National Dialogue Forum

In the latest episode of Geopolitical GupShup Sheharyar Khan (@khansheharyar) talks to prominent TV analyst Absa Komal (@AbsaKomal) and discuss whether Pakistani media channels and analysts are ready to project Pakistan’s narrative globally? Is Pakistani media ready for the global stage? Can we build English channels like Al Jazeera, TRT & RT? What’s a sustainable business model? Must-watch discussion! Don't forget to like, share and subscribe👇 youtu.be/BJykiiLy0Pc?si…

In this episode of Geopolitical GupShup, @OtherImranKhan and @khansheharyar discuss India’s idea of strategic autonomy and whether it still holds up in today’s changing global order. From relations with the United States and Russia to Iran, BRICS, the Global South and regional power politics, the episode explores how India balances ambition, pressure and geopolitical reality. Please watch, share and subscribe: youtu.be/MAos3KAT0Vo?si…

The National Dialogue Forum (NDF), in partnership with @TrustChromatic , had the honour of hosting a special dinner to welcome our distinguished guests from the Sindh Assembly, Federal Government, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, the diplomatic community, UN agencies, and the media. We were privileged to host: From Sindh Assembly: Mr. Anthony Naveed — Deputy Speaker, Sindh Assembly Dr. Sham Sundar Advani — Minister for Minority Affairs & Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh Mr. Mahesh Kumar — MPA, MQM Mr. Anil Ratnani — MPA, MQM From the Federal Government & Azad Jammu & Kashmir: Senator Bushra Anjum Butt Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam — Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Ms. Senator Sehar Kamran — PPP Leader & Former Senator Mr. Ahmed Raza Qadri — MLA, Azad Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly As a non-partisan platform, NDF remains committed to bringing together stakeholders from across political divides for meaningful, inclusive dialogue. We believe in respecting diversity, amplifying different voices, advocating for progressive policies, and strengthening bridges between policymakers and civil society. Events like these reinforce our shared commitment to unity, constructive engagement, and nation-building through dialogue. Grateful to all who joined and contributed to a memorable evening of insightful conversations. Together, let’s continue building a more inclusive and progressive Pakistan.

Can the emerging U.S.–Iran Peace Accords pave the way for a new Middle East? In this episode, Imran Khan (@OtherImranKhan) and Sheharyar Khan (@khansheharyar) discuss the U.S Iran peace accords, why the talks are taking place in Geneva, the strategic interests driving both sides, the future security architecture of the Middle East, and whether this agreement can deliver lasting peace or is merely a temporary truce. Please watch, comment, share and subscribe: youtu.be/StINA9Kk6Dg?si…

In this episode of Geopolitical GupShup, @OtherImranKhan and @khansheharyar unpack the evolving political unrest in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and explore the factors driving public discontent across the region. The discussion examines the root causes behind recent protests, including governance challenges, economic grievances, questions of political representation, and the relationship between the AJK government and the federal government in Islamabad. The hosts also analyze the historical, constitutional, and socio-political dimensions that continue to shape public sentiment in the region. Watch the full episode on the link below and forget to like, share and subscribe: youtu.be/KFIShwxHus8?si…

Futures Workshop #3 on Shifting Geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific & Middle Power Autonomy concluded successfully as a truly collaborative effort, bringing together rigorous scenario-based policy thinking across all tables. A sincere appreciation goes to the StrafAsia organising team Dr. Adil Sultan (@adilsultan), Ms. Aiza Azam (@Aiza_Azam ), and Mr. Faraz Haider (@f_aider) for their vision and leadership, along with Research Intern - Anas Yamin (@AnasYamin_) and Research Assistant - Nuverah Ansari (@nuverah_a) for their dedicated support in making the workshop seamless and impactful. Special thanks to our esteemed guest panelists, Amb. (R) Masood Khan (@Masood__Khan) and Rear Admiral (R) Faisal Shah, for their insightful contributions and time. Finally, gratitude to all participants whose engagement, ideas, and energy made the discussions genuinely enriching and thought-provoking. @mqasimmustafa @jafar_mobeen @t_bhatti09 @ali9119 @kakaryasir1 @warscholiast @nadrafiq @FarehaIqtidar @shamsZaman_72 @ovesanwar @khansheharyar @NDF_Pak

