Speakers

Abdur Rehman Momin

Abdur Rehman Momin is a very promising young poet and an Urdu literature enthusiast from Karachi. He belongs to a literary family. He began writing poetry in 2011 and soon acquired an eminent position among upcoming young poets. Although he is not particularly inclined towards any one genre, he usually expresses himself through ghazals. He is inspired by Mirza Ghalib and Allama Iqbal.

Momin holds a master’s degree in Urdu literature from the University of Karachi and has hosted over 100 episodes of the literary program Adab Adeeb on VOSA TV. He served as the chief editor of the notable children’s magazine Monthly Sathee from 2019 to 2022. He is currently working as a curriculum design specialist for Urdu at TCF and is also interpreting Allama Iqbal’s poetry to make it accessible and relatable for children.

Abeer Kasiri

Abeer Kasiri is a published illustrator and storyteller based in Karachi, Pakistan, with over 13 years of experience in the creative industry. Her work has been showcased on prominent platforms such as Google Arts and Culture and Envato Tuts. Her journey spans from game art to exhibition designs, but her true passion lies in creating character designs, illustrating comics, and designing children’s picture books.

Through her work, she crafts captivating stories that celebrate her rich cultural heritage and vibrant history, resonating with audiences of all ages.

Abid S. Zuberi

Abid S. Zuberi is a prominent Pakistani Advocate and a respected figure in the legal community. An alumnus of Aitchison College, he completed his undergraduate studies at the London School of Economics and his Bar-at-Law in the United Kingdom. He was called to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn, becoming a member of the Bar of England and Wales. With a career spanning 36 years, Mr. Zuberi is the founder and managing partner of Abid S. Zuberi & Ayan M. Memon Law Associates, leading the firm in representing a diverse range of clients, including multinational corporations, government entities, and high-profile individuals.

Throughout his career, Mr. Zuberi has been an active and influential member of the legal fraternity. He served as the Joint Secretary of the Sindh High Court Bar Association (1996–1997), General Secretary (2009–2011), and President of the Sindh High Court Bar Association (2014–2015). His election as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (2022–2023) underscores his leadership and the trust he commands within the legal community.

With an impressive track record of appearances in over 3,000 cases before the Sindh High Court and the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Mr. Zuberi has played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistani jurisprudence. His contributions to more than 200 reported judgments have set enduring legal precedents, particularly in constitutional law. Notably, he has argued significant cases, such as those concerning the trial of civilians in military courts and the landmark Supreme Court Practice and Procedure case.

Known for his unwavering dedication to justice, Mr. Zuberi has consistently advocated for the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in Pakistan. Beyond his legal practice, he is a mentor to young lawyers, a frequent speaker at legal conferences, and an advocate for judicial reform.

Adam Fahy-Majeed

Adam Fahy-Majeed received his Master’s degree in Modern and Contemporary Art History from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2021. He graduated from the University of Leeds in 2019, receiving a first-class Joint Honours BA in History of Art and Italian. In a curatorial capacity, he has been involved in various projects, including the first Karachi Biennale in 2017 (curatorial team member); Amin Gulgee’s 7 and 7.7 solo exhibitions, Rome, 2018 (assistant curator); The Trojan Donkey, 2020 (curator); The Q Rickshaw Project, Karachi, 2022 (curator); and Jagah Hai, Karachi, 2022 (curator). He curated Amin Gulgee: The Spider Speaketh in Tongues, Chicago, 2022; and Spooky Action at a Distance, Karachi, 2023. His writing has been published in numerous catalogues, as well as in the form of feature-length articles for The Friday Times.

Afia Salam

Afia Salam holds a Master’s in Geography and has a career spanning four decades in print, electronic, and web journalism. She is a member of the National Climate Change Council, the Prime Minister’s advisory body, and the National Coordinating Body for Marine Protected Areas. Afia is a Fellow of LEAD, FNF’s International Academy of Leadership, and Australia Awards, and a member of PUAN, IUCN Commission on Education & Communications, and Commission on Economic & Social Policy.

She has been highlighting environmental and climate change issues through her writings and advocacy, including seminars, panel discussions, and round tables. Afia has also been teaching and training university students, teachers, school children, government officers, community members, and journalists about climate change impacts and environmental degradation.

As a development practitioner, she is currently the elected General Secretary of Baanhn Beli, co-President of the Salman Sufi Foundation, Trustee of The Helpline Trust, Board member of PILAP (Public Interest Litigation Association of Pakistan), and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Indus Earth Trust. She can be reached on Twitter @afiasalam, LinkedIn: Afia Salam, and Instagram: @salamafia.

Afzal Ahmed Syed

Afzal Ahmed Syed, born in 1946, is a leading Urdu poet and translator. He witnessed civil wars in Dhaka in 1971 and in Beirut from 1974 to 1976. Living in Karachi since 1976, he has published three collections of prose poems: ‘Chheeni Hui Tareekh (1983), Do Zabanon mein ‘Saza-e-Maut’ (1990) and ‘Rococo aur Doosri Dunyaen’ (2000), and one collection of ghazals: ‘Khaima-e-Siyah’ (1988). His collected works were published as ‘Mitti ki Kaan’ in 2009. In 2010, the Wesleyan University Press, USA, published a selection of his poems, ‘Rococo and Other Worlds’, translated by Musharraf Ali Farooqi. Later, the English translation of his complete work was published in India by the same title. Translations of his poetry have also appeared in Sindhi, Hindi, Bengali, Arabic and German. He is known for his mastery of the Urdu poetic expression in both classic and modern style. He frequently translates from English and Persian. From English he has translated fiction of renowned writers like Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Jean Genet, Ismael Kadare, etc. and a large number of poets of the world. His translations of the ‘Sabak-e-Hindi’ poets were published as ‘Bada-e-Doshina’ by Aks Publishers and the complete Persian works of Mir Taqi Mir as ‘Divan-e-Mir Farsi: Urdu Tarjuma’ by Oxford University Press. For his literary work, he was awarded Pride of Performance in 2024. He currently teaches Urdu at Habib University. 

Ahmad Abdul Bari (AKA Bari Mian)

Ahmad Abdul Bari, widely known as Bari Mian, is the Chairman of Excel Consulting Ltd. Hailing from the esteemed Ulama-e-Firangi Mahal family in Lucknow, Bari Mian boasts extensive global experience across diverse sectors, including trading, real estate, travel, software, and petroleum. His entrepreneurial journey took a significant turn in the 1970s when he worked with the Saudi Conglomerate Zainal Alireza & Co. A former Vice President of the Sindh Golf Association and the Karachi Golf Club, he also holds the position of President at the Maulana Hasrat Mohani Trust. He immerses himself in the appreciation and mastery of Eastern poetry and Sufi literature—a hereditary passion and an enduring love that adds a nuanced dimension to his multifaceted persona.

Aijaz Mangi

Aijaz Mangi is a distinguished journalist, writer, orator, and critic. He writes in Urdu and Sindhi, and his columns are widely recognized. Mangi’s work often highlights social issues and cultural heritage, reflecting his deep commitment to his community and country. He has made significant contributions to journalism and literature, earning recognition for his insightful reporting and compelling storytelling. Mangi is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of Pakistan through his writings.

Aisha Faisal

Aisha Faisal, a Pharm-D student at the University of Sindh, is an internationally published author of four books. Her work has been featured in several international magazines and newspapers, including those from Turkey, the Philippines, and the United States. She represented Pakistan in an international poetry contest, securing the 7th position as the best international poetess and earning a feature in Blossoms International Magazine. Aisha received the Best Youngest Writer Award for her debut novel, Heartless, which she wrote at the age of 16.

With a strong enthusiasm for medical education, she has participated in various non-profit public service organizations aimed at serving humanity. To further enhance her knowledge and expertise, she has completed multiple additional educational courses. In addition to her published works, she has been ghost-writing for international clients, resulting in a remarkable total of 45 written books to date.

These incredible achievements led Aisha Faisal to receive the Pride of Pakistan Award on 29 December 2024, at the National Youth Achievements Award Conference held at the National Library of Pakistan, organized by the Voice of Youth Organization.

Akbar Chaudry

Akbar Chaudry is a stand-up comedian from Karachi. He has been closely involved with the comedy scene in the city and also leads the improvisational comedy troupe, LOLWaalay. In addition to performing internationally, he has toured the UAE, KSA, and USA most recently. However, ever since the pandemic started, his focus has shifted to digital content with his weekly series ‘Ranty Ronay,’ which was well received by online audiences. Previously, he hosted a morning show on Dawn News, Chai Toast aur Host, and taught improv and performing arts at IoBM. Akbar also has a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. His knowledge of aerodynamics helps him ensure his jokes don’t drag.

Ali Abdullah

Ali Abdullah is a name that is increasingly gaining recognition among comedy enthusiasts for his raw, unfiltered humour. From an IT graduate and supply chain professional with an MBA to a crowd favourite, Ali has seamlessly transitioned from spreadsheets to the spotlight. Recognized everywhere for his unique wordplay and impeccable timing, Ali has built a loyal fan following both on stage and online as a digital content creator. From nationwide tours to international stages, Ali’s talent continues to attract praise and an ever-growing loyal following. Clearly, his jokes travel well—no visa issues there!

Ali Habib

Ali Habib is an alumnus of IBA, Karachi, and Aitchison College, Lahore. He joined HBL in November 2018 and assumed the role of Chief Marketing & Communications Officer in May 2020. With over three decades of experience, Ali has held similar positions in leading banks as well as in diverse industries outside of finance. His career includes stints at renowned organizations such as Procter & Gamble (P&G), Reckitt Benckiser, Standard Chartered, NIB Bank, United Bank Ltd. (UBL), and Habib Bank (HBL).

