From 11–15 May 2024, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted a Foreign Study Tour delegation from the Pakistan National Defence University, comprising of 15 students and faculty led by their Chief Instructor, Major General Naeem Akhtar.

The purpose of the program was to gain an understanding of U.S. national security concerns, U.S. interagency relationships, the U.S. approach to professional military education (PME), and differing perspectives on issues of mutual interest, particularly in the South Asia region. Their visit started with an informal tour of the National Mall, conducted by the Course Director, Associate Dean Charles Marks, to set the historical context. Over three days, sessions and discussions were included under Chatham House Rule.

Associate Dean Charles Marks during his presentation.

The seminar included sessions with the Middle East Institute, the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense J5. They also spent a day at National Defense University in Fort Lesley McNair, Washington, D.C., where they discussed the U.S. approach to PME, saw the facilities of NDU (U.S.) first-hand, and participated in a panel discussion moderated by Professor Tom Lynch from the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS), looking at Great Power Competition.

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