Prof. Dr Shaheen Akhtar is a prominent academic and researcher serving as a Professor and Head of the Department of International Relations within the Faculty of Contemporary Studies at the National Defence University (NDU) in Islamabad. With an extensive academic focus on conflict studies, traditional and non-traditional security challenges, regional peace, and geopolitics, particularly on the Jammu and Kashmir issue, she bridges rigorous geopolitical analysis and critical contemporary dialogue. Dr Akhtar actively participates in high-level policy forums addressing climate resilience, sustainable water governance, and youth engagement in environmental solutions, while bringing grounded insights from field research in frontline regions like the Neelum Valley to her academic and public advocacy.