Mentors From Pakistan
Amb Mansoor Ahmed Khan
Director of the BNU Center for Policy Research.
Amb Abrar Hussain
Vice Chairman-Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)
Amb Ghalib Iqbal
former Ambassador
Amb Ayaz Wazir
Former Pakistani diplomat
Senator Sitara Ayaz
Secretary General of the IPC
Dr Shabana Fayaz
Chairperson-DSS, QAU
Dr Salma Malik
Associate Professor-DSS, QAU
Dr Syed Tahir Hijazi
VC-Muslim Youth University
Dr Lutf ur Rehman
Academic & Regional Security Expert
Dr Sadia Sulaiman Bukhari
Assistant Professor,QAU
Sami Yousafzai
Afghan journalist and war reporter
Mujtaba Haider Imran
Founding President of Pakistan Relief IDEA.
Fajer Rabia Pasha
Executive Director (PAGE)
Mentors From Afghanistan
Khan Jan Alokzay
Vice Chairman-Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce
Naqibullah Safi
Executive Director of PAJCCI,
Haroon Zakhilwal
Head of Media & Public Relations for Hizb-e-Islami
Abdul Basir Sabawoon
Presidential Advisor.
Abdul Latif Nazari
Deputy Minister of Economy of Afghanistan
Obaidullah Baheer
Afghan academic, lecturer, and activist
Wahid Rahimdil
Afghan academic and media commentator
Dr Zia ur Rehman
clinical pharmacy expert
Wahidullah Ghazikhail
Afghan political analyst
Hidayat Jan Tanai
Founder ASSHO
Mentor in Chief
Amb Mohammad Sadiq
Mohammad Sadiq is a seasoned career diplomat currently serving as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan. Previously, he was the official Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. He holds a Master’s in Political Science from Peshawar University (1980), a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University, New York (1992), and an MS in Defence and Security Studies from National Defence University, Islamabad.
He has held senior positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington D.C. (joined in 2002), Political Counsellor in Beijing (1998–2000), Brussels (1994–1998), and Second Secretary in Belgrade (1984–1988). At the Foreign Office, he served as Director for Kashmir Affairs (2001–2002), Commonwealth of Independent States (1993–1994), and Administration (1989–1990).
Ambassador Sadiq has represented Pakistan at numerous international conferences and was part of the UN Election Observer Team in South Africa’s historic elections ending apartheid. He is a frequent speaker on topics such as human rights, peace and security in South Asia, US-Pakistan relations, and Pakistan’s economic development at prestigious institutions worldwide, including Université Libre de Bruxelles, National Defence University (Washington D.C.), and Johns Hopkins University.
He has actively engaged overseas Pakistanis, developing databases, electronic communication systems, and encouraging greater community involvement. While in Washington, D.C., he launched Pakistan’s first government internship program, compiled the first email database of overseas Pakistanis, helped establish the Pakistan Caucus in the US Congress, and conducted a demographic study of Pakistani Americans. In addition to his diplomatic career, he writes extensively on international relations.
Mentors From Afghanistan
1.Khan Jan Alokzay
Ex-Governor of Helmand
Khan Jan Alokozay hails from Kunar Province, Afghanistan. He has served as Governor of Helmand province and has also held the roles of Acting Chairman and First Vice Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment. Currently, Mr. Alokozay serves as the Vice Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is also the Co-President, as well as Founder, of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
2.Naqibullah Safi
Ex-Governor of Helmand
Naqibullah Safi is the Executive Director of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) in Kabul. In this role, he works to strengthen economic cooperation and promote cross-border trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan. With extensive experience in trade facilitation and private sector development, Safi has led various initiatives to enhance regional connectivity, support business communities, and address challenges faced by traders and entrepreneurs. His leadership focuses on building partnerships, fostering dialogue, and creating a more enabling environment for economic growth in the region. He remains dedicated to advancing economic collaboration and contributing to sustainable development in Afghanistan and the broader region.
3.Haroon Zakhilwal
Head Media & PR Hizb-e-Islami
Haroon Zakhilwal serves as Head of Media & Public Relations for Hizb-e-Islami, where he leads communication strategy and media engagement. He plays a key role in representing the party’s positions on national and international platforms.
4. Abdul Basir Sabawoon
Academic, Policy Maker & Bureaucrat
Abdul Basir Sabawoon is a distinguished Afghan political and public figure known for his decades-long service to Afghanistan. An ethnic Pashtun, he played a prominent role in Afghanistan’s national efforts during the 1980s. Initially affiliated with Hezbi Islami Gulbuddin, he later joined the Northern Alliance in 1996, contributing to national unity and political cooperation.
