Dr. Zainab Ahmed slass - BNU

Dr. Zainab Ahmed is a distinguished academician and researcher, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Seeta Majeed School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and as a Deputy Director at the BNU Center for Policy Research, Beaconhouse National University (BNU), Lahore. Her academic philosophy is rooted in a profound belief in the transformative power of research and teaching—endeavoring to revisit critical phenomena with fresh perspectives while consistently enhancing her knowledge base and pedagogical approach.

With an academic journey that spans over a decade, Dr. Ahmed brings rich experience in teaching, curriculum development, research, and academic leadership. She previously held the position of Chairperson and Assistant Professor in the Department of International Relations and Political Science at Lahore Garrison University, where she also served as the Associate Editor of the Academic Journal of Social Sciences and led departmental curriculum reforms. Her teaching repertoire includes strategic studies, public policy, diplomacy, and environmental governance, and she has taught across leading institutions including the University of the Punjab, Forman Christian College University, UMT, and LGS.

Dr. Ahmed earned her PhD in International Relations from the University of the Punjab in 2021 with a dissertation on “The Securitization of Water: Redefining Pakistan’s National Security.” Her earlier academic achievements include an MPhil in International Relations, an MA in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies—where she was awarded a Gold Medal—and a consistent academic record marked by university scholarships and top positions. Her scholarly work is driven by an interdisciplinary focus on national security, water diplomacy, climate change, strategic communication, and regional cooperation.

Her recent research contributions include several impactful publications in HEC-recognized journals. Notable among them is her 2024 article “Harnessing the Economic Transformation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Economic Opportunities and Challenges for Pakistan” and her co-authored work on regional climate integration among CAREC member countries. Dr. Ahmed’s research portfolio also includes collaborations on high-profile projects funded by institutions such as Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, SOAS London, HEC Pakistan, and ActionAid. Her most recent leadership role was as the Lead Researcher for the 2024 project “Unity in Diversity”, supervised by Dr. Moeed Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of BNU.

Beyond her academic and research engagements, Dr. Ahmed actively contributes to national discourse through her roles on various editorial and advisory boards, including the Journal of Public Policy Practitioners, Strategic Studies, and The Beacon Journal. Her involvement in shaping academic policy and mentoring emerging scholars reflects her commitment to the broader development of higher education and public policy in Pakistan.

Through her dynamic academic career and deep-rooted research insight, Dr. Zainab Ahmed continues to make significant contributions to the fields of international relations, policy studies, and strategic development, embodying a model of scholarship that bridges theory and practice for societal advancement.

• PhD in International Relations, Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
• Master of Philosophy in International Relations, University of the Punjab
• Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies, University of the Punjab (Gold Medalist)
• Bachelor of Arts, University of the Punjab

Academic Experience

• Assistant Professor & Program Lead (Political Science), Seeta Majeed School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Beaconhouse National University (2024–Present)
• Deputy Director, BNU Center for Policy Research, Beaconhouse National University (2024–Present)
• Chairperson, Department of International Relations, Lahore Garrison University (2023–2024)
• Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations and Political Science, Lahore Garrison University (2022–2024)
• Adjunct Faculty, Center for Public Policy and Governance, Forman Christian College (A University), Lahore (2022–Present)
  • Taught "Water Policy and Governance in South Asia" for MPhil Public Policy
• Senior Research Fellow, Golden Ring Economic Forum (2021–2022)
• Visiting Faculty, Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab (2016–2021)
• Visiting Faculty, Department of Political Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore (2017–2018)

School & Secondary Education Experience

• Academic Coordinator (A-Level), Lahore Grammar School, 1/A-1 Ghalib Market Branch, Lahore (2020–2021)
• Teacher (O-Level History), Lahore Grammar School, 1/A-1 Senior Girls' Branch, Ghalib Market, Lahore (2015–2022)
• Teacher (O-Level Pakistan Studies), Beaconhouse School System, Valencia Town Campus, Lahore (2018–2020)
• Visiting Faculty (O-Level Islamiat), Lahore Grammar School, 15-C/3 Senior Boys' Branch, Lahore (2014–2018)
• Teacher (O-Level Islamiat), Lahore Grammar School, 1/A-1 Senior Girls' Branch, Lahore (2013–2015)
• Teacher (O-Level Pakistan Studies), LACAS, Senior Boys' Branch, Johar Town, Lahore (2012)
• Teacher (O-Level Pakistan Studies), Lahore Learning Campus, Senior Girls' Branch, Gulberg, Lahore (2011)