Ali Jan Balouch

Ali Jan Balouch is a talented 18-year-old artist from Karachi’s vibrant Lyari Town. Born and raised in the Kalri area’s Ali Mohammad Muhalla, Ali’s passion for art has been evident from a young age.

Currently, Ali works as an assistant art instructor at Mehrwan School of Art in Lyari, where he shares his creative expertise with students. Having recently completed his second year, Ali is now poised to embark on an exciting new chapter in his academic journey.

With a keen eye on his future, Ali intends to enroll in the prestigious Karachi University’s Visual Studies program, as well as the Art Council of Karachi, to pursue his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. His ultimate goal is to become a renowned visual artist, making a lasting impact on the art world.

To support himself and his family, Ali also conducts home tuition art classes in Khayaban, Karachi. Through his dedication to teaching and his pursuit of artistic excellence, Ali Jan Balouch is well on his way to achieving his dreams and making a name for himself in the art world.

Ali Zaryoun

Ali Zaryoun (born Shahid Mahmood) is a multilingual poet, lyricist, and writer known for his evocative verses and thought-provoking commentary on social and cultural issues. His poetic journey began in 1999, and he has since gained recognition for his work in Urdu, Hindi, Farsi, Punjabi, and English.

His career gained momentum through his participation in literary gatherings, including the Mufakkir Academy sessions, where he received encouragement from senior poets. A significant milestone came in 2005 when Saleem Kausar recognized his work in Karachi. He later performed at major poetry events such as Aouj-e-Kamal (2007) and Alami Mushaira (2008), where he shared the stage with renowned poets like Waseem Barelvi and Munawwar Rana.

As a lyricist, Zaryoun contributed to the drama series Zan Mureed, with his song “Main Wo Duniya Hoon Jahan Teri Kami Hai Saiyaan”, performed by Sahir Ali Bagga. He has also performed at international literary events, including Jashn-e-Urdu in Dubai, where his recitations highlighted the richness of the Urdu language. In a tribute to Jaun Elia, he participated in a special poetry event in Dubai, celebrating the legacy of classical and contemporary poetry.

Beyond poetry, Zaryoun has ventured into film, working on the project Dagabaaz Dil alongside actress Mehwish Hayat. Known for his distinctive style and independent approach, he remains dedicated to mentoring young poets and promoting Urdu literature. His work continues to resonate globally, bridging artistic traditions and contemporary themes.

Amar Pirzado

Amar Pirzado, a poet and writer proficient in Sindhi and Urdu, is an accomplished media anchor and columnist. He is celebrated for his feminist, romantic, and socially bold poetry. He has also authored two poetry books, ‘Ishq’ and ‘Fana’, along with a prose work on Anwer Pirzado’s life, titled ‘Baba Anwer Pirzado’. For one year, he has been hosting famous literary and art related tv program ‘Daat Anokhi’ on Dharti TV. He has been writing a weekly column titled ‘Soch B Kharkho Aahe’ in the daily Kawish newspaper for one year. He also served as Secretary of Sindhi Adabi Sangat from 2011 to 2012. Amar is a key figure in the Anwer Pirzado Academy, a platform he co-founded, which has published over twenty books. Organizing the Anwer Pirzado Festival for three consecutive years in Balhreji, he plans to release a collection of his poetry in Urdu and Sindhi, along with his books of columns, in 2025.

Ambareen Hasib Amber

Dr. Ambareen Hasib Amber, a prominent Urdu poetess, critic, and anchor, chairs the Arts Council’s Literary Committee. With a Doctorate from Karachi University in progressive criticism, she has made significant literary contributions and earned international recognition for her diverse and distinct poetic style. In addition to her long association with the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, Dr. Ambareen has contributed to TV and radio as an anchor, researcher, and scriptwriter. She created the theme song for ‘Meena Bazar’ and hosted ‘Hai Ya Alal Falah’ on PTV for over eight years, along with programs on Geo, Duniya, ARY, TV One, and A Plus. Dr. Amber’s poetry, translated into multiple languages, has earned her global recognition. She represents Pakistan at international forums, conferences, and Mushairas, enhancing its cultural presence. As the first female Nazima, her mushaira hosting skills are acclaimed worldwide. Dr. Amber’s published works, including poetry and critical analyses, have earned awards like the Parveen Shakir Award, UBL Excellence Literary Award, and Anjuman Taraqqi Pasand Musanafeen Award. Her academic contributions include authoring research articles and serving as a judge and chairperson at literary festivals and institutions.

Dr. Amber, affiliated with Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law, shares her literary expertise and passion with students. She edits the literary series ‘Asaleeb,’ and her poetry is studied at advanced academic levels. Her published books include: Dil Ky Ufuq Per (Poetry); Tum Bhi Na (Poetry); Urdu Mein Taraqi Pasand Tanqeed Ka Tehqiqi O Tanqeedi Jaeza (Research and Criticism); Asri Adab K Rujhanat (Criticism); Najam Ul Hassan Rizvi K Behtreen Afsaney (Short Stories)

Dr. Amber has received numerous awards, including the Mohen Jo Daro Award and recognition from Karachi University and the Academy of Letters Pakistan. She lectures at various institutions such as DHA College for Girls and Karachi University. She also hosted and was later invited as a guest on the ‘Café Saqafat’ program by the Sindh Culture Department. In recognition of her work in the field of literature (poetry, criticism, writing), she has been bestowed with the Presidential Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan.

Amber Rahim Shamsi

Amber Rahim Shamsi is Director, Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA). Ms Shamsi is an award-winning multi-media journalist, political commentator, and free speech advocate, with wide-ranging experience in television, radio, online and the print media. She is also an International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP), an International Centre for Excellence in Journalism (ICFJ) Digital fellow, and the Pakistan Editor for the digital platform Nukta. Ms Shamsi has participated thrice in the Jinnah Institute’s India-Pakistan Track II Chaophraya Dialogue. She has hosted three news and current affairs shows on mainstream Pakistani news channels and continues to appear on international and national television channels as a political analyst. She was a bilingual reporter for the BBC World Service, where her work largely focused on human rights. She has also written four research reports and training manuals on women in the media, gender, and conflict reporting. She is a certified e-trainer and is on the advisory board of the Pakistan Press Foundation, a media development organisation. 

Amber Zaffar Khan

Amber Zaffar Khan is an art, culture, and literature enthusiast and promoter. For the past fourteen years, she has introduced and promoted musicians from Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and organized community events. Her event curation and management company, Aashkaar, which she recently co-founded, upholds a precise vision and has held literary talks, South-Asian musical concerts, and other events in similar genres.

Amberina Mahmood Kazi

Amberina Mahmood Kazi taught English literature and language in the English Department at Karachi University for about thirty years before retiring. During her term as Chair, she led the departmental team and made bold changes to the undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. A new paper, South Asian Literature in English, included some poems by Salman Kureshi. Professor Kazi continues to participate in academic duties at the university and particularly enjoys reading and teaching poetry and drama.

Ambreena Ahmed

Ambreena Ahmed is the Director of Teachers’ Resource Centre (TRC), a pioneering education institution in Pakistan working on quality reforms, especially teachers’ development, since 1986. She is a versatile professional working for the last 23 years who has designed and led diverse projects in both public and private sectors for education communities across Pakistan. She has recently curated a first of its kind climate change education initiative called CANDLE and has led the development and launch of Pakistan’s Introductory Curriculum on Climate Change Education (grades 1 to 10) along with an interactive teachers’ toolkit for introducing student led climate change pedagogy in schools.

She firmly believes that teachers have the power to transform education and is continually working to further strengthen TRC as an empowering platform for teachers’ professional development offering both locally and internationally accredited qualifications.

Ambreena has a deep admiration for people who are compassionate and intelligent. She believes kindness alone can solve most of humanity’s problems. She also made it to the Ponds’ 100 Miracle Women list of 2015.

Amin Gulgee

Amin Gulgee (b. 1965, Karachi) is an artist and independent curator living and working in Karachi. He received a BA in Art History and Economics from Yale University in 1987 and won the Conger B. Goodyear Fine Arts Award for his senior thesis on Moghul gardens. He works primarily in sculpture, installation and performance.

His solo exhibitions include ‘The Spider Speaketh in Tongues’ South Asia Institute, Chicago, USA (2022); ‘7’ Galleria d’Arte Moderna di Roma Capitale and ‘7.7’ Mattatoio, Rome, Italy (2018); ‘Walking on the Moon’ Wei-Ling Contemporary, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2015); ‘Looking for the Magic Center’ ArtSpace Dubai, UAE (2009); and ‘Amin Gulgee’ Museu da Agua, Lisbon, Portugal (2003).

His international group shows include ‘Manzar: Art and Architecture from Pakistan 1940s to Today’ National Museum of Qatar, Doha, Qatar (2024); ‘ENTRELACS/INTERLACED’ Cité internationale des Arts, Paris, France (2022); ‘OPEN20’ Venice, Italy (2017); ‘Rites of Passage’ Ostrale’010, Dresden, Germany (2010); ‘Beyond Borders’ National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai, India (2005); Beijing Biennial (2003); and ‘Pakistan: Another Vision’ Brunei Gallery, London, UK (2000).

Amin has worked extensively with performance, both as a practitioner and a curator. Over the past two decades, he has presented over 35 performance works of his own both at home and abroad. He has also curated numerous group exhibitions at his eponymous non-commercial gallery in Karachi and elsewhere and was Chief Curator of the inaugural Karachi Biennale in 2017.

