Biography

Arzak Khan is a distinguished leader in internet governance and cybersecurity, backed by a wealth of expertise in ICTs and e-governance project management. He has made substantial contributions to civic technology initiatives, globally recognized identity management and social safety net programs. Founding the Internet Policy Observatory Pakistan, he spearheaded a premier think tank committed to crafting innovative, South-centric policies tailored for the contemporary era of cyber technologies. Additionally, he is the founder of the Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights South Asia, which explores the intersection of AI with technology and society, driving forward crucial discussions and initiatives in this rapidly evolving field.


“The economic future, jobs, national security, cost of living, productivity, ability to compete globally and geopolitical standing in the world are all reliant on continued and growing success in digital technology.”
― Arzak Khan .” 

Arzak Khan’s recent research looks into critical issues such as expanding internet access, narrowing the digital divide, combating disinformation, and unraveling the intricate consequences of hyper connectivity of digital platforms. He has authored numerous studies shedding light on the impact of the digital gap in the global south, the growing use of internet-connected devices in society, and the evolving role of modern technologies in civic and political engagement. His latest research probes how countries like China and Russia aim to imprint their norms and values on the Global South by influencing information flows and controls mechanisms.

Arzak’s academic journey is marked by remarkable achievements, including the attainment of a Master’s degree in Communication Management from Strathclyde Business School, Glasgow, as a Chevening Scholar. His exceptional contributions have garnered prestigious awards, including the Media Policy Fellowship from the University of Oxford, the Diplo Foundation Policy Fellowship in Internet Governance, and the ICT4D Research Scholar Award from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sweden. These accolades underscore his unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and shaping policies in the dynamic fields of internet governance and cybersecurity.

Further enriching his academic pursuits, Arzak was honored with a PhD research course from Lillehammer University College, Norway, for his pioneering research on “mediatization social and cultural change.” Additionally, he received recognition from UTS International Geneva, Geneva Internet Platform, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for his contributions to digital commerce course. His engagement in discussions on emerging digital policy issues, including cross-border data flows, data localization, cybersecurity, consumer protection, and the implications of emerging technologies for global digital trade, highlights his profound understanding of the evolving digital landscape and its impact on global affairs.

In addition to his academic and research pursuits, Arzak has contributed his expertise as an Advisory Board Member for numerous nonprofit organizations. His insights have been sought after by esteemed entities such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Netherlands, the UN Special Rapporteur, International Republican Institute (IRI) among others. He has been invited to share his knowledge and perspectives on contemporary technological issues, including AI governance, cybersecurity, and the impact of authoritarian technologies on civic spaces and digital democracy. Arzak’s diverse engagements reflect his commitment to fostering dialogue and driving positive change at the intersection of technology, policy, and society.