Other Professional Roles

• Member, Board of Studies, Department of Political Science, University of Sargodha
• Member, Board of Studies, Department of Political Science, Kinnaird College for Women University
• Associate Editor, Academic Journal of Social Sciences, Lahore Garrison University (2022–2024)

• Project Lead & China Studies Chair, BNU Center for Policy Research, Beaconhouse National University (Aug 2024 – Present)
• Principal Investigator, “Unity in Diversity – Phase II” | Funded by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (EUR 25,000), BNU Center for Policy Research (Feb 2025 – Nov 2025)
• Lead Researcher, “Unity in Diversity” | PI: Dr. Moeed Yusuf, Funded by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (EUR 10,000) (Sep 2024 – Nov 2024)
• Research Assistant, “Urban Security in Punjab: A Study of Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Bahawalpur” | PI: Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid, Sponsored by HEC Pakistan (2015 – 2016)
• Project Analyst, “Water Concerns of General Public of Pakistan” | Lead: Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid, Sponsored by ActionAid Pakistan (2014 – 2015)
• Research Assistant, “Scrutinizing Merit” | Lead: Dr. Matthew J. Nelson, SOAS University of London (Apr 2013 – May 2013)
• Research Assistant, “Patterns of Insurgency in FATA” | Lead: Ahmad Ali Naqvi, Funded by University of the Punjab (2011 – 2012)

• University Merit Scholarship for scoring CGPA 3.88 (out of 4.00) in MPhil coursework – 2015
• University Gold Medal, Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies, University of the Punjab – 2012
• First Position, Intermediate in Commerce at College level – 2006

Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications (HEC Recognized)

1. Ahmed, Z., & Co-author. (2024). Conceptualizing regional environmental integration countering vulnerability to climate change: A case study of CAREC member countries. Migration Letters, 21(14), 702–706. [HEC Category X] | Link
2. Ahmed, Z. (2024). Strategic communication in Pakistan: Synergizing policy framework for national security. Journal of Public Policy Practitioners, 3(1), 71–91. [HEC Category Y] | Link
3. Ahmed, Z. (2024). Harnessing the economic transformation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Economic opportunities and challenges for Pakistan. Academic Journal of Social Sciences, 8(2). [HEC Category Y] | Link
4. Ahmed, Z. (2023). Afghanistan conundrum: Role of international humanitarian organizations for regional security and repercussions for Pakistan. Journal of Politics and International Studies, 9(1), 1–14. [HEC Category Y] | Link
5. Ahmed, Z., & Co-author. (2022). Socio economic impacts of floods: A case study of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa from 2010 to 2022. Migration Letters, 19(8), 1855–1870. [HEC Category X] | Link
6. Ahmed, Z., & Co-author. (2022). Harnessing regional connectivity potential through BRI: A case study on China, Pakistan and Turkiye connectivity. Competitive Social Sciences Research Journal, 3(1), 639–656. [HEC Category Y] | Link
7. Ahmed, Z. (2021). Great power rivalry in Indo Pacific: Implications for Pakistan. Strategic Studies, 41(4), 56–75. [HEC Category Y] | Link
8. Ahmed, Z. (2019). Pakistan’s water crisis and Indus River System: Revisiting national security. Journal of Political Studies, 26(2), 149–171. [HEC Category Y] | Link
9. Ahmed, Z., & Javaid, U. (2017). Role and significance of Senate in the federation of Pakistan: An analysis before and after 18th Amendment to the Constitution of 1973. Margalla Papers, 21, 19–32. [HEC Category X] | Link
10. Ahmed, Z., Khalid, I., & Hashmi, R. S. (2016). China-Central Asia relations: A socio-economic and security analysis of bilateral ties. Journal of Political Studies, 23(1), 49–62. [HEC Category X] | Link
11. Ahmed, Z., & Khalid, I. (2015). Indian Ocean: A potential prospective theatre of conflict between Pakistan and India. Journal of the Research Society of Pakistan, 52(2), 57–69. [HEC Category X] | Link
12. Ahmed, Z., Khalid, I., & Mukhtar, A. (2014). Water scarcity in South Asia: A potential conflict of future decades. Journal of Political Studies, 21(1), 259–280. [HEC Category X] | Link

Other & International Peer-Reviewed Journals

1. Ahmed, Z. (2022). Place and role of Pakistan in global and regional affairs. Eastern Analytics, 13(4), 86–98.
2. Ahmed, Z., & Syed, S. (2021). Abraham Accords, Indo-Pacific Accord and the US-led nexus of curtailment: Threat to regional security, and joint counter strategy. Policy Perspectives, 18(1), 25–52.
3. Ahmed, Z. (2015). Pak-US relations post 9/11: Impact of aid, irritants and regimes in Pakistan (2001–2013). Journal of Politics and International Studies, 1(1), 14–23.

