Mr. Ali Asfand is a researcher in international relations and strategic studies, with academic and professional interests spanning geopolitics, regional security, global power transitions, and emerging strategic trends. He holds an MPhil in International Relations and a BS in Political Science from the University of Sargodha.

He previously served as a Researcher at the Institute for Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA), National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad, where he contributed to research and analysis on strategic and regional affairs. His experience at ISSRA also included supporting the planning and coordination of policy dialogues, international seminars, and the National Security Workshop.

He has been associated with the British American Security Information Council’s Emerging Voices Network, linking him with a wider community of emerging researchers working on international security issues. His published work has examined Iran’s nuclear calculus, China’s economic engagement with Africa, political instability and military coups in the Sahel, and shifts in the global balance of power. His writings have appeared in The Friday Times, the Journal of European Studies, and ISSRA publications.

At GPSF, Mr. Asfand serves as Research and Project Coordinator, supporting research programs, policy projects, institutional engagements, and the coordination of GPSF’s research and outreach activities. His role combines substantive research with project coordination, contributing to the Forum’s work on contemporary policy-oriented matters.