ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) extends its sincere gratitude to the core research team members whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in this research report. We are grateful to Saddam Hussein, who provided a substantial contribution to the report as the lead author, along with his technical guidance, insights and astute expertise that deftly crafted this report. Hussein was also involved in designing the outline, methodology as well as contextualizing the themes and data. We convey our recognition with sincere thanks to Zehra Zaidi for demonstrating exceptional leadership and a remarkable aptitude for innovation as the research lead; Elsa Imdad for conducting the literature review and desk review with meticulous attention to detail and updated knowledge; Ramsha Saghir for carrying out the key informant interviews with exceptional skill and insight; and Hamid Mehmood Chouhan for conducting extensive desk research that significantly improved the findings.

The Center is also grateful to the subject matter experts whose contributions greatly enhanced the quality and credibility of this report. We are deeply grateful to Zubair Faisal Abbasi, Ali Salman, Sarah Javaid, and, Haroon Sharif, whose participation in the key informant interviews provided insightful analysis and invaluable guidance throughout the research process.

Finally, we extend our gratitude to Javed Hassan, for his critical input and final review of the report.