Karachi – The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) hosted the launch of “North Korea – Never Ending Tragedy”, authored by Ambassador Syed Hasan Habib, on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Ambassador Syed Hasan Habib, a former Ambassador of Pakistan to North Korea, is currently serving as a Senior Fellow at IoBM. The event was attended by IoBM’s senior leadership, including President, Mr. Talib Karim; Rector, Prof. Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro, along with faculty members, management, and students. Representatives from the Thai Consulate and Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations were also present.
In his remarks, Mr. Talib Karim, highlighted that the Institute has significantly benefited from the engagement of former ambassadors. He shared that nearly ten books across diverse genres have been published over the past eighteen months with IoBM’s support. He further noted that students have learned extensively from ambassadors who have contributed to teaching at the Institute. In his opening remarks, Ambassador G. R. Baluch, Director at IoBM’s Global and Regional Studies Center (GRSC), commended Ambassador Syed Hasan Habib for his courage in undertaking the work. Reflecting on the author’s experience, he described it as both emotionally and morally challenging, adding that the book goes beyond a scholarly exercise and should encourage deeper reflection.
Prof. Dr. Tanweer Khalid, Secretary General of the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, remarked that the author’s work offers a valuable contribution by exploring North Korea’s evolution from ancient to modern times. He further noted that the book addresses the country’s isolationist policies, with each chapter dedicated to a distinct aspect. Ambassador Alam Brohi remarked that, within the Foreign Service of Pakistan, postings such as Sudan and North Korea are regarded as especially difficult due to social isolation and limited facilities. He noted that the author has vividly captured the harsh realities of North Korea and praised Ambassador Syed Hasan Habib’s resilience, both during his service and in his continued academic contributions. Prof. Dr. Riaz Ahmed Shaikh, Dean, Social Sciences & Education Department, SZABIST, observed that the book offers a concise account of North Korea’s history. He highlighted the difficulty of capturing such reflections and commended IoBM for bringing the work to publication. He further outlined North Korea’s historical trajectory in relation to its geopolitical strategy.
Ambassador Syed Hasan Habib stated that the book is grounded in credible sources, offering a reliable and insightful account. He emphasized that he was driven to present the truth, especially for students. He further noted that the work explores nuclear developments, international sanctions, and the realities of life in a tightly controlled state defined by surveillance and cyber operations.
