Core Team

Nasir Khuehami, is the Founding Director of JKCPRS, leads the organization’s strategic initiatives and operational direction. He holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. A prominent commentator on contemporary issues in Jammu and Kashmir, Khuehami has had a distinguished career in politics and political consultancy. His expertise in crisis management has been evident in his effective handling of various challenges with diligence and care.

He received the National Level Xiaomi Award of the Year in Maharashtra in 2021 and, in 2023, was honored with the Radhika Prahlad Award from the Delhi government for his student-centric work and humanitarian efforts. He has played a crucial role in major crisis responses, including the post-Pulwama developments in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war crisis, and the Bangladesh reservation crisis, facilitating the repatriation of students.

Before founding JKCPRS, Khuehami was one of India’s most prominent student leaders, assisting hundreds of thousands during crises and times of uncertainty. He has worked with various think tanks and served as a consultant for multiple politicians and political parties. His experience includes working with leading political consultancy firms such as IPAC and working closely with India’s top political strategist, Prashant Kishor. From 2021 to 2022, he served as a political consultant to the Chief Minister of an Indian state. He has worked with multiple MPs and MLAs, contributing to successful assembly and parliamentary election campaigns.

Khuehami’s areas of expertise include peace and conflict, education, tribal affairs, and Indian politics. He is a regular contributor to The Indian Express, The Telegraph, Outlook India, The Print, and other leading publications, writing on contemporary socio-political issues. He frequently appears on national television networks, including Republic TV, India Today, NDTV, Zee News, Aaj Tak, Times Now, and News18, where he discusses political affairs, education, unemployment, and policy matters. He has also participated in several Parliamentary Standing Committee meetings and Home Affairs programs concerning Kashmir.

During the unrest in Kashmir in 2016, he was part of the consultative process when Dineshwar Sharma was appointed as the Interlocutor for Kashmir. His work has been widely recognized, earning him accolades from multiple Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Parliamentarians across party lines.

Ummar Jamal is Managing Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Peace, Research & Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). With a law degree from the University of Kashmir, Jamal brings a unique blend of legal expertise and strategic vision to the organization. He oversees the daily operations and administrative functions of JKCPRS, ensuring the smooth execution of its initiatives.

Jamal is responsible for the creation and execution of research programs, projects, and initiatives that address key policy issues. He actively engages with policymakers, stakeholders, and the broader community to disseminate research findings and advocate for evidence-based policy solutions.

Under his leadership, JKCPRS produces impactful publications, including research papers, policy briefs, reports, and other materials. Jamal has been a prolific writer, contributing to several esteemed publications such as The Indian Express, The Telegraph, The Print, Outlook India, Live Law, and Bar and Bench.

Mushtaq Habeeb is the Executive Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Peace, Research & Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). An MBA graduate specializing in Agribusiness from Aligarh Muslim University, he is deeply committed to community empowerment and sustainable development. With extensive experience in the development sector, he has played a crucial role in fostering rural growth through organic farming, women-led enterprises, and skill development initiatives, strengthening economic resilience at the grassroots level.

At JKCPRS, Mushtaq oversees the execution of key projects, ensuring their successful implementation and impact. His work bridges grassroots development with strategic initiatives, promoting holistic societal progress. Previously, he was associated with Crypto Relief, where he played a pivotal role in strategic marketing and public relations to support COVID-19 relief efforts. His expertise in problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork has been instrumental in driving impactful projects.

Mushtaq has also been a crisis manager during times of uncertainty, demonstrating exceptional leadership and resilience. He has actively contributed to relief and support efforts during critical situations, including the aftermath of the Pulwama backlash, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Ukraine war, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

Arshad Lone is Administrative Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Peace, Research & Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). In this role, he manages key administrative functions, including office management, human resources, and executive support. Before joining JKCPRS, Arshad worked extensively with several tribal organizations, focusing on the empowerment of tribal communities. He has also been a fellow of the Tribal Leadership Programme (TLP).

Arshad holds a master’s degree from the University of Kashmir. As Administrative Director, Arshad oversees human resources functions, including recruitment, employee relations, and benefits administration, ensuring the organization operates smoothly and efficiently.

Danish Lone serves as the Head of Communication and Human Resources at the Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Peace, Research & Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). In this role, he is responsible for overseeing recruitment processes, hiring interns, and ensuring seamless coordination within the organization.

Lone holds a Master’s degree in Allied Health Sciences and another in English, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism. With over three years of association with JKCPRS, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening the organization’s outreach, fostering collaborations, and enhancing its communication strategies.

Beyond his administrative expertise, Danish is a fierce political commentator, known for his insightful analysis of contemporary socio-political issues, particularly those concerning Jammu and Kashmir.

Sharif Khan serves as the Program Manager at the Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Peace, Research & Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). He is responsible for overseeing the organization’s day-to-day programs, initiatives, webinars, seminars, and other key events. Sharif plays a crucial role in ensuring that all programs and guest engagements align with the organization’s vision and objectives, contributing to their success and impact.

Academically, Sharif holds a B.Tech degree from Punjab Technical University and a Master’s degree in Management from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He has written extensively on geopolitics, contemporary issues, politics, education, and geo-economics in reputed publications such as Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Daily Excelsior, Kashmir Observer, and more.

Sharif is instrumental in expanding the reach and influence of JKCPRS by engaging with key stakeholders, policymakers, academics, and civil society leaders. He actively works to strengthen collaborations, ensuring that the organization’s initiatives remain relevant, impactful, and in line with evolving global and regional challenges.