Introduction  Mr. Zaid Hamid is a security consultant and strategic defense analyst. He is the founder of BrassTacks, a unique Pakistani think-tank devoted to the study of regional and global political events and their implications for Pakistan's security and interests. As an expert on the subject, he is frequently invited to speak on national television networks. He has his own dedicated program called "BrassTacks with Zaid Hamid" on channel News1, where he skillfully knits together the undercurrents of apparently disconnected global events, and builds a larger perspective regarding the threats we face and where our true national interests lie. This program has pioneered a new trend in current affairs programming in Pakistan. Owing to the tremendous appreciation received by this educational program series, a number of people have expressed interest in learning more about Mr. Zaid Hamid. We present below a brief overview of his personal life, interests and expertise.

Early Life & Afghan War 

Early in his youth when Mr. Zaid Hamid started his graduate degree, the Muslim Ummah was challenged by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan– a landmark event that started Mr. Hamid’s career as a soldier and a mujahid. Staking his life and career, he signed up as a volunteer in the Afghan war and actively participated in the jihad right up to the liberation of Kabul. Over all, Mr. Hamid has spent more than six years of active participation in the jihad. Due to his being a black belt second dan of the Shotokan martial art, coupled with his charismatic leadership qualities and in-depth familiarity with modern weapons (which he inherited from his father, a distinguished veteran of the ‘65 war), Mr. Hamid quickly became a notable contributor in the Afghan jihad. 

It was through this firsthand participation in the finest guerilla operations of the time that he gained his valuable insights and expertise in irregular warfare, counter insurgency, low and high intensity conflicts and strategic war planning. His travels in Afghanistan allowed him to network with a number of key figures of the jihad from both Afghanistan and Pakistan, and gave him his unique insight into the psyche of the Afghan people, the political undercurrents of the region, the inside story of the whole operation, as well as the role of the CIA and other clandestine agencies in the Great Game. 

To top it all, he still managed to visit the university campus every now and then and completed his Computer Systems Engineering degree. 

Professional Profile 

After the war Mr. Hamid started his career as a security professional, covering subjects like electronic security solutions, security systems design and the training of security personnel. His years in the war significantly contributed to sharpening his expertise in perceiving security threats and developing successful counter measures. After a successful stint as Area Head of the Security Alarms Systems division of an eminent security company, he launched his own private consulting company called BrassTacks Security in the late 1990s. This company specializes in corporate security systems design, security systems audit, and security intelligence reporting. You can learn more about it on the corporate website: www.brasstacks. biz.

Education & Training 

With his backpack full of books even in the barren hills of Afghanistan, Mr. Hamid has always lived by the Prophet’s (pbuh) instruction; 'seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave'. Even today he considers himself a student and is ever willing to learn from others as well as teach what he has learnt and experienced. As one converses with him (in one’s choice of the five languages that he speaks) one quickly realizes the depth and breadth of his knowledge on topics related to religion, philosophy, world history and military subjects. In particular, he is passionate about Islam and possesses extensive knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah as well as Islamic political history, Islamic social and economic history, and the mechanisms and foundations of Muslims’ economic and social achievements. He has in-depth comprehension of topics concerning contemporary issues related to the Muslim world and practical steps towards reclaiming our lost glory. 

In his quest for learning from his elders, Mr. Hamid has had personal acquaintances with many eminent authors, thinkers and scholars of our time. He is strongly inspired by the thoughts of Wasif Ali Wasif and Ashfaq Ahmad. He has also traveled to many different countries, including his numerous visits to the Hjiaz-e-Muqaddas, Turkey, and other friendly Muslim countries. 

Mr. Hamid is himself a prolific writer and the author of dozens of published articles and handbooks on different defense and security related issues and appears regularly on mainstream media as an analyst on various security and defense matters. His views on security issues especially are taken as authority by clients including multinationals, the Government of Pakistan, and embassies of friendly countries.

Religious Affiliations 

A number of people question us about Mr. Hamid's religious affiliations. As true Muslims the ideal role model for us all is, of course, the Prophet (pbuh). 
After him, in order to understand Zaid Hamid's religious view points, if there is any other person in whom we can say Mr. Hamid believes and whose ideology he follows, then it is Hz. Allama Iqbal. Mr. Hamid has extensively read the revolutionary philosophy of Iqbal and his message promoting Islamic unity and Muslim renaissance, and strongly believes in practically following Iqbal’s teachings of ‘Ishq-e-Rasool’ and ‘Khudi’. Like Iqbal, Mr. Hamid dismisses the factional and sectarian divisions among Muslims and advocates for the Ummah to rise above its differences and meet the greater challenges that we collectively face. 

Butaan-e-rang o khoon koe tore kar millat mein gum hoe ja
Na Toorani rahe baqi, na Irani, na Afghani 

Other than promoting the following of the pristine message of Islam as brought by the Prophet (pbuh), Mr. Hamid has absolutely no affiliations with any political, sectarian or religious group or party. 

BrassTacks Think-Tank 

Throughout his life of jihad, self-development and learning, the issues of Islamic renaissance and the resurgence of Pakistan as a prosperous and strong Muslim country have been the personal passion of Mr. Hamid. The creation of BrassTacks Think-Tank is a culmination of his lifelong efforts and aspirations. 
The mission of Brasstacks Think-Tank is exactly what the mission of Mr. Hamid himself has always been: to strive for the establishment of a stronger Pakistan by creating awareness and imparting education on issues of strategic and national importance, and providing guidance to the people on how to develop a comprehensive strategy for safeguarding our national interests and ideological frontiers. You can learn more about BrassTacks on our About Us page. 
BrassTacks is a private venture of Mr. Hamid, and some close like-minded friends who all share the common cause of commitment and patriotism towards Pakistan. BrassTacks accepts no funding from any outward source, and is not affiliated with any political party or institution. However, BrassTacks maintains a friendly and advisory role towards the key institutions of Pakistan including the Government of Pakistan, the Foreign Office, Pakistan Army, and embassies of friendly Islamic countries. 

BrassTacks Think-Tank has attracted a lot of talent from the youth of Pakistan, and is already playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Pakistan’s domestic and foreign policies. Mr. Hamid welcomes all of you to join hands with BrassTacks and play your role in Islamic Renaissance and Muslim Unity through the agency of this God-gifted country, Pakistan.

He can be reached at: info@brasstacks. biz