On Wednesday, 19 February 2025, His Excellency Amb. Dato' Azhar Mazlan attened the Book Launch Ceremony titled "Mawakhat-Stories of Resilience and Rebuilding after the 2022 Floods". The event was organised by Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with Akhuwat Foundation in Islamabad. Other present were members of diplomatic corps based in Islamabad, former Minister of Information and Broadcasting, founder of Akhuwat Foundation, researchers and journalists. The book featured over a hundred portraits and testimonies of families affected by the 2022 floods, who rebuilt their lives with Akhuwat Foundation's support.
In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood noted key highlights of Dr. Amjad Saqib’s professional life and enduring initiatives in poverty alleviation, women empowerment, and education and healthcare. He praised the book’s core concept – Mawakhat, an Islamic principle of solidarity reflecting Ansar's selfless welcoming of Muhajireen. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood noted that the book not only documented acts of resilience but also emphasized the importance of compassion, inclusivity, and sustainability in humanitarian efforts. He underlined the need for collaborative efforts across all sectors and ISSI’s commitment to facilitating informed decision-making and coordinated responses for future climate-induced crises. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood recommended that Pakistan's humanitarian efforts should align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure long-term sustainability.