He served as Finance Minister and briefly as Defense Minister during the mujahideen period. In 2003, he was appointed as an advisor on tribal and social affairs to President Hamid Karzai, reflecting his trusted role in state-building. In 2010, he continued his active public service despite sustaining injuries in an attack, receiving medical care in Kabul and Turkey. He also played a key role in President Ashraf Ghani’s 2014 campaign and served as a senior presidential advisor.
Beyond politics, Sabawoon is an accomplished author, having written books in Pashto and Dari on democracy, national unity, political parties, human rights, and Afghan leadership.
Separately, another individual named Abdul Basir is known for his humanitarian and development work in health and education, particularly focused on empowering women and girls in Afghanistan’s remote areas. Abdul Basir has collaborated with organizations such as Save the Children and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, concentrating on community development and social upliftment.
Abdul Basir Sabawoon thus stands out as a senior statesman, advisor, and scholar, while the humanitarian Abdul Basir is a dedicated development professional committed to improving lives at the community level.
5. Abdul Latif Nazari
Afghan Minister of Economy
Dr. Abdul Latif Nazari is the Deputy Minister of Economy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, appointed on December 26, 2021. A Hazara by ethnicity, he holds a PhD in Political Science or International Relations from the University of Tehran, Iran. He is the founder of Gharjistan University in Kabul and has served as a university lecturer, contributing significantly to higher education in Afghanistan.
Dr. Nazari also operated the newspaper Islahat and has led numerous training workshops on democracy, human rights, constitutional matters, and elections, actively engaging with civil society and academic networks. His appointment underscores his recognized expertise in economics and governance, as well as his commitment to broader representation within the administration.
Combining academic insight with practical leadership, Dr. Nazari plays an important role in shaping Afghanistan’s economic strategies and supporting the country’s development initiatives.
6. Obaidullah Baheer,
Obaidullah Baheer is an Afghan academic, lecturer, and activist known for his work on transitional justice and peacebuilding. He teaches Transitional Justice at the American University of Afghanistan and has served as a visiting scholar at The New School in New York. He holds a postgraduate degree in International Relations from the University of New South Wales, Australia, where his research focused on approaches to peace negotiations with the Taliban.
Baheer has delivered guest lectures at leading institutions including Oxford, the London School of Economics, the University of Sydney, and the University of Notre Dame. Following the 2021 change in Afghanistan’s political landscape, he chose to remain in Kabul and founded “Save Afghans from Hunger,” an initiative providing humanitarian assistance to thousands of families.
He regularly contributes analysis and commentary on Afghan affairs to international media outlets such as Al Jazeera, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, and The Washington Post. His work combines academic insight with practical advocacy, emphasizing inclusive governance and human rights.
Obaidullah Baheer is recognized as an emerging and influential voice in shaping Afghanistan’s discourse on peace, justice, and social resilience.
7. Wahid Rahimdil
Wahidullah Rahimdil is an Afghan academic and media commentator known for his expertise on Afghanistan’s social, cultural, and political dynamics. Fluent in Dari/Persian, Pashto, English, and Urdu, he is widely recognized for engaging with diverse audiences across Afghanistan and the region.
Often introducing himself as “Ustad” (teacher/professor), Rahimdil has appeared regularly on Afghan television channels, including Ariana Television, where he provides in-depth analysis and commentary on national and regional issues. His contributions have established him as a respected public intellectual, focusing on education and public discourse rather than holding formal government or diplomatic positions.
Active since the 2010s, Rahimdil has maintained a consistent presence in Afghan media and academic circles, addressing topics ranging from governance and society to language and cultural identity. As of July 2025, there is no public record of him holding an official government, ambassadorial, or ministerial role.
Currently, Wahidullah Rahimdil continues to use his platforms to promote informed debate and understanding of Afghanistan’s evolving landscape, contributing positively to public dialogue and education.
8. Dr Zia Afghan
Zia Ur Rehman holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) degree and an MPhil in Clinical Pharmacy, with additional specialization through a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health Diplomacy and certification in Public Health. He combines strong clinical expertise with a focus on global health policy and community health initiatives. Passionate about advancing public health outcomes, Zia integrates evidence-based pharmacy practice with health diplomacy to support healthcare systems and improve patient care at both local and international levels.