Among Amin Gulgee’s many public works are Steps in front of the Pakistan parliament building in Islamabad and Reaching for the Skies at the United Nations in New York. His work is in the permanent collections of the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, Amman and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Amin Hashwani

Amin Hashwani is a businessman, social activist, and poet. Over the years, Amin has undertaken initiatives and established social organizations in the fields of education, health, culture, youth development, and peacebuilding between nations and societies. The NGOs founded by him operate over 40 schools, 4 vocational training centres, community sports arenas, mental health services, and nationwide centres for persons with disabilities, providing financial inclusion, vocational training, and schooling. He has helped influence policy for a more inclusive society and created opportunities for underserved communities. He has also received an honorary doctorate and the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his services.

Amjad Waheed

Dr. Amjad Waheed is the CEO of NBP Funds, one of the largest asset management companies in Pakistan. He is a former Head of Equity Mutual Funds & Portfolios at Riyadh Bank, Saudi Arabia; Head of Asset Management, NIT; and Chief Operating Officer of FC-ABN AMRO Equities. He was Assistant Professor of Finance at Tennessee State University, USA. Amjad Waheed has served on the board of several companies such as Bank Islami Pakistan; Askari Bank Ltd.; Fauji Fertilizer Company Ltd.; Pakistan Tobacco Company Ltd.; Parke-Davis & Company Ltd., to name a few. He has also served as Chairman, Mutual Funds Association of Pakistan (MUFAP). 

Ammar Zaidi

Ammar Zaidi is a writer, stand-up comedian, and digital creator who has made his mark in the world of comedy. His relatable storytelling and natural humour allow him to connect deeply with audiences, helping him grow rapidly on social media. This unique ability has also attracted well-known brands to collaborate with him. Last year, Ammar hit a major milestone by performing his first-ever one-hour comedy special, selling out all four shows.

Amna Hussain

Ms. Amna Hussain has over 22 years of experience working in various public and private sector organizations as an Early Childhood Education (ECE) expert. She has completed her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and MPhil in Teacher Education from the University of Karachi.
She has worked as an ECCE coordinator, B.Ed. and ADE lecturer at the Notre Dame Institute of Education. She has also served as an Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Consultant with the School Education and Literacy Department (SELD), UNICEF, and Oxford University Press (OUP). Additionally, she is working as a Program Manager for ECCE.
Ms. Amna is the author of “First Steps to Early Years Maths” (published by OUP) and “The Art Lab” (published by Stallion), and a co-author of the ECCE Provincial Curriculum 2018.
Currently, Ms. Amna is working with the HHS School System as the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) Academic Coordinator for the Pre-Primary Section.

Amra Alam

Amra Alam is a Karachi-based children’s writer and has authored over 80 storybooks in Urdu for children of all ages. She has also written and translated numerous stories for publication in India, many of which have been further translated into various regional languages. Ms Alam was the Founder and Chief Editor of Suntra, a magazine for children in Urdu, published from 2006 to 2012. Later, she edited the children’s magazine Uran Tashtaree—Flying Saucer, which was published from the platform of the Children’s Literature Festival. Ms Alam has written 18 serials for different television channels. She is a recipient of the Anita Ghulam Ali Award. Presently, she is conducting story writing workshops in different institutions.

Anjum Halai

Anjum Halai has a long standing and international experience in higher education especially in low-income and middle-income countries like Pakistan and those in East Africa. She obtained her doctoral degree from Oxford University UK. She was an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta Canada (2011-2016) and a research fellow at the Centre for International Education and Development, University of Sussex UK.

Her research interests are in social justice issues in education. She has published widely in the area of gender and education. She led the task force at her university to develop a policy on awareness and prevention of gender-based harassment. She is a member of the Women’s Leadership Academy at the Aga Khan University (AKU).

Anjum Halai plays an active role on several international forums to enable equitable participation in education of youth, especially young women from disadvantaged contexts. These forums include the International Commission of Mathematical Instruction- Berlin and the World Academy of Art and Science.

She is the author of the book ‘Teaching and Teacher Education in Pakistan’ recently published by the Oxford University Press and is a member of the National Accreditation Council for Teacher Education, the highest national body on teacher education in the country.

As a founding dean (2018-22) Anjum Halai led the development of AKU’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Currently she is serving as Professor of Education and Vice Provost at AKU.

Anoushey Ashraf

Anoushey Ashraf started off as a Video Jockey in 2002 and has done fashion modeling, acting, and hosting shows globally. Recently, she has started a podcast. She gained fame as one of the pioneering VJs for Indus Music in 2002. From being a VJ, she graduated to an appearance in a PTV television serial directed by Saira Kazmi. She eventually became one of the main faces of MTV when it first launched in Pakistan.

Anwar Maqsood

Anwar Maqsood is a well-known entertainment personality. He is a television scriptwriter, television host, satirist, humourist, and occasional actor. Associated for many years with Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), Maqsood served as a presenter for a variety of shows, including Studio Dhai, Studio Ponay Teen, and Show-Sha. He has written scripts for several television series and plays, including Fifty-Fifty, Show Time, Aangan Terha, Fanoon-e-Latifey, Talaash, Aisa Bhi Hota Hai, Sitara aur Mehrunnisa, and Nadan Nadia. His stage plays, which were a resounding success, include Pawney 14 August, Sawa 14 August, Anwar Maqsood ka Dharna, and Siachen. Maqsood has also worked as a director and presenter at ARY TV for almost 15 years. His most popular program was Loose Talk. He is a recipient of the Hilal-e-Imtiaz award.

Arif Habib

Mr. Arif Habib is the Chairman of Arif Habib Group and Chief Executive of Arif Habib Corporation Limited, the holding company of Arif Habib Group. He is also the Chairman of Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited, Aisha Steel Mills Limited, Javedan Corporation Limited (the owner of Naya Nazimabad) and Sachal Energy Development (Pvt) Limited and Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited. 

Mr. Arif Habib remained the elected President / Chairman of Karachi Stock Exchange for six times in the past and was a Founding Member and Chairman of the Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited. He has served as a Member of the Privatisation Commission, Board of Investment, Tariff Reforms Commission and Securities & Exchange Ordinance Review Committee. He has been a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC) and the Think-Tank constituted by the Prime Minister on COVID-19 related economic issues. He has also remained a member of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and a member of Advisory Committee of Planning Commission. 

Mr. Habib participates significantly in welfare activities. He remains one of the directors of Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP), Habib University Foundation, Karachi Education Initiative (KSBL), Arif Habib Foundation and Naya Nazimabad Foundation as well as trustee of Memon Health & Education Foundation (MMI). 

Arjumand Wajid

Arjumand Wajid graduated in Philosophy and Geography from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan, in 1967. In 1968, she arrived in Britain as a young bride. Later, she completed her BA (Hons.) from the University of East London in 1983, followed by a diploma in Journalism in 1984 from the University of Westminster. Arjumand joined the Essex Chronicle as a reporter in 1984 and left as a specialist writer in 1989. During this period, she spent a year on strike against anti-union laws and the de-recognition of the Journalists’ Union by the company. In 1990, she joined the Urdu Service of the BBC World Service as a radio production assistant. Over the years, she progressed to become a producer/presenter and retired after twenty years as a radio broadcaster. Notably, she has also contributed to journalism by training professionals in more than twenty-five countries as a freelance trainer between 2000 and 2016.

Arshad Mahmud

Arshad Mahmud is a renowned Pakistani composer, music director, and educator. He has composed music for iconic dramas such as Aangan Terha, Tanhaaiyan, and Dhoop Kinare. He has played a significant role in promoting classical and semi-classical music. Formerly associated with the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), he now leads MoUSICi, a platform dedicated to engaging youth with poetry and music. His contributions continue to shape Pakistan’s cultural and musical heritage. 

Arshad Saeed Husain

Arshad Saeed Husain has been heading Oxford University Press, Pakistan since February 2018. Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford and is committed to the dissemination of knowledge by publishing works that further research, scholarship, and education.

Arshad is a seasoned corporate executive with over 30 years of broad-based commercial experience with leading multinational companies. Prior to joining OUP, Arshad served as the Managing Director of Abbott Laboratories Pakistan Limited. Earlier, he was also associated with Syngenta Pakistan Limited as Managing Director and with PT Syngenta, Indonesia as President Director.

Arshad has also served as the President of the American Business Council and as Chairman of the Pharma Bureau of the OICCI. He was also a founding member of the Swiss Business Council and Chairman of CropLife Pakistan.

Arshad is an alumnus of Aitchison College and the London School of Economics & Political Science, where he specialized in International Trade & Development.

Asghar Nadeem Syed

Asghar Nadeem Syed is a renowned playwright, poet, novelist, and teacher of film and theatre. He completed his master’s degree in Urdu from the University of Punjab, Lahore, and earned his PhD from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. Syed has made significant contributions to Pakistani television, with popular dramas such as ‘Chand Grehan,’ ‘Nijaat,’ ‘Ghulam Gardish,’ and ‘Piyaas.’

He is the author of ‘Tooti Hui Tanab Udhar’ (2019) and has recently published a novel titled ‘Dasht-e-Imkaan.’

Throughout his career, Syed has received numerous accolades, including the Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 2006 and the Best Writer Nigar Award for his drama ‘Pyas’ in 1989. He has also served in various academic roles, including as head of the Department of Television, Film, and Theatre at Beaconhouse National University in Lahore.

Currently, he is the Dean of Languages at the University of Lahore (UOL).

