The webinar on "Asymmetric Warfare & Drone Technology", organized by the Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), University of the Punjab, Lahore, was successfully held on April 15, 2026, bringing together scholars, practitioners and students to examine the evolving nature of modern conflict. The session featured insightful presentations,
"Reconfiguring Power: The Logic of Asymmetry in Contemporary Conflict" by Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja, Executive Director Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS)- AJK; "Algorithmic Battlefields: Strategic, Legal, and Ethical Futures of Drone Warfare" by Dr. Rubina Wasim, Head of Research, Center for International Peace & Stability (CIPS), NUST, Islamabad; and "Democratizing Lethality: The Political Economy of Drone Proliferation" by Mr. Zohaib Altaf, Associate Director CISS, as key speakers, who shared their expertise on the subject. The session provided a comprehensive overview of asymmetric warfare, highlighting how weaker actors employ unconventional strategies against more powerful opponents, while also emphasizing the growing role of drone technology in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and precision operations. Speakers discussed recent advancements in unmanned aerial systems, their strategic implications in contemporary conflicts, and the challenges associated with their proliferation, including ethical concerns, regulatory gaps, and security risks. The interactive session encouraged participants' engagement through a dynamic question-and-answer segment, reflecting strong interest in the topic. Overall, the webinar effectively enhanced understanding of the intersection between emerging technologies and asymmetric warfare, while underscoring the need for informed policy responses and continued research in this critical area.
At the conclusion of the session, Prof. Dr. Naheed S. Goraya, Director CSAS extended a warm vote of thanks to the distinguished speakers for their informative and thought-provoking presentations. The Director appreciated their valuable insights and highlighted the importance of such academic engagements in fostering critical dialogue on emerging security challenges. Emphasizing the Centre’s commitment to promoting research and informed debate, Dr. Goraya expressed hope for continued collaboration and future discussions on evolving dimensions of global and regional security.