About Us
Local Partner, Global Insights
Who we are!
ACSTD Consulting Ltd is an Afghan-led think-and-do tank and strategic advisory firm working at the nexus of conflict, governance, and democratization. We specialise in fragile and conflict-affected environments, with a core focus on Afghanistan and the broader South Asian region.
Independent and grounded in Afghan realities, we combine locally rooted insight with international standards to deliver research, policy advice, and implementation support that is both context-aware and results-driven. Our on-the-ground network across Afghanistan’s five regions — Central, South, East, West, and North — provides unparalleled access to diverse communities, local dynamics, and hard-to-reach areas.
Mission
We deliver evidence-based research, strategic advisory, and capacity development that inform policy, strengthen institutions, and create inclusive spaces for dialogue, helping partners address critical challenges such as terrorism and pressing issues such as democratization in Afghanistan and beyond.
Vision
To help build a future where Afghanistan secures its rightful place in the global community as a peaceful, democratic, and thriving nation — free from terrorism and extremism, with empowered citizens and resilient institutions.
Core Values
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Impact
- Inclusivity and Equality
- Independence
Staff
Tariq Jahan
Director
Tariq oversees ACSTD’s vision and strategy. A doctoral student at the University of St. Andrews, he researches terrorism, insurgency and extremism.
Shoaib Mehran
Policy & Advocacy Manager
Shuaib connects with stakeholders to turn ACSTD’s research into policy recommendations. Holding an MA in Political Science from the University of Allahabad, he focuses on security and peace studies.
Mohammad Fahim Hotak
Programs & Capacity-Building Manager
Fahim oversees ACSTD’s capacity-building programs. With an MA from the University of York, his research focuses on public policy, post-conflict reconstruction, and development.
Nazia Asmat Qani
Communications & Outreach Manager
Nazia leads ACSTD’s public engagement and outreach. A doctoral student at the University of York, her research focuses on justice, conflict, and violence.
Mohammad Ali Siyadat
Research & Planning Manager
Ali Siyadat, PhD candidate at the University of St Andrews, explores AI’s impact on leadership, trust, and ethics, with experience in NGOs and research in the UK and Afghanistan.
Tariq Jahan
Director
Tariq oversees ACSTD’s vision and strategy. A doctoral student at the University of St. Andrews, he researches counterterrorism and counterinsurgency.
Shoaib Mehran
Policy & Advocacy Manager
Shuaib connects with stakeholders to turn ACSTD’s research into policy recommendations. Holding an MA in Political Science from the University of Allahabad, he focuses on security and peace studies.
Mohammad Fahim Hotak
Programs & Capacity-Building Manager
Fahim oversees ACSTD’s capacity-building programs. With an MA from the University of York, his research focuses on public policy, post-conflict reconstruction, and development.
Nazia Asmat Qani
Communications & Outreach Manager
Nazia leads ACSTD’s public engagement and outreach. A doctoral student at the University of York, her research focuses on justice, conflict, and violence.
Mohammad Ali Siyadat
Research & Planning Manager
Ali Siyadat, PhD candidate at the University of St Andrews, explores AI’s impact on leadership, trust, and ethics, with experience in NGOs and research in the UK and Afghanistan.