Hoping to learn more about the student organizations at Harvard Kennedy School?
With nearly 100 student organizations on campus, Harvard Kennedy School offers students many opportunities outside of the classroom to connect with peers who share their interests and backgrounds.
One such group is the Pakistan Caucus, co-chaired by Ahmad Mustafa MPA-ID/MBA (Tuck) 2026. Ahmad worked in economic research and policy advisory before coming to HKS. We asked him to tell us more about his involvement in the Pakistan Caucus, his HKS experience, and his advice for applicants.
What is your role in the Pakistan Caucus? What role does the Pakistan Caucus play in your student experience?
Currently in my role as co-chair of the Pakistan Caucus, I help lead our community-building efforts and shape programming for the year. Along with my fellow caucus members, I organize events that celebrate Pakistan’s culture and convene conversations surrounding the country’s policy, development, and geopolitical landscape.
The Pakistan Caucus has played a big role in shaping my HKS experience. It’s given me a sense of community and belonging while allowing me to connect with peers who share an interest in Pakistan and South Asia more broadly. Some of my favorite moments at HKS have come from our gatherings—whether it was by hosting guest speakers, collaborating with other student groups, or simply sharing a meal and good conversation. It’s a reminder of how vibrant and globally engaged the HKS community really is.
“The Pakistan Caucus has played a big role in shaping my HKS experience. It’s given me a sense of community and belonging while allowing me to connect with peers who share an interest in Pakistan and South Asia more broadly.”
Ahmad Mustafa MPA-ID/MBA (Tuck) 2026
What has been your favorite part of HKS so far?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite part of HKS because so many moments have been special in their own way. One moment, though, that stands out was when Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar spoke at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum. A few of us took her out for pizza after the conversation which was such a uniquely HKS moment: where global conversations and personal connections came together over a casual dinner.
Another highlight was organizing a panel on development finance at the Social Enterprise Conference through the Harvard Business School last spring. We brought HKS alumni working in this field together for a thoughtful discussion, which was incredibly fulfilling. It reminded how empowered we can all feel when ideas move from the classroom into action.
But, more than any single event, my favorite part of HKS is the people—the late-night conversations, the spontaneous coffee chats, and the laughter that fills Harvard Square. The friendships and shared sense of purpose here have made my experience truly special.
What advice do you have for students applying to HKS?
This might sound cliché at first, but my biggest piece of advice is to be authentic—both in your application and in how you tell your story. The admissions committee isn’t looking for a single type of leader; it’s looking for people who care deeply about the problems they want to solve and who bring their own perspective and purpose to the table. Don’t try to fit into a mold—lean in to what makes your journey unique.
Also, think deeply about why you want to come to HKS and how it connects to the impact you hope to have afterward. The clearer you are on that, the stronger your story will be, and the more meaningful your time here will be.
And finally, once you get here—soak it all in. Talk to people outside your comfort zone, take classes that stretch your thinking, and spend time in the Forum. The HKS experience is as rich and inspiring as you make it.
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