Nota biográfica

Zafar Iqbal is a sociologist, researcher, and dedicated child protection advocate with over a decade of multidisciplinary experience in education, community development, and sociological research. His academic and professional journey has centered around improving child welfare and promoting inclusive, evidence-based educational systems. Zafar holds an MPhil in Sociology from Hamdard University, Karachi, where his thesis "Shaping Minds and Building Characters: Impact of Learning Activities on Personality and Social Development of Students" explored how educational environments influence personality development and social behavior. This research laid a strong foundation for his ongoing academic work, which combines theoretical insights with practical applications in education and child protection. Furthermore Zafar holds MA International Relations from University of Karachi Pakistan, B.A (Hons) English Language and Literature from International Islamic University Islamabad and Bachelor of Education from Karakoram International University Gilgit. Professionally, Zafar has served in a wide array of leadership roles within the Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan (AKESP), including teacher, vice principal, principal, Manager of Academics, and Child Safeguarding and Wellbeing Coordinator. In these roles, he led numerous programs to enhance school safety and child protection, such as the School Safety Project funded by AusAID, COVID-19 vaccination drives, and the Pakistan Deworming Initiative. He has conducted extensive training sessions for faculty, awareness campaigns for parents, and implemented safeguarding protocols in schools across Pakistan. Currently, Zafar is engaged in doctoral-level research in Portugal under the supervision of Professor João Pedroso, focusing on Child Protection Policies and Practices in Public Sector Educational Systems "Child Neglect in Educational Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Policies and Practices in Pakistan and Portugal." His work in Portugal builds on his comparative expertise and aims to develop actionable policy insights for child welfare reform. This research will explore the institutional and cultural factors that influence child protection mechanisms, aiming to generate meaningful solutions to global safeguarding challenges. Zafar's research background includes extensive contributions to maternal and child health, gender studies, and community resilience. He has worked as Research Coordinator for the Trust for Vaccines and Immunization (TVI), evaluating the Vaccine Indicator and Reminder Band (VIRB) initiative. At the Aga Khan University Hospital, he supervised various projects within the Maternal and Child Health Care Program, contributing to real-world public health solutions. His published and ongoing research includes: • Women in Mountain Tourism: Exploring the Links Between Women Tourism Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in Hunza Valley (co-authored). • Impact of Learning Activities on Personality and Social Development of Students. A Case Study of a Private School in Karachi Pakistan • The Relationship Between Perceived Organizational Support, Career Commitment, and Employee Retention: A Study in the Educational Sector of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. • Research on the role of women in preventing violent extremism in urban communities. Zafar has also completed several certifications and training programs, enhancing his skills in child protection, leadership, emergency response, and education: • Fundamentals of Child Protection - Online Course (Alison, in progress) • Understanding Muslim Societies in Past and Present - NOVA University, Lisbon • Crisis Response Training - Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan • Leadership Development Program - Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi • English Language Educators' Program - Pak-American Culture Center • Mental Health Disaster Response - Harvard University and Aman Health • Training of Trainers on School Safety - Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan • Emergency and Disaster Management Training - Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan • Safety Officer Training - Emergency Response Team (ERT) A dedicated community servant, Zafar has consistently contributed through volunteer work. Notable service includes: • Volunteer during the visit of Pope Francis to Lisbon, Portugal (Aug 1-7, 2023) • TKN volunteer and resource person for the Local Council Gilgit (2019-2023) • Chairperson, Local Education Board Gulshan, Karachi (2017-18) • Religious Teacher at REC Mujahid Colony, Gilgit (2001-2003) and REC Rawalpindi (2004-2008) • Coordinator of Human Resource and HRE (Human Resource Education) programs Zafar is also a founding member of Yasin Mahraka, a youth-led organization promoting educational development, and an active participant in the National Youth Movement in Islamabad. His international exposure includes representing Pakistan at the Great Anatolian World Youth Festival in Turkey.