National Dialogue Forum

NDF is a non-partisan progressive public policy institute based in Islamabad. We develop policy solutions that foster pluralism & inclusiveness in Pakistan.

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

The National Dialogue Forum (NDF) hosted a closed-door roundtable with Dr. Kamran Bokhari, (@KamranBokhari) Senior Resident Fellow at the Middle East Policy Council (@MidEastPolicy) and Senior Director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy (@NewlinesInst) on “The New U.S. Global Geostrategy, West Asia & Pakistan’s Role".

NDF convenes these roundtables to look beyond the daily headlines: to understand how geopolitical developments are changing, test different interpretations, and consider what they mean for policy.

Our discussion with Dr. Bokhari came at a time when U.S. priorities, the future of West Asia, and Pakistan’s place in a changing regional order are all being actively debated. Participants examined the assumptions behind those debates, heard different perspectives, and identified questions that deserve closer analysis. The closed-door setting encouraged a candid exchange.

We thank Dr. Kamran Bokhari, PhD for sharing his insights and all participants for contributing to the discussion.

@khansheharyar @OtherImranKhan @Qamarcheema @aizaz1101 @Aiza_Azam @shariqmktweets @BilalZubairButt @AsifDurrani20 @reflectiveimran @SaeedShah @SWeldBlundell

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

NDF is proud to support and actively participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (@pakminforum)

Mr. Ahmed Hayat Lak, President of PMIF and Managing Director/CEO of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC), warmly invites global investors, mining leaders, policymakers, and industry partners to join this landmark event.

Together, we aim to unlock Pakistan’s vast mineral potential by connecting it with international capital, expertise, and strategic collaboration.12–13 November 2026

Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad Register now: https://t.co/xAT59dkbpl

Check out the agenda here: https://t.co/NGul7Zz48s

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

NDF is proud to support and actively participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026.

Mr. Ahmed Hayat Lak, President of PMIF and Managing Director/CEO of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC), warmly invites global investors, mining leaders, policymakers, and industry partners to join this landmark event.

Together, we aim to unlock Pakistan’s vast mineral potential by connecting it with international capital, expertise, and strategic collaboration.12–13 November 2026

Jinnah Convention Centre, IslamabadRegister now: https://t.co/ODtj2JZWbL

@ogdclofficial @pakminforum

[Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum @pakminforum]

Mr. Ahmed Hayat Lak, President of PMIF and MD/CEO of OGDCL, invites global investors, mining leaders, policymakers and industry partners to join the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 on the 12th & 13th November in Islamabad.

#PMIF26

[Kamran Bokhari @KamranBokhari]

In this convo with @OtherImranKhan & @khansheharyar of @NDF_Pak I talk about shifting U.S. priorities, the evolving strategic landscape in West Asia, and Pakistan’s choices in an increasingly contested world. From regional rivalries to great-power competition, we examine how Pakistan can navigate uncertainty, strengthen its diplomatic position, and respond to emerging risks and opportunities.

https://t.co/CA9XsAlYCg

[Imran Khan @OtherImranKhan]

My colleague @khansheharyar and I were delighted to reconnect with one of Washington's foremost South Asia experts and inimtable scholar-practitioner @MarkeyDaniel of @StimsonCenter on our podcast.

Dr Markey talked about U.S.–Pakistan ties, U.S.–China rivalry, and the risks of another India-Pakistan conflict.

Is Washington’s renewed interest in Pakistan here to stay? Watch our podcast episode (in English) to find out.

@NDF_Pak @StimsonCenter

▶️ Watch: https://t.co/5myCllKgGt

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

Trump Picked Pakistan. Will It Last?

In the latest episode of Geopolitical GupShup, Imran and Sheharyar talk to Dr. Daniel Markey about U.S.–Pakistan ties, U.S.–China rivalry, and the risks of another India–Pakistan conflict. Is Washington’s renewed interest in Pakistan here to stay?

▶️ Watch: https://t.co/o1q13YZaHl

🔔 Subscribe: https://t.co/eRHV3kkWGu

Please like, share and subscribe!

@OtherImranKhan @MarkeyDaniel @khansheharyar

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

The Long March: Politics or National Security?

In this episode of Geopolitical GupShup, we look beyond party politics to examine the Long March through the lens of national security and regional dynamics. Where does political mobilisation end and a security concern begin—and what nuance are we missing?

Watch the episode here: [https://t.co/UPe3yy311I]

Watch on our channel, and don’t forget to like, share and subscribe:
[https://t.co/eRHV3kkWGu]

@OtherImranKhan @khansheharyar @jumainasiddiqui @KaleemImam

[Imran Khan @OtherImranKhan]

How is America’s global strategy changing and where does Pakistan fit?

