Junaid Qureshi (born 17 October 1982) is the director of the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), a Netherlands-based policy research organisation accredited to the European Union. He is known for his research and writings on terrorism, the Kashmir conflict, and South Asian geopolitics and has raised these issues at international platforms such as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
Early life and background Qureshi was born in Peshawar, Pakistan and is the son of former JKLF member Hashim Qureshi. He has publicly distanced himself from his father's past militancy and has condemned the 1971 hijacking carried out by him. He has publicly disassociated himself from his father and called his father's act an 'Act of Terrorism'."‘Suicide, Not Martyrdom’: Son of India’s first hijacker slams Delhi bomber". NDTV, 20 November 2025.
Education and career He holds a master's degree in International Law from the VU University Amsterdam. As Director of EFSAS, Qureshi contributes research on regional security, terrorism, Jammu & Kashmir conflict and Indo-Pak relations. He has presented analyses on cross-border terrorism and political developments in South Asia during multiple sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Council, and EU Parliament.
Qureshi has delivered lectures at institutions including the British House of Commons, King's College London, University of Oxford, University of Leicester, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
He is a regular columnist for Rising Kashmir, and his analyses have appeared in prominent media outlets such as Deutsche Welle, India TV News and DNA India."Drop guns, get Kashmir's issues to the table: Separatist leader's son Junaid Qureshi's appeal to youths". India TV News, 10 July 2016.
Qureshi advocates political dialogue and non-violent engagement in Jammu and Kashmir (state). He has argued that Pakistan exploits Kashmiri youth through proxy warfare, and has raised concerns regarding human rights in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. He has also researched and written on China's control over Aksai Chin and its implications for regional security.
Death threats
In January 2026, Pakistan-linked terror proxies LeT and TRF issued encrypted death threats to Kashmiri counter-terrorism expert Junaid Qureshi. In the message, LeT stated that the group would have “no hesitation” in assassinating him. Intelligence sources confirmed that the encrypted account used to issue the threat is operated from Rawalpindi and is allegedly controlled by LeT commander Sheikh Sajjad Gul. The account, created on 24 August 2025 under a pseudonym, was reportedly used to circulate TRF propaganda, photographs, and operational updates."From Civilians To Intellectuals: Pakistan's Terror Proxies Escalate Threats In Kashmir". ABP Live, 11 January 2026."TRF, LeT threatens Kashmiri counter-terrorism expert Junaid Qureshi". Rising Kashmir, 11 January 2026."Pakistan Terror Proxies Threaten Kashmiri Intellectual Junaid Qureshi As Shehbaz Sharif Admits ‘Begging’ For Loans". Times Now, 12 January 2026."From Kashmir Solidarity To Silencing Pro-India Kashmiris: Pakistan’s Terror Proxies Threaten Kashmiri Intellectuals". News9 Live, 12 January 2026.
See also Kashmiri people Kashmir conflict Separatism Politics of Jammu and Kashmir
References