9. Wahidullah Ghazikhail
Wahidullah Ghazikhail is an Afghan political analyst based in Kabul and a member of the New National Front of Afghanistan, a political group focused on contributing to the country’s governance and future direction. Known for his deep expertise on Afghan political dynamics, Ghazikhail frequently provides thoughtful analysis on topics such as negotiations with the Taliban, evolving US policies, and regional security strategies.
He has been featured in international media, including Arab News, where he shared insights on US-Taliban discussions, and in Tolo News, where he discussed the European Union’s approach to Afghanistan. His perspectives are highly valued for their informed and balanced understanding of Afghanistan’s internal and external political landscape.
Ghazikhail remains an active and respected voice in Afghan and regional media, playing an important role in shaping discussions on the country’s political trajectory and international relations.
10. Hidayat Jan Tanai
Hidayat Jan Tanai is a peace project implementer and analyst with over seven years of experience focusing on rural peacebuilding initiatives in Afghanistan. He is the founder of the Afghanistan Solidarity for Social and Humanity Organization and serves as the Ambassador of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) to Afghanistan.
Recognized for his work in social development and human rights advocacy, Tanai engages communities in promoting peace and solidarity rather than holding a formal government office.
Mentors From Pakistan
1.Amb Mansoor Ahmed Khan
Ambassador Mansoor Ahmad Khan is a senior Pakistani diplomat with over 32 years of distinguished service in the Foreign Service of Pakistan. He has currently serving as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan since June 2020, representing the country during a pivotal period of regional transition and security challenges.
He previously served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Austria and as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna (June 2018 – August 2020), where he represented Pakistan at key international organizations, including the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Ambassador Khan also chaired the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UN CND), playing a vital role in shaping global drug policy. Earlier in his career, he advanced Pakistan’s interests in Europe and at various multilateral forums, contributing significantly to foreign policy formulation.
After retiring from diplomatic service, he became Director of the BNU Center for Policy Research (BCPR), promoting policy analysis and academic dialogue in Pakistan.
Ambassador Khan’s extensive experience and leadership in multilateral diplomacy, regional affairs, and policy research underscore his prominent role in Pakistan’s diplomatic and academic landscape.
2.Amb Abrar Hussain
Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain is a senior Pakistani diplomat, author, and former Special Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With a diplomatic career spanning over 35 years, he served in Kuwait, Jeddah, Prague, Kandahar, Beirut, and Brunei in various key positions.
He was Pakistan’s Ambassador to Nepal from 2008 to 2011, to Kuwait from 2013 to 2014, and to Afghanistan, where he initially served as Consul General in Kandahar during the Taliban era (1999–2001) and later as Ambassador in Kabul in 2014. He concluded his diplomatic service as Special Secretary in 2018.
Since 2019, he has been associated with the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) as a senior research associate and board member. In 2021, he was appointed Vice Chairman (Academics) of IPS, where he continues to contribute to policy research and academic initiatives.
3.Amb Ghalib Iqbal
Ambassador Ghalib Iqbal is a seasoned Pakistani diplomat with extensive experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. He served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to France from 2013 to 2016, where he actively represented Pakistan at major international forums, including the 2015 Climate Conference in Paris.
His earlier diplomatic assignments include postings at the High Commission of Pakistan in Ottawa, the Embassy of Pakistan in Rome, and as Consul General in Toronto. These roles deepened his expertise in international relations and consular affairs, especially in North America and Europe.
Ambassador Iqbal has also delivered lectures on Pakistan’s nuclear program and diplomatic protocol, reflecting his deep understanding of strategic and security matters. In 2016, he was considered for the position of Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, underscoring his seniority and respected standing within the diplomatic community.
His career is marked by significant contributions to strengthening Pakistan’s relations abroad and advancing the country’s interests on the global stage.
4.Amb Ayaz Wazir
Ambassador Muhammad Ayaz Wazir is a seasoned career diplomat who joined Pakistan’s Foreign Service in 1974. During his distinguished career, he served at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad and at Pakistan’s missions in Vienna, Maputo, Dubai, Riyadh, Mazar-e-Sharif, London, Manchester, and Doha.
As Director General (Afghanistan) from 1997 to 2000, he played an important role in efforts to mediate between the Taliban and the Northern Alliance. He was a member of the Prime Minister’s Mission for shuttle diplomacy aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan and took part in a joint Pakistan-Iran mission to engage with Afghan leaders in Mazar-e-Sharif and Kandahar. He also represented Pakistan in the OIC’s Committee on Afghanistan, meeting with heads of state and key leaders in the region to support peace efforts.
Ambassador Wazir has participated in numerous conferences on peace and security and has facilitated critical discussions among regional stakeholders.
