Former Members

Orya Maqbool Jan

orya_maqbOrya Maqbool Jan is presently working as Director General, Sustainable Development of the Walled City Project in Lahore after having served  in various important positions including  Executive Director ECO, Cultural Institute Tehran and Information Secretary to the Punjab Government. He is a renowned intellectual and has been regularly contributing in the field of literature, poetry and play writing along with his professional assignments in Teaching, Management, Policy Making, and Administrative areas during his distinguished career. He also regularly contributes to the National Media and  has received numerous national awards, including the best Urdu columnist in 2004.

Tanvir Ahmad Khan

Tanvir Ahmad KhanTanvir Ahmad Khan is a former career diplomat who rose to the position of Foreign Secretary of the Government of Pakistan. During his distinguished career he served as ambassador to a number of countries including France, Russian Federation, Bangladesh, Czechoslovakia and Iran, and as the non-resident ambassador to Ireland and Finland. Before he served as ambassador, he also held senior positions in London, UK,  Bonn, West Germany and Kabul, Afghanistan. Tanvir Ahmad Khan has also served as the Director General and Chairman of the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad. He is a regular contributor to the National and International media and has to his credit over 500 articles published in newspapers and journals.

Dr. Anwar Siddiqui

Dr. Anwar Siddiqui is the President of International Islamic University Islamabad. After completing his doctorate from the University of South California, he has held several key positions in research, educational and training institutions at home and abroad. He has authored two books on Management and has contributed in standard journals through a number of research articles.

Asad Durrani

Asad DurraniMr. Asad Durrani is leading security and defence analyst and commentator on regional and international military and humanitarian issues. He has held key positions in Pakistan Army including director generalship of Military Intelligence (MI) and Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and command of National Defence College. After his retirement from Army he was appointed ambassador of Pakistan to the Federal Republic of Germany and later to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Professor Fateh Muhammad Malik is one of the most prominent literary figures of the country. He carries 44 years teaching and research experience and has taught at Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad; Columbia University, New York; University of Heidelberg and Humboldt University, Berlin Germany and Saint Petersburg University, Russia. Currently he is Chairman of National Language Authority which is an autonomous institution established to support the advancement and promotion of Urdu. He has authored and edited a number of books and research articles. He is member of advisory and governing boards of a number of educational and literary organizations and universities. He has been awarded with star of excellence (Sitara-e-Imtiaz) by the Government of Pakistan in recognition of his services in the field of literature.

Mufti Ghulam-ur-Rahman

Mufti Ghulam-ur-Rahman is leading religious scholar and academician. He is widely respected for his sound and well-grounded opinions on traditional and contemporary debates. Besides imparting religious knowledge and disseminating virtues among public he has held various positions in advisory and consultative capacity. He has served as the Chairman of Council for Enforcement of Shariah established by provincial government of NWFP and Chairman of NWFP Commission for Higher Education. He is member of Shariah Supervisory Board of The Bank of Khyber and Editor of Monthly Al-Asr.

Iftikhar Arif

Iftekhar ArifMr. Iftikhar Arif is leading scholar, renowned poet and intellectual. He is  former Chairman of Pakistan Academy of Letters and has also served actively in the official endeavors for promotion of culture and literature. His poetic works have been widely published and portions have been translated into English, Russian, German, Persian, Hindi and other languages. He has been decorated with Crescent of Distinction (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) and Star of Excellence (Sitara-e-Imtiaz) and presidential Pride of Performance awards. A number of theses have also been written on his poetry and personality by post-graduate students in various universities of Pakistan.

Dr. Mahmood-ul-Hassan Butt

Dr. Mahmood-ul-Hassan Butt is the Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, which is one of the mega universities of the world. Previously he has served in different administrative and academic positions at home and abroad, including Eastern Illinois University, Indiana University and Rockford College, USA. He has a number of research articles on the art of curriculum development, training and educational management. He has presented papers in national and international educational conferences and seminars.

Muhammad Akram Sheikh

Mr. Muhammad Akram SheikhMr. Muhammad Akram Sheikh is Senior Advocate of Supreme Court of Pakistan. While he has contested many cases which have caused major improvements in various areas of law, he has also been vocal on national and international forums for human rights, independence of judiciary and rule of law. He has been giving lectures and contributing in the press over complex legal issues. In recognition of his services he had been elected President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and currently he is member of Pakistan Bar Council. He has also held the position of Ambassador at large (with the status of federal minister) and Roving Ambassador of Pakistan. He has represented Pakistan in the United Nations Human Rights sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination & Protection of Minorities. He has been associated with leading national and international organizations and has participated in numerous international conferences and seminars.