Ash Rohan

Ash Rohan, the first Pakistani female rapper from the twin city, has been a trailblazer in the music industry since she began her career in 2015. Over the years, she has released two albums/EPs and several singles, making a significant impact on the hip-hop scene in Pakistan. Among her notable achievements, Aash Rohan became the first Pakistani female artist to perform a rap song for a film with her contribution to the movie Parchi in 2018. Her versatility and talent were further showcased when she performed rap in the Rising Star Show, covering an impressive 45 topics. Aash Rohan also made history as the first female rapper to create a Drama Rap OST for the show Hum Do aur Hamare 100 on Aan TV. She continued to break new ground with her OST for the drama Love is True on PTV Home. Her collaborations with renowned artists such as Sahara UK band, Babar Mangi, Sunny Khan Durrani, and others in the hip-hop genre have further solidified her reputation in the industry. Her work has not gone unnoticed, earning her a Lux Style Award nomination in 2024 for Song of the Year and Singer of the Year. In 2025, she received another Lux Style Award nomination for Best Rap OST with Babar Mangi. Aash Rohan’s latest released tracks include “Bandeya,” “Passion,” “Shakal,” “Thoughts,” “Love Note (EP),” “Tamasha,” “Thoughts,” “Rulde Nawab,” and “Parchi.” She is currently working on her upcoming album, Dreams to Reality, which promises to be another milestone in her illustrious career. Aash Rohan’s journey is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and pioneering spirit, making her a significant figure in the Pakistani music industry. 

Ashfaq Hussain

Ashfaq Hussain, a Canadian of Pakistan origin, is a well-known poet and writer. He is considered one of the pioneers of Urdu literary activities in Canada. Ashfaq published a highly reputable quarterly literary journal, Urdu International, under the guidance of Faiz Ahmed Faiz. He was the Associate Editor of a children’s book series, a joint project of the Multicultural Department, Government of Canada, and Urdu Chair of McGill University, to prepare Urdu reading and writing materials for Canadian students as well as a teaching manual for Urdu teachers. In 2011, he was honoured with the prestigious President of Pakistan’s Pride of Performance Award. Some of his poetry collections include Aitbar (1979), Hum Ajnabi Hain (1992), Aashian Gum Karda (2009), Mein Gaya Waqt Naheen Hoon (2010), Gardish Mein Hain Saat Aasman (2014), and Eik Hatheeli pe Gulab (2014). His English translations include That Day Will Dawn (1985) and The Ocean Searches for Me (2015).

Ashraf Shad

Ashraf Shad is a distinguished senior journalist, writer, and poet who has resided in Australia for the past four decades. Over the course of his prolific career, he has authored eighteen books. Renowned for his contributions to political fiction, Shad’s notable novels include ’Wazeere Azam’, ’Sadre Mohtaram’, and ’Judge Saheb’. Actively engaged in the journalists’ movement of the 1970s, he endured imprisonment in Lahore, Karachi, and Hyderabad prisons. Acknowledged for his scholarly endeavours, Shad received a master’s degree from the University of New South Wales in Sydney for his research on Third World media. In 1998, he was honoured with the Prime Minister Literary Award by the Pakistan Academy of Letters for his novel ’Bewatan’. Shad’s journalism career spanned countries such as Pakistan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, culminating in his retirement as the Head of Urdu Service at the Australian national broadcaster, SBS Radio. Beyond his journalistic endeavours, Shad served as the Academic Editor for Research Affairs at the esteemed UAE University and has taught media courses at the Dubai campus of SZABIST. His recent publication, ’Underground’, delves into the history of Pakistan’s left movements. His latest book, ’Sahafat Ke Khar-o-Gul’, was published last year and launched in Karachi and Islamabad. It was also available at last year’s Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) when ’Underground’ was launched. ’Sahafat Ke Khar-o-Gul’ presents his memoirs of life as a journalist in Pakistan.

Athar Osama

Dr. Athar Osama is a Science Policymaker, advisor and researcher and the founder of INNOVentures Global (Pvt) Ltd. and World Science Collaborative Ltd. He is a former Member (S&T and ICT) of the Planning Commission. Athar is deeply involved in various entrepreneurial and innovation initiatives including running a climate innovation programme for K-Electric. Athar is also a champion of science education and experiential STEM Learning and runs STEMx and Holistic Science Teaching Fellowship. More recently, Athar has been involved in looking at AI and its impact on Education and Health. 

Atif Badar

Atif Badar is an extremely versatile and talented artist with a wide range of experience from stage, voice-overs, and mini screen to a film ‘Ramchand Pakistani’. He is an acting coach, storyteller, writer, and dubbing artist too. He has worked extensively with great passion. He started his career as an actor in 1993 with Tehrik-e-Niswan and worked in numerous famous theatre plays with notable directors. He also worked for four years with the Katha theatre group also. Currently, he is working as a theatre and creative movement teacher, writer, and director in three well-reputed schools. As a theatre teacher, he conducted many theatre workshops in Pakistan with PLF and also conducted two theatre workshops in Singapore. He conducted many theatre workshops for the Teacher’s Learning Festival in Karachi and Lahore. Since 2017, he is teaching theatre, Drama, and Acting at Artrageous Summer of Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture and also taught acting in the IVS Visual Media filmmaking course. A few years ago he received PLF Outstanding Award and recently he received the Best Teachers Award in Karachi. As a culinary expert, his recipes have been published in Pakistan’s famous newspapers and magazines.

Ayesha Mian

Dr. Ayesha Mian is the CEO and Founder of Synapse – Pakistan Neuroscience Institute. She is a US-trained adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist with extensive experience in teaching, capacity building, and program development in leadership, mental health, medical education, cultural intelligence, and gender.

Previously, she served as Chair and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Dean of Students at Aga Khan University. In the US, she was an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Director of Training and Education in Paediatric Psychiatry at Texas Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Mian is an Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) fellow, a FAIMER fellow (Foundation for Advancement in International Medical Education and Research), and a Harvard Macy Education Scholar from the Harvard Macy Institute Program for Educators in Health Professions.

Ayesha Raees

Ayesha Raees is a poet and artist who identifies as a hybrid, creating hybrid poetry through hybrid forms. Her work strongly revolves around issues of belonging and dislocation, G/god and spirituality, and beauty/cruelty, while possessing a strong agency for decolonial, anti-violence, and anti-erasure practices. She edits poetry at the Whiting Award-winning magazine The Margins and has been endorsed by the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, Kundiman, UNESCO, Brooklyn Poets, Millay Colony for the Arts, and others. Her first book, Coining a Wishing Tower, won the Broken River Prize and was published by Platypus and Radix, respectively. She is currently a Global Fellow at Habib University and is based in New York City and Karachi, Pakistan (and many other unsettled spaces).

Ayesha Tammy Haq

Ayesha Tammy Haq is a Barrister-at-Law and for 13 years, a media personality. She has practised law in the UK, Pakistan, the Philippines, and the USA and has worked on several international projects. A member of the Vision 2020 Think tank of the Government of Pakistan, she has worked on policy and governance matters. She hosted 24Seven on Business Plus, where she interviewed presidents, prime ministers, political leaders, and policymakers. She writes opinion pieces for several publications and has hosted a radio show. She has been the CEO of Fashion Pakistan and organized Pakistan’s first-ever fashion week in 2009. At present, she heads the Pharma Bureau, the association of research-based multinational pharmaceutical companies operating in Pakistan.

Ayesha Tariq

Ayesha Tariq is a multidisciplinary artist with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design from the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture. She excels in graphic design, improvised theatre, illustration, mindfulness, stand-up comedy, and musical improv. As a Penguin-published author and illustrator of the graphic novel Sarah: The Suppressed Anger of the Pakistani Obedient Daughter, she uses diverse disciplines and mediums to engage with herself and with people of various backgrounds as a teacher, collaborator, and student. Inspired by improvised theatre, Ayesha brings its rawness, playfulness, and abundance into her art practice.

Her illustration portfolio includes the project Ladies Only Apartments, a series of drawings done during her residency, Kintsugi Realms conducted by UAF A&P, the Urdu children’s magazine Uran Tashtari, the posthumous art book Rebel Angel celebrating the works of Asim Butt, and Laddu is Born (Laddu Paida Huwa), an early development book inspired by the works of Dick Bruna, creator of Miffy, published by Oxford University Press. She is also one of the contributing artists to Dreamland Deutschland.

Her ability to tell impactful stories has garnered both regional and international acclaim.

Aysha Sheikh

Aysha began her acting career while still an A-level student when she was introduced to Grips for an audition for a children’s play. Since then, there has been no looking back. Among the Grips group, she found the perfect blend of talent, commitment, and honesty that have produced many successful plays. Donning the roles of an American reporter, an Indian diplomat, a liberated Afghan woman, a French doctor, and a Chinese CPEC manager with ease, Aysha has become an expert at adopting international characters in the Grips adult satires. An A-level History teacher by profession, Aysha is a diehard member of the Grips family. 

Azhar Abbas

A senior journalist, media man, and current Managing Director of Geo News, Karachi. Azhar Abbas is the author of Army, Democracy and People (1988). He also served as correspondent to NBC and CNBC. In 2001, he joined the core team that launched Geo News and became its first Director News. In 2007, Abbas helped launch Dawn News as Director News & Current Affairs. However, in due course, he returned to Geo News. In recognition for his services to journalism, Abbas was awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second highest civilian award.

Azra Fazal Pechuho

Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho is a prominent Pakistani politician who serves as the Minister of Health and Population Welfare in the province of Sindh and She is also currently serving as the chancellor of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) She is known for her dedication to public health and population welfare issues in the region. Dr. Pechuho has a background in medicine and has been actively involved in healthcare policy and advocacy throughout her career. 

