OUR TEAM
Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Khan
Director BNU Center for Policy Research (BCPR) & Head, Pakistan’s Place in the World
Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Khan currently serves as the Director of the BNU Center for Policy Research (BCPR) and Head of the Initiative on Pakistan’s Place in the World. This initiative, housed within BCPR, is dedicated to analyzing and shaping Pakistan's role and image on the global stage.
Before joining BCPR, Ambassador Khan concluded a distinguished career in the Foreign Service of Pakistan spanning over 32 years. Throughout his diplomatic journey, Mr. Khan undertook pivotal roles in various capacities within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and across Pakistan’s diplomatic missions worldwide. Notably, he served as Ambassador of Pakistan to Afghanistan, Austria, and the Slovak Republic, as well as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna. Previously, he held diplomatic postings in significant locations such as Kabul, New Delhi, Harare, and Pakistan's Mission to the UN in Geneva.
An area of expertise for Mr. Khan lies in regional diplomacy and economic integration, reflecting his substantial contributions in these domains over the years. Notably, he served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan from 2020 to 2022, during which he navigated the transitional period and the Taliban's assumption of power in 2021. In recognition of his valorous service in challenging circumstances, Ambassador Khan was honored with the Sitara-e-Shujaat award in March 2023.
Dr. Zainab Ahmed
Deputy Director, BNU Center for Policy Research & Assistant Professor
Dr. Zainab Ahmed is the Deputy Director of the BNU Center of Policy Research, and an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Beaconhouse National University, Lahore. She is an interdisciplinary researcher focusing on water security, water governance and international relations, specifically the intersection of water and climate with national and regional security. She is a PhD holder in International Relations at the University of the Punjab where she did her dissertation on The Securitization of Water: Redefining the National Security of Pakistan. She is also a graduate of the same institution with a MPhil in International relations and MA in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies (Gold Medalist).
Dr. Zainab has been an academic leader and researcher, holding positions as Chairperson of the Department of International Relations at Lahore Garrison University and Associate Editor of the Academic Journal of Social Sciences. She has worked in the most prestigious universities like Forman Christian College University, University of the Punjab, and Lahore Garrison University, and at Beaconhouse National University.
Ms. Mahreen Zaib
Creative Head & Researcher, BNU Centre for Policy Research
Ms. Mahreen Zaib serves as a Creative Head and Researcher at BNU's Centre for Policy Research. With an MPhil in Art and Design from the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design, she brings a dynamic blend of research, visual communication, and project management expertise to her role. Her academic journey began at the University of the Punjab, where she pursued a multidisciplinary undergraduate degree in Arts, Psychology, and Journalism. She has previously worked as a Creative Research Manager in Dubai and as a Creative Designer at Systems Limited, where she led design initiatives that merged functionality with storytelling.
At BNU, Ms. Zaib holds a multidisciplinary role that combines her expertise in creative design, research, and strategic communication. As the Editor of Policy Beacon, she is responsible for managing research papers and shaping editorial frameworks. She plays a key role in coordinating events and overseeing visual design, content creation, and social media management to enhance outreach and engagement.
Mr. Arsam Tufail Butt
Research Associate & Outreach Coordinator, BNU Centre for Policy Research
Mr. Arsam Tufail Butt is a student and practitioner of governance and public policy with over four years of experience in legislative development, democratic governance, and civic engagement in Pakistan. Currently serving as a Research Associate and Outreach Coordinator at the Beaconhouse National University (BNU) Centre for Policy Research (BCPR), he has previously worked with leading institutions including the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), GIZ Pakistan, and the National Assembly of Pakistan under European Union and USAID funded initiatives.
His work spans parliamentary strengthening, electoral reforms, civil rights, local governance, and citizen engagement, combining research with policy advocacy and stakeholder coordination. A graduate in Political Science, with Economics and Law, from Government College University Lahore, and a certified Parliamentary Development and Governance professional of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Parliamentary Academy in the UK, Arsam has co-authored several district governance profiles, contributed to legislative research, and organized numerous policy dialogues and conferences. His professional and academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to inclusive governance, institutional reform, and civic empowerment in Pakistan.
Mr. Muhammad Insar
Research Associate & Outreach Coordinator, BNU Center for Policy Research
Mr. Muhammad Insar is a distinguished researcher and international relations specialist, holding an MPhil from Lahore Garrison University where he graduated with a Gold Medal (1st position). Currently serving as a Research Associate and Outreach Coordinator at the Beaconhouse National University Center for Policy Research, he produces the daily "World in Focus" and “Monthly Situational Report” briefings on global political and economic developments. He pairs this analytical rigor with a solid foundation in communications, holding a Bachelor of Science in English Language and Literature from the National University of Modern Languages.
