Syed Kausar Abbas, the Founding Director of SSDO, holds 15 plus years’ of progressive and diversified experience as a social and human rights activist. He is deeply involved in various facets of sustainable development, particularly in advocacy, accountability and transparency, legislative governance, participatory local governance, rural development, campaigning, public relations, media and project coordination in different roles and contexts with development sector organizations of national and international repute. He is an excellent communicator with well-developed media skills, including social media. Kausar is a strong organizer who regularly multi-tasks between managing different projects.

Syed Kausar Abbas

Muhammad Shahid Khan
Senior Director Programs and Operations

More than 15 years of professional experience in the field of Academic & Action Research, Advocacy and Lobbying, Capacity Building, Program Development & Management, and writing in newspapers in various domains especially, Peace, Democracy, and Human Security, Governance Structures, Decentralization, Inclusive Governance, Parliamentary Procedures, Legislative Development, Rule of Law, Transparency & Accountability and Civic Rights & Responsibilities. The aim is to promote knowledge, peace, development, and democracy through advocacy, academics, and research endeavors.


Email: shahid@ssdo.org.pk

Muhammad Shahid Khan

Highly skilled and qualified Research and Training expert with fifteen years’ experience of working with International and National organizations, both as an employee and as a consultant. Have designed, developed, and delivered highly admired training programs in major cities as well as numerous remote areas of Pakistan. Well versed with training methodologies and use of relevant communication technologies. A brilliant team player with outstanding inter-personal and dispute resolution skills, and a confident engaging personality. She has done M.Phil. Anthropology, Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, 2009 (with scholarship distinction). Thesis in Medical Anthropology on “Alternative healing practices” Her Expertise are in the field of Research, Monitoring & Evaluation, Report writing, Training, Teaching and Projects.

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Email: maryam@ssdo.org.pk

Maryam Jawad

Mr. Shah has over 20 years of experience in development & corporate sectors in the field of Financial Accounting & Management, Financial Reporting, Costing, Grant management, Compliance, Capacity Assessment, Capacity Building, Financial Trainings, Project Budgeting, Partnership Management, and general administration. His knowledge & expertise has been acquired by working in senior positions at International organizations like Trocaire, SAARC Business Association funded by SAARC Development Fund, and National organizations like Sungi Development Foundation. He has attained international and national level training in financial management, financial reporting, financial monitoring, and supply chain management.

Zahid H. Shah

Thriving in the dynamic world of HR, I've honed my skills over the 15 years, mastering the art of talent acquisition, fostering inclusive cultures, and driving organizational excellence. With a knack for understanding the human element of business, I've successfully implemented innovative programs that boost employee morale and productivity, leading to measurable improvements in retention rates and overall company performance. Proven track record of streamlining processes, optimizing efficiencies, and fostering a vibrant workplace environment. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for driving organizational success. Worked on operations side, known for my strategic leadership and proficiency in optimizing business processes. With a sharp focus on efficiency and innovation, I've spearheaded initiatives that drive cost savings, enhance productivity, and elevate overall operational performance.


**Email: sadia@ssdo.org.pk**

Sadia Kehkishan

Highly experienced Gender and Training Expert with 14 years of experience in designing and implementing gender-sensitive training programs, projects, and initiatives. She has a wealth of experience from reputed organizations both nationally and internationally with a proven track record of successfully managing projects, leading teams, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Skilled in project management, gender mainstreaming, Protection, training facilitation, developing training manuals and community engagement. She holds degree in Mass Communication and in English literature. 

Bushra Shah

Izza holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies and is greatly passionate about all things related to development with a keen interest in gender and education. She has developed a deep understanding of communication focused content, report writing, press releases and social media management. Prior to working in SSDO, she has work in the fields of content writing and social media management, along with her past experience in working with the National Institute of Health and WHO.

**Email: izza@ssdo.org.pk**

Izza Faheem Tahir

Her professional trainings includes Leadership Summit KP, Employability Capacity Building Training, International Sports Leadership Training (ISLT), Lead Today and, Building Healthy Leaders (BHL). She has extensive expertise in academics with MPhil in Applied Linguistics and research study on "Analysis of problems of phonological patterns of English Language." She has experience working as a Language Trainer and Lecturer. She has excellent communication, interpersonal and team work abilities. She is devoted to educate the local populace and bears immense agony for others. She is actively working towards a larger cause of raising public awareness of the value of literacy and truly appreciates working in the sector for the community.

**Email: kashmala@ssdo.org.pk**

Kashmala Fakhar

Skilled and experienced researcher working with National and international organizations. Communication specialist for Aid to Church in need where to handle communication and country projects for community and development. Experience of capacity building,  program management, project management, advocacy and lobbying,  working experience with parliamentarians and stake holders (legislative) .master's in mass communication which has enhanced management and Mass management skills. Utilizing all skills and abilities to bring positive change in society.