Book Chapters

1. Ahmed, Z. (In press). Balochistan as Achilles heel of Pakistani nationalism. In A. Ranjan (Ed.), State, Nation and Nationalism. Routledge.
2. Ahmed, Z. (In press). Securitization of water and Pakistan’s foreign policy: Implications, challenges and prospects. In F. Sulehria & J. S. Churchill (Eds.), Foreign Policy of Pakistan. Palgrave Macmillan.
3. Ahmed, Z. (2023). Water governance in South Asia: A case of cooperation. In A. Ali (Ed.), South Asia: Peaceful Coexistence through Economic Cooperation. ISSI Publishers.
4. Ahmed, Z. (2016). Internal and external challenges to Pakistan’s national security: Restraints within society and system for the development of national consensus and security. In I. Khalid (Ed.), Revisiting Pakistan’s National Security Dilemma (pp. 140–159).

Conference Proceedings

1. Ahmed, Z. (2017, November 9–11). Energy cooperation: A long-term framework of inter-regional cooperation between Central Asia and South Asia [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Inter-Regional Connectivity: South Asia and Central Asia, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan.
2. Ahmed, Z. (2015, December 9–10). China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: A vital component of emerging strategic significance of Indian Ocean [Paper presentation]. International Conference on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan.

Policy Papers, Op-Eds & Analytical Writing

Policy Papers & Editorial Columns

• Ahmed, Z. (2025, June 12). A water war in making? Pakistan Observer. | Link
• Ahmed, Z. (n.d.). Indus Water Treaty: The Achilles heel of Pakistan-India relations (Policy Brief). BNU Center for Policy Research. | Link

South Asian Voices (The Stimson Center, USA)

• Ahmed, Z. (2017, April 21). Police restructuring: An unfinished agenda of counterterrorism in Pakistan. South Asian Voices.
• Ahmed, Z. (2016, August 24). Messy and hidden urbanization: A security challenge for Pakistan. South Asian Voices.
• Ahmed, Z. (2015, December 9). Nuclearization of Indian Ocean: A security dilemma. South Asian Voices.
• Ahmed, Z. (2015, October 9). Iran nuclear deal: Security risks for the region. South Asian Voices.
• Ahmed, Z. (2015, September 22). Iran nuclear deal: Prospects for the regional trade. South Asian Voices.
• Ahmed, Z. (2015, September 11). National security policy in India and Pakistan. South Asian Voices.
• Ahmed, Z. (2015, September 3). Water governance: Fundamental factor of water woes in South Asia. South Asian Voices.
• Ahmed, Z. (2015, July 30). Mounting threat of urban security in South Asia. South Asian Voices.
• Ahmed, Z. (2015, July 24). Energy crisis in South Asia: A matter of regional cooperation. South Asian Voices.
• Ahmed, Z. (2015, July 13). China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: A gateway to regional economic integration. South Asian Voices.
• Ahmed, Z. (2015, June 8). Quest for power in Indian Ocean. South Asian Voices.

• Strategic Importance of Indo-Pacific: Significance of Bay of Bengal – Supervised: Syed Ahsan Raza Zaidi (2021–2023)
• Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Regional Implications – Supervised: Nissar Hussain (2021–2023)
• Trends of Bloc Politics under Covid-19 and Impact on Globalization: Challenges and Opportunities for Pakistan – Supervised: Khalid Mahmood Malhi (2021–2023)
• Russia-Ukraine War: Implications for Energy Security in Pakistan – Supervised: Muhammad Ahmed Qureshi (2022–2024)
• Transforming Strategic Environment in Korean Peninsula: Analysis of Evolving Dynamics (Since 2004) – Supervised: Izza Khaliq (2022–2024)
• Hybrid Warfare in Pakistan: A Case Study of South Waziristan – Supervised: Muhammad Sohail Qureshi (2022–2024)
• From Proscription to Legitimization: Exploring the Possibility of Transitioning Religious Terrorist Organizations into Political Entities in Pakistan – Supervised: Maryam Baloch (2022–2024)
• Social Media as Narrative Psychology: A Case Study of PTI in 2018 Elections in Pakistan – Supervised: Ahmed Kamal Anwer (2022–2024)