Dr. S. M. Zaman

Dr.S.M.ZamanDr. S. M. Zaman is a prominent scholar, historian and social reformer. He is former Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology, which is a constitutional body that provides advisory to the legislature over issues pertaining to Islamic Law. He has also headed National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research and Director General of Islamic Research Institute of International Islamic University Islamabad. He has authored and edited a number of books and research papers on education, socio-cultural history and various topics of Islam and Muslim society. He been member of several literary and research organizations and has organized and participated in several national and international conferences. He has also supervised numerous theses for the award of M.Phil and PhD Degrees.

Dr. Saeeda Asadullah

Dr. Saeeda Asadullah is Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawlapindi and expert of English literature. She has critically analyzed classical and modern works in English literature and has many publications and research papers to her credit. Her contribution in curriculum development and teaching methodology has earned her membership of leading national and international educational and literary organizations. She is also instrumental in highlighting problems of women and finding their solutions through practical efforts.
Dr. Safdar Mahmood is historian and leading political analyst. He has received Pride of Performance for his outstanding contributions in the field of history along with a number of other prizes and awards. His more than one dozen books have been favorably reviewed by Pakistani and foreign press and are widely quoted by foreign and Pakistani authors and research scholars. Some of his books have also been translated into German, Chinese, Bengali, Uzbek and Sindhi languages. His research articles are published in journals and magazines of international repute. He has also served at different administrative and posts as member of Central Superior Services, Government of Pakistan.

Tariq Fatemi

Mr. Tariq Fatemi is an eminent analyst and expert on international relations and strategic issues. Mr. Fatemi is a former ambassador and has held various diplomatic assignments in Pakistan missions abroad. He has served as high commissioner of Pakistan in United States, Jordan, Belgium, European Union, Luxembourg and Zimbabwe. He remained incharge of Defence, Defence Production, Atomic Energy Programs and Foreign Affairs in the office of Prime Minister. He was a delegate to UN General Assembly Sessions from 1982 to 1986 and also attended numerous meetings of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). Currently he is member of teaching faculty of Pakistan Foreign Service Academy and delivers lectures at the National Defence College, Administrative Staff College and other institutions. He frequently shares his views through his articles and talks on T.V. and radio programs on national security issues.

Dr. Iffat Dar

Dr. Iffat Dar is former Chief Psychologist of Federal Public Service Commission of Government of Pakistan and renowned psychologist and educationist. Mrs. Dar received her Masters Degree in Psychological Foundations of Education with emphasis on Psychological and Educational Measurement from Columbia University, New York and her Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from the University of Minnesota, U.S.A. She has been associated with various educational and research organizations in Pakistan and abroad as consultant, advisor, teacher and member of academic and administrative bodies. Presently she is associated with National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad and Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi as visiting professor.

Akbar Saeed Awan

akbar saeedMajor General (r) Akbar Saeed Awan is a veteran professional and academician who has served on key positions in various prestigious technical and academic institutions of Pakistan. A graduate from University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, he was commissioned in the corps of electrical and mechanical engineers. He then received Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in War Studies from Command and Staff College, Quetta and completed his Master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad.
He has served in a number of higher educational institutions of Pakistan in pivotal positions such as head, Command College of Electrical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, principal, Wah Engineering College, University of Wah, chief instructor, College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Rawalpindi, and director general, National Institute of Management and Pakistan Rural Development Academy, Peshawar.His other notable national level positions include director general, Corps of Mechanical Engineering at GHQ, director general, Inspection of Technical Development (ITD), GHQ, chief scientist and scientific advisor, Ministry of Defence, commandant, 502 Central Workshop, Rawalpindi, and chief biomedical engineer, Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC). He has also carried out several other assignments in different capacities within the country as well as abroad.
His special areas of interest are engineering education management, research and development in defence technology, national security in internal and external domain and different aspects of national development.

