National Dialogue Forum

The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, under the leadership of Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, in collaboration with support from the National Dialogue Forum (NDF), has formally launched the Peace & Development Unit (PDU)—a national platform aimed at integrating peacebuilding, inclusion, P/CVE, and conflict-sensitive approaches into Pakistan’s development planning. The launch ceremony brought together senior government officials, researchers, development partners, and stakeholders from across the country, reflecting a growing national consensus that development must do more than deliver infrastructure—it must actively contribute to stability, trust, and social cohesion. The establishment of the PDU builds on the non-kinetic pillars of National Action Plan (NAP) 2.0, drawing extensively on evidence, learning, and practice generated through The Asia Foundation and NDF’s flagship initiative, Promoting Social Cohesion in Punjab (PSCP). These experiences have consistently demonstrated that peace dividends emerge when development is inclusive, context-sensitive, and grounded in local realities. With a mandate spanning data-driven research, policy review, and the scaling of proven peacebuilding and P/CVE models, the PDU is positioned to play a transformative role in ensuring that development policies strengthen social cohesion, address inequalities, and contribute to long-term national stability. By embedding conflict-sensitive planning within the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), the Unit reframes development as a deliberate non-kinetic instrument of peace rather than a neutral expenditure exercise. In his opening remarks, Dr. Adnan Rafiq, Member (Governance, Innovation & Reforms), outlined the vision, mandate, and institutional role of the PDU in aligning peacebuilding principles with national development priorities. The launch was followed by two high-level panel discussions involving senior government officials, development practitioners, academics, and religious leaders, highlighting both Pakistan’s evolving peace and development challenges and the persistent gap between policy intent and implementation. The establishment of the Peace & Development Unit marks an important evolution in Pakistan’s development paradigm. It reflects a growing recognition that peace, cohesion, and development are inseparable—and that planning for one without the others is no longer viable. At National Dialogue Forum, we are proud that the evidence, learning, and practice generated through the Promoting Social Cohesion in Punjab (PSCP) initiative have informed the design and mandate of the Peace & Development Unit. We also supported the launch of the Unit in collaboration with the PSCP project, contributing to a national process that seeks to embed peacebuilding principles into development planning and translate community-level insights into sustainable public policy. @PlanComPakistan @betterpakistan @alibabakhel @NACTAPK

As we celebrate this joyous occasion of Eid, we extend our heartfelt greetings to all. At NDF, we remain committed to fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and building bridges across divides. May this Eid inspire renewed hope, strengthen our shared humanity, and bring peace and prosperity to Pakistan and beyond. Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones.

As the holy month of Ramadan begins today, Team NDF extends our warmest wishes to our community, colleagues, partners & friends. May this sacred time bring you peace, reflection, and countless blessings. Ramadan Mubarak! 🌙🕌✨

Had an engaging meeting with Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik. Mr. Oliver Stople, UNODC Regional Representative for Pakistan, Central Asia, Iran & Afghanistan, called on him at the Ministry of Law & Justice. The meeting featured an in-depth briefing on UNODC’s ongoing and upcoming programmes designed to support Pakistan’s justice sector. Mr. Oliver has accompanied by UNODC Pakistan Representative Mr. Troels Vester. We discussed areas of cooperation, including institutional strengthening, capacity-building initiatives, legal reform priorities, and mechanisms to enhance the efficiency and transparency of justice delivery across the country. @UNODCPakistan @troels_vester @BrAqeelMalik

It was a pleasure to meet the senior leadership of Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, led by Minister of State Mr. Talal Chaudhry, together with Special Secretary Mr. Dawood Muhammad Barech, Additional Secretary Mr. Salman Chaudhry, ANF representatives and other senior law-enforcement officials. Mr. Oliver Stolpe, UNODC Regional Representative, called on Minister of State for Interior Mr. Talal Chaudhry to discuss strengthened cooperation on migrant smuggling, human trafficking, counter-terrorism, drugs & narcotics control, and preventing violent extremism. Joined by UNODC Pakistan Rep Mr. Troels Vester & Senior Advisor Mr. Arsalan Malik. Special thanks to the entire Ministry of Interior team for their unwavering commitment and exemplary partnership. United in purpose, we continue to advance tangible progress toward a safer and more secure region for all. UNODC UNODC Border Management @oliverstolpe @troels_vester @Arsalan88Malik @UNODCPakistan @MOIPakistan @anfpak @NCCIAOFFICIAL @NACTAPK @ForeignOfficePk

