By Rafiq Vayani
LAHORE: The School of Integrated Social Sciences (SISS) at the University of Lahore has successfully concluded the first cohort of its Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) degree program in Intelligence and Security Studies. Seven students, including one international graduate from Nigeria, completed the program, marking a milestone in Pakistan’s higher education landscape.
Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. Rabia Akhtar, a leading scholar in security studies, praised the achievement, noting the diversity of the inaugural class. “It has been a privilege teaching and learning from this pioneering group. Each student brought unique perspective and professional background, enriching the classroom experience,” she said.
The program, now in its third year, is taught by leading academics, subject experts, and industry professionals. Coursework covered critical areas such as: Intelligence studies as a discipline, Intelligence failures and successes, Terrorism and Counterterrorism, Global governance and evolving challenges for Pakistan’s security agencies.
Dr. Akhtar noted the contributions of visiting scholars and practitioners: “Their expertise elevated the program and helped students produce research of remarkable quality and relevance.”
Among the standout graduates was Hasan Zuberi, who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. His dissertation, “Pakistan’s AI-enabled Intelligence Framework for Threatcasting, Predictive Analytics, and Inter-Agency Communications,” received distinction for its innovative approach and collaboration with field professionals and institutions.
As Pakistan’s security environment continues to evolve, the University of Lahore’s program is positioning itself as a vital hub for research and strategic analysis. By bridging academia, industry, and state institutions, the initiative aims to strengthen national capacity in intelligence and security planning, while preparing graduates to address the complexities of modern asymmetric warfare.
