I am an educationist and a researcher, with over 25 years of experience. My research interests are fairly diverse, including but not limited to, strategic and security studies, politics of war and defence, security sector reform, conflict mitigation, human security, gender issues, impact of pandemics, South Asian Studies, confidence building, Kashmir, arms control, etc. I am an author of forty academic papers
Security and provision of energy are the cornerstone of any country sustainable development as we... more Security and provision of energy are the cornerstone of any country sustainable development as well as the main drivers for economic and industrial growth. Countries, whether developed or developing, remain heavily reliant on energy resources, and energy security is gaining critical primacy for all concerned. Faced with a severe energy crisis for a long time, Pakistan has had to rely on oil-based expensive energy mix widening demand-supply gap, lack of integrated energy strategy and poor energy governance, despite being endowed with immense hydro, wind and solar energy potential. This study attempts to map Pakistan vulnerability to the impacts and challenges pertaining to energy security that constrains its socio-economic development and stability. It further explores the need to involve local community and business sector in formulating adaptation strategies and bridging policy-practice gaps to restructure energy policy and systems by shifting energy mix in favour of renewables and...
Since 9/11 and the consequent US-led military action in Afghanistan, the Pakistani military has b... more Since 9/11 and the consequent US-led military action in Afghanistan, the Pakistani military has been deployed in the north-western areas to crush militant insurgency both by indigenous as well as foreign agents. This has brought about a major shift in the security posture of Pakistan, whereby the military’s role has extended beyond its traditional duties. For nearly two decades, monitoring law and order, diffusing radical, militant as well as ethno-nationalist groups in select pockets of the country and countering terrorism, has transformed military’s traditionally assigned role. Given the complexity of the problems impacting the internal sovereignty of the country, the process has become more inclusive with attention being focused in the areas of law enforcement as well as judicial and legislative bodies to improve the quality of their performance and making them more result oriented and effective. In terms of governance, the country has also faced problematic civil military relati...
Multi-track diplomacy provides an effective theoretical model, which considers education as an im... more Multi-track diplomacy provides an effective theoretical model, which considers education as an important track integral in ushering peace, building bridges, creating the necessary infrastructure, changing mindsets and ultimately enabling a transformation from conflict prone to peace-oriented societies. Thus, giving rise to the idea of a regional higher education institution, primarily to build a regional center of excellence, with a shared common vision, that would help create a South Asian community and provide equitable access to students from all over the region. However, functioning for a decade now, the South Asian University has not been able to achieve many of the aims associated with it, largely due to the inherent hurdles and regional politics. This study will highlight the impediments faced within the region for utilizing education as an effective bridge builder and agent for positive conflict transformation & further examine the SAU’s ability to transcend the deeply entre...
The paper reviews the (CPEC) from a security lens. The upshot of CPEC is to bring in peace and pr... more The paper reviews the (CPEC) from a security lens. The upshot of CPEC is to bring in peace and prosperity in the region through laying a mix of road networks, railways, and pipelines in this area. It envisions to transform Pakistan by upgrading its economic profile through connectivity with adjacent regions, addressing energy shortfalls, and expanding societal links between Pakistan and China. Both sides perceive CPEC to be a game-changer. However, there are key challenges to establish a sphere of co-security interdependence through CPEC. The core risks and opportunities associated with the implementation of this crucial project are highlighted in this study. The paper dwells on the security dimensions of the CPEC from an integrated conception of security - to stamp the CPEC as a safety valve not only for Pakistan and China but for a host of countries associated with it
A key feature of contemporary international politics is the changing nature of American presence ... more A key feature of contemporary international politics is the changing nature of American presence on the world stage. Before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, power of the United States (U.S.) as a unipolar superpower was experiencing change, giving way to multipolarity. For the past three decades, America was the predominant global power, leading the international response to every man-made or natural crisis and calamity. This time, however, the complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic has undermined the American ability to lead the international community in managing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. By its very nature, COVID-19 is challenging prevailing international norms of hard and soft power. This paper critically evaluates the role of American power, its central position in the international political economy and global governance to highlight how deeply it is embedded in the international order, and suited to mount a global response to an international challenge.