His core expertise centers on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, regional integration, and Pakistan's strategic opportunities in multilateral frameworks. Muhammad has co-authored a peer-reviewed article in the Academic Journal of Social Sciences and published a comprehensive policy brief on maritime economic transitions during his time at the Pakistan Navy War College's Maritime Center of Excellence. He also brings years of continuous experience from his work as a Researcher at the GREF Think Tank.
Equipped with specialized training in Grant Writing, Data Analytics, and Prompt Engineering, his approach ensures that complex policy challenges are met with data-driven, actionable solutions.
Sara Kazim
Research Associate, BNU Center for Policy Research
Sara Kazim is a Research Associate at the BNU Center for Policy Research and a Politics graduate from King’s College London (KCL). Her academic work at KCL focused on political philosophy, international trade, authoritarianism, and the politics of race. Her research examined whether economic liberalisation reinforces authoritarianism in Pakistan, exploring how military and hybrid regimes may use open trade and liberal economic policies as tools of regime survival.
She has also worked as a Research Associate at the Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, where she specialised in intersectional mental health policy within the Policy Research Unit. In addition, she is affiliated with the Nottingham Economic Review.
At BCPR, she focuses on geopolitical research regularly authoring reports addressing developments across the international system.
Dr. Rizwan Zeb
Visiting Research Fellow, BCPR & Professor (Strategic Studies, Air War College Institute, Karachi)
Dr. Rizwan Zeb is a distinguished scholar of international relations and strategic studies, currently serving as Professor and Directing Staff (Research) at the Air War College Institute, Karachi. His research spans South Asian security, nuclear deterrence, ethnopolitical conflict, and Pakistan’s foreign policy. He is the author of several influential books, including: Strategic Stability in South Asia (Routledge, forthcoming 2026), National Security: A Primer (PAF Air War College Institute, 2021), Ethno-political Conflict in Pakistan (Routledge, 2020), and Indo-Pak Conflicts: Ripe to Resolve? (Manohar, 2005).
Dr. Zeb has held key academic and policy positions, including Head of Social Sciences at Iqra University Islamabad, Visiting Scholar at the Brookings Institution, and Benjamin Meaker Visiting Professor at the University of Bristol. His contributions advance critical thinking on nuclear strategy, regional security, and conflict resolution. As a Visiting Research Fellow at BCPR, he brings extensive expertise to strengthen scholarly and policy debates on Pakistan’s evolving security challenges.
He can be reached at: srizwanzeb@gmail.com
Dr. Zeeshan Zaighum
Research Fellow (Strategic Communication & 5GHW), BCPR & Assistant Professor
Dr. Zeeshan Zaighum is an educator, researcher, and communication strategist passionate about exploring the evolving dynamics of media and warfare in today's interconnected world. With a PhD in Mass Communication from Beaconhouse National University, he combines academic depth with real-world relevance, focusing on Strategic Communication (StratCom) and Fifth-Generation Hybrid Warfare (5GHW). His work addresses critical issues affecting national security, policy-making, and media landscapes.
As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Zaighum is dedicated to inspiring students to think critically and innovatively about the role of communication in modern challenges. His groundbreaking research, including his PhD dissertation on 5GHW, has opened new pathways for understanding the intersection of security and media. From examining the weaponization of digital platforms to studying how media shapes public policy, his contributions offer fresh perspectives to both academic and policy communities.
Dr. Zaighum is also deeply committed to knowledge-sharing beyond the classroom. He has conducted workshops and training sessions for government departments, think tanks, and policy institutes, empowering professionals to navigate the complexities of strategic communication. His certifications in digital journalism and crisis communication further reflect his hands-on approach to addressing real-world issues.
Dr. Syed Mohammad Ali
Research Fellow, BCPR
Lecturer, Advanced Academic Programs Johns Hopkins University
Dr. Syed Mohammad Ali holds a PhD in Development Anthropology and brings extensive experience addressing complex international development challenges. Over the years, he has worked with multilateral, bilateral, government, and non-government organizations. In addition to his affiliation with BNU, Dr. Ali is a lecturer at the Advanced Academic Programs at Johns Hopkins University, where he received the 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award. He also serves as a Non-Resident Scholar at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., and provides expert testimony for South Asian asylum seekers (Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Indian) in U.S. and U.K. immigration courts.