Rafique Ahmad

Dr. Rafiq AhmedProfessor Dr. Rafique Ahmad is former Vice Chancellor of the Universities of Punjab and Bahawlapur. He is a celebrated economist and carries over thirty five years experience of postgraduate teaching and research in Pakistan and abroad. He received his D.Phil Degree from University of Oxford, England. Dr. Ahmad has authored or co-authored seven books on economy of Pakistan and Islamic economics. He has also contributed more than fifty research articles in various national and international journals. He is Chief Editor of Economic Insight and Vice Chairman of Nazaria-i-Pakistan Trust. He is member of Boards of Governors of several universities and research institutions and member of professional bodies including American Economic Association and Royal Economic Society London.

Riaz Hussain Najafi

Allama Riaz Hussain NajafiAllama Riaz Hussain Najafi is one of the most prominent Muslim scholars and researchers. He is principal of famous alma mater of Shia sect Jamia-tul-Muntazir Lahore and has been teaching at the highest level of Islamic studies. He is also President of Federation of Shia Seminaries (Wifaq-ul-Madaris Al-Shia). He has authored many books and participated in a number of national and international conferences. His persistent efforts for the promotion of unity and harmony among Muslims have received acclaim from all sections of Pakistani society.

Muhammad Said

Muhammad SaidMuhammad SaidProfessor Dr. Muhammad Said is member of the Senate of Pakistan. He holds a PhD in Geography from Sheffield University UK and is among famous experts of geography in the country. He carries vast academic and administrative experience and has undertaken a number of research projects and professional expeditions. He has also remained Chief Editor of Journal of Science and Technology of the university of Peshawar and research journal Extension Lectures, Peshawar. He has more than thirty publications to his credit.

S.M. Zafar

S.M.ZafarMr. S.M. Zafar is a human rights activist, noted lawyer, politician and member of the Senate of Pakistan. He has served as a judge of the high court and as Pakistan’s minister for law and parliamentary affairs. He is chancellor of Hamdard University and Chairman of Human Rights Society of Pakistan. His efforts for recognition and promotion of human rights and fair practices have attained him acclaim and acknowledgment on national and international levels. In his capacity as an attorney, Mr. Zafar has been involved in some of the most important cases of country’s legal history. He is considered an authority on legal and constitutional issues and his opinions are quoted in national and international press. He is also the chairman of Cultural Association of Pakistan.

Zahid Malik (Late)

Zahid MalikZahid Malik retired as a Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan. Having done Masters in Mass Communications in 1960 and on the back of a rich experience he gained during his civil services, he launched his own publication house in 1978. He was the editor-in-chief and publisher of the prestigious English newspaper, Pakistan Observer – mainly published from Islamabad. Malik authored over a dozen books and written over 2000 articles and comments. He also delivered over 100 lectures abroad on varied subjects to a wide range of audience. His publication on Public Relations was awarded with Writers Guild first prize in 1979 and is being taught in Mass Communication Departments of various universities in Pakistan. He also served as a chairman of Nazariya Pakistan Council (NPC) and International Seerat Center, a forum for the projection of teachings of the last prophet (PBUH). In recognition of his journalistic practices and his monumental work promoting the ideology of Pakistan’s, he was conferred for the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz. He met his creator on September 1, 2016.

Akram Zaki (Late)

akram_zak_1Mr. Akram Zaki was former Senator and Chairman of Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and distinguished career diplomat. He served as Pakistan’s ambassador to China, USA, Nigeria and Philippines and rose to the position of secretary general with the rank of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. He represented Pakistan at various international organizations and conferences and dialogues including United Nations’ General Assembly, UN Human Rights Commission, Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Asian Development Bank and UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). At the time of his demise, he was currently associated with a number of research and social organizations and regularly contributed on regional and international political and security-related debates. The former ambassador breadth his last on November 30, 2017.

Hasan Sohaib Murad (Late)

Dr. Hasan Sohaib Murad was Rector of University of Management and Technology (UMT) and Chairman of Association of Management Development Institutions in Pakistan. He was renowned educationist and has developed and taught courses in the field of management and leadership. He has conducted several workshops and presented several papers in national and international conferences and symposia. His research articles have appeared in journals of national and international repute.

