Rector Internationalization
Professor Dr. Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad

Professor Dr. Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad is a distinguished academic, researcher, and policy advisor with over two decades of experience spanning public health, sustainable development, sociology, and electoral studies. His academic career is marked by significant contributions to public health policy, electoral governance, and sustainable development, with a strong focus on bridging the gap between academia and policy implementation. Dr. Shakeel holds a Ph.D research and Post-Doctorate from prestigious institutions in the UK, which laid the foundation for his ongoing work in health sociology and internationalization of higher education.

Currently, as the Rector of Internationalization Dr. Shakeel plays a significant role in strengthening international collaborations in the fields of quality assurance, academic development, research and innovation. His work in internationalization focuses on developing strategic partnerships in health and sustainability sectors, ensuring academic and institutional excellence through effective quality control measures. In addition, his roles as Director of the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities, and Director of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) place him at the center of academic development and strategic innovation within the institution. He leads key programs related to community health, human resource development, and policy-driven health education, significantly contributing to health and public policy initiatives at both local and global levels.

Dr. Shakeel is also the Chief Executive of the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development (GSISD), where he leads research and advocacy initiatives focused on sustainable governance. His leadership in GSISD has been instrumental in shaping public policy frameworks related to health, governance, and socio-economic sustainability in Pakistan. His ability to foster local and global alliances has allowed GSISD to become a prominent think tank advocating for accelerated sustainable development in alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Shakeel’s research is interdisciplinary, encompassing public health, electoral and parliamentary governance, and sustainable development, with a particular focus on hybrid and post-colonial regimes. His work often addresses how political systems and legislative structures influence public health, education, and economic policies. He has taught extensively in disciplines such as political sociology, development studies, and governance, contributing valuable insights into the role of politics in shaping health outcomes. His research has explored public health indicators in the context of electoral studies, the impact of political psychology on electoral governance, and the challenges of climate change, health and migration in post-colonial governance frameworks.

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Shakeel has held notable positions in academia including Assistant Professor at COMSATS University Islamabad and Lecturer at Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad and remained an educator in Cambridge International Education System, where he taught political sociology, public health, and development studies, environmental management, global perspectives and research. His earlier experience as a media producer at Radio Pakistan further enriched his career, allowing him to develop media content focused on environmental, health and developmental issues. This diverse experience in academia, media, and policy advisory roles has given him a unique perspective on the intersection of health, governance, and development.

Dr. Shakeel’s contributions to global health and sustainability have been recognized through various prestigious fellowships and awards, including his Visiting Research Fellowships at the University of Southampton UK and the University of Nottingham UK, as well as the Jamal Abdul Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership and Sustainable Development. He has also been actively involved in presenting his research at renowned international platforms such as the United Nations General Assembly’s Stockholm+50 conference and the International Congress of Rural Youth in Russia. His presentations have highlighted his work on electoral governance, sustainable development, and the socio-political dynamics of hybrid regimes, earning him international acclaim.

With various policy reviews, media reports and peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Shakeel has made significant contributions to the academic discourse on public health, governance, and sustainability. His research frequently examines the relationship between political structures and public health policies in post-colonial contexts, providing insights that have influenced policy discussions in Pakistan and beyond. His work continues to shape the landscape of sustainable development and governance through both academic and policy-oriented contributions. Dr. Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad’s professional journey reflects his dedication to advancing public health, education, and sustainable development through interdisciplinary research and strategic leadership. His ongoing efforts to internationalize higher education, coupled with his commitment to promoting sustainable governance, make him a key figure in the academic and policy domains. His work continues to inspire both local and international communities in their efforts to achieve health, education, and sustainability goals.

For professional inquiries or collaboration, Dr. Shakeel can be contacted via email at shakeel@rihs.edu.pk or by phone at +92 51 2617381-3