Dr. Ali is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles, several book chapters, and the book Development, Poverty and Power in Pakistan: The Impact of State and Donor Interventions on Farmers, published by Routledge in 2015. He has also contributed policy papers for leading think tanks, including the United States Institute of Peace and the Stimson Center. Since 2011, Dr. Ali has written a weekly op-ed for The Express Tribune and is a regular participant in panel discussions on both Pakistani news channels and international media outlets such as Al Jazeera, China Global Television Network, Channel NewsAsia, and Voice of America’s Urdu Service.
Ms. Imrana Tiwana
Research Fellow, BCPR
Head, Climate Change & Sustainability Initiative, BNU
Ms. Imrana Tiwana is a distinguished architect, environmentalist, and sustainable development specialist who leads the Climate Change, Environment & Sustainability Initiative at Beaconhouse National University (BNU). With an impressive global portfolio that includes projects in New York and Kuala Lumpur, she brings a wealth of experience and vision to her work.
A passionate advocate for sustainable urban regeneration, Ms. Tiwana has been at the forefront of efforts to promote environmentally responsible development and resilient urban planning. Her expertise and dedication have also led her to make significant contributions to UNESCO initiatives, where her work has focused on preserving cultural heritage and advancing sustainability on an international scale.
Mr. Hasan Zuberi
Research Fellow, BCPR
Adjunct Faculty (SMC, BNU) & CEO, Momentum PR
Mr. Hasan Zuberi has been an integral part of Beaconhouse National University (BNU) for the past six years, serving as an Adjunct Faculty member. He specializes in teaching Public Relations, Communications, Crisis Communication, and Management to both graduate and undergraduate students. Beyond teaching, he has actively contributed to shaping the academic landscape as a member of the Board of Faculty and Board of Study at the School of Media & Communication (SMC). Currently pursuing an MPhil in Intelligence and Security Studies at the University of Lahore's School of Integrated Social Sciences, Mr. Zuberi's research interests span Global Security, Intelligence, OSINT, Counter-Terrorism, and Fifth-Generation Hybrid Warfare. With over 25 years of diverse professional experience across Pakistan, Indonesia, Singapore, and the UAE, Mr. Zuberi is a seasoned Communications Strategist. He holds an MBA and brings deep expertise in Public Relations and Media Management. As the CEO and Country Consultant at Momentum, a leading Public Relations consultancy, he advises multinational corporations, local enterprises, and national institutions on strategic communication, crisis management, and media relations.
Mr. Zuberi's contributions extend beyond the corporate world. He is the Founder and President of the Council of PR Pakistan, Chairman of Mensa Pakistan, and an active member of numerous esteemed organizations, including the International PR Association (IPRA), the Middle East PR Association (MEPRA), and the Global Alliance for PR & Communications Management. A member of the prestigious Karachi Press Club, Mr. Zuberi continues to influence both the academic and professional realms with his expertise and leadership.
He can be reached at hasan.zuberi@bnu.edu.pk
Mr. Aizaz Hussain
Head, Office of Special Initiatives, BNU & Policy Consultant, NSA, Pakistan
Mr. Aizaz Hussain is a PhD candidate in Political Science at Sciences Po, where his research focuses on the impact of Chinese geoeconomic policies on ethnic communities, analyzing how global economic strategies shape local dynamics.
Mr. Hussain brings extensive experience in policymaking, research, and academia. As a Policy Consultant at the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, he played a pivotal role in formulating strategic initiatives and participating in high-level policy discussions on national security issues. Currently, he leads the Office of Special Initiatives at Beaconhouse National University (BNU).
In academia, Mr. Hussain has taught undergraduate courses on Global Politics, International Security, Conflict Resolution, Foreign Policy, and Public Policy. As a Research Associate at the University of Lahore, he co-authored a comprehensive report titled “Pakistan’s Geoeconomic Pivot: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities.” He has also contributed to independent research projects at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Mr. Hussain holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the Central European University and a BSc (Honors) in Political Science from LUMS.
His research interests span geoeconomics, terrorism, nationalism, hybrid regimes, populism, and non-violence, reflecting his commitment to addressing critical global and local challenges.
Dr. Simbal Khan
Research Fellow, BCPR
UNDP Consultant in Peace-building & CVE
Dr. Simbal Khan is a Conflict Prevention and Peace-building specialist focused on South-Central Asia. Currently a UNDP consultant on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) and Local Governance, she has extensive experience in conflict prevention, de-radicalization, and security analysis in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.
