POLARIS RESPONSE & RESILIENCE FOUNDATION

A highly respected and decorated civil servant, Mr. Zaman brings decades of public service, integrity, and leadership in governance and oversight. His values driven approach and commitment to accountability, resilience, and community well-being strongly align with our mission. Under his stewardship as Chair, we look forward to strengthening our strategic direction, deepening public trust, and advancing meaningful impact for the communities we serve.

A distinguished parliamentarian, educationist, policy thinker, and philanthropist, Senator Sehar Kamran currently serves as a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan (2024–2029) and has previously represented Pakistan in the Senate (2012–2018). Her public service spans key parliamentary roles in Defence, Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Education, Overseas Pakistanis, and Policy Research, reflecting a rare depth of experience across governance and national resilience. Internationally recognized for strengthening bilateral relations and promoting Pakistan abroad, she is a recipient of Pakistan’s prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and the Russian Federation Award of Cooperation. She has also served as Convener, Pakistan–Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group, Patron-in-Chief of the Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS), and is affiliated with leading global platforms including PGA and PNND. An accomplished educationist with over 17 years of service, Senator Kamran is also known for her legislative leadership, most notably the National Civic Education Commission Act, 2018, and her continued advocacy for civic education, human rights, and social development. Her induction into the Board significantly strengthens our mission to advance resilience, inclusive development, evidence-based policy, and community empowerment across Pakistan and beyond.

Professor Dr. Allah Bakhsh Malik is a globally recognized social scientist, a distinguished Public Policy Expert, an academic, and former senior civil servant with over 35 years of transformative leadership in governance, education, and international development. A member of the 13th Common Batch of the Civil Service of Pakistan, he retired at the highest administrative rank of Federal Secretary (BS-22) after a career defined by his dedication to the "Human Development Nexus." In 2011, he became the first Pakistani and Muslim to be awarded the prestigious UNESCO Confucius Prize for his pioneering work in literacy and skill development for disenfranchised communities. Throughout his tenure in the public sector, Dr. Malik held several pivotal roles, including Federal Secretary for Education and National Health Services, as well as Secretary for School Education and Literacy in Punjab. He is perhaps best known as the founding MD/CEO of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF), where he revolutionized access to learning by introducing the Education Voucher Scheme, providing free education to thousands of children in urban slums. Dr. Malik’s professional achievements are supported by an elite academic foundation, holding a PhD in Economics and a Post-Doctorate in Economics of Education from Columbia University and the University of London, alongside an MPhil from Cambridge University as a Chevening Scholar. An accomplished author, he has published thirteen books on management and institutional development, including the acclaimed The Champions of Change. Beyond his domestic contributions, he has represented Pakistan and the Asia-Pacific region on the board of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and served as a British Alumni Ambassador. Currently serving as the Rector of the Ghazi National Institute of Engineering and Sciences, Dr. Malik continues to shape the future of human capital through his unwavering commitment to equity, transparency, and sustainable development.

A distinguished academician of Kashmiri descent, Dr. Khawaja is the Founding Executive Director of the Centre for International Strategic Studies, AJK (CISS AJK) — and the only woman ever appointed to such a position by Pakistan’s National Command Authority. Her career bridges academia and policy with exceptional impact. She previously served as Head of the Department of Strategic Studies at the National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad, where she was a founding faculty member and the pioneer behind Pakistan’s first Department of Peace and Conflict Studies (2008). In 2021, she was selected for the prestigious Allama Iqbal Chair at the University of Cambridge. Dr. Khawaja is the author of the internationally acclaimed book Shaking Hands with Clenched Fists, a seminal contribution to discourse on Pakistan–India confidence-building and conflict resolution. She also serves as Chief Editor of Strategic Perspective: A Journal of Strategic Affairs — the first strategic journal from Jammu & Kashmir. Her academic journey includes a PhD in South Asian Studies from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany (as a DAAD scholar) along with multiple master’s degrees and an MPhil from Quaid-i-Azam University. Her research spans strategic stability, peacebuilding, geopolitics, energy politics, and women, peace & security. A recipient of the Presidential Gold Medal of Merit and the APCSS Alumni Achievement Award (USA), she has held fellowships with APCSS, IVLP, Rotary Peace, ICRC, DAAD, and the Marshall Center, and currently serves as President of the APCSS Alumni Association Pakistan. Dr. Khawaja’s leadership, scholarship, and commitment to peace and strategic stability will greatly strengthen Polaris’ mission to build resilient communities and informed responses to emerging risks.

