Dr Zia ul Haque Shamsi is a Pakistani strategic scholar educator and former senior officer of the Pakistan Air Force known for his work in strategic studies national security leadership and defence management. He holds a PhD from National Defence University Islamabad and studied internationally at Deakin University Australia while serving as a trainer researcher analyst and mentor He also engages the public through media writing and his YouTube platform Reflections by Shamsi and received recognition from Asia Book of Awards for writing four international books in four years.
In May 2025 Dr Shamsi published analysis arguing that the Pakistan Air Force has become the most successful air force of the 21st century based on his research of aerial engagements and losses claimed since 2019
He continues producing analytical videos on his platform “Reflections by Shamsi”, where he discusses airpower strategy defence policy and geopolitical developments for public understanding.
In an October 2025 interview he discussed how AI automation and unmanned technologies are reshaping airpower doctrines and strategic balance in South Asia.
Dr Shamsi continues contributing to defence discussions on regional security strategy deterrence and military modernization in South Asia.
He remains engaged in research training and policy discussions through academic institutions such as National Defence University and defence think tanks focusing on strategic policy and security studies.
Dr Shamsi regularly appears in media discussions and defence programs as a strategic analyst on airpower geopolitics and national security.
Along with policy research he continues public education efforts explaining strategic affairs defence policy and global security issues through articles lectures and digital platforms
Sitar e Imtiaz Military
Government of Pakistan 2009
Tamgha e Imtiaz Military
Government of Pakistan 2006
Professional Excellence Badge
Pakistan Air Force 2000
Chief of the Air Staff Commendation CertificatePakistan Air Force 1998
Chief of the Air Staff Commendation CertificatePakistan Air Force 1995
Name: Zia‑ul‑Haque Shamsi.
Hometown: Shahdadpur, District Sanghar, Sindh, Pakistan
PhD in Strategic Studies – National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad (2016)
MA in Strategic Studies – Deakin University, Australia (2004)
Sc (National Defence University) – Islamabad (2006-07)
Executive MBA (General Management) – Preston University, Islamabad (1997-98)
Sc (Defense & Strategic Studies) – Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad (1996-98)
Sc (Strategic Studies) – Karachi University (1998-99)
Base Commander, PAF Kohat (12 Sep 2007 – 29 Jun 2009)
National Defence Course (Aug 2006 – Jul 2007)
CDSS, Australia (Dec 2003 – Dec 2004)
Executive National Security Programme, South Africa (10 Jul – 20 Nov 2002)
Air War Course (19 Jul 1999 – 8 Aug 2000)
Senior Command & Staff Course (1994)
1. Diplomacy and Deterrence Blending D2 to Achieve Peace Stability and Security
New York: Peter Lang Publishing Inc
Publication Date: 15 November 2024
Peer Reviewed
ISBN PDF: 9781636679181
ISBN ePUB: 9781636679198
ISBN Softcover: 9781636679204
DOI: 10.3726/b22396
2. Understanding Sun Tzu and The Art of Hybrid War
New York: Peter Lang Publishing Inc
Publication Date: 9 August 2023
Peer Reviewed
ISBN: 9781636672335
3. South Asia Needs Hybrid Peace
New York: Peter Lang Publishing Inc
Publication Date: 28 December 2021
Peer Reviewed
ISBN: 9781433194221
4. Nuclear Deterrence and Conflict Management Between India and Pakistan
New York: Peter Lang Publishing Inc
Publication Date: December 2020
Peer Reviewed
ISBN: 9781433172717
Translated Urdu Version of Sun Tzu’s ‘The Art of War.’ 2013, (Islamabad: NDU Press, 2013 & PAF Book Club, and Army Book Club). (Peer Reviewed)
Chapters in a Book
Domestic Politics in Hybrid War” in Living Under Hybrid War, pp 77-94, NUST, 2022, ISBN: 978-969-8535-66-7 (Peer Reviewed)
International Journals
1. “Introducing the Concept of Developing Research Specific Models for the Research in Social Sciences in the Era of Google Search and Chat GPT”
Journal of Xi’an Shiyou University Natural Science Edition
Volume 20 Issue 01 January 2024 Pages 239–249
ISSN 1673-064X
HEC Category X
2. “Theory of Fear and Tear A Consequence of Deterrence Failure”
Journal of Xi’an Shiyou University Natural Science Edition
Volume 20 Issue 01 January 2024 Pages 75–87
ISSN 1673-064X
HEC Category X
3. “Realism Impedes the Process of Arms Control and Disarmament It Is Time to Change the Theory and Strategy”
SunText Review of Arts and Strategy Social Sciences
Volume 4 Issue 3 December 2023
ISSN 2766-4600
DOI 10.51737/2766-4600.2023.065
SSCI Indexed
HEC Category W
National Journals
1. “The Strategy of Winning Hearts and Minds An Evaluation”
Joint Article with Mah Noor Rizwan
Policy Research Journal
Volume 4 Issue 2 2026 Pages 307–314
ISSN E 3006-7030
ISSN P 3006-7022
DOI Read
HEC Category Y
