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 Research Fellow 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

• Head, Department of Liberal Arts, Seeta Majeed School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Beaconhouse National University (Present)
• Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Government College University, Lahore (2015–Present)
• Research Fellow, BNU Center for Policy Research, Beaconhouse National University (August 2024–Present)
• Assistant Professor, Seeta Majeed School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Beaconhouse National University (August 2024–Present)
• Member, Institutional Research Review Board, Beaconhouse National University (November 2024–Present)
• Chairperson, Department of International Relations and Political Science, Lahore Garrison University (January 2023–July 2024)
• Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations and Political Science, Lahore Garrison University (March 2022–July 2024)
• Associate Editor, Academic Journal of Social Sciences (HEC Recognized, Category Y), Lahore Garrison University (2022–2024)
• Member, Review Board, Journal of Public Policy Practitioners (HEC Recognized, Category Y), University of Management and Technology, Lahore
• Member, Review Board, Strategic Studies (HEC Recognized, Category Y), Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad
• Member, Advisory Board, The Beacon Journal (HEC Recognized, Category Y), Pakistan Navy War College
• In-Charge, Curriculum Revision Committee, Department of International Relations and Political Science, Lahore Garrison University
• In-Charge, Departmental Board of Studies, Department of International Relations and Political Science, Lahore Garrison University
• Adjunct Faculty, Center for Public Policy and Governance, Forman Christian College University, Lahore (2022) – Taught “Water Policy and Governance in South Asia” to MPhil Public Policy students
• Senior Research Fellow, Golden Ring Economic Forum (2021–2022)
• Visiting Faculty, Department of Political Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore (2017-2018)
• Visiting Faculty, Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab (2016–2021)
  • Strategic Studies, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Philosophy – BS (Hons) Political Science
  • Strategic Dimensions in the Middle East – MA Diplomacy and Strategic Studies
  • China and the World – MA International Relations
  • Research Methodology – MPhil International Relations

• Lead Researcher, Project titled “Unity in Diversity” with Dr. Moeed Yusuf (Principal Investigator), funded by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (EUR 10,000) – September to November 2024
• Research Assistant to Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid, Project titled “Urban Security in Punjab: A Study of Lahore, Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur”, sponsored by Higher Education Commission, Pakistan – 2015–2016
• Project Analyst, Project titled “Water Concerns of General Public of Pakistan”, sponsored by Action Aid Pakistan with Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid, Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab – 2014–2015
• Research Assistant, Project titled “Scrutinizing Merit”, sponsored by SOAS (London) with Dr. Matthew J. Nelson, Reader of Politics, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London – April to May 2013
• Research Assistant, Project titled “Patterns of Insurgency in FATA”, funded by University of the Punjab with Mr. Ahmad Ali Naqvi, Lecturer, Department of Political Science, 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

Research Papers (HEC Recognized)

• Harnessing the Economic Transformation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Economic Opportunities and Challenges for Pakistan, Academic Journal of Social Sciences, Vol 8 (2), 2024. HEC Category Y.
• Conceptualizing Regional Environmental Integration Countering Vulnerability To Climate Change: A Case Study Of CAREC Member Countries, Migration Letters, Vol 21 (14), 2024, pp 702-706. (Second author). HEC Category X.
• Strategic Communication in Pakistan: Synergizing Policy Framework for National Security, Journal of Public Policy Practitioners, Vol 3 (1), 2024, pp 71-91. HEC Category Y.
• Afghanistan Conundrum: Role of International Humanitarian Organizations for Regional Security and Repercussions for Pakistan, Journal of Politics and International Studies, Vol 9 (1), 2023, pp 1-14. HEC Category Y.
• Socio Economic Impacts of Floods: A Case Study of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa From 2010 to 2022, Migration Letters, Vol 19 (8), 2022, pp 1855-1870. (Second author). HEC Category X.
• Harnessing Regional Connectivity Potential Through BRI: A Case Study on China, Pakistan and Turkiye Connectivity, Competitive Social Sciences Research Journal, Vol 3 (1), 2022, pp 639-656. (Second author). HEC Category Y.
• Great Power Rivalry in Indo Pacific: Implications for Pakistan, Strategic Studies, Vol 41 (4), 2021, pp 56-75. HEC Category Y.
• Pakistan’s Water Crisis and Indus River System: Revisiting National Security, Journal of Political Studies, Vol 26 (2), 2019, pp 149-171. HEC Category Y.
• Role and Significance of Senate in the Federation of Pakistan: An Analysis Before and After 18th Amendment to The Constitution of 1973, Margalla Papers, Vol XXI, 2017, pp 19-32. Co-authored with Prof. Dr. Umbreen Javaid. HEC Category X.
• China-Central Asia Relations: A Socio-Economic and Security Analysis of Bilateral Ties, Journal of Political Studies, Vol 23(1), 2016, pp 49-62. Co-authored with Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid and Dr. Rehana Saeed Hashmi. HEC Category X.
• Indian Ocean: A Potential Prospective Theatre of Conflict between Pakistan and India, Journal of Research Society of Pakistan, Vol 52(2), 2015, pp 57-69. Co-authored with Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid. HEC Category X.
• Water scarcity in South Asia: A potential conflict of future decades, Journal of Political Studies, Vol 21(I), 2014, pp 259-280. Co-authored with Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid and Asiya Mukhtar. HEC Category X.