On the latest Geopolitical GupShup, Dr. Kamran Bokhari (@KamranBokhari) joins us to unpack shifting US priorities, a changing West Asia, great-power competition and the choices Pakistan faces in navigating this new geopolitical landscape.

Watch: https://t.co/L0g6gW0TaZ

@MidEastPolicy @NewlinesInst @OtherImranKhan @khansheharyar @jumainasiddiqui @KaleemImam @NDF_Pak

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

How is America’s global strategy changing—and what does it mean for Pakistan?

In this episode of Geopolitical GupShup, we sit down with Dr. Kamran Bokhari (@KamranBokhari), geopolitical analyst, Senior Resident Fellow at the Middle East Policy Council (@MidEastPolicy) and Senior Director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy (@NewlinesInst) in Washington, D.C.

The conversation explores shifting U.S. priorities, the evolving strategic landscape in West Asia, and Pakistan’s choices in an increasingly contested world. From regional rivalries to great-power competition, we examine how Pakistan can navigate uncertainty, strengthen its diplomatic position, and respond to emerging risks and opportunities.

Like, share, and subscribe to Geopolitical GupShup for more conversations on geopolitics, security, and international affairs.
@OtherImranKhan @khansheharyar @jumainasiddiqui @KaleemImam

https://t.co/G28f8AL5mG

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

New episode of Geopolitical Gupshup: Digital War — Pakistan and Cyber Geopolitics in the Age of AI.

NDF senior fellow Imran Khan (@OtherImranKhan) speaks with cybersecurity expert Kashoon Leeza (@KashoonLeeza) on how cyber power is changing state competition, Pakistan’s biggest vulnerabilities, whether AI favors attackers or defenders, and what strategic autonomy looks like for middle powers.

Watch, like, share, and subscribe: https://t.co/N7sm859hbO

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

An event not to be missed!

The Embassy of Pakistan in Vienna (@PakinAustria) & Diplomatic Academy Vienna (@DA_vienna) are co-hosting a high-level International Water Symposium on "Shared Rivers, Global Water Security, International Cooperation." Keynote address by H.E. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, (@MIshaqDar50) Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of Pakistan.

Join, online and in person, experts & diplomats to discuss transboundary rivers, international water law, and global water security.

📅 Tuesday, 6 October 2026
📷 16:00 – 19:00 CEST
Watch live via livestream:https://t.co/59Sjfd4Wex

@ForeignOfficePk @AakaKhan

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

Distinguished Fellow NDF Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam (@KaleemImam) has written a sharp piece in @arabnewspk : How not to fight terrorism in Pakistan.

Drawing on decades as IGP, federal secretary, he says Pakistan does not lack courage or plans—it lacks the discipline to stay with the rule of law, professional policing and good governance. Killing terrorists is not the same as ending terrorism. If the grievance, exclusion and weak institutions remain, the clock simply resets.

Give it a read and share your comments.
https://t.co/1IAoaMd7b5

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

It is a moment of pride for our team at the National Dialogue Forum (NDF) to have our work recognised by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (@NACTAPK ) - Federal Government of Pakistan.

NDF’s engagement with NACTA goes back several years. In 2021, NDF became the first civil society organisation to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding with NACTA, laying the foundation for what has since grown into a constructive, substantive and rewarding institutional partnership.

Over the years, this collaboration has extended well beyond individual projects. NDF has worked with NACTA across a range of areas, including P/CVE policy implementation, institutional capacity building, strategic communications, research, stakeholder engagement and policy dialogue. The partnership has also created an important space for bringing civil society, community and practitioner perspectives into national-level conversations on preventing and countering violent extremism.

A key area of NDF’s support has been capacity building for NACTA analysts and relevant teams, including trainings on social media management, digital communications, narrative and counter-narrative development, strategic messaging, and the effective use of digital platforms for prevention-oriented P/CVE communication.

NDF has also consistently worked to help bridge the gap between policy and implementation by supporting stakeholder engagement, evidence-based approaches, dialogue, and stronger linkages between national policy priorities and realities on the ground.

We are therefore grateful for NACTA’s latest Letter of Appreciation, recognising NDF’s contribution to the Promoting Social Cohesion in Punjab (PSCP) project and the wider institutional relationship built through years of collaboration.

We deeply value the trust that has been built with NACTA over time and appreciate the recognition extended by the National Coordinator, Addl. IGP Jawad Ahmad Dogar, PSP. We are equally proud of the commitment and professionalism of the NDF team, whose work has made this partnership possible.

