Publications
I have contributed to several publications, participated in thought leadership forums, and written op-eds on global public policy and international relations. My work has focused on providing in-depth analysis and offering insights into contemporary geopolitical issues, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development, humanitarian affairs, and diplomatic relations. Below, I have added my latest publications
A Decade of Teacher Shortages in Tajikistan
Tajikistan is currently facing a systemic shortage of Teachers in their school system due to the emerging crisis of teacher retention and migration. By mid-2025, Tajikistan was projected to have approximately 3,848 teacher vacancies. A few years ago, the shortage was estimated to be around 1,124 open teacher positions, which is more than twice the number of teacher vacancies in Tajikistan today.
Afghanistan’s Expanding Drug Economy from Opium to Methamphetamine
Afghanistan is the largest producer of opium; it has long been the center of the global narcotics trade. The region has seen numerous attempts to contain drug farming and trafficking, but the deficits in political stability and international demand perpetuate the cycle. The drug trade not only finances conflict groups but also saps Afghanistan’s sociocultural and economic development, creating a complex web of issues for the country.
Xi–Tokayev Deals Mark Shift From ‘Golden Thirty Years’ to Deeper Ties
Chinese President XI Jinping and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met in Astana this June, signaling a boost in their bilateral relations. These two leaders were celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of diplomatic relations, also known as the “Golden Thirty Years,” and they also signed a landmark treaty of “Permanent Good-Neighborhoodliness and Friendship.”
Education on the Margins: Pakistan’s First School for Transgender Students
In a conservative city tucked away in Lahore, Pakistan, a quiet emergence is taking place. It's called the Gender Guardian, the country’s first-ever school dedicated to transgender students. In a country where access to education for the transgender community is next to nothing, this institution stands out as a powerful act of resistance and hope for the community.
Roots on the Roof: How Rooftop Farming is Reinventing Farming in Delhi
Delhi is among the largest and most populous cities globally. It’s a place where skyscrapers dominate the skyline, and a silent agricultural revolution is unfolding on rooftops. At the center of this change is Living Greens, a grassroots initiative founded by Prateek Tiwari that brings together displaced farmer renewal through rooftop farming.
Libya, Thirteen Years After Qaddafi: Growth, Chaos, or Stalemate?
October 2024 marks thirteen years since the fall of Muammar Qaddafi, the controversial strongman who ruled Libya for over four decades. His violent fall in 2011 was heralded by many as the dawn of a brighter, democratic era. Yet more than a decade later, Libya remains mired in uncertainty, civil strife, and a paralyzing power vacuum.
The Impact of Child Labor Legislation in the DRC
The mining sector represents a significant part of the country’s economy; however, it is marred by the widespread use of child labor. This analysis will scrutinize the inefficacy of child labor statutes, the obstacles faced in their enforcement, and the wider socio-economic factors that sustain child labor within the mining industry.
How Temporary Marriages Can Exploit Vulnerable Women in Iraq
Recently, Iraq has witnessed a troubling rise in the misuse of temporary marriages locally referred to as mut'ah marriages as a covert form of sex trafficking. During my research, I spoke with Ms. Batool, the director of the Women's Rights Center in Iraq, who provided insights into how temporary marriages are being weaponized against women and girls.
Trump Gold Card Visa
President Donald Trump unveiled plans to sell a “gold card” visa for $5m in his first cabinet meeting. The visa would offer wealthy buyers’ permanent residency in the US and a path to citizenship. While the plan aims to attract foreign investment it raises several concerns related to national security, potential housing market inflation, limited broad-based economic benefits, and inevitable political backlash; its impact falls short of expectations.
‘Bacha Bazi’ is Seeing a Revival Under the Taliban
Bacha bazi, meaning ‘boy play’ in Pashto and Dari, is a profoundly controversial and disturbing tradition. At its core, bacha bazi involves the exploitation of young boys, often forced into sexual servitude by older men. During my research, I interviewed Photographer Barat Ali Batoor, who documented the lives of Afghan boys trapped in Bacha Bazi, revealing the secrecy and social stigma surrounding the practice.
Benefits of Gender Parity in the UN Security Council
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the most potent international bodies; despite its critical role and the progress toward gender parity in many global institutions, there has never been a women's secretary general. Women bring a unique perspective to international spaces such as conflict prevention, negotiation, and community rebuilding.
Increasing Youth Participation at the UN Decision-Making Table
Despite their crucial role in addressing global challenges, youth representation at the United Nations remains limited. There are a few institutional mechanisms where young people can have a consistent and impactful voice in high-level discussions.
Pakistan’s extension of Afghan refugees’ right to stay: Finding a Balance Among Humanitarianism, Domestic Pressures and Geopolitics
Pakistan’s decision to extend the stay of registered Afghan refugees by one year reflects a complex mixture of international pressure and humanitarian considerations. While it temporarily relieves millions of vulnerable individuals, it also underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the refugee issue.