A former Pakistan Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center and Carnegie Fellow at New America Foundation, she has also worked with leading think tanks like ISSI, IPRI, and CSIS. Dr. Khan specializes in Afghanistan’s security and trans-border militancy, contributing to peace-building initiatives and Track 1/1.5 dialogues. She is a published author and regular media contributor on regional security.
Abrahim Shah
Research Fellow, BCPR
Civil Servant, Pakistan Administrative Service
Abrahim Shah is a governance and public policy expert and civil servant in the Pakistan Administrative Service. He holds diverse field experience in Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan, leading important assignments including monitoring law and order in violence-stricken regions, overseeing and coordinating government departments, supervising service delivery, leading polio vaccine campaigns in Afghan refugee communities and working with local communities to trigger sustainable development.
An alumnus of Cornell University and the University of Oxford, Abrahim is trained in economics, political theory, civil and criminal law and public policy, and writes frequently on political economy and international affairs for Dawn. While abroad, he worked at the UNHCR and at the British Parliament as a governance expert.
Prof. Dr. Hafiz A. Pasha
Chairman Advisory Council, BCPR & Professor Emeritus, Economist
Prof. Dr. Hafiz A. Pasha, Professor Emeritus, Founding Member and Chairman Advisory Council of BCPR, is a renowned economist with vast contributions to public policy, economic governance, and academia. He has served as Federal Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs and advised global institutions. A prolific author, he continues shaping Pakistan’s economic and policy landscape.
Abid Qaiyum Suleri
Member Advisory Council, BCPR & Executive Director, SDPI
Abid Qaiyum Suleri, member Advisory Council of BCPR, is a Pakistani social policy analyst and development practitioner with a PhD in Food Security from University of Greenwich, UK. He has been the Executive Director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute-SDPI, since 2007.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry
Member Advisory Council, BCPR & Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Chairman Sanober Institute and member Advisory Council of BCPR, has served as a member of the Foreign Service of Pakistan for 37 years, rising to the rank of the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan for over three years and served as Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States of America. He has authored a book “Pakistan mirrored to Dutch eyes” and his memoir “Diplomatic Footprints”.
Lieutenant General Aamer Riaz, HI(M), (Retd)
Member Advisory Council, BCPR & Former Corps Commander & DGMO, Pakistan Army
Lieutenant General Aamer Riaz, HI(M), (Retd), member Advisory Council of BCPR, held operational, command, and strategic staff roles. He has commanded the 111th Infantry Brigade and served as Director General Military Operations (DGMO) at GHQ and later Corps Commander IV Corps, Lahore, one of the Pakistan Army’s principal field commands. He has also served as President National Defence University (NDU) Islamabad.
Prof. Salima Hashmi
Member Advisory Council, BCPR & Founding Dean MDSVAD, BNU
Prof. Salima Hashmi, member Advisory Council of BCPR, is a trailblazing artist, academic, and curator, who shaped art education as founding Dean of MDSVAD at BNU and Principal of NCA. Co-founder of Rohtas Galleries, she authored pivotal works like Unveiling the Visible. Honored with Pakistan’s Pride of Performance, her legacy continues to inspire contemporary art worldwide.
Dr. Ijaz Nabi
Member Advisory Council, BCPR & Professor of Economics, LUMS
Dr Ijaz Nabi, Member Advisory Council of BCPR, is Professor of Economics at Lahore University of Management Sciences-LUMS. He is also member of Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, Chief Minister Punjab's advisory Council and the Monetary Policy Committee of the State Bank of Pakistan. He is the Pakistan Country Director of International Growth Center, a policy research consortium of London School of Economics and Oxford University and has served for 22 years in the World Bank in Washington D.C. USA. Dr Nabi has published extensively on economic growth, investment and finance, industrialization, international trade and labor markets in developing countries.
Dr. Mariam Chughtai
Member Advisory Council, BCPR & Director, National Curriculum Council of Pakistan
Dr. Mariam Chughtai, member Advisory Council of BCPR, is Director, National Curriculum Council of Pakistan. She has a Doctorate and two masters degrees in education from Harvard University. As a teaching fellow, she taught several courses at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Law School and Harvard Kennedy School. Upon her return to Pakistan, she set up the School of Education at LUMS where she is now a tenure track faculty member. Dr. Chughtai is also the Pakistan Director for Harvard Mittal South Asia Institute.