In the Contemporary Conflicts of the post-Cold War period, the question of what comes first, Conf... more In the Contemporary Conflicts of the post-Cold War period, the question of what comes first, Conflict or Weapons, becomes irrelevant in the face of the quantity and sophistication arms available to actors involved. Pakistan is a country that shows many of the symptoms which are a characteristic of small arms diffusion into the larger social fabric. Given the complex nature of politics, the country is affected not only by external but domestic sources and drivers that have complicated the issue over the decades. For academic purposes, these sources and problems can broadly be divided into four categories canvassing the range of regulated and non-regulated drivers and causes both at the domestic as well as external level. The study aims to examine at length the impact of how regulated sources of SALW in the private armament sector have gradually emerged and cast an impact on the security profile of the country.
In nuclear war, women would suffer at least as much as men. But women tend to be underrepresented... more In nuclear war, women would suffer at least as much as men. But women tend to be underrepresented in fields—such as high-level politics, diplomacy, military affairs, and science and technology—that bear on nuclear policy. Authors from four countries—Salma Malik of Pakistan (2014), Polina Sinovets of Ukraine (2014), Reshmi Kazi of India, and Jenny Nielsen of Denmark (2014)—discuss how women might gain greater influence on nuclear weapons policy and how their empowerment might affect disarmament and nonproliferation efforts.
Shiite community in Afghanistan: between local dynamics and transnational links
Abstract: Afghani... more Shiite community in Afghanistan: between local dynamics and transnational links Abstract: Afghanistan's Shiite community, which accounts for about 20% of the total population, is a diverse religious group even if it is mainly composed of Hazaras (the third largest ethnic group of Afghanistan). In its relations with the Sunni community, Shiites face the challenge of their integration on the internal political scene even if the Ja'afari school of law recognized by the Constitution of the Afghan state that is emerging in the aftermath of the US intervention post September 11, 2001. This intervention will aim at presenting the Shiite community in all its diversity by studying the internal religious scene and the most followed ayatollahs (marja-e taqlid) by Afghan Shiite believers. We will see how the Afghan Shiite community differs from that of Iran and Iraq. Finally, it will highlight the ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan, in particular, the role of Afghan refugees in Iran and in Pakistan through transnational networks.
In the changing face of security and conflict where women are mostly considered part of the probl... more In the changing face of security and conflict where women are mostly considered part of the problem, they also need to become part of the solution.
The Jammu and Kashmir conflict remains one of the oldest UN agenda items. However, despite the ge... more The Jammu and Kashmir conflict remains one of the oldest UN agenda items. However, despite the genuine plight and legitimate demand for the right to self-determination, Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to struggle for their lives and livelihood under Indian oppression and state-sponsored terrorism without respite. This paper, therefore, attempts to glean into the history of the conflict, which has a strong connection with the contemporary situation, while answering important questions: What circumstances compelled people to rush to Kashmir soon after the independence? How has India, over the decades, interpreted, misinterpreted, and manipulated world opinion in its favour? Why and how have the Muslim world and international community shown apathy towards the beleaguered Kashmiris? Lastly, can there be a way forward, especially after India's illegal annexation of the UN declared disputed territory? It also highlights options available for a plausible solution to this humanitarian issue.
Where the fast-approaching U.S. exit is a genuine cause of concern for the Afghans and many other... more Where the fast-approaching U.S. exit is a genuine cause of concern for the Afghans and many others, including Pakistan, the region, once again, is plunging into uncertainty and turmoil. Where Islamabad cannot play a role beyond its capacity in ensuring or maintaining peace in the neighboring state. Afghan peace must be conceived, articulated, handled and implemented by Afghans themselves.
