels on cybersecurity and governance
The programme began with a panel discussion titled “Cybersecurity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” Former Additional Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency Ammar Jaffery and DG NIPA Lahore Farooq Mazhar discussed emerging governance and security challenges in the digital era.
Another panel discussion, “Local Governance: A Need of the Hour,” featured former Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan along with diplomats and governance experts, focusing on administrative reforms and decentralization.
Book launches highlight festival
The festival also included several book launches. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry’s book “Pakistan–India Relations” was formally launched in the presence of authors and scholars including Fakhar S. Aijazuddin, former Ambassador Javed Hussain and Major General (R) Noel Khokhar.
Later sessions featured the launch of former Inspector General Zulfiqar Cheema’s book “Jehd-e-Musalsal,” followed by the launch of Ahsan Rana’s book “Hain Kawkab Kuch,” attended by Rector NSPP Dr. Muhammad Jameel Afaqi and Dr. Saeed Shafqat.
Beyond academic discussions, the festival offered documentary screenings, book stalls, authors’ corners and live music. A rare photographic exhibition of Quaid-e-Azam, organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Electronic Media and Publications, and an exhibition on the Pakistan Movement arranged with Nazaria-e-Pakistan also drew attention.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Naveed Elahi emphasized the importance of public opinion in shaping public policy and reaffirmed NIPP’s commitment to promoting informed dialogue and intellectual development in Pakistan.
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