Dr. Pechuho holds a medical degree from the Dow Medical College, Karachi, and has an international Master’s degree. She has extensive experience in healthcare management and has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and public health organizations. 

As the Minister of Health and Population Welfare in Sindh, Dr. Pechuho has been instrumental in implementing and overseeing healthcare policies and programs aimed at improving public health outcomes and addressing population welfare issues in the province. She has been a vocal advocate for healthcare access, disease prevention, and health education, particularly for vulnerable populations, including women, children, and marginalized communities. 

Dr. Pechuho has also been actively involved in efforts to combat infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and polio, and has worked towards strengthening the healthcare system in Sindh to provide quality healthcare services to all citizens. She has been recognized for her contributions to public health and has received several awards for her outstanding work in the field of healthcare. 

With her medical expertise and passion for public health, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho continues to play a crucial role in shaping healthcare policies and programs in Sindh to improve the health and well- being of its citizens. 

Babar Mangi

Babar Mangi is a 26-year-old Sindhi artist born in Sukkur and based in Karachi. He is known for blending pop, hip-hop, and R&B with rap to create a unique sound. Babar gained national recognition through Coke Studio Season 15 with his song ‘Ayi Ayi,’ which brought Sindhi rap into the mainstream. As a music producer, lyricist, and vocal producer, he is dedicated to modernizing Sindhi music while staying true to its cultural roots. His creative storytelling and catchy melodies connect with audiences, shining a spotlight on Sindh’s rich and evolving music scene.

Bilal Hassan

Mystapaki aka Bilal Hassan is a content creator, writer and photojournalist who posts primarily about travel and culture while opening up a window for the outside world to have a peek into what everyday life is like in Pakistan. He’s written for and been in numerous local and international publications namely VICE, the Guardian, Toronto Star, Print India and Dawn Pakistan.

Chaudhry Faisal Mushtaq

Dr. Chaudhry Faisal Mushtaq, TI, is a notable Pakistani academician and social entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Roots Millennium Education Group and the Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (MiTE). Awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in 2013, he has significantly impacted education and social welfare. A former Education Minister in Punjab, he was named among the 500 most influential Muslims globally and received an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Hertfordshire in 2021.

Through his non-profit, Change in Education Foundation, he has transformed over 200 government schools, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He serves on various boards, including the National Curriculum Council and WWF Pakistan. His academic background includes studies at the University of London, University of Salford, and National Defence University in Islamabad. Dr. Mushtaq’s leadership continues to inspire and empower youth, shaping Pakistan’s educational and social development.

Christie Marie Lauder

Christie Marie Lauder is the Program Director of the Communications and Design department at Habib University, where she teaches creative writing, film theory, and journalism. Formerly, Lauder was the Director of the Centre for Excellence in Journalism at IBA. Her work has appeared in Persephone Magazine, Peauxdunque Review, Jezebel, and Refinery 29, among other outlets. She has also served on the board of the Salam Award, promoting speculative fiction writing in the Pakistani diaspora.  She writes frequently about the intersections of pop culture and gender, genre movies, and adaptation.

Danish Rashdi

Danish Rashdi currently heads IUCN’s Sindh and Balochistan Programme, overseeing programmes and projects in partnerships with government and donors in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. Have initiated and implemented business engagements in the areas of biodiversity conservation. Over 20 years of experience in programme development, coordination, project management, research and strategy, in conservation and development sector. 

Dilawar Bashir

Dilawar Bashir, known by his pen name Dilawar Ali Aazar, is an acclaimed Urdu poet. His notable works include Paani (2013), Maakhaz (2016), which won the Baba Gurro Nanak Award, and Naqsh (2019), awarded the Seerat Award. His poetry collections, such as Soraj Mukhi Ka Phool and Ankhoun Main Raat Kat Gae, have been published in India and Pakistan. Aazar’s work has been the subject of extensive research, including multiple MPhil and MA theses. His contributions to Urdu literature have earned him recognition and accolades in literary circles.

Faisal Bari

Dr. Faisal Bari is an economist with over twenty-five years of research and teaching experience in the areas of economics of education, philosophy of education, social protection, industrial organization, microeconomics, game theory, and economic development. He is an associate professor of economics and education (joint appointment) at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan.

He served as the Dean of the School of Education at LUMS from 2020 to 2023. Currently, he is the CEO and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Development and Economic Alternatives (IDEAS) since January 2024. Prior to this, he held the position of CEO at IDEAS from 2015 to 2020, was the Executive Director of the Mahbub ul Haq Human Development Centre from 2004 to 2006, and served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics at Yale University, New Haven, from 2000 to 2001.

A Rhodes Scholar (Pakistan-1988), Dr. Bari has a BA (Honours) from Oxford and a doctorate from McGill University. His research has been published in numerous journals and books. He is a regular columnist for the daily Dawn, Pakistan. He is the author of the book Educational Conundrums of Pakistan (Aks Publications, 2024).

Faisal Qazi

Faisal Qazi is a talented Pakistani actor and comedian known for his work in theatre and television. He began his career in theatre in 1989 and quickly gained popularity for his humorous performances. Faisal has appeared in several comedy sitcoms, including ‘Zamani Manzil Kay Maskharay’ and ‘Kahan Tum Chalay Gaye.’ He is also known for his live stage performances and has shared the stage with renowned comedians like Moin Akhter. They notably collaborated on the popular TV show ‘Sach Much.’ In addition to acting, Faisal launched his fashion brand, Tehzeeb, in 2012, promoting cultural heritage.

Faisal Siddiqi

Mr Faisal Siddiqi is a leading constitutional, civil, and human rights lawyer practicing at the Supreme Court and High Courts of Pakistan. He is a London School of Economics and Political Science, and University of Cambridge graduate, and is one of the main founders of the Legal Aid Foundation for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault, providing Pro-Bono services. He is also a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science, London, and McGill in Montreal, Canada. 

Faisal Subzwari

A senior member of MQM Pakistan’s Central Committee, Faisal Subzwari started his political career as leader of All Pakistan Muttahida Students Organisation (the student wing of Muttahida Qaumi Movement). He is currently Opposition Leader in the Provincial Assembly of Sindh and Advisor to the Chief Minister of Sindh on Youth Affairs.

Faiza Qazi

A teacher by profession, Faiza has been involved with the Grips theatre for the last four decades. In fact, one may say that she was the first ‘child’ of Grips in Pakistan. A brilliant actress, she is an integral part of the Grips family, providing them with moral support and food for the soul! As ‘Besharif’ in the adult plays, she portrays the practical, sensible working woman—at times the voice of the bureaucracy and at other times a practical woman with a positive outlook on life. However, ever willing to give love another chance, Besharif is not one to balk at a mild flirtation should the occasion arise. Faiza’s honesty and straightforwardness have earned her the respect of all around her. She is the mainstay and mentor of the group. 

Fakir Syed Aijazuddin

Fakir Syed Aijazuddin, OBE, is one of Pakistan’s leading art-historians. His earlier works have focused on paintings, watercolours, lithographs, and early photographs.

He has published 23 titles on such diverse subjects as Pahari miniature painting, Sikh portraiture, lithographs by British artists, the work of the 19th c. Hungarian painter August Schoefft, the travels of Charlotte, Lady Canning from Kolkata to the Khyber Pass between 1858-61, U.S.-Pakistan relations 1969-74, cartography, and on Henry Kissinger’s secret visit to China in July 1971. Four of his books were published by Oxford University Press. His latest book is Forgotten Images: Postcards of pre-Pakistan, 1890-1947. He is a regular feature writer for Dawn newspaper.

He has had a distinguished professional career as a Chartered Accountant and is a popular lecturer in Pakistan, the U.S., the U.K., and in India. Between 1994 and 2023, he was the Honorary British Consul, Lahore, for which he was awarded the OBE in 1997.

He is married to Shahnaz (a noted writer/translator of the epic ‘Tilism-e-Hoshruba’). They live in Lahore.

Farah Ali

Farah Ali is the author of the novel The River, The Town (Dzanc) and the short-story collection People Want to Live (McSweeney’s). Her work has been featured in anthologies such as the Pushcart Prize and Best Small Fictions, and has appeared in Shenandoah, Kenyon Review, Ecotone, Virginia Quarterly Review, and other publications.

She is the cofounder of Lakeer, an online journal from Pakistan, and serves as the Reviews Editor at Wasafiri. Farah lives in London, where she continues to write and edit.

Farid Panjwani

Professor Farid Panjwani, the Dean of Aga Khan University’s Institute for Education Development (AKU-IED), has a DPhil in Education from the University of Oxford and a Master’s in Education and International Development from University of London. Before joining the AKU, Professor Panjwani was at University College London where he was the Founding Director of the Centre for the Study of Education in Muslim Contexts. From 2016 to 2018, he was a Commissioner on the UK’s National Commission on Religion and Education. Professor Panjwani’s research and teaching areas include philosophy of education, citizenship education, religion and education and critical development studies.

Farrukh Karim Khan

Farrukh’s professional passions include management consulting and portfolio management. Currently, he is the Chief Strategy Officer at one of the largest banks in Pakistan. He is an avid reader of non-fiction. Farrukh holds a B.Sc. (Honors) with a major in Economics and is a CFA charterholder. He lives with his wife and two children in Karachi, Pakistan.