Security and provision of energy are the cornerstone of any country sustainable development as we... more Security and provision of energy are the cornerstone of any country sustainable development as well as the main drivers for economic and industrial growth. Countries, whether developed or developing, remain heavily reliant on energy resources, and energy security is gaining critical primacy for all concerned. Faced with a severe energy crisis for a long time, Pakistan has had to rely on oil-based expensive energy mix widening demand-supply gap, lack of integrated energy strategy and poor energy governance, despite being endowed with immense hydro, wind and solar energy potential. This study attempts to map Pakistan vulnerability to the impacts and challenges pertaining to energy security that constrains its socio-economic development and stability. It further explores the need to involve local community and business sector in formulating adaptation strategies and bridging policy-practice gaps to restructure energy policy and systems by shifting energy mix in favour of renewables and...
Since 9/11 and the consequent US-led military action in Afghanistan, the Pakistani military has b... more Since 9/11 and the consequent US-led military action in Afghanistan, the Pakistani military has been deployed in the north-western areas to crush militant insurgency both by indigenous as well as foreign agents. This has brought about a major shift in the security posture of Pakistan, whereby the military’s role has extended beyond its traditional duties. For nearly two decades, monitoring law and order, diffusing radical, militant as well as ethno-nationalist groups in select pockets of the country and countering terrorism, has transformed military’s traditionally assigned role. Given the complexity of the problems impacting the internal sovereignty of the country, the process has become more inclusive with attention being focused in the areas of law enforcement as well as judicial and legislative bodies to improve the quality of their performance and making them more result oriented and effective. In terms of governance, the country has also faced problematic civil military relati...
Multi-track diplomacy provides an effective theoretical model, which considers education as an im... more Multi-track diplomacy provides an effective theoretical model, which considers education as an important track integral in ushering peace, building bridges, creating the necessary infrastructure, changing mindsets and ultimately enabling a transformation from conflict prone to peace-oriented societies. Thus, giving rise to the idea of a regional higher education institution, primarily to build a regional center of excellence, with a shared common vision, that would help create a South Asian community and provide equitable access to students from all over the region. However, functioning for a decade now, the South Asian University has not been able to achieve many of the aims associated with it, largely due to the inherent hurdles and regional politics. This study will highlight the impediments faced within the region for utilizing education as an effective bridge builder and agent for positive conflict transformation & further examine the SAU’s ability to transcend the deeply entre...
The paper reviews the (CPEC) from a security lens. The upshot of CPEC is to bring in peace and pr... more The paper reviews the (CPEC) from a security lens. The upshot of CPEC is to bring in peace and prosperity in the region through laying a mix of road networks, railways, and pipelines in this area. It envisions to transform Pakistan by upgrading its economic profile through connectivity with adjacent regions, addressing energy shortfalls, and expanding societal links between Pakistan and China. Both sides perceive CPEC to be a game-changer. However, there are key challenges to establish a sphere of co-security interdependence through CPEC. The core risks and opportunities associated with the implementation of this crucial project are highlighted in this study. The paper dwells on the security dimensions of the CPEC from an integrated conception of security - to stamp the CPEC as a safety valve not only for Pakistan and China but for a host of countries associated with it
A key feature of contemporary international politics is the changing nature of American presence ... more A key feature of contemporary international politics is the changing nature of American presence on the world stage. Before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, power of the United States (U.S.) as a unipolar superpower was experiencing change, giving way to multipolarity. For the past three decades, America was the predominant global power, leading the international response to every man-made or natural crisis and calamity. This time, however, the complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic has undermined the American ability to lead the international community in managing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. By its very nature, COVID-19 is challenging prevailing international norms of hard and soft power. This paper critically evaluates the role of American power, its central position in the international political economy and global governance to highlight how deeply it is embedded in the international order, and suited to mount a global response to an international challenge.