Excited to have participated in StrafAsia Futures Workshop "Shifting Geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific and Middle Power Autonomy". The Indo-Pacific has become the central arena of great power competition in the 21st century — where US-China rivalry, dynamic economic integration, and complex overlapping security architectures intersect most intensely. The workshop provided a rich comparative lens on how middle powers like Australia and Pakistan are navigating this evolving landscape. Through expert discussions and interactive scenario exercises, we explored critical questions around alliance dependencies (AUKUS, Quad), strategic autonomy, China’s growing regional influence via initiatives like BRI and CPEC, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping the future balance of power. It was particularly valuable to examine how middle powers can move beyond binary alignments toward more balanced and independent postures that better serve their national interests in this high-stakes region. Grateful to StrafAsia for organizing such a timely, high-caliber dialogue that bridges theory and practical policy thinking on one of the most consequential geopolitical theatres of our time. Special thanks to our esteemed guest panelists, Amb. (R) Masood Khan (@Masood__Khan) and Rear Admiral (R) Faisal Shah, for their insightful contributions and time. @mqasimmustafa @jafar_mobeen @t_bhatti09 @ali9119 @kakaryasir1 @warscholiast @nadrafiq @FarehaIqtidar @shamsZaman_72 @ovesanwar @NDF_Pak @OtherImranKhan @adilsultan @Aiza_Azam @f_aider @AnasYamin_ @nuverah_a

"Balochistan and the New Great Game for Critical Minerals," very insightful article by @NDF_Pak 's Executive Director @khansheharyar

“Balochistan and the New Great Game for Critical Minerals” by Sheharyar Khan (@khansheharyar) As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, Balochistan sits at the intersection of geopolitics, economic opportunity, security challenges, and sustainable development. The article explores how Pakistan can avoid the resource curse and transform its mineral wealth into long-term prosperity. The piece explores how the global race for critical minerals is reshaping geopolitics and what opportunities—and challenges—it presents for Pakistan and Balochistan. Give it a read and share comments and feedback: dawn.com/news/2006353/b…

Happy to share that Senior Fellow NDF @OtherImranKhan appeared on a podcast with @thecentrummedia (TCM) — one of Pakistan’s largest and most influential digital news platforms! Founded by @talhaahad , TCM is widely regarded as Pakistan’s first digital news network, pioneering visual storytelling and delivering high-impact journalism with massive reach across YouTube and social media. Talha interviewed Imran on "Why Pakistan Matters in Today’s Geopolitics." 🎙️ Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/2moCaP_ol7A Give it a watch when you have time and feel free to share your feedback!

Distinguished expert and leader, Additional IGP AJK Dr Khalid Chauhan brings a wealth of exeprience in rule of law and peacebuilding to @NDF_Pak We are very honored and excited to have him on board as a Distinguished Fellow. Welcome Dr Chauhan.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Khalid Chauhan as a Distinguished Fellow at the National Dialogue Forum (NDF) in honorary capacity. Currently serving as Additional Inspector General of Police (Addl IGP) Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Dr. Chauhan is an internationally recognized policy expert, academic, and practitioner in the fields of security governance, prevention of violent extremism (P/CVE), peacebuilding, and rule of law. He previously served as the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), where he played a leading role in shaping Pakistan’s National Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) Policy and advancing interagency coordination on national security and social cohesion. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has also held senior leadership positions in policing, governance, academia, and international policy engagement, with affiliations including the London School of Economics (LSE), SOAS University of London, Australian National University (ANU), and Simon Fraser University. We look forward to benefiting from his experience, insights, and leadership as we continue advancing dialogue, peacebuilding, democratic governance, and resilient societies in Pakistan and beyond. @khansheharyar @OtherImranKhan @jumainasiddiqui

In this episode of Geopolitical GupShup, @OtherImranKhan and @khansheharyar discuss the evolving geopolitical dynamics in Afghanistan, the Russia–Afghanistan military-technical cooperation agreement. The conversation also explores the broader regional implications for Pakistan, shifting strategic alignments, security concerns, and the future trajectory of regional power politics. Please watch the full episode here and don't forget to like and subscribe: youtu.be/6ar9eLQGYHk?si…

In this episode of Geopolitical GupShup, @OtherImranKhan and @khansheharyar discuss the scope and strategic significance of Pakistan’s Rocket Force in light of discussions at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue. The podcast also examines the visit of EU High Representative Kaja Kallas to Islamabad, key outcomes of the visit and Pakistan-EU relations. Watch the full podcast on the link below: youtu.be/-CQQaeYl-pc

Senior Fellow NDF Imran Khan (@OtherImranKhan) on the question of renewed escalation against Iran.