The Final SIGAR Report (Dec 2025) is out. Chapter 3 reveals that over $38 billion in U.S. military equipment and infrastructure was left behind in Afghanistan after the 2021 withdrawal. Key military assets included: •96,000 ground vehicles (incl. 23,825 Humvees and ~900 armored vehicles) •162 aircraft •427,300 weapons •17,400 night-vision devices The U.S. also built 400 military facilities worth $4.7bn, many later deemed unnecessary or unsustainable. SIGAR estimates $26–29.2bn was lost to waste, fraud, and abuse, driven by weak oversight and “ghost” personnel—despite $4.6bn in recovered savings. 📊 Infographic by National Dialogue Forum (NDF) 📍 Source: SIGAR Final Report, December 2025

As we bid farewell to 2025, Team NDF wishes you a joyous New Year! May 2026 bring renewed hope for lasting peace, dialogue, and collaborative conflict resolution. Thank you for your support in pursuing justice, equality, and harmony—we're committed to advancing these together. Happy New Year! Team NDF

Attended a productive meeting today at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat of Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Mr. Rana Mashood, with UNODC Country Director Troels Vester and Deputy Country Director Arsalan Malik. The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration in critical areas impacting youth and society, including: 🔹 Human trafficking & illegal migration 🔹 Drug prevention and rehabilitation 🔹 Anti-corruption, integrity, and good governance 🔹 Prevention of violent extremism 🔹 Cybercrime prevention 🔹 Recruitment through online gaming platforms Encouraging alignment on youth-focused, evidence-based approaches to address emerging threats and build resilient communities. @ranamashhood @PakPMO @PMsYouthProgram @NDF_Pak

@MarkeyDaniel @ethrelkeld @asfandyarmir @clary_co

National Dialogue Forum had the privilege of hosting Dr. Daniel Markey, Senior Fellow for South Asia & China programs at @StimsonCenter , for an engaging roundtable discussion yesterday in Islamabad. The discussion delved into critical geopolitical dynamics in the region, with a particular emphasis on Pakistan’s perspective on China-Afghanistan relations, the China-Pakistan-Afghanistan triangle, and the broader China-US-Afghanistan-Pakistan dynamic. Diverse stakeholders attended, including representatives from the Military, Navy, Air Force, Academia, the diplomatic community, security analysts, and journalists, enriching the conversation with multifaceted viewpoints. At the National Dialogue Forum (NDF), our mission is to promote informed, inclusive, and solutions-oriented conversations on the issues that shape Pakistan’s future. We believe that platforms like this—where scholars, practitioners, and policy thinkers gather—help us understand complexity, challenge assumptions, and build pathways toward more stable and peaceful regional dynamics. Grateful to all who joined and provided insightful comments. @OtherImranKhan @IftikharFirdous @Qamarcheema

Spoke as Chief Guest at @ISSIslamabad on launching of edited volume by @CAMEA_ISSI on transnational terrorism A genuinely international book with unusual insights & viewpoints, with much relevance to Pakistan's current challenges

Honoured to have former Minister Honourable Khurram Dastgir Khan as Chief Guest at the launch of #ISSI’s latest book, “Crossroads of Conflict: Transnational Terrorism from Afghanistan to Africa.” Piloted by #CAMEA, the book contains insightful chapters from scholars and experts from 🇵🇰& 🌍evaluating transnational terrorism in multiple geographies. Eminent speakers laud the volume as timely, evidence-based analysis on the evolving landscape of terrorism across regions and ways to address the menace. Book described as a significant contribution.

Thrilled to share my chapter “The Recalibrated Emirate: ISKP’s Resurgence in the Shadow of the Taliban” in ISSI’s latest book, Crossroads of Conflict: Transnational Terrorism from Afghanistan to Africa, piloted by CAMEA. My chapter examines how ISKP has transformed since August 2021 into the most adaptive and externally-oriented jihadist threat in the region—leveraging Taliban governance gaps, sectarian vulnerabilities, and regional fault lines to expand its operational reach from Afghanistan into Pakistan, Iran, Russia, and beyond. Honoured to have Former Defence Minister Honourable Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan (@kdastgirkhan) as Chief Guest at the launch. The volume brings together leading scholars and experts from around the world to assess transnational terrorism across multiple regions. Eminent speakers praised the publication as a timely, evidence-based contribution to understanding the evolving landscape of terrorism and the approaches required to address this growing global challenge. Grateful to ISSI, CAMEA, and the editorial team for producing what has already been described as a significant contribution to contemporary counter-terrorism scholarship. Highly recommended for policymakers, researchers and anyone following the shifting dynamics of militant organizations across regions. @ISSIslamabad @NDF_Pak @CAMEA_ISSI @aminabm @ambmansoorkhan @ForeignOfficePk @fayyaz_shabana @AdamNoahWho @sarahakram1