In the Contemporary Conflicts of the post-Cold War period, the question of what comes first, Conf... more In the Contemporary Conflicts of the post-Cold War period, the question of what comes first, Conflict or Weapons, becomes irrelevant in the face of the quantity and sophistication arms available to actors involved. Pakistan is a country that shows many of the symptoms which are a characteristic of small arms diffusion into the larger social fabric. Given the complex nature of politics, the country is affected not only by external but domestic sources and drivers that have complicated the issue over the decades. For academic purposes, these sources and problems can broadly be divided into four categories canvassing the range of regulated and non-regulated drivers and causes both at the domestic as well as external level. The study aims to examine at length the impact of how regulated sources of SALW in the private armament sector have gradually emerged and cast an impact on the security profile of the country.
In nuclear war, women would suffer at least as much as men. But women tend to be underrepresented... more In nuclear war, women would suffer at least as much as men. But women tend to be underrepresented in fields—such as high-level politics, diplomacy, military affairs, and science and technology—that bear on nuclear policy. Authors from four countries—Salma Malik of Pakistan (2014), Polina Sinovets of Ukraine (2014), Reshmi Kazi of India, and Jenny Nielsen of Denmark (2014)—discuss how women might gain greater influence on nuclear weapons policy and how their empowerment might affect disarmament and nonproliferation efforts.
Shiite community in Afghanistan: between local dynamics and transnational links
Abstract: Afghani... more Shiite community in Afghanistan: between local dynamics and transnational links Abstract: Afghanistan's Shiite community, which accounts for about 20% of the total population, is a diverse religious group even if it is mainly composed of Hazaras (the third largest ethnic group of Afghanistan). In its relations with the Sunni community, Shiites face the challenge of their integration on the internal political scene even if the Ja'afari school of law recognized by the Constitution of the Afghan state that is emerging in the aftermath of the US intervention post September 11, 2001. This intervention will aim at presenting the Shiite community in all its diversity by studying the internal religious scene and the most followed ayatollahs (marja-e taqlid) by Afghan Shiite believers. We will see how the Afghan Shiite community differs from that of Iran and Iraq. Finally, it will highlight the ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan, in particular, the role of Afghan refugees in Iran and in Pakistan through transnational networks.
In the changing face of security and conflict where women are mostly considered part of the probl... more In the changing face of security and conflict where women are mostly considered part of the problem, they also need to become part of the solution.
The Jammu and Kashmir conflict remains one of the oldest UN agenda items. However, despite the ge... more The Jammu and Kashmir conflict remains one of the oldest UN agenda items. However, despite the genuine plight and legitimate demand for the right to self-determination, Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to struggle for their lives and livelihood under Indian oppression and state-sponsored terrorism without respite. This paper, therefore, attempts to glean into the history of the conflict, which has a strong connection with the contemporary situation, while answering important questions: What circumstances compelled people to rush to Kashmir soon after the independence? How has India, over the decades, interpreted, misinterpreted, and manipulated world opinion in its favour? Why and how have the Muslim world and international community shown apathy towards the beleaguered Kashmiris? Lastly, can there be a way forward, especially after India's illegal annexation of the UN declared disputed territory? It also highlights options available for a plausible solution to this humanitarian issue.
Where the fast-approaching U.S. exit is a genuine cause of concern for the Afghans and many other... more Where the fast-approaching U.S. exit is a genuine cause of concern for the Afghans and many others, including Pakistan, the region, once again, is plunging into uncertainty and turmoil. Where Islamabad cannot play a role beyond its capacity in ensuring or maintaining peace in the neighboring state. Afghan peace must be conceived, articulated, handled and implemented by Afghans themselves.