Originally from Wana in South Waziristan, he holds a Bachelor’s degree from Islamia College, Peshawar; an LLB from Khyber Law College, Peshawar; and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Peshawar.
He retired in 2008 and continues to share his expertise through television appearances and opinion articles in local and international newspapers.
5. Senator Sitara Ayaz
Senator Sitara Ayaz is a prominent politician from Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, known for her work in women’s rights and social welfare. She served as a Member of the Senate of Pakistan from 2015 to 2021 on a reserved seat for women (ANP) and holds a BA from Jinnah College for Women (1990).
She was Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2008–2013), becoming the province’s first woman minister. Earlier, she led the All Pakistan Women Association (APWA), KPK (2003–2008), worked as a development consultant, and co-founded the Women Action Forum in Peshawar in 1992.
She played a key role in passing a bill against the harmful custom of ‘Ghag’ and launched various welfare and economic empowerment projects for women. She received the National Human Rights Award from the President of Pakistan for her services.
As Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, she advanced policy discussions on environmental issues. She is currently the Secretary General of the International Parliamentarians Congress.
Despite challenges, including expulsion from ANP in 2019 and resigning from the Senate in 2021 to contest elections, she remains a strong advocate for human rights and women’s leadership.
6. Dr Shabana Fayaz
Dr. Shabana Fayyaz is Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. She holds a PhD from the University of Birmingham, UK, and has over two decades of experience in teaching and research on defense, terrorism, violent extremism, and non-traditional security issues.
Her research focuses on human security dynamics in South Asia, countering strategic coercion, radicalization, and deradicalization, anti-terror legal regimes in Pakistan, the role of women in countering extremism, child militancy, CPEC security dynamics, and the impact of COVID-19 on religious narratives. She is the author of Pakistan’s Response towards Terrorism – A Case Study of Musharraf Regime (2020) and has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles nationally and internationally.
Dr. Fayyaz serves on the boards of institutions such as Fatima Jinnah Women University, National Defense University, ISSI, Pakistan House, and Terrorism Research Institute (USA). She is an alumna of the Women and Security Program at Harvard Kennedy School and has presented at over 25 international conferences.
She has been the coordinator of the Pakistan chapter of Women without Borders and remains active in regional and global women peace networks. As a visiting faculty member and guest speaker at various universities and security training institutions, she continues to mentor future leaders.
Dr. Fayyaz regularly contributes to national and international media on terrorism, security, and strategic issues and is widely recognized as a leading expert in her field, especially on gender roles in peacebuilding and counter-extremism.
7. Dr Salma Malik
Dr. Salma Malik is an Associate Professor at the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, where she also heads the Directorate of External Linkages. She holds a PhD in International Relations from QAU, with a dissertation on the impact of small arms proliferation on Pakistan’s internal security. She is an alumna of Uppsala University and the Asia Pacific Center for Strategic Studies, and was a Visiting Research Fellow at Sandia National Laboratories, USA.
Her expertise includes conflict and security studies, South Asian affairs, arms control and disarmament, military sociology, conflict management, and human security. She focuses on confidence-building measures, micro-disarmament, and regional security dynamics.
Dr. Malik previously served as Research Officer at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, and has taught at major national defense and security institutions, including National Defence University, PAF Air War College, Naval War College, and Command & Staff College Quetta.
She is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and actively engages in various regional and global forums on security and strategic affairs.
Her publications include the edited volume Pakistan’s Security Problems and Challenges in the Next Decade, policy studies on small arms and conflict trends, and numerous research articles and columns on South Asian security and conflict issues.
Currently, she continues to contribute to discussions on internal security, regional cooperation, terrorism, and arms proliferation, combining academic rigor with active policy engagement.
8.Dr Syed Tahir Hijazi
Dr. Syed Tahir Hijazi is a renowned economist and policy expert, currently Emeritus Professor at the International Islamic University Islamabad. He holds a PhD from Clark University, an MA from Boston University, and advanced degrees from Quaid-e-Azam University.
His career spans senior federal roles, including Federal Secretary in four divisions, and leadership positions such as Chair of PTCL and Vice Chairman of PTDC. He also served as Adviser and Resident Representative with the IMF in Central Asia and was Dean and Vice Chancellor at several universities.
Dr. Hijazi specializes in institutional economics, governance, development policy, and Islamic finance. He has supervised over 500 MS and 20 PhD scholars, published extensively, and contributed to national economic reforms.
A Fulbright Scholar and award recipient, he founded seven science schools for underprivileged girls in South Punjab. His work bridges academia and policy, making him a leading figure in economic and educational development in Pakistan.
