Core Team

Nasir Khuehami is the Founding Director of the J&K Centre for Peace Research and Sustainable Development (JKCPRS), where he leads the organisation’s strategic vision, policy research agenda, and operational direction. He is a Doctoral scholar at the Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. A prominent commentator on contemporary issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir, Khuehami has built a distinguished career spanning politics, policy research, crisis response, and political consultancy.

As a researcher, policy professional, and consultant, his work focuses on peace and conflict, tribal affairs, education, governance, and Indian politics. His expertise in crisis management has been demonstrated through his coordinated interventions during major emergencies, including the post-Pulwama developments (2019), the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war evacuation, and the Bangladesh reservation crisis. He has facilitated large-scale student assistance and repatriation efforts in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian embassies, state governments, and law enforcement agencies.

Under his leadership, JKCPRS has emerged as an independent policy platform working on research-driven interventions related to youth engagement, tribal rights, environmental governance, and sustainable development in Jammu & Kashmir. The institution prepares policy briefs, engages with parliamentary stakeholders, and organises dialogues aimed at bridging gaps between communities and the state. Khuehami actively liaises and engages with government departments, Members of Parliament, Union Ministries, embassies, and senior administrators to place evidence-based concerns before decision-makers and advocate constructive policy responses.

Before founding JKCPRS, Khuehami was widely recognised as one of India’s prominent student leaders, assisting hundreds of thousands during times of crisis and uncertainty. He has worked with several think tanks and served as a consultant to multiple politicians and political parties. His experience includes engagement with leading political consultancy platforms such as IPAC and working closely with noted political strategist Prashant Kishor during strategic initiatives. Between 2021 and 2022, he served as a political consultant to the Chief Minister of an Indian state and has worked with several MPs and MLAs, contributing to assembly and parliamentary election campaigns.

In recognition of his public service, he received the National Level Xiaomi Award of the Year in Maharashtra (2021) and the Radhika Prahlad Award (2023) from the Government of Delhi for his student-centric work and humanitarian efforts.

Khuehami has contributed extensively to leading English-language newspapers and journals on issues ranging from politics and education to tribal rights and governance. His writings have appeared in The Indian Express, BBC, The Print, Outlook India, The Wire, The Telegraph, NewsClick, The Citizen, Greater Kashmir, Eurasian Times, Global Order, Sabrang India, and several other publications. He is also a frequent commentator on national and international television networks, including ABC News (New York), Al Jazeera, NDTV, DD News, Times Now, News18, Mojo Story, Mirror Now, and others, where he discusses public policy, unemployment, education, and political affairs.

He has served as a political and media strategist, working with leaders and organisations including INC-Uttarakhand, senior ministers in Jammu & Kashmir, legislative party leaders, and former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. He has also been associated with several humanitarian and civil society organisations, including Khalsa Aid, ANHAD, JKCPJ, and NSU-UK, contributing to relief, advocacy, and community welfare initiatives.

During the 2016 unrest in Kashmir, he was part of consultative engagements when Dineshwar Sharma was appointed as the Government of India’s Interlocutor for Jammu & Kashmir. Over the years, his work has received recognition and appreciation from Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Members of Parliament across party lines for his consistent efforts in dialogue-building, student welfare, and policy advocacy.

Peerzada Mahboob Ul Haq is the Editorial Director at the Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Peace, Research and Sustainable Development (JKCPRS), where he plays a key role in shaping the Centre’s research output, editorial direction, and public policy engagement. At JKCPRS, he works closely on policy briefs, research reports, and strategic communication initiatives aimed at linking evidence-based research with governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development discourse in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.

Prior to this role, Peerzada served as a Policy Consultant and Political Communication Strategist, building a distinguished record across research, media, and academic mentorship. His work has consistently focused on bridging the gap between high-level policy discourse and grassroots socio-political realities, with particular emphasis on governance, youth engagement, democratic institutions, and conflict-sensitive policy frameworks.

In 2025, Peerzada’s leadership and policy engagement were recognised on the international stage when he was invited to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Shapers Summit, reflecting his commitment to driving locally grounded yet globally informed change. This international exposure is complemented by a strong academic orientation. In 2024, he was awarded Best Research Poster (Runner-up) at the ISB Hyderabad Public Policy Dialogues, underscoring his ability to translate rigorous research into policy-relevant insights.

A prolific writer and public commentator, Peerzada regularly contributes to leading platforms such as The Wire, The Quint, DailyO, and Greater Kashmir, where he writes on regional politics, national policy debates, governance challenges, and youth-centric issues. His editorial experience dates back to 2017–18, when he served as Editor of the AMUSU Magazine.

Alongside his research and writing, Peerzada is deeply committed to mentoring aspirants for civil services and public policy careers. He serves as a UPSC Mentor and Tutor, collaborating with reputed institutions including Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad, and MS IAS Institute, where he guides students in political science, public policy, and contemporary socio-political analysis.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and a Master’s degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). At JKCPRS, Peerzada continues to contribute to building a research ecosystem that is policy-relevant, ethically grounded, and responsive to the lived realities of people in conflict-affected and marginalised regions.

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.

Dr. Premanand Mishra is the Honorary Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Peace, Research & Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi and Research Director at Middle East Outlook.

Dr. Mishra holds a PhD and MPhil in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. His academic work focuses on international relations, peace and conflict studies, and critical discourses surrounding Islam and the West. His research offers nuanced insights into global politics, security, and ideological conflicts.

He has conducted extensive field research in multiple conflict zones and has presented his scholarly work at several prestigious international forums, including Cambridge University, the London School of Economics (LSE), and Columbia University (Jordan chapter).

Before entering full-time academia, Dr. Mishra worked as a Financial Correspondent with Business Standard in Chennai and later served as a State Communication and Documentation Consultant with UNICEF India. His academic research has been widely published in leading peer-reviewed journals, and he is a regular contributor of op-ed columns to prominent national and international platforms.

Dr. Mishra writes for publications such as Firstpost, New Age Islam, The Friday Times, National Herald, and the Centre for Air Power Studies. His writings span a wide range of subjects, including ISIS ideology, Indo-Pakistan relations, the Iran–Israel conflict, Indian democracy, the Kartarpur Corridor, South Asian Islam, contemporary global geopolitics, and the G20 Summit.

He is also a frequent commentator for global media outlets, notably the BBC, where he regularly provides expert analysis on major developments in international affairs.

At JKCPRS, Dr. Mishra plays a key role in coordinating research collaborations and ensuring that all publications maintain high standards of empirical rigor and conceptual clarity. His combined academic, journalistic, and policy experience continues to enrich critical debates on geopolitics, peace, and security.