Leadership in Practice

A New Dawn for Jammu and Kashmir: Why the UN Must Lead a Multilateral Path to Lasting Peace.  By Sardar Aftab Khan   London, July 2025 – Seventy ‑ seven years after the first ceasefire drew the line across Jammu & Kashmir, the bitter legacy of partition still haunts its mountain passes and river valleys. Civilians on both sides of the Line of Control live under heavy military shadow, even as hopes for resolution flicker in the chilly night air. It’s time, argues Sardar Aftab Khan of the Jammu Kashmir Council on Foreign Affairs (JKCFA) , to break this cycle—not through bilateral brinksmanship, but by harnessing the full weight of United Nations multilateralism. From Frozen Conflict to Transformative Process Since 1947, conflicts over the former princely state have cost countless lives, displaced families, and bred a siege mentality that stifles voices of moderation. Traditional diplomacy has treated Jammu and Kashmir like a problem to be “settled”—with ceasefires, plebiscit...

  Unravelling Competencies Without Agency: The Concept of Impact as Empowerment in Development Partnerships Introduction In the realm of development partnerships, the dynamics between competencies and agency play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of initiatives. Competencies, often defined as the skills, knowledge, and abilities individuals or organisations possess, are essential for driving positive change. However, when these competencies lack agency – the capacity to act and make decisions independently – the potential impact of development efforts may be compromised. This article explores the concept of "competencies without agency". It proposes a paradigm shift by conceptualizing "impact as empowerment" to enhance the ability of individuals and partnerships to serve as genuine development agents. Competencies Without Agency Technical, managerial, or adaptive competencies are fundamental building blocks for any development initiative. They ...

Electricity Pricing Crisis Sparks Outcry in Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Residents Demand Fairness and Accountability By Engr. Sardar Aftab Khan Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) - The picturesque region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, known for its breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty, has lately been overshadowed by an electricity crisis that has sent shockwaves through the lives of its 4.319 million citizens. The exorbitant cost of electricity is disrupting daily life and pushing some of the most vulnerable residents to the brink, with reports of extreme hardship emerging due to the financial burden of high electricity bills. In a region where electricity is essential for daily life, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) residents are taking to the streets in protest against soaring electricity prices. These ongoing protests in AJK were organised by Awami Action committees, started from Rawalakot in May 2023 and now spreading across AJK. They reveal citizens' concerns about ownership, fair pricing...

Expensive Electricity Crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir- Understanding the Key Issues and Demands Prepared by   Sardar Aftab Khan, Executive Director, Kashmir Development Foundation, on behalf of JKGB Dialogue Forum .  This briefing paper aims to provide an overview of the key issues and demands of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) citizens regarding electricity pricing. It benefits from the insights provided by Akram Sohail, former Secretary of the Electricity Department, AJK. It outlines  the primary concerns, demands, and the context of the ongoing protests in AJK. Key Issues 1.      Electricity Pricing Disparities   a)     AJK generates substantial electricity from its water resources, including projects like Mangala, Neelum Jhelum, and others. b)     Despite being the source of this electricity, AJK residents have faced significant disparities in electricity pricing compared to other regions. 2.   ...