The National Dialogue Forum (NDF) was pleased to participate in the “From Insight to Impact: Lessons Learned in P/CVE” learning and collaboration event hosted at @USEFP , bringing together government institutions, development partners, researchers, civil society organizations, media practitioners, and P/CVE experts to reflect on lessons learned from prevention programming in Pakistan. In the session “Adapting Programming for Impact,” NDF shared key lessons from the Promoting Social Cohesion in Punjab (PSCP) project, highlighting how vulnerability to violent extremism is often shaped by exclusion, social isolation, identity crises, weak institutional trust, and psychosocial challenges rather than ideology alone. The discussion emphasized the importance of moving beyond short-term or purely securitized responses toward long-term resilience-building, inclusion, social cohesion, and community trust-building approaches. NDF also highlighted the importance of institutionalizing prevention efforts through sustainable state structures and policy integration. In this regard, the establishment of the Peace & Development Unit (PDU) within the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives was discussed as an important step toward embedding peacebuilding, prevention, and social cohesion within broader national development planning frameworks. We are grateful to the U.S. Embassy, The Asia Foundation, Peace & Development Unit (PDU), Incision, Centrum Media, IPSOS, GLOW, fellow panelists, and all participants for creating an important platform for collaborative learning, dialogue, and reflection on the future of peacebuilding and prevention in Pakistan. @State_SCA @Asia_Foundation @ipsosinPakistan @INCISIONFILMSpk @TrustChromatic @usembislamabad @thecentrummedia @OtherImranKhan @shariqmktweets @talhaahad @PlanComPakistan @khansheharyar

Eid Mubarak from Team National Dialogue Forum (NDF)! On this blessed occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, we extend our warmest wishes to all those celebrating around the world. May this Eid inspire us with the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, unity, and peace. Wishing you and your loved ones happiness, prosperity, and countless blessings. #EidMubarak #EidUlAdha #NDFPakistan

We are delighted to welcome Jumaina Siddiqui (@jumainasiddiqui) as a Senior Fellow at the National Dialogue Forum (NDF). Jumaina is an accomplished international development and security professional with more than two decades of experience advancing democracy, governance, peacebuilding, and conflict prevention across South Asia and beyond. Over the course of her distinguished career, she has worked with leading think tanks, development organizations, and nonprofits to strengthen institutions, promote inclusive governance, and support resilient societies. Most recently, Jumaina directed the Global Security and International Affairs Program at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, where she oversaw initiatives on nuclear security, climate-security, and humanitarian access. Prior to this, at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), she led impactful research and field programs on governance and conflict prevention, significantly expanding the Pakistan portfolio into a major multi-year initiative in partnership with local and international stakeholders. She currently serves as Vice Chair for the U.S.-Bangladesh NextGen Policy Fellowship and Institute, advising on strategic planning, governance, and programmatic priorities. Jumaina brings a wealth of expertise in policy research, strategic engagement, partnership development, and peacebuilding. Her experience and insights will greatly contribute to NDF’s mission of advancing inclusive dialogue, research, & evidence-based policymaking. Please join us in congratulating and warmly welcoming Jumaina Siddiqui to the NDF family. @khansheharyar @OtherImranKhan

Senior Fellow NDF Imran Khan (@OtherImranKhan) was invited to Air University to give a lecture on “Pakistan’s Geopolitical Rise: Challenges and Opportunities” Imran spoke to students from across the Faculty of Social Sciences on “ Pakistan’s Geopolitical Rise: Opportunities and Challenges”. Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Dr Wasima Shehzad, Chair Department of Humanities and Education Dr Sadaf Zamir Ahmed and Assistant Professor Aziz Kakar among others attended the event and shared their views. Students from across Air University engaged in a robust debate and question and answer session