• Chaired a session during the 1st International Conference on Peace and Security organized by the Department of International Relations, Lahore College for Women University on February 13, 2025.
• Delivered a talk “Great Power Contestation in Indo-Pacific: Role and Dynamics of Middle Powers” at a seminar on Geostrategic Significance of Indian Ocean Region at Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore on July 23, 2024.
• Delivered a talk “Water Security: Pakistan’s National Security Dilemma implicating Foreign Policy” at a seminar on Climate Change and International Relations, organized by the Department of International Relations, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore on May 7, 2024.
• Participated in the Panel Discussion on “Transforming hill torrents, urban and rural flooding into economic opportunities”, organized by the Integrated Water Management Institute and USAID, held on April 25, 2024.
• Chaired the session at the “4th International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities”, at Kinnaird College for Women University, Lahore held on February 26-28, 2024.
• Chaired the session “Ethnicity and Nationalism in South Asia” during the 1st International Conference on Contemporary trends in South Asia at the Department of Political Science, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore held on January 31, 2024.
• Guest Speaker at the “Pakistan Political Scientists’ Convention: Celebrating Women’s Leadership in Political Science & Introducing Careers in Political Science”, at University of Management and Technology, Lahore held on November 21, 2023.
• Participated in a Policy Dialogue on “Adaptation: Towards a Resilient Pakistan”, at the National School of Public Policy, Pakistan held on November 7-8, 2023.
• Presented the paper, “Conceptualizing Regional Environmental Integration Countering Vulnerability to Climate Change: A Case Study of CAREC Member Countries”, in the Third International CAREC Institute Research Conference “Prospects for an Inclusive Green Growth and Sustainability in the CAREC Region”, held on September 20-21, 2023.
• Presented the paper, “Strategic Communication in Pakistan: Synergizing Policy Framework for National Security”, at a Seminar held at University of Management and Technology, Lahore on May 2, 2023.
• Panelist for a panel discussion on “Track Two Diplomacy: Viability between India and Pakistan”, organized by the Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad on March 21, 2023.
• Chaired a session ‘Understanding the Political System of China: Looking into Chinese Governance and Political Functionality” during the conference “Understanding China: Looking Beyond Horizon”, organized by the University of the Punjab, Pakistan Research Center for a community with Shared Future and Embassy of China to Pakistan on March 20, 2023.
• Moderated the Panel Discussion on “Challenges in Social Sciences Research: Possible Solutions and a Way Forward” held during the 1st International Conference on Social Sciences Research at Lahore Garrison University on January 25-26, 2023.
• Organizer and Focal Person, 1st International Conference on Social Sciences Research held at Lahore Garrison University on January 25-26, 2023.
• Organized the Seminar, “A Dialogue on Future Series: National Security Policy of Pakistan (2022-2026) A Way Forward”, held at Lahore Garrison University on December 7, 2023.
• Presented the paper, “Strategic Communication in Pakistan: Synergizing Policy Framework for National Security” at Seminar on “Strategic Communication for Economic Security in Pakistan”, held at Lahore Garrison University on October 25, 2022.
• Presented the paper, “Evolving Geopolitical and Geo economic Environment: Impact on Regional Connectivity and Opportunities for Pakistan” at the Seminar on Regional Connectivity-Economic and Trade Opportunities for Pakistan with China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Central Asian Republics, held at the University of Peshawar on August 22, 2022.
• Presented the paper “Harnessing Regional Connectivity Potential through BRI: Pakistan-China-Turkey Economic Integration” at the ADAM-ACTR International Conference: Past, Present, and Future of Silk Road held at National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad on June 25-26, 2022.
• Moderated the Webinar “US Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Implications for Regional Stakeholders (China, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Central Asian Republics) Strategic and Economic Challenges and Opportunities), Organized by the Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore.
• Moderated the Webinar “Abraham Accords and Regional Security-Between Pakistan and China”, organized by Golden Ring Economic Forum, on July 30, 2021.
• Presented the paper, “Asia Pacific to Indo Pacific: Evolving Maritime Environment in Indian Ocean”, at Webinar “Abraham Accords and Regional Security” organized by Golden Ring Economic Forum with RDI China, held on July 30, 2021.
• Presented the paper, “Public Health and National Security A New Era in the Post Covid-19 World” at National Conference on “Challenges of Governance in Pakistan amid Covid-19 Pandemic”, University of the Punjab, Lahore held on July 7-8, 2021.
• Presented the paper, “Asia Pacific to Indo Pacific: Evolving Maritime Environment in Indian Ocean”, at seminar “Abraham Accords and Regional Security” at University of the Punjab, Lahore held on July 2, 2021.
• Presented the paper, “Asia Pacific to Indo Pacific: Evolving Maritime Environment in Indian Ocean”, at seminar “Abraham Accords and Regional Security” at University of Management and Technology, Lahore held on June 23, 2021.
• Attended the Second International Summer School on International Relations and National Security at National Defense University, Islamabad, Pakistan from July 8th, 2019-July 19th, 2019.
• Presented the paper, “China Pakistan Economic Corridor: Impact on Regional Security in South Asia”, at the 1st International Conference on China Pakistan Economic Corridor, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, held on February 27th-March 1st, 2018.
• Presented the paper, “Role and Significance of Senate in the Federation of Pakistan: An Analysis Before and After 18th Amendment to the Constitution of 1973” at the 1st National Conference on Emerging Trends and Challenges in Social Sciences, Bahauddin Zikriya University, Multan, held on November 15th-16th, 2016.
• Presented the paper, “Energy Cooperation: A Long Term Framework of Inter-Regional Cooperation between Central Asia and South Asia” at International Conference on Inter-regional Connectivity Between Central Asia and South Asia, held on November 9-10th, 2016, at GC University, Lahore.
• Presented the paper, “Conflict on Resources: A Case of Pakistan-India Water distribution” at “International Workshop on Conflict, Conflict Resolution and Nation-building”, at National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research, Quaid-e-Azam University, organized by Hans Seidel Foundation, Islamabad held on March 24-26, 2016.
• Presented the paper, “CPEC: A Vital Component of Emerging Strategic Significance of Indian Ocean” at “International Conference on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor” organized by GC University, Lahore held on December 9-10, 2015.
• Presented the paper, “Social Transformation and Conflict: A Case of Balochistan” presented at National Conference ‘Social Sciences in 21st Century: New Dimensions, Challenges, and Perspectives’’ organized by Allama Iqbal Open University held on November 4-5, 2015.
• Attended the National Political Conference at the Department of Political Science, University of Punjab, Lahore held in March 2013.
• Attended the National Political Conference at the Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore held in February 2012.

