Prof. Dr M. Umer Hayat

PhD Theme/Topic:  Climate Security and Transboundary Hydro Politics

Supervisor: 1. Prof. Dr M. Umer Hayat, Professor
Contact #: 03348641234
Email: umerhayat.buic@bahria.edu.pk
Campus/School/Dept: BUIC/H&SS/PhD
RAC Approved Supervisor for Research Areas: South Asia, Climate Security, Trans-boundary Hydro Politics
Supervisory Record:
PhD Produced: 0
PhD Enrolled: 5
MS/MPhil Produced: 35
MS/MPhil Enrolled: 06

Supervisor: 2. Dr Fahim Khan, Assistant Professor 
Contact #: 03339827170
Email: sairanawaz.buic@bahria.edu.pk
CaMpus/School/Dept: BUIC/H&SS/PhD
RAC Approved Supervisor for Research Areas: RAC is yet to be conducted 
Supervisory Record:
PhD Produced: 0
PhD Enrolled: 1
MPhil Produced: 01
MS/MPhil Enrolled: 07 

Topic Brief Description:

Climate Security and Transboundary Hydro Politics examine how climate change intensifies water-related challenges across shared river basins, transforming water from a development issue into a matter of national and regional security. Rising temperatures, glacial melt, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events are altering river flows, increasing the risks of scarcity, flooding, and inter-state tensions. In transboundary contexts, competing water demands, weak governance mechanisms, and geopolitical rivalries can exacerbate disputes among riparian states. At the same time, cooperative water management and climate-adaptive frameworks offer opportunities for confidence-building, regional stability, and sustainable resource sharing.

Research Objectives/Deliverables:

• To examine the impact of climate change on transboundary water resources and regional security dynamics.
• To analyze existing transboundary water governance frameworks and their effectiveness in managing climate-induced stresses.
• To assess how water scarcity, flooding, and hydro-infrastructure development influence inter-state relations among riparian states.
• To identify risks of conflict as well as opportunities for cooperation in shared river basins.
• To develop policy-oriented recommendations for climate-resilient, cooperative, and sustainable transboundary water management.

Research Questions:

• How does climate change affect the availability, variability, and management of transboundary water resources?
• In what ways do climate-induced water stresses contribute to security concerns and interstate tensions among riparian states?
• How effective are existing transboundary water treaties and institutions in addressing emerging climate security challenges?
• What role do hydro-infrastructure projects (such as dams and diversions) play in shaping hydro-political relations?
• How can cooperative water governance and climate adaptation strategies reduce conflict risks and enhance regional stability?

Candidate’s Eligibility Profile:

• The applicant must have an MS/MPhil/Equivalent degree in International Relations with CGPA > 3.0.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential. We value independence and responsibility while promoting teamwork and collaboration among colleagues.