9. Dr Lutfur Rehman
Dr. Lutfur Rehman is an Assistant Professor at the Muslim Youth University, Rawalpindi. He earned his MPhil (2011) and PhD (2019) in International Relations from the National Defence University, Islamabad, both with distinction.
His research focuses on international relations, geopolitics, and territorial disputes, particularly in South Asia. He is the author of Revisiting the Durand Line: Historical and Legal Perspectives (IPS Press, 2023), where he emphasizes the Durand Line as an internationally recognized border.
Dr. Rehman is an active researcher with publications and academic papers, and he contributes to documentaries and research on regional geopolitics. He maintains an engaged scholarly presence through academic platforms and policy discussions.
10.Dr Sadia Sulaiman Bukhari (QAU, ASC)
Dr. Sadia Sulaiman Bukhari is Assistant Professor and in charge at the Area Study Centre for Africa, North and South America, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. She holds a PhD from RSIS, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and is a Fulbright Fellow.
Her expertise includes post-conflict reconstruction in FATA and Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, governance reforms, security sector reforms, and Pakistan-US relations. She has worked with international organizations such as UNDP, DFID, GIZ, and served as a Senior Research Analyst at Thomson Reuters Singapore.
She co-authored a 2023 study on Pakistan-US relations after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, focusing on diplomatic and geo-economic approaches for regional stability.
Dr. Bukhari remains active in academic and policy circles, contributing to conferences, research publications, and public discourse on security and regional affairs in South Asia.
11. Sami Yousafzai
Sami Yousafzai is a veteran Afghan journalist and war correspondent, born in 1972 in Afghanistan and raised as a refugee in Peshawar, Pakistan. He studied journalism at Dawa’a al-Jihad University and began his career as a sports reporter before shifting to conflict reporting in 1997.
He has extensively covered militancy, Taliban, and al-Qaeda activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan for major outlets including Newsweek, The Daily Beast, and CBS News. Known for his fearless frontline reporting, he survived a Taliban assassination attempt in 2008 and has met Taliban leaders, including during a notable 2019 meeting in Moscow.
Despite severe threats and restrictions, Sami continues to report from Afghanistan after the Taliban’s return in 2021, documenting shrinking press freedoms and giving voice to marginalized communities.
Regarded as one of the most experienced and courageous journalists in the region, his work has appeared in major documentaries and global news programs, shaping international understanding of Afghanistan and Pakistan’s conflicts.
12. Mujtaba Haidran
Mujtaba Haider Imran, Founding President of Pakistan Relief IDEA, has dedicated over 23 years of service to non-profit management. Currently pursuing his PhD dissertation on Climate Change, he excels as a researcher, speaker, and writer. His pursuit of wisdom has taken him to esteemed institutions like Heidelberg University, Harvard University, and USIP, Washington, DC. His interests span scaling Societal and Systemic Resilience, Disaster Risk Reduction, Remote Sensing, and Emergency Communication. With expertise in post-disaster humanitarian relief and recovery, he has led missions in challenging environments both in urban and rural settings. Under his leadership, Pakistan Relief has responded to critical disasters in Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Nepal, Afghanistan, Türkiye, and other regions, including the EU and the USA.
13.Fajer Rabia Pasha
Fajer Rabia Pasha is the Executive Director of the Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education (PAGE), leading efforts to expand quality education for girls across Pakistan. Born in 1984, she began social work at 15, supporting rural women entrepreneurs. In 2000, she moved to the UK and founded Inspired Sisters in Manchester at 18 to empower ethnic minority women.
Returning to Pakistan in 2013, she launched impactful PAGE projects, including Action for Gender Equity and Socio-Economic Uplift of Displaced Afghan Women and Girls, helping over 600 Afghan children and refugee women. She established 139 Star Schools and founded Aim High, Pakistan’s first national girls’ mentoring program, advocating policy reform and economic empowerment in marginalized communities.
She received the Coat of Arms for services in the UK and Pakistan (2019), was named among Top 50 Global Influencers by eYs Magazine, won the Young Inspiring Women Award (2019), and is a Leadership Fellow at Windsor Castle.
Her initiatives have trained over 3,000 underprivileged women in digital skills and entrepreneurship. She shares her story on TEDx, challenges stereotypes, and champions women’s leadership.
She also serves as Secretary General of Hum Pakistan and sits on the board of the Pakistan Alliance for Early Childhood Education.
Fajer is widely recognized as a transformative leader in girls’ education and women’s empowerment in Pakistan and beyond.