Other Publications

• Abraham Accords, Indo-Pacific Accord and the US-Led Nexus of Curtailment: Threat to Regional Security, and Joint Counter Strategy, Policy Perspectives, Vol 18 (1), 2021, pp 25-52. Co-authored with Shabana Syed.
• Pak-US Relations post 9/11: Impact of Aid, Irritants and Regimes in Pakistan (2001–2013), Journal of Politics and International Studies, Vol 1(1), 2015, pp 14-23.

International Publications

• Place and Role of Pakistan in Global and Regional Affairs, Eastern Analytics, Vol 13 (4), 2022, pp 86-98.

Research Papers/Chapters in Books

• Water Governance in South Asia: A Case of Cooperation, in South Asia: Peaceful Coexistence through Economic Cooperation, India Study Center, Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, 2023. Edited by Dr. Arshad Ali. ISSI Publishers.
• Internal and External Challenges to Pakistan’s National Security: Restraints within Society and System for the Development of National Consensus and Security, in Revisiting Pakistan’s National Security Dilemma, 2016. Edited by Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid, pp 140-159.

Publications in Conference Proceedings

• Energy Cooperation: A Long-Term Framework of Inter-Regional Cooperation Between Central Asia and South Asia, Proceedings of International Conference on Inter-Regional Connectivity: South Asia and Central Asia, Government College University, Lahore, November 9–11, 2017.
• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: A Vital Component of Emerging Strategic Significance of Indian Ocean, Proceedings of International Conference on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Government College University, Lahore, December 9–10, 2015.

Editorial Contributions – South Asian Voices, Stimson Center, USA

• Police Restructuring: An Unfinished Agenda of Counterterrorism in Pakistan – April 21, 2017
• Messy and Hidden Urbanization: A Security Challenge for Pakistan – August 24, 2016
• Nuclearization of Indian Ocean: A Security Dilemma – December 9, 2015
• Iran Nuclear Deal: Security Risks for the Region – October 9, 2015
• Iran Nuclear Deal: Prospects for the Regional Trade – September 22, 2015
• National Security Policy in India and Pakistan – September 11, 2015
• Water Governance: Fundamental Factor of Water Woes in South Asia – September 3, 2015
• Mounting Threat of Urban Security in South Asia – July 30, 2015
• Energy Crisis in South Asia: A Matter of Regional Cooperation – July 24, 2015
• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor – A Gateway to Regional Economic Integration – July 13, 2015
• Quest for Power in Indian Ocean – June 8, 2015

• 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.

• Faculty Development Program, Lahore Garrison University. (A one-month training program for faculty according to HEC requirement) - 2022
• Face to Face Training, O Level Pakistan Studies (2059), by Cambridge International Education Assessment held at Royal Palm Golf and Country Club Lahore on August 18-19, 2018.
• Face to Face Training, O Level Pakistan Studies (2059), by Cambridge International Education Assessment held at Royal Palm Golf and Country Club Lahore - 2016

• Email Address: zainab.ahmed@bnu.edu.pk