Fatima Ijaz

Fatima Ijaz is a Karachi poet who received her Master’s in English and Media Studies from Rutgers University (2024), where she also taught English to first-year undergraduates. Her chapbook, Last of the Letters, was published by Bottlecap Press in 2024. Her full-length poetry collection, The Shade of Longing, was published by The Little Book Company in 2021. Her upcoming projects include Fire Morning – a theatrical response to her poems by Kulsoom Aftab. A contributing editor at Pandemonium Journal, she holds a BA in English from Hartwick College, USA, and York University, Canada, and an MA in English Linguistics from Eastern Michigan University, USA. Her poetry and short stories have been published in numerous publications, including Kyoto Journal, Ideas&Futures, Azure, The Missing Slate, Unbroken Journal, Aleph Review, Tales from Karachi, The Write Launch, Rigorous, and The Bombay Review. Her memoir was longlisted for the Zeenat Haroon Rashid Writing Prize (2022).

Fazil Jamili

Fazil Jamili is a distinguished Urdu poet from Pakistan, celebrated for his Ghazals, which are deeply rooted in classical tradition, and his Nazms, which explore existential and universal themes. By profession, he is a journalist, currently serving as Senior Digital Editor at Interlink Multi Media (IMM), a digital subsidiary of the Jang/Geo Media Group.

Throughout his career, Jamili has held various key positions, including Editor Content at Samaa TV and Resident Editor at the daily Aaj Kal. He is an active advocate for journalists’ rights and freedom of expression, and has been elected as the President of the Karachi Press Club.

As a poet, Jamili has published a notable collection, ‘Gumnam Aadmi Ka Bayan’ (The Narrative of an Unknown Person), which was released in 2017. His work continues to be widely read and appreciated for its thought-provoking themes and masterful use of language.

Fozia Ahsan Farooqui

Fozia Ahsan Farooqui holds a master’s degree from Karachi University and a certificate in Education from Ilkley Community College, Bradford, UK. She has been associated with teaching for over two decades, having taught Urdu at many leading schools. By making her workshops interesting and interactive, she reaches out to educators and imparts modern and effective teaching methodologies that add value to Urdu language teaching.

Framji Minwalla

Dr Framji Minwalla is a distinguished academic with a career spanning over three decades. He has held prominent positions such as Program Director of Communication & Design at Habib University, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Karachi, and Head of the Department of Media Sciences at SZABIST-Karachi. In these roles, he implemented transdisciplinary curricula and developed graduate programs in Film & Television Production and Media Studies.

Before returning to Pakistan, Dr Minwalla taught at several prestigious institutions in the United States, including Yale, Vassar, Dartmouth, George Washington University, New York University, and Fordham. His research interests encompass Dramatic Literature and History, Visual and Cultural Studies, Theatre and Politics, Television and Film, and various forms of theory.

Dr Minwalla holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, and both an M.F.A. and D.F.A. from the Yale School of Drama. He has also served on the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee for the Oscars.

Ghazal Ansari

A lawyer, a renowned poet, and author of Adhurey Khwaab, Sunehry Khwaab, and Zindagi. She is chairperson of the Yorkshire Adabee Forum (a literature society working to promote and celebrate the Urdu language). The Arts Council of Pakistan has recognized her contribution to Urdu Literature. Her poetry has been translated into Arabic and has been included in the PhD curriculum of Al Azhar University, Cairo.

Ghazala Alam

Dr Ghazala Alam is a multifaceted individual, known for her contributions as a physician, poet, and philanthropist. With over 25 years of experience in primary care, she has been a dedicated healthcare provider and an active member of several boards and committees.

Dr Alam’s passion for poetry emerged from her life experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, which she channels into her writing. She is the author of the book ‘On Being Human (Insaaniyat)’, a collection of Urdu poems (with English representations) that reflect on the human condition and our shared humanity. Her poetry aims to bring readers closer to their inner selves and to recognize our common humanity.

In addition to her medical and literary pursuits, Dr Alam is also a community leader and advocate, involved in initiatives addressing homelessness and hunger. She is committed to empowering women and making a positive impact through her philanthropic efforts.

Ghazi Salahuddin

Ghazi Salahuddin is a senior journalist who writes a weekly column for ‘The News.’ Before becoming the launch editor of ‘The News’ in Karachi in February 1991, he served at ‘Dawn’ in various significant positions, including News Editor. During the martial law of General Ziaul Haq, his column ‘Karachi Diary’ was a leading voice of dissent. He has also been associated with electronic media and was on the panel of PTV’s ‘Kasauti’ quiz show. In recent years, he hosted a program on books on Geo TV. Mr. Salahuddin is also a social activist and human rights defender. He is a recipient of the President’s Pride of Performance Award in journalism and was presented with the Bibliophile of the Year Award 2011 by the National Book Foundation.

H.M. Naqvi

H.M. Naqvi is the award-winning author of ‘Home Boy’. The novel was awarded the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature in 2011. Naqvi has worked in the financial services industry, taught creative writing at Boston University and at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. He has written for publications including ‘The Believer’, ‘Caravan’, and the ‘Dawn’, and has appeared on CNN, NPR, and BBC World Service. His second novel, ’The Selected Works of Abdullah the Cossack’, was published in 2019, and was referred to as ‘A delirious love letter to the Karachi that was’ in a review published in the ‘The Wall Street Journal’. Through the Covid Era, he has been working on his third novel and a collection of essays.

Hamid Ateeq Sarwar

Dr Hamid Ateeq Sarwar is a graduate of King Edward Medical College, and like many other doctors, he entered government service after passing a competitive exam, and he is still entangled in the challenges of this career. After joining the job, he completed an MS in Economics and an MBA from LUMS and also obtained a Master’s degree in White Collar Crime Laws and Investigations from Australia.

For about eight years, he taught Economics and Decision-Making at the Civil Services Academy and has been teaching Tax Laws and Auditing at the Tax Academy intermittently for nearly 26 years.

In the field of poetry, he experiments with humor, serious poetry, and translations. His humorous poetry book, “AtharveeN Ka Chand”, was published in 2020. The second book of humor is in your hands. Similarly, his book of serious poetry and poetic translations, “Saz-e-Kun aur Sawt-e-Qayamat ke Darmiyan”, is in the final stages of printing.

Due to his job and work commitments, he participates in fewer mushairas (poetry gatherings). He has served as the Chief Commissioner of Rawalpindi, a member of the FBR Policy Board, and an Additional Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Industries and Production. He has been actively involved in shaping key national policies, and in recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan.

Hamid Khan

Hamid Khan’s professional affiliations include being a member of the Pakistan Bar Council (1990-2015) and holding various leadership roles in the legal community. He served as Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council (1996-97), Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Pakistan Bar Council (2005), and Chairman of the Legal Education Committee of the Pakistan Bar Council (1995-2008). He has also been President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (2001-2003) and President of the Lahore High Court Bar Association (1992-93).

Throughout his career, Hamid Khan has been a dedicated lawyer, serving as a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of Pakistan since November 2001. He has also been a Visiting Lecturer on Constitutional Law, International Law, and Civil Procedure at Punjab University Law College, Lahore, and a Visiting Professor in Comparative Constitutional Law for LL.M. students at the same institution. He has been a Guest Speaker and Lecturer on Constitutional and Administrative Laws at various institutes in Pakistan and served as Head Examiner in Public International Law at the University of the Punjab.

Hamid Khan’s written work includes significant publications such as ’A History of the Judiciary in Pakistan’ (2023), ’Constitutional and Political History of Pakistan’ (4th Edition, 2023), ‘Comparative Constitutional Law’ (2022), ‘Principles of Administrative Law’ (2nd Edition, 2020), and ‘Islamic Law of Inheritance’ (2nd Edition, 2021). He has received several awards for his contributions to the legal field, including the Dorab Patel Award for Rule of Law (2002), the Madar-e-Millat Award (2003), the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Illinois College of Law (2005), and the Human Rights Award by the Human Rights Society of Pakistan (2006).

Hammad Malik

Hammad Malik is the CEO of UpliftAI, a company pioneering voice-based AI solutions for Pakistani languages that enable people to access information and digital services simply by speaking to their phones in their native language. With a Master’s in Computer Science from Cornell University and nearly a decade of experience building voice assistants at Apple Siri and Amazon Alexa, Hammad is a leading figure in Pakistan’s emerging voice technology sector. He believes that Voice AI will significantly increase access to knowledge and digital services in developing countries, creating transformative productivity increase and economic growth.

Harris Khalique

Harris Khalique is a poet and author in English, Urdu, and Punjabi with ten poetry collections, two nonfiction books, and numerous articles published globally. He has co-edited essays, guest-edited a literary journal, and worked as a broadcaster. His work, translated into multiple languages, is anthologized by major publishers. Khalique has delivered keynotes at international conferences and universities. He received Pakistan’s Presidential Pride of Performance Award, UBL Literary Excellence Award, and the 9th Khwaja Ahmed Abbas International Award. Currently, he is the secretary-general of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. He holds degrees from N.E.D. University and the London School of Economics.

Hasan Zaidi

Filmmaker, journalist, and cultural critic, Hasan Zaidi is currently the Editor Magazines at Dawn, overseeing the newspaper’s weekly print magazines Eos, Icon, and Young World. Thrice recipient of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society’s award for excellence in journalism, he has worked for print, television, radio, and digital. As a filmmaker, he has directed and produced a number of documentaries, music videos, and the pioneering digital feature film ‘Raat Chali Hai Jhoom Ke’. He has also exhibited his photographic work and was the Festival Director of KaraFilm Festival. In 2003, the World Economic Forum nominated him as one of the Global Leaders of Tomorrow in the Media.