In the context of this article, dialogue is understood as the sharing of diverse experiences duri... more In the context of this article, dialogue is understood as the sharing of diverse experiences during conflict, and learning about alternative ways of looking at emerging scenarios. It has the potential to contribute to greater empathy and comprehension of others’ perspectives, breaking traditional stereotypes
Irritants in Pak - US Relations: The Way Forward, 2019
This essay primarily focuses on the bilateral relations between
Pakistan and India and how the Un... more This essay primarily focuses on the bilateral relations between Pakistan and India and how the United States of America (USA), despite New Delhi’s mantra of bilateralism and non-interference doctrines, has been effectively roped in by the latter and made an active stakeholder; and how the de-hyphenation of India and Pakistan by the US after the Cold War, has adversely affected regional Lastly, how the pursuit of independent strategic objectives by each of the three state-actors, has affected mutual relations in the contemporary times, and what policy objectives Pakistan can pursue in the coming decades.
Implications of COVID-19 on Conflict Patterns & Regional Cooperation Process in South Asia, 2021
As the COVID-19 pandemic nears its one-year mark, fears, speculations, and concerns about a secon... more As the COVID-19 pandemic nears its one-year mark, fears, speculations, and concerns about a second surge are resonating worldwide. Many countries across Europe are once again facing an increase in patients’ numbers as well as fatalities, whereas several other countries such as the US, India and many across the European continent are still not recovered from the initial impact. Described as “the most serious threat we have faced in living memory,” human lives are not the only casualty of the pandemic. The worst effect countries such as Pakistan have faced is in terms of the economic fallout. With poor and unequal health care, low literacy rate, poverty, seasonal disease outbreaks, environmental and climate change effects, locust attacks and poor social safety networks becoming additional threat multipliers. This country report will carry out a holistic appraisal and analysis of Pakistan’s ongoing response to COVID-19 and the economic, political and social implications of the pandemic.
A book on Pakistan's Security Challenges since 9/11 and the problems faced by the country, with c... more A book on Pakistan's Security Challenges since 9/11 and the problems faced by the country, with contributing authors focusing on different facets of security and challenges plaguing the country, with recommendations for a way forward.
An attempt towards building an indigenous narrative on Pakistan, from a purely Pakistani lens.
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Papers by Salma Malik
Abstract: Afghanistan's Shiite community, which accounts for about 20% of the total population, is a diverse religious group even if it is mainly composed of Hazaras (the third largest ethnic group of Afghanistan). In its relations with the Sunni community, Shiites face the challenge of their integration on the internal political scene even if the Ja'afari school of law recognized by the Constitution of the Afghan state that is emerging in the aftermath of the US intervention post September 11, 2001. This intervention will aim at presenting the Shiite community in all its diversity by studying the internal religious scene and the most followed ayatollahs (marja-e taqlid) by Afghan Shiite believers. We will see how the Afghan Shiite community differs from that of Iran and Iraq. Finally, it will highlight the ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan, in particular, the role of Afghan refugees in Iran and in Pakistan through transnational networks.
solution.
Abstract: Afghanistan's Shiite community, which accounts for about 20% of the total population, is a diverse religious group even if it is mainly composed of Hazaras (the third largest ethnic group of Afghanistan). In its relations with the Sunni community, Shiites face the challenge of their integration on the internal political scene even if the Ja'afari school of law recognized by the Constitution of the Afghan state that is emerging in the aftermath of the US intervention post September 11, 2001. This intervention will aim at presenting the Shiite community in all its diversity by studying the internal religious scene and the most followed ayatollahs (marja-e taqlid) by Afghan Shiite believers. We will see how the Afghan Shiite community differs from that of Iran and Iraq. Finally, it will highlight the ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan, in particular, the role of Afghan refugees in Iran and in Pakistan through transnational networks.
solution.
Pakistan and India and how the United States of America (USA),
despite New Delhi’s mantra of bilateralism and non-interference
doctrines, has been effectively roped in by the latter and made an
active stakeholder; and how the de-hyphenation of India and Pakistan
by the US after the Cold War, has adversely affected regional
Lastly, how the pursuit of independent strategic objectives
by each of the three state-actors, has affected mutual relations in the
contemporary times, and what policy objectives Pakistan can pursue
in the coming decades.
pandemic.
An attempt towards building an indigenous narrative on Pakistan, from a purely Pakistani lens.