With over three decades of distinguished service in national security, defense planning, strategic studies, and public policy, Commodore Ishaq Taihan brings unparalleled depth of experience and strategic insight. His career spans senior leadership roles in the Pakistan Federal Service, Board-level responsibilities at Sino Pak Refinery Corporation (SPRC), and executive stewardship at Bahria Foundation. An alumnus of leading national and international institutions including NDUs Islamabad, Washington DC (USA), Istanbul (Turkey), and Bahria University, he holds advanced qualifications in National Security Strategy, Defense & Maritime Management, International Relations, and Business Administration. He is also a recipient of two Presidential Medals of Honour for bravery and outstanding performance. His guidance will significantly strengthen Polaris’ mission of resilience, strategic foresight, and national capacity building.

Mr. Kamil Jan brings over 18 years of distinguished experience in finance, banking, audit, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance. His professional journey reflects deep expertise in financial planning, governance frameworks, control and risk assessment, and institutional strengthening. Beyond his professional career, Mr. Kamil Jan has a strong legacy of community service and youth mobilization, including co-founding the Gilgit-Baltistan Volunteer Movement (GBVM) and leading humanitarian efforts during the 2008 flood disaster, providing food support to over 500 families. His initiatives in education, social entrepreneurship, and community development reflect a lifelong commitment to inclusive growth and positive social change. At Polaris Response & Resilience Foundation, Mr. Begal will serve in an advisory capacity, contributing strategic guidance on governance and financial oversight.

Dr. Moin Uddin, PhD, PMP, is a distinguished corporate strategist and sustainability expert with over two decades of leadership experience in corporate planning, governance, and institutional development. He holds a PhD in Strategy, Programme & Project Management from SKEMA Business School, France, and is a certified ISO 45001 Lead Auditor as well as a Credentialed Specialist with Distinction in Water Stewardship. Having served in senior roles including Director Corporate Strategy and Head of Corporate Planning at TPS Pakistan, he has played a pivotal role in shaping long-term business strategies and organizational transformation. Dr. Uddin is also a Member of the Board of Governors of Polaris Response & Resilience Foundation and serves on the boards of several other organizations, where he provides strategic oversight, policy guidance, and governance leadership across sustainability, development, and corporate sectors.

Sabbah Uddin is the President & Chief Executive of Polaris Group, a visionary entrepreneur, author, and thought leader with a strong footprint across business, sustainability, and development sectors. He has led Polaris Group into pioneering initiatives in afforestation, climate resilience, green investments, and international partnerships, positioning the organization as a forward-looking platform for sustainable growth. Beyond his corporate leadership, he is an accomplished writer and public intellectual who actively engages with universities and professional colleges through lectures and talks on leadership, strategy, national development, and resilience. Known for his ability to bridge policy, enterprise, and community interests, Sabbah Uddin continues to inspire emerging leaders while steering Polaris Group toward innovation, impact, and long-term sustainability.

Zahida Sher is the Co-Founder and Director of Polaris Group, where she contributes to the organization. She is also associated with the Center for Youth Advisory & Counseling and serves as a sponsor and donor for the Polaris Response & Resilience Foundation. She also serves on the Board of the Foundation.

Bulbul Jamal Shah is a retired military professional with distinguished service experience, including assignments associated with the United Nations. Bringing decades of leadership, operational discipline, and international exposure, he possesses deep insight into governance, compliance, and regulatory frameworks. In addition to his professional career, he has been actively engaged in welfare initiatives and charitable work, contributing to community development and social support programs. He serves as Honorary Advisor to the Board on Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, where he provides strategic guidance, oversight, and advisory support to ensure institutional integrity, transparency, and adherence to applicable regulations and standards.

Furqan Ali serves as the Secretary to the Board, responsible for coordinating board activities and ensuring smooth communication between board members and management. He supports the board in administrative matters, maintains official records, and assists in implementing the board’s decisions effectively.