• Guest Speaker, “Silk Road Maritime Forum 2025.” Organized by Center for Contemporary World Studies (IDCPC) and Guangdong Institute of International Studies. Guangzhou, China. (Sep 14, 2025)
• Guest Speaker, “Global Insight China in Sight 2025.” Organized by Center for Contemporary World Studies (IDCPC) and Renmin University. Beijing, China. (Sep 12, 2025)
• Panel Discussant, “AI and National Security,” 2nd NSPP Public Policy Conference. National School of Public Policy (NSPP), Lahore, Pakistan. (Aug 25–26, 2025)
• Guest Lecturer, “Elements of National Power,” 6th Executive Leadership Course. Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore, Pakistan. (Jul 14, 2025)
• Guest Speaker, “Great Power Contestation in Indo-Pacific: Role and Dynamics of Middle Powers,” Seminar on Geostrategic Significance of Indian Ocean Region. Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore, Pakistan. (Jul 23, 2024)
• Guest Speaker, “Water Security: Pakistan’s National Security Dilemma Implicating Foreign Policy,” Seminar on Climate Change and International Relations. Department of International Relations, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan. (May 7, 2024)

• Participant, Faculty Development Program (HEC Compliant One-Month Training). Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan. (2022)
• Trainee, Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies (2059) Face-to-Face Training. Cambridge Assessment International Education, Royal Palm Golf and Country Club, Lahore, Pakistan. (Aug 18–19, 2018)
• Trainee, Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies (2059) Face-to-Face Training. Cambridge Assessment International Education, Royal Palm Golf and Country Club, Lahore, Pakistan. (2016)

• Email Address: zainab.ahmed@bnu.edu.pk
• Extension Number: 316