Paradigm Shift has a vibrant core team as well as a dedicated group of interns. Below are members of the core team.
Advisor – Ambassador Dr. Irfan Yusuf Shami
A former career diplomat with over 32 years’ experience. He retired as Special Secretary in November 2019. He has a plethora of experience in multilateral diplomacy, including interaction with international organizations. Ambassador Dr. Irfan represented both Pakistan and OIC in several bilateral, sub-regional, regional, and international conferences and meetings. His strong leadership and diplomatic skills were demonstrated during his posting in the OIC General Secretariat and subsequently as Ambassador of Pakistan. It is an honor to have such an esteemed personality as an advisor to Paradigm Shift.
CEO – Sarmad Ishfaq
Sarmad Ishfaq is the CEO of Paradigm Shift. He is a researcher and writer whose work has been published by The Diplomat, Harvard Kennedy School Review, Open Democracy, E-IR, and Eurasia Review, to name a few. He has also been published in several international peer-reviewed journals, such as Taylor and Francis’ Social Identities. He has a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Wollongong in Dubai, where he was recognized as the Top Graduate.
COO – Aleena Imran
Aleena Imran has completed her MBA in HR and has extensive experience in Pakistan’s corporate sector since working with companies such as Jazz, Coca-Cola Icecek, LMKT, and MPCL. She is now working full-time as the COO of Paradigm Shift.
Editor – Sumaira Waseem
Sumaira Waseem received her LL.B. from Bahria University. She is the Regional Coordinator for the Khyber Region at South Asia Students For Liberty. She’s previously worked with the Research Society of International Law (RSIL), Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA). She is currently one of the editors on Paradigm Shift’s team.
Editor – Noor Ul Huda
Noor Ul Huda is currently enrolled in a master’s program for international relations at the National Defense University. She has previously interned at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). She is currently one of the editors on Paradigm Shift’s team.
Writer – Hafsa Ammar
Hafsa Ammar is a student of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the National Defence University, Islamabad. Her areas of expertise are hybrid warfare, narrative building, and nuclear deterrence in South Asia. She is a part of Paradigm Shift’s editorial team, She writes for Paradigm Shift as well.
SEO Executive – Abdul Basit
Mr. Abdul Basit Siddiq is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Business Administration from the Virtual University of Pakistan. He currently works as an SEO Executive for Paradigm Shift.
Social Media Manager – M. Ali Asif
Muhammad Ali Asif is currently pursuing his passion for medicine at the International Medical University (IMU), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is also an expert graphic designer.
Social Media Manager – Emaan Tanveer
Emaan Tanveer holds a bachelors degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from NDU. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Project Management from Arden University, specializing in areas such as conflict resolution, peacebuilding strategies, and international security. She contributes her insights as a valuable member of Paradigm Shift’s social media team as a Social Media Manager.
Video Editor – Ayesha Eman
Ayesha Eman is pursuing bachelor’s in Fashion Design from the lnstitute of Arts and Design GC University Faisalabad. She also has a certification in Graphic Design from PFTP. She is currently Paradigm Shift’s video editor.
Writer – Afifa Iqbal
Ms. Afifa Iqbal has a keen interest in identity politics, colonialism, and post-colonial development. She is currently working as a Research Assistant at ITU while pursuing her postgraduate studies in Development, Technology and Policy. She is a Gold Medalist in Political Science from the University of Punjab. She is a part of Paradigm Shift’s writing team.
Writer – M. Mustafa Ahmed Khan
Mr Muhammad Mustafa Ahmed Khan graduated with a degree in Economics and Political Science from Lahore University of Management Sciences. He is currently pursuing studies in International Economics. His interests include, but are not limited to, International Relations, political economy, and economics. He is also an avid cinephile who thoroughly enjoys listening to music.
Writer – Imama Khan
Ms Imama Khan is an Islamabad-based researcher. Her articles have appeared in The News, The Pakistan Observer, Global Village Space, and Matrix Mag.
Here is a list of our guest submitters, interns, and employees (past and present).