Ehsan-ul-Haq

General (retd) Ehsan-ul-Haq is a former chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee(JCSC) of Pakistan.
After his retirement, in 2007, General (retd) Ehsan has been engaged in number of corporate, intellectual and humanitarian activities. He is also a frequent speaker in international forums, reputed think tanks and universities on geopolitical, defence and security issues.
In recognition of his meritorious services, he was awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) by the Government of Pakistan.
He is also the recipient of Chevalier de la Legion d’ Honneur from the French Government and the King Abdul Aziz Medal of Excellence from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Javeid Iqbal

javaid iqbalProf. Dr. Javeid Iqbal is a sitting vice chancellor of the University of Balochistan. Earlier, he has also served as dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Karachi after teaching the subjects of pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, pharmacology and microbiology as lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor and professor for almost 20 years.Academically, he possesses a Ph.D and M. Pharmacy degrees awarded by University of the Punjab, Lahore. He has published a number of research articles to date which were based on his extensive studies. He also supervises M.Phil. and Ph.D. scholars in his area of specialization.Prof. Dr. Javeid Iqbal has also been associated with various institutions and organization in different capacities and has participated in a number of seminars and workshops across Pakistan.

Zahid-ur-Rashdi

Maulana Zahid-ur-Rashdi is a leading scholar of Islam and principal of a major religious education institution in Gujranwala, Punjab. He is widely known and greatly respected for his undaunted efforts for promoting human rights and reforming social trends through his columns, articles, lectures and dialogue. He is Editor of Monthly Al-Shariah and Director General of Al-Shariah Academy, which conducts research and analyses contemporary national, international and social issues in Islamic context. He has attended a number of seminars, roundtables and conferences in Pakistan and abroad.

Rustam Shah Mohmand

Rustam Shah Mohmand is specialist of Afghanistan and Central Asian affairs and a renowned security analyst. He has served as High Commissioner of Pakistan to Afghanistan and has held position of Chief Commissioner Refugees for around ten years.

Saeed Ahmad Qureshi

Saeed AhmedSaeed Ahmad Qureshi retired as vice chairman, Planning Commission of Pakistan in 1994. Earlier he also served in several key government positions including secretary general, Finance and Revenue of Pakistan, federal secretary for Finance Division of Pakistan, Ministry of Commerce, Economic Affairs Division, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Food and Agriculture, managing director, Tourism Development Corporation, chief secretary, Govt of Sind and joint secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan.
Post his retirement, the senior bureaucrat, who is also an author of seven publications on the topics of development planning, agriculture growth, educational development, privatization and economic policy, rural finance and poverty alleviation, has been constantly engaged in various national and international assignments with renowned organizations like World Bank, UNDP, UNFP, and Asian Development Bank.

Sarah Safdar

sarah safdarProf. Dr. Sarah Safdar is a member of Public Service Commission of Pakistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the past, she has served in several key academic positions including professor and dean, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Iqra National University, Peshawar, professor and dean, Department of Social Sciences, University of Peshawar and acting dean, Department of Arts and Humanities, University of Peshawar.Dr. Sarah Safdar has also been involved in various other important roles in various institutions around the world such as senator, University of Peshawar, member of finance committee, University of Peshawar, member of the ‘Committee for Development of Social Sciences and Humanities in Pakistan’, Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, member of the Syndicate, Women University, Peshawar, research fellow, Department of Anthropology, Durham University, UK, member of national group of experts on aging, Federal Ministry of Women Development, Social Welfare and Spacial Education, Islamabad, member of the syndicate, Agriculture University, Peshawar, member of the board of studies, Faculty of Seerat and Islamic Studies, member of the South Asian Research Network (SARN), member of board of governors, Edwards College, Peshawar Cantt., member of the Syndicate, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Dir, member of National Commission for Minorities, Government of Pakistan, member of research board of advisors, American Biographical Institute, North Carolina, visiting professor series on ‘Community Development in Pakistan’, Department of Social Work Education in South Asia Pacific Region and visiting professor, School of Social Work and Department of Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.Academically, she holds a Ph.D. degree in sociology and a Master’s in social work. She is also an HEC approved supervisor for Ph.D. and M.Phil. dissertations and her supervision and co-supervision in this capacity has produced 5 Ph.D. and 5 M.Phil. scholars alongside over 350 postgraduates.She is the author of four publications on the topics pertaining to social work and has also penned down a number of articles majorly on the similar subjects.The long list of national and international awards she has received as an acknowledgment of her work is a testament of her intellectuality, professional excellence and accomplishment.

Masud Daher