1. Introduction
Pakistan Center for Strategic Studies (“PakCSS,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled with the highest standards of security, transparency, and accountability.
This Privacy Policy explains:
- What personal and non-personal information we collect
- How we collect, use, store, and protect it
- Under what circumstances we may share it
- Your rights and choices regarding your data
We operate in accordance with:
- Applicable data protection laws of Pakistan and internationally recognized privacy standards, including GDPR principles of transparency, accountability, and user control
- Ethical standards expected of research and policy institutions
By using our website, services, or interacting with PakCSS in any way, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information in two main categories:
A. Personal Information – Name, email address, phone number, postal address, job title, organization, payment details, and any content you submit via forms or registrations.
B. Non-Personal / Technical Information – IP address, browser type, device, referring site, pages visited, cookies, and similar tracking data.
3. How We Collect Your Information
- Directly from you – via forms, newsletters, event registrations, or job applications
- Automatically – through cookies, analytics tools, and server logs
- From third parties – e.g., social media or partner organizations
4. Purpose of Collection
- Providing and improving services, publications, and events
- Processing memberships, donations, or subscriptions
- Communicating research, news, or events
- Ensuring website security and legal compliance
5. Consent
We obtain your consent before collecting, using, or sharing your data, except where required by law. You may withdraw consent at any time.
6. Limiting Collection & Use
We only collect the personal information necessary for the stated purposes and do not use it for unrelated purposes without your consent.
7. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your data. It may only be shared with:
- Authorized staff of PakCSS
- Service providers (hosting, email, payments)
- Legal authorities when required
- Research partners with your explicit consent
8. Retention of Data
We keep your data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, after which it will be securely deleted or anonymized.
9. Cookies & Tracking
Our website uses cookies to maintain sessions, store preferences, improve site functionality, and collect usage analytics. You may disable cookies in your browser, but this may affect your experience.
10. Third-Party Content & Links
Our website may contain links to external sites or embedded third-party content. PakCSS is not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.
11. Data Security
We implement SSL encryption, secure servers, access controls, staff training, and monitoring. However, no system is completely secure, and you share data at your own risk.
12. Your Rights
- Access, correct, or delete your personal data
- Withdraw consent
- Request data portability (where applicable)
- File a complaint with the relevant authority
13. Children’s Privacy
We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under 18. If such data is found, it will be deleted immediately.
14. International Data Transfers
If your data is transferred outside Pakistan, we ensure it is protected under equivalent safeguards.
15. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The effective date will change, and major updates will be communicated via our website.
16. Contact Us
For inquiries, requests, or complaints about this Privacy Policy, contact:
Official Email Address, Pakistan Center for Strategic Studies (PakCSS)