Haya Fatima

Haya Fatima Iqbal is an Academy and two-time Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker who has been directing, producing, and shooting nonfiction films for over a decade. Haya is a Global Media Makers Fellow, an Acumen Fellow, and a GATHER Artivism Fellow. She holds a Master’s in News & Documentary from New York University, where she was a Fulbright grantee. Haya is an Assistant Professor of Practice at Habib University and also trains people in storytelling and filmmaking internationally. She is the co-founder of the Documentary Association of Pakistan, which works closely with documentary filmmakers in Pakistan to build community and make the documentary medium more accessible to people all over Pakistan. 

Hoori Noorani

Hoori Noorani is the proprietor of Maktaba-e-Danyal, a well-known publishing house based in Karachi. She inherited the business from her late father, Malik Noorani, following his passing. After completing her early education in Karachi, her passion for literature and linguistics drove her to pursue a master’s degree in philology, specializing in Russian and World literature, at the People’s Friendship University in Moscow. Upon her return to Karachi upon graduation in 1983, she briefly taught the Russian language at the Russian Cultural Centre before joining her father’s publishing enterprise. Maktaba-e-Danyal has gained acclaim for publishing works by celebrated authors such as Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi, Syed Sibte Hassan, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Iftikhar Arif, Fahmida Riaz, Habib Jalib, and many others. The publishing house has also introduced the writings of Indian authors to its catalogue. Presently, Maktaba-e-Danyal is actively engaged in translating works from world literature into Urdu and promoting Pakistani authors who write in English. Additionally, Ms Noorani is a trained classical dancer and has demonstrated her translation skills by translating Henrich Borovik’s renowned play, ‘Interview in Buenos Aires,’ from Russian into Urdu.

Humair Yusuf

Dr Humair Yusuf is a counselling psychologist and psychotherapist and a member of the psychology faculty at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. His research focuses on representations of distress and the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, class, age, disability, and religion in mental health and well-being He has co-edited ‘Counseling Across the Cultural Divide: The Clemmont E. Vontress Reader’ and contributed chapters to the ‘Routledge International Handbook on Race and Culture in Mental Health’, the ‘International Counselling Case Studies Handbook’, and the ‘Handbook of Counselling and Psychotherapy in an International Context’, among other academic papers and articles. He is involved with a number of mental health initiatives throughout Pakistan.

Iftikhar Arif

Iftikhar Arif is a distinguished Urdu poet, scholar, and literary figure who has made significant contributions to the literary landscape of Pakistan. Throughout his career, Arif has held several prestigious positions, including Chairman of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, the National Language Authority, and the National Book Foundation. He also served as President of the ECO Cultural Institute in Tehran, Iran, and led the National Language Promotion Department within the National History and Literary Heritage Division in Islamabad. Additionally, he was Director General of the Pakistani Scholars and Writers Foundation and worked as a senior producer and script editor at the Pakistan Television Corporation. His appearances on various literary programmes, including those on Pakistan Television, BBC Television, and BBC Radio, have further established his presence in cultural discourse.

Arif’s literary works include notable titles such as Mehr-e-Do-Neem, The Twelfth Man, and Harf-e-Baryab. His latest poetry collection, Baagh-i-Gul-i-Surkh, reflects his ongoing engagement with Urdu literature. His poetry is widely published and has been translated into several languages, reflecting his influence beyond Urdu-speaking audiences. His literary achievements have been recognised with numerous awards, including the Nishan-e-Imtiaz in 2023, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2005, and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1999, along with the Pride of Performance Award in 1990.

In addition to his literary accomplishments, Iftikhar Arif is actively involved in academic and cultural organisations. He has been a member of the Executive Committee of Allama Iqbal Open University, served as President of the Third World Writers Association (UK), and was a member of the Afro-Asian Writers’ Union. His extensive career and dedication to the arts have made him a prominent figure in both national and international literary circles.

Ikram Sehgal

Ikram Sehgal, the first Pakistani POW to escape from India in 1971, was promoted to Major on December 13, 1971, while commanding a rifle company in the Thar Desert. He is a regular speaker at various defence institutions and international think tanks worldwide.

As Chairman, Ikram Sehgal oversees two major private security companies in the Pathfinder Group’s Security Services Division (SSD) and leading IT firms in the Financial Services and Technology Division (FSTD). VRG, recognized by the World Economic Forum’s Edison Alliance, ranked third globally for digital financial inclusion with nearly 7.5 million Asaan Mobile Accounts (AMA).

For 20 years, Ikram Sehgal has hosted the Pakistan Breakfast at the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos for heads of state and other prominent figures. Formerly Chairman of the Karachi Council of Foreign Affairs (KCFR), he is now its Patron-in-Chief. He serves on WEF’s Board of Partnering Against Corruption Initiative (PACI) and was part of its Global Agenda Council for Counterterrorism. He is Co-Chairman of the Pakistan Committee of the Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce, Geneva, and a Director of the EastWest Institute for over 15 years. He is on the Executive Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors and Vice Chairman of the Board of Management Quaid-i-Azam House Museum. He served on the Board of Directors of Bank Alfalah for 16 years and was elected Chairman of K-Electric in January 2019. He is also a Director at BAB of IOM, Geneva.

Ikram Sehgal regularly contributes articles to newspapers such as Daily Times, Express Tribune, Daily Express, and others, including South Asian Monitor (Malaysia). He has also written for The Nation, Nawa-i-Waqt, The News, and Daily Jang. Additionally, he frequently appears on television as a defence and security analyst.

Imtiaz Danish

Imtiaz Danish is a renowned poet, short story writer, essayist, researcher, and compere. He writes poetry in both Urdu and Sindhi languages. His notable work includes the book ‘Parin Jo Aks’ in Sindhi. Imtiaz regularly hosts poetry sessions at the Sindh Literature Festival and is a familiar voice on TV and radio, where he comperes and participates in literary programs. He has served as the Secretary and Counsellor of the Sindhi Adabi Sangat Malir Karachi.

Inaam Nadeem

Inaam Nadeem is a distinguished poet, writer, and translator with an extensive body of work, boasting over a dozen published books. His debut volume of ghazals, Dar-e-Khawab, earned the prestigious Aks-e-Khushbu Poetry Prize in 2003. As a versatile translator, Inaam has rendered several acclaimed works of international fiction into Urdu. His notable translations include Qaidi (Urdu translation of Omar Hamid Shahid’s The Prisoner), Dozakhnama and Aaina Si Zindagi (translations of two novels by Rabisankar Bal), as well as Darya-e-Hulan Ki Kahanian (Urdu translation of Xiao Hong’s Tales of Hulan River), and Dukhtar-e-Rumi (translation of Muriel Maufroy’s bestseller, Rumi’s Daughter). His translated and edited volume of short stories by Hindi fiction writer Bhisham Sahni was shortlisted for the 10th UBL Literature & Arts Award.

In addition to translations, Inaam has curated significant anthologies, including works about Asif Farrukhi, selected stories of Zakia Mashhadi, the complete works of poet Akbar Masoom, and a research-based anthology on Urdu prose poems in Pakistan. His recent publication, Milte Hain August Mein, the Urdu translation of Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez’s last novel Until August, has been widely acclaimed.

Inaam has received numerous literary honours, such as the Parveen Shakir Award for Dar-e-Khawab, the 10th UBL Literature & Arts Award for Aaina Si Zindagi, and the Jamil Jalibi Award for Translation for Dukhtar-e-Rumi. His essays and articles on literature and music are frequently published. Alongside his literary pursuits, Inaam serves as an Associate Professor and currently resides in Karachi.

Iqbal Khursheed

Iqbal Khursheed is renowned as an Urdu fiction writer, journalist, interviewer, columnist, vlogger, and film critic. Currently, he is associated with Geo News, Pakistan. He has previously been affiliated with reputable newspapers and media groups throughout his professional journey. Having conducted over 800 interviews with national and international personalities, he has established himself as a prominent figure in journalism.

His two novels, Tikon ki Chauthi Jeht and Gard Ka Tofan, garnered attention and appreciation from critics and readers alike. Tikon ki Chauthi Jeht was also published in India, and its Hindi translation is expected to be released soon. Additionally, it was shortlisted for the UBL Award in the fiction category.

His recent book, Fiction Se Mukalma, features interviews with the top 16 fiction writers. This work has created significant ripples and garnered admiration within literary circles.

Iqbal Khursheed serves as the editor of the prestigious literary journal Ijra and is the co-author of Sab Se Badi Jung, a notable work on the journalistic movement in Pakistan. He has also ventured into journalistic stories with his publication titled One Minute Story. Born into a middle-class family, he holds a Master’s in Mass Communication, English, and International Relations. Currently residing in Karachi, he contributes to the literary and journalistic landscape.

Irfan Javed

Irfan Javed is a distinguished Pakistani writer with a notable career in literature. He is a gold medallist in the Master’s degree program in Sociology and has a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering.

Javed began his literary journey as a college student and became a part of the literary magazine Funoon, edited by Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi in the 1990s. His short stories, essays, and sketches have since appeared in leading Urdu literary magazines.

His literary credentials include winning the Oxford University Press/KLF ‘Best Book in Urdu Prose’ Award in 2023 and the Pakistan Academy of Letters’ Saadat Hassan Manto Award for the ‘Best Book in Urdu Prose’ in 2021 for his book ‘Ajaib Khana’. Javed has also been an active participant in literary events, serving as a moderator, host, and speaker at the Karachi Literature Festival (KLF), the Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF), and the Karachi Arts Council’s Aalmi Urdu Conference. His books ‘Darwazay’ and ‘Surkhab’ were also finalists in the OUP/KLF awards.

