Beaconhouse National University - Center for Policy Research

Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Khan

Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Khan currently serves as the Director of the Beaconhouse 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.

For any inquiries or correspondence, Mr. Mansoor Khan can be reached through the following contact details:

Ms. Neha Malik

Ms. Neha Malik, Research Associate and Project Coordinator at BNU's Centre for Policy Research, holds an MPhil in Public Policy and Governance with cum laude distinction from CPPG, FCCU, and a Bachelor's in Economics from GCU. She interned at the Civil Services Academy before working as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Public Policy. Neha was also the editor of the Student Quarterly at CPPG and is currently the editor of Policy Beacon.

She can be reached at:

Dr. Zainab Ahmed

Dr. Zainab Ahmed is Assistant Professor, Seeta Majeed School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Research Fellow, BNU Center for Policy Research. She is former Chairperson of Department of International Relations at Lahore Garrison University. She did her PhD in International Relations and her expert areas are Water Security, National Security, Indo Pacific and Strategic Communication. Dr. Zainab Ahmed has also been associated with Center for Public Policy and Governance at Forman Christian College University and taught Water Policy and Governance in South Asia to MPhil Public Policy. She has been associated with various national and international research projects and has many publications to her credit.

She can be reached at:

Dr. Zeeshan Zaighum

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.

He can be reached at:

Ms. Aiman Adnan

Ms. Aiman Adnan holds an M.Phil. in Governance and Public Policy from the National Defence University, Islamabad, and a diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy and International Relations from the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies. Her research focuses on transboundary water governance, and her study, "Transboundary Water Governance between Pakistan and Afghanistan: A Case Study of Hydro-Diplomacy," explores the feasibility of hydro-diplomacy as a confidence-building measure and conflict resolution mechanism.

She has worked with the Shahid Javed Burki Institute of Public Policy (BIPP), Lahore, and the Institute of Strategic Studies, Research & Analysis (ISSRA), Islamabad, where she contributed to research on institutional governance, public sector policy analysis, and Pakistan’s transboundary water challenges. Her experience includes conducting independent research for government departments, international donors, and development organizations. She also contributed to BIPP’s research report on National Innovations and Technology of Pakistan in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong.

Alongside her research work, Ms. Adnan has been involved in academia, teaching Public Policy at the University of Management & Technology and currently lecturing on Civics and Citizenship at Beaconhouse National University. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans governance, public policy, gender and development, and international relations, with a strong focus on policy-driven research and analysis.

She can be reached at:

Hasnain Ahmad

Hasnain Ahmad is a final-year software engineering student at Beaconhouse National University (BNU) and a Research Fellow at the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR). His work on assessing the air pollution index and the global burden of disease in South Asia has been accepted for publication in a prestigious conference like NeurIPS 2024. His research leverages tools such as Google Earth Engine, TensorFlow, and GIS for advanced data processing, model training, and visualization. He earned first place at the Design Summit Lahore in an AI and data science hackathon focused on urban innovation and environmental conservation. Hasnain is passionate about using artificial intelligence to address climate and healthcare challenges.

He can be reached at:

Usama Ali Khan

Usama Ali Khan is a Research Assistant at the Centre for Policy Research (BCPR) and a second-year immersive media student at the School of Media and Mass Communication, Department of Journalism, BNU. He previously interned at DW Germany.

He can be reached at:

Dr. Syed Mohammad Ali

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

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.

She can be reached at imrana.tiwana@bnu.edu.pk

Mr. Hassan Zuberi

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

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, where he conducted a scoping study examining the relationship between academic studies on “terrorism in Pakistan” and real-world instances of violence. He earned a BSc (Honors) in Political Science from LUMS, completing a thesis on Sindhi nationalism and its interplay with the broader narrative of Pakistani nationalism.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

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.

Mr. Abrahim Shah

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.