The National Dialogue Forum (NDF), in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy and the British High Commission, hosted a thought-provoking roundtable discussion on “The Psychology of Prevention: Understanding and Countering Violent Extremism” on October 20, 2025, at NDF We were honored to welcome Dr. Clark R. McCauley from Bryn MawrCollege, terrorism expert from the United States, and the Deputy Executive Director of The International Center of Excellence for Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism Hedayah - @Hedayah_CVE (Abu Dhabi) Anna Sherburn as keynote contributors. Their insights helped unpack how emotions, identity, and belonging influence radicalization — and how prevention must focus on restoring dignity, agency, and hope. The dialogue brought together experts, scholars, diplomats, and policymakers to explore how emotions, identity, and social belonging shape pathways toward — and away from — violent extremism. @KaleemImam @IftikharFirdous @IhsanTipu @OtherImranKhan @adnanrafiq @zalmayzia @khansheharyar @shariqmktweets @AbdullahKhan333 @aminabm @IRSIslamabad @JauharSaleem @AmbDrRaza @UmarRiazOficial @IIUI_OFFICIAL @IslamicIiui

Exciting News from NDF! We're thrilled to welcome Imran Khan (@OtherImranKhan) as our Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the National Dialogue Forum! With a stellar career in peacebuilding and US-Pakistan relations, Imran brings unparalleled expertise to our team. As former Country Director for the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Pakistan (2022-2025), he spearheaded transformative programs on civilian security reforms—focusing on police modernization, governance, and prevention and countering violent extremism programming—while collaborating with USAID, INL, and DRL to shape U.S. policies on conflict prevention and social development. Previously, Imran drove civil society engagement at Alif Ailaan, a DFID-backed initiative revolutionizing primary education through enrollment boosts, retention strategies, and advocacy for systemic reforms. A sought-after consultant for UNDP, DAI, WaterAid, and King's College London, he's also a Chevening Scholar (@ChevPakistan) with a Master's from The London School of Economics and Political Science (@LSEnews), a @FletcherSchool Fellow, International Visitor Leadership Program (@StateIVLP ) alumnus, and former adjunct faculty at Quaid-e-Azam University (@QAU_Official ). Based in the U.S., Imran Khan will be handling our engagements in the United States, fostering robust relationships with the U.S. intelligentsia, and connecting them with Pakistani thought leaders. His role will focus on building bridges and enhancing cooperation across various fields—spanning policy, security, economic and security cooperation, and cultural exchange—to strengthen the U.S.-Pakistan partnership and promote mutual understanding. Join us in welcoming Imran to the NDF family!

🌟 Exciting Opportunity Alert! 🌟 Join the National Dialogue Forum's Internship Program and be part of shaping a peaceful future! 💡 Are you passionate about countering violent extremism, geopolitical policies, and peacebuilding? This is your chance to engage in impactful P/CVE programming, policy research, and global dialogue! 👉 Who Can Apply? Recent University Graduates & Final Year Students 💼 Gain Experience In: Program Management, Social Media Management, Project Coordination, Research & Analysis, Event Management 🎁 Benefits: Practical experience, networking, mentorship, job opportunities, and a monthly stipend! ⏰ Application Deadline: 15 July 2025 📩 Apply now: Send your resume and cover letter to info@ndf.org.pk Don’t miss out—let’s transform communities together! #NDFInternship #Peacebuilding #PVE #Geopolitics #InternshipOpportunity #NDFPakistan

🌙✨ Eid Mubarak from Team NDF! ✨🌙 As we celebrate this blessed occasion, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May this Eid bring peace, joy, and renewed hope to all communities. At the National Dialogue Forum, we remain committed to building a just, inclusive, and compassionate society — values that resonate deeply with the spirit of Eid. Let us continue to work together for a future where every voice is heard, and every individual thrives.

Team NDF had a fruitful meeting with the Chairman Prime Minister's Youth Programme, Mr. (@ranamashhood) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and his dynamic team spearheading the Prime Minister's Youth Programme. (@PMsYouthProgram) We explored meaningful avenues for collaboration between the PMYP and the initiatives led by National Dialogue Forum (@NDF_Pak) (NDF), especially in the areas of youth empowerment and Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE). A key highlight of our discussion was the upcoming National Adolescent and Youth Policy 2025, and how we can align our efforts to ensure it truly reflects the voices and aspirations of young people across Pakistan. #YouthEmpowerment #PMYouthProgram #CVE #PVE

🌙✨ Eid Mubarak to all! ✨🌙 May this blessed day bring peace, joy, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. As we celebrate Eid, let’s reflect on the strength of our community, the beauty of togetherness, and the power of kindness and compassion. 💫 #EidMubarak #EidUlFitr #Eid2025

On behalf of Team NDF, we extend our sincere greetings to the people of Pakistan on this 23rd of March, Pakistan Day. This historic day recalls the Lahore Resolution of 1940, which laid the foundation for our nation’s sovereignty. We celebrate the unity, perseverance, and aspiration that continue to define Pakistan’s legacy. May this occasion inspire us all to work collectively toward a brighter, stronger future. Happy Pakistan Day from Team NDF!