Javed’s published works include ‘Coffee House’ (short stories), ‘Darwazay’, ‘Surkhab’, ‘Aadmi’ (literary sketches), and ‘Ajaib Khana’ (essays). He has also compiled and critically analysed short stories by Asif Farrukhi, Muhammad Ilyas, and M. Hameed Shahid. His best-selling, popular, and critically acclaimed books have been partly serialized for years in the Sunday Magazine of Daily Jang.

He has also extensively contributed to English publications including The News and The Friday Times. His book on political science, ‘Principles of Political Science,’ has been taught as a reference book for graduate students. He also remained editor of the Urdu section of ‘Auj’, the literary magazine of the prestigious National School of Public Policy.

Jami Chandio

Mr. Jami Chandio is an author, literary critic, scholar, and public intellectual with more than 20 published books to his literary and academic credit. He delivers lectures and conducts academic training at universities and public spaces across the country and abroad on political theories, democratic federalism, Tasawwuf, political Islam, alternative education, and pure literature. He has been delivering lectures and training to parliamentarians, political cadres, civil servants, and academia in Pakistan since 2004. He serves as a resource person for many national educational institutions and international think tanks based in Pakistan and South Asia. As a visiting scholar, he delivers lectures on federalism at the National Institute of Management (NIM) to batches of senior civil servants from across the country. He was awarded a 5-month academic democracy fellowship in Washington, DC, in 2008-09. He represented South Asia and conducted a research fellowship in the European Parliament in 2004 on European federalism. He is a widely acknowledged scholar, author, and literary critic. He can be reached at jami8195@gmail.com.

Jaseem Siddiqui

Dr. Jaseem Siddiqui graduated from Sindh Medical College, Karachi, in 1979. After graduation, he served as a ranking Captain in the Army Medical Corps. Following his stint in the army, he was seconded to the Pakistan Navy, where he served in the Pakistan Naval Hospital and onboard ships. Thereafter, he left the armed forces and joined the Civil Aviation Authority.

He received training in Aviation Medicine in Pakistan, Sweden, and the USA. In 1987, he went to Ireland and pursued higher qualifications at the National University of Ireland’s postgraduate medical school, shortly after which he obtained a Master’s degree in Internal Medicine and Preventive Cardiology.

In 1991, he was selected for a four-year residency training program in West Ireland to acquire his postgraduate training in Psychiatry. He completed his training successfully and was awarded the requisite qualifications by the conjoint board of the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Surgeons (Ireland). After finishing his training, he was hired by Guy’s Hospital, London, to work at Military Hospital Jeddah, which was under its management. He returned to Ireland and received further training in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine. After completing the training, he worked with one of the most reputable family practice clinics in Dublin. At the same time, he also worked with a clinic treating homeless drug addicts.

Junaid Zuberi

Junaid Zuberi is a dedicated leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to professional excellence and the preservation of arts and culture. As the Chief Executive Officer at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), Junaid brings nearly three decades of diverse experience in Pakistan and Canada. It is his passion for the arts that truly defines his journey.

Over the past two decades, Junaid has spearheaded numerous cultural initiatives. In Canada, he served as Vice Chairman of the Friends of the Museums of Mississauga, co-founded The Hunar Foundation Canada, and served as an elected Board Member of the IBA Alumni Canada Chapter. He also established the Sur Sangum Foundation, a platform dedicated to promoting South Asian cultural and artistic heritage. Through this foundation, Junaid created opportunities for meaningful artistic expression and community engagement.

In Pakistan, Junaid contributed to the cultural sphere over the past two decades through his association with various forums such as All Pakistan Music Conference, Joy of Urdu, T2F, Tehrik-e-Niswan, and Sampurna. As a committed Rotarian and an inspiring public speaker, Junaid continues to champion causes close to his heart.

Beyond his leadership roles, Junaid Zuberi is an avid writer and blogger. Through his writings and talks in both English and Urdu, he shares his love for classical music, Urdu poetry, and the performing arts, encouraging others to celebrate and cherish the rich cultural heritage that defines our collective identity.

Kamila Shamsie

Kamila Shamsie is the author of eight novels, including Best of Friends, Burnt Shadows, Kartography, and Home Fire which won the Women’s Prize for Fiction and was long listed for the Man Booker Prize. Her story Churail was shortlisted for the BBC National Short Story Award, and four of her novels have received awards from the Pakistan Academy of Letters. A Vice President of the Royal Society of Literature and the recipient of a Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, she grew up in Karachi, and now lives in London and in Doha where she is the inaugural Writer in Residence at Georgetown University in Qatar. Her novels have been translated into over 30 languages.

Khadija Bakhtiar

Khadija Bakhtiar is the Founder and CEO of Teach For Pakistan, an organization dedicated to fostering leadership to address educational inequity. Through its structured Fellowship program, Teach For Pakistan provides motivated university graduates with the opportunity to teach for two years in under-resourced communities. This initiative aims to develop leadership skills and contextual understandings that can contribute to long-term, system-wide reforms. At present, 163 Fellows are making a positive impact on 10,000 students in high-need schools in rural areas of Islamabad. Additionally, 215 Alumni are actively advocating for every child’s right to participate in quality education. They are influencing policy, reshaping curricula, and employing innovative educational technology. Teach For Pakistan is expanding its reach to Sindh, with the program commencing in Karachi this year. Khadija Bakhtiar brings a wealth of experience, having worked with international organizations such as UN Women. She also serves on the Board of the National Education Foundation, Punjab Examination Commission, Teach For All’s Network Advisory Committee, and the Bardasht non-profit school in Tarnol, Islamabad. Khadija holds a Master’s degree from the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and a BSc. (honors) in Social Sciences from the Lahore University of Management Sciences.

Khaled Anam

Khaled Anam is a singer, actor, song-writer, theatrical producer, and performer. He also hosts and produces a radio show based on Urdu literature and old songs on FM107. With a master’s from Karachi University, Anam has done various theatrical training courses with Grips Theatre in Berlin, Germany. As part of a core team responsible for translating and adapting over 100 episodes of Open Sesame of Children’s Television Workshop into Urdu—he was solely responsible for translating and re-recording the songs of all episodes. A founding member of Grips Theatre, Pakistan, he has performed in both children’s and regular theatre all over Pakistan, India, UAE, and Germany. In recognition of his services to children’s theatre and education, Anam has been conferred the Goethe-Institut Award of Merit. Author of ‘Bachon kay Geet’ (OUP, 2014), he is also an ambassador for the Children’s Literature Festival. He has been awarded the President’s Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan.

Khalid Masud

Prof. Dr. Khalid Masud is a leading Muslim modernist scholar of our time. Dr. Masud served as the Director of the Islamic Research Institute in Islamabad for many years. He also served as the Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology, a body created by the Constitution of Pakistan.

Khalifa Sajeeruddin

A diehard comedian, even in real life, Sajeer’s uncanny sense of humor is infectious and provides entertainment during long rehearsals. An engineer by profession, Sajeer was also a full-time teacher at R.E.A.Dyslexics (Pvt.) Ltd., an institution that helps dyslexic children overcome their difficulties. Sajeer continues to appear on television, with his most popular roles being ‘Motan Mateen’ in the comedy serial ‘Nadaan Nadia,’ ‘Liaqat Ali Khan’ in the docudrama ‘Jinnah sey Quaid-e-Azamtak,’ and ‘Nawaz Sharif’ in the political spoof ‘Hum Sub Ummeed Sey Hein’ aired by GEO. As the shrewd ‘Jiyala’ in adult plays, Sajeer provides brilliant insights into the political and social conditions of his country, which he loves dearly. A personality with many facets, Sajeer is an integral part of the group. 

Khurram Husain

Khurram Husain is a leading business and economy journalist based in Karachi, Pakistan. He writes a widely read column for Dawn, Pakistan’s leading English-language newspaper, and has contributed to the BBC as an analyst. Khurram has also taught at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). His work focuses on the political economy of policy reform in Pakistan, and he has been a scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center, where he researched Pakistan’s relationship with the IMF.

Khurram Jamali

Khurram Jamali, Co-founder & CEO of DCore Technologies Pte. Ltd., is resolute in revolutionizing the tech ecosystem of Pakistan. He is committed to supporting startups that have the potential and vision to create ripples in the global tech economy, a sector that Khurram believes can boost Pakistan’s economy and create local employment opportunities.

He is a fierce proponent of financial institutions and tech companies working hand in hand to develop products that increase access to payments for every segment of society. Khurram has stressed time and time again the need for global communities to come together and digitize economies to create opportunities for the disadvantaged and underprivileged. He believes developing AI muscle will be critical for population-scale impact.

As the Head of Partnerships for Payments across the Next Billion User (NBU) markets for Google, he has witnessed the remarkable results of financial inclusion through the spread of digital payments in developing countries. In addition, he built out and led the Pakistan market at Google Singapore, growing the business 10x in less than five years.

Previously, he was involved in corporate and investment banking with Habib Bank Limited across Pakistan and China. Jamali started his career consulting with Analysis Group, working on cases such as Microsoft’s antitrust lawsuits and the Enron bankruptcy.

Over the last decade, Khurram has been operationally involved in multiple startups, including Oraan, Rayn, Waseela, and even before these, Parho Likho, to spread his love for his mother tongue, Urdu.

Khurram has an MBA from INSEAD and a BA from Middlebury with a focus in Economics, Mandarin, and Computer Science.

Khurram Qureshi

An experienced corporate professional with a keen interest in history, social issues and politics. Khurram is a graduate from the Lahore University of Management Sciences and is active on various Social Media platforms, advocating democracy, human rights and the importance of mental health and wellness.

Khurram Schehzad

Khurram Schehzad is an accomplished investment banker, development economist, and policy advisor with nearly two decades of