2. “State Society and Security Viewed Through the Prism of Domestic Politics in Pakistan”
International Journal of Social Sciences Bulletin
Volume 4 Issue 2 2026 Pages 1–7
ISSN E 3007-1917
ISSN P 3007-1909
DOI Read
HEC Category Y
3. “Examining India’s Motives for Causing Strategic Instability in South Asia”
Journal of Media Horizons
Volume 6 Issue 3 Pages 1387–1393
ISSN E 2710-4060
ISSN P 2710-4052
DOI Read
HEC Category Y
4. “Hybrid War on Qatar 2017–2020”
Policy Research Journal
Volume 3 Issue 7 2025 Pages 502–511
ISSN E 3006-7030
ISSN P 3006-7022
DOI read
HEC Category Y
5. “Defining Strategy A New Approach”
International Journal of Social Sciences Bulletin
Volume 3 Issue 6 2025 Pages 194–200
HEC Category Y
6. “Introducing the Framework Model for the Evaluation of Deterrent Value of States”
NUST Journal of International Peace and Stability
Volume 7 Issue 2 2024 Pages 1–15
DOI read
HEC Category Y
7. “Significance of Non Traditional Dimensions of Security Understanding Pakistan’s Predicaments”
International Journal of Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences
Volume 2 Issue 4 December 2023
ISSN P 2959-3808
HEC Category Y
8. “Efficacy of Social Media in Wars and Conflict A Brief Review of Russia Ukraine War”
CARC Research in Social Sciences
Volume 2 Issue 4 December 2023 Pages 202–207
DOI read
HEC Category Y
9. “Evaluating the Potential of Cultural Diplomacy as a Weapon of Enduring Peace in the Gulf Region”
Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
Volume 11 Number 04 2023 Pages 4280–4287
eISSN 2415-007X
HEC Category Y
10. “Massive Retaliation Against Unequal Military Powers”
International Journal of Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences
Volume 2 Issue 3 September 2023
HEC Category Y
11. “Why Do Nations War Ideology Territory Power and Security”
International Journal of Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences
Volume 2 Issue 4 December 2023
ISSN P 2959-3808
HEC Category Y
12. “Introducing Realizm”
Progressive Research Journal of Arts and Humanities
Volume 3 Number 2 2021
ISSN 2707-7314
HEC Category Y
13. “Hybrid Warfare and Its Nuances A Case Study from South Asia”
Joint Article with Dr Farah Naz
IPRI Journal
Volume 22 Issue 1 2022 Pages 25–43
HEC Category X
14. “Strategic Neglect of Sun Tzu’s Precepts A Case of Kargil Conflict”
NDU Journal
2013
ISSN 2073-0926
HEC Category Y
15. “India Air Force A Regional Power by 2020”
NDU Journal
2011
ISSN 2073-0926
HEC Category Y
16. “Deterrence and Diplomacy Investigating India’s Motives Behind Conflict Deferment and Pakistan’s Endeavours at Conflict Resolution”
CISS Insight Journal of Strategic Studies
Volume 10 Number 2 2022
HEC Category Y
17. “Non Traditional Dimensions of the National Security of Pakistan A Way Forward”
International Journal of Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences
Volume 3 Issue 2 April 2024
ISSN P 2959-3808
HEC Category Y
Zia-ul-Haque Shamsi is a strategic scholar and former officer of the Pakistan Air Force. He teaches strategic studies and leadership at National Defence University while writing books and research on defence and security. He also shares knowledge through media analysis and his educational platform Reflections by Shamsi.
Dr Shamsi actively teaches and trains officers and scholars particularly at institutions such as National Defence University. His sessions focus on leadership decision making defence management and professional ethics for future military leaders.
He regularly contributes to television discussions writes newspaper columns and runs an educational YouTube platform Reflections by Shamsi where he explains strategic affairs and social issues for the public.
Dr Shamsi maintains an active writing schedule producing books articles and opinion pieces. His work in strategic studies earned recognition from Asia Book of Awards for publishing four international books within four years.
Twitter X : @haque_shamsi
LinkedIn : Zia Ul Haque Shamsi
YouTube : Zia Ul Haque Shamsi (Reflections by Shamsi)
TikTok : @ziashamsi1
Blog : drziashamsi.wordpress.com
Instagram : ziashamsi58
Facebook : Zia Ul Haque Shamsi
WhatsApp : 0336 5999884
He is known for strategic studies research defence leadership training and national security analysis.
It is an educational YouTube channel where he shares analytical discussions and simplified Quran understanding.
He received the Grand Master title from Asia Book of Awards for writing four international books in four years.
He studied at National Defence University Deakin University Quaid i Azam University Karachi University and Preston University.
He believes learning never ends and teaching is a responsibility.
“Work with dedication seek knowledge continuously and serve your country with integrity. Believe in hard work faith and the power of disciplined learning. Remember that learning never ends and sharing knowledge is a responsibility.“
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