Husain Haqqani
Husain Haqqani (b. 1956) is a prominent Pakistani journalist, academic, political activist, and former diplomat. He served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Sri Lanka (1992–1993) and the United States (2008–2011). Currently, he is a Senior Fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute, and a Senior Research Fellow at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi.
Career Highlights:
- Diplomacy: Represented Pakistan as a diplomat, with notable tenures in Sri Lanka and the U.S. His tenure in Washington was marked by both acclaim and controversy, including his involvement in the Memogate affair.
- Academia: Held roles at Boston University, University of Chicago, and Hudson Institute, contributing to research on Pakistan’s military, Islamist movements, and U.S.-Pakistan relations.
- Journalism: Reported on key geopolitical events, including the Afghanistan conflict, for prestigious outlets like Voice of America and The Far Eastern Economic Review.
- Political Advisory: Served as a political advisor and spokesperson for multiple Pakistani leaders, including Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto.
Publications:
Haqqani has authored four significant books analyzing Pakistan’s political history and its role in global geopolitics, including Pakistan: Between Mosque and Military and Reimagining Pakistan: Transforming a Dysfunctional Nuclear State.
Key Perspectives:
An outspoken critic of Islamist extremism, Haqqani advocates for secular governance, improved U.S.-Pakistan ties, and accountability for Pakistan’s historical actions, such as the 1971 Bangladesh conflict.