Obituary

Dr. Syed Rifaat Hussain (1953–2025)

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Syed Rifaat Hussain, former Chairman, Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Quid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Under his leadership, the department flourished as one of Pakistan’s premier centers for security and strategic s tudies, attracting students and researchers from across the country.

He was a distinguished scholar, academic, and defense analyst, who left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s strategic and international affairs community. He passed away on March 7, 2025. Dr. Hussain was an esteemed professor, a mentor to many, and a voice of reason in regional and global security discourses.

Dr. Rifaat obtained his Master’s and Ph.D. from The Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, USA.

He dedicated over four decades to academia and policy research, mentoring generations of scholars and policymakers.

His influence extended beyond national borders. His expertise and reputation as a leading security analyst earned him invitations as a Post Doc fellow and then as Visiting Professor for two times at Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC), USA where he shared his insights on South Asian security, U.S.-Pakistan relations, and counterterrorism strategies.

He also took on the role of Executive Director of the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 2005 to 2008.

He served as a Professor and Consultant at the Department of Government Policy and Public Administration at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad.

Dr. Hussain’s research and analysis significantly shaped contemporary debates on security and international relations. He was widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s foremost strategic thinkers, with an understanding of the Kashmir conflict, nuclear deterrence, counterterrorism policies, and U.S. involvement in Afghanistan.
His work was frequently published in leading international and national journals and media outlets.

As a policy advisor, he played a vital role in training Pakistan’s diplomatic corps, serving as a Course Director at the Foreign Service Academy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad, Pakistan.

His insights and mentorship were instrumental in shaping the strategic mindset of future diplomats and policymakers.

Dr. Hussain’s scholarly contributions extended to serving on the editorial boards of esteemed publications, including the South Asia Journal and the National Defense University Journal. His extensive body of work remains a valuable resource for students, scholars, and practitioners of international relations and security studies.

His passing is an irreplaceable loss to the academic and policy community, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future scholars, diplomats, and strategists.

Dr. Hussain’s wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to knowledge will be dearly missed. His life’s work will continue to guide scholars and policymakers in understanding the complexities of international and strategic affairs.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to Dr. Rifaat’s family, friends, colleagues, and students.

May his soul rest in peace!