Susan Thomas

Meet Anila Hazrat, a dynamic and driven individual whose journey as a junior program officer has been marked by a commitment to positive change and a deep understanding of community needs. Growing up in a close-knit community, Anila developed a strong sense of empathy and a desire to contribute to the wellbeing of others around her. Anila’s academic journey led her to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from international Islamic university Islamabad. This educational background laid the foundation for her future endeavors as a Program Officer, equipping her with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex landscape of community development. She has a knack for problem solving and a thirst for community service. Durning her university years she was not merely confined to the classroom moreover she was actively involved with different developmental organization as a volunteer and an intern. She honed not only academic skills but also developed a keen sense of leadership and teamwork.

**Email: anila@ssdo.org.pk**

Anila Hazrat

Naveed has working experience with corporate sector organizations. He is now working as Senior Officer Communication to develop website, layout and production design for brochures, advertisements, cover pages, and formatting of reports in SSDO.

**Email: naveed@ssdo.org.pk**

Naveed Ashraf

He is responsible for tracking the daily news published across widely circulated newspapers in the country, English and Urdu, alike and data entry in spreadsheets for media tracking, a bi-annual publication. The report is a social commentary on the indicators related to the social well-being of women and children and the crimes committed against them. Since its publication, the Media Tracking Report has provided the backdrop for legislation passed for the safeguarding of women. Furthermore, he writes the content for the newsletter of the organization, a monthly activity journal. He's also management support for the project EWAM (women workers alliance), a project led by TDEA (Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability) in collaboration with SSDO. He also has worked as management support on the project CIP (Coalition Inclusive Pakistan) another project by TDEA in which the rights of the transgender community are being highlighted.


**Email: usman@ssdo.org.pk**

Usman Altaf

He is an expert in Counter Violent Extremism, Counter Terrorism, and Conflict Resolution. He brings years of research and communication experience from a premier National Security Think Tank - Institute for Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA) at the National Defence University, Islamabad. He has also been an Associate Editor for esteemed International and National Journals (Margalla Papers and NDU Journal). He pursued his MPhil degree in International Relations with a thesis titled “Afghan Refugee Management: Comparative Study of Pakistan-Iran”.  He is part of a visiting faculty at different institutions and supervises research work. Besides, his extensive research and academic background. He is also a geopolitical analyst and appeared on TV and Radio channels. His professional training includes Conflict analysis and resolution skills, Peacebuilding, negotiation, mediation, and governance.

**Email: taimoor@ssdo.org.pk**

Syed Taimoor Shah

He is a qualified BBA (HONS) in Finance & Accounting from Hazara University Mansehra with experience of 4 years in the areas of Finance & Admin with different Non-profit Organizations. Having extensive knowledge of Finance and Admin related work, like Bookkeeping, Accounting Management, Payroll Processes, Payment Compliance, Tax according to country law, and Internal Control/Audit.
 

**Email: finance@ssdo.org.pk**

Yasim Yaqoob

Shahid Hassan, a talented professional in the dynamic world of videography and cinematography. With a fervent passion for capturing moments and telling stories through the lens, His expertise in the art of videography quickly gained recognition, leading him to various exciting projects and collaborations. He has been a creative force in the industry for more than 2 years. He is currently serving as a dedicated Videographer and NLE (Non-Linear Editing) Editor at SSDO, He continues to hone his skills and push the boundaries of his craft.

Shahid Hassan

Malik Ummar Ali is a Project Officer with SSDO Pakistan in Sialkot, holding a Master's in Pakistan Studies and Political Science. With over fourteen years of experience in social and human rights activism, he emphasizes accountability and transparency. He has worked on various projects funded by organizations such as WHO, ILO, British Council, Fafen, UNICEF, and ICSOS/CSIL, and has experience working  working on projectd with NGOs and INGOs. His experience includes working with government bodies across various districts in Punjab and Karachi.

Specializing in social mobilization and monitoring, he also trains community development professionals. Committed to accountability and transparency and has practically submitted appeals to Pakistan information commission He engages youth in understanding this act and conducts Federal Ombudsman Act awareness  training sessions to promote citizens' rights and grievance mechanisms. He advocates for women's empowerment and has contributed to research on gender equality and women's rights.


Malik Ummar Ali

Faisal holds a degree of Bachelor of Arts from Punjab University. He has experience in radio broadcasting of 17 Years and Head of department news and current affairs, Marketing and Programming. Now he is Project Officer for district Jhelum and Mirpur in SSDO.


Faisal Mehmood Arif

Muhammad Waqas is Admin Officer at SSDO. He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative tasks and operations of the organization. He plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the SSDO and supporting its mission and goals.

Muhammad Waqas

He has been working with the organization since the beginning. Currently, he is working as an admin assistant to assist the organization in achieving various daily routine tasks.
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Email: atifejaz@ssdo.org.pk**

Meet Our Team