NDF looks forward to continuing this collaboration and contributing to stronger institutional capacity, effective policy implementation and strategic initiatives.

@khansheharyar @OtherImranKhan @jumainasiddiqui @KaleemImam

[shabana fayyaz @fayyaz_shabana]

Had a great learning experience to attend @NDF_Pak Roundtable with @KamranBokhari sharing insights on the visible contours of the USA Strategic outlook in a highly contested world.
Will this be an opportunity or compulsion for Islamabad .... remains unresolved!

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

The National Dialogue Forum (NDF) hosted a closed-door roundtable with Dr. Kamran Bokhari, (@KamranBokhari) Senior Resident Fellow at the Middle East Policy Council (@MidEastPolicy) and Senior Director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy (@NewlinesInst) on “The New U.S. Global Geostrategy, West Asia & Pakistan’s Role".

NDF convenes these roundtables to look beyond the daily headlines: to understand how geopolitical developments are changing, test different interpretations, and consider what they mean for policy.

Our discussion with Dr. Bokhari came at a time when U.S. priorities, the future of West Asia, and Pakistan’s place in a changing regional order are all being actively debated. Participants examined the assumptions behind those debates, heard different perspectives, and identified questions that deserve closer analysis. The closed-door setting encouraged a candid exchange.

We thank Dr. Kamran Bokhari, PhD for sharing his insights and all participants for contributing to the discussion.

@khansheharyar @OtherImranKhan @Qamarcheema @aizaz1101 @Aiza_Azam @shariqmktweets @BilalZubairButt @AsifDurrani20 @reflectiveimran @SaeedShah @SWeldBlundell

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam (@KaleemImam) to the National Dialogue Forum (NDF) as a Distinguished Fellow.

Dr. Imam brings over three decades of distinguished national and international experience spanning governance, law enforcement, public policy, institutional reform, peacekeeping, security, and rule of law.

During his public service career, he has held some of Pakistan’s most senior law enforcement and government positions, including Federal Secretary, Ministry of Narcotics Control; Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad; and Inspector General, National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP).

His international experience is equally extensive. Dr. Imam served as Pakistan’s first Police Commissioner for the UN–AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and held senior leadership roles in United Nations missions in Liberia and Mozambique, contributing to peacekeeping, institutional reform, criminal justice strengthening, and post-conflict capacity building.

An academic and policy practitioner, Dr. Imam holds a PhD in Politics and International Relations and an LLM in Human Rights Law from SOAS, University of London. His areas of expertise include policing and police reform, counterterrorism and violent extremism, governance, human rights, community policing, organized crime, migration, public safety, and institutional development.

We are honoured to have Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam onboard as a Distinguished Fellow. NDF looks forward to drawing on his extensive experience and expertise to further strengthen our work in research, rule of law, governance, counterterrorism (CT), and countering violent extremism (CVE).

Welcome to NDF, Dr. Imam!

[Imran Khan @OtherImranKhan]

Very insightful discussion supported by data about AJK's socio-economic indicators and political economy.

Thanks to Professor @khandahnish for joining us and for shedding light on the structural factors driving unrest and grievances among the population of AJK.

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

Why is Azad Kashmir Angry?

In this episode of Geopolitical GupShup, we are joined by prominent political economist Dr. Danish Khan (@khandahnish), Professor at Franklin & Marshall College, USA, and Imran Khan (@OtherImranKhan) to unpack what is really happening in AJK.

From the Joint Awami Action Committee and the history of Poonch to the deeper political, social and economic grievances driving the current unrest—we go beyond the headlines to understand the crisis.

🎙️ Protests, Politics & the Crisis Explained.

Don't forget to Like, Share and Subscribe:
https://t.co/DaDSkLJZHQ

[National Dialogue Forum @NDF_Pak]

In this episode of Geopolitical GupShup, we’re joined by international relations expert Dr. Simbal Khan (@simbalkh) to unpack how the U.S.–Iran war is reshaping the Middle East.

From the Islamabad MoU to the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia–Türkiye defence arrangement, we explore the developments in between—and what this emerging security architecture could mean for Iran, the U.S. , the Gulf and China. Is a new regional balance of power taking shape?

🎙️ From the Islamabad MoU to the Mecca Defence Pact: How the Iran–US War Is Reshaping the Middle East

Please watch the full episode here and don't forget to like, share and subscribe: https://t.co/vNZ0OfaG8f

@OtherImranKhan @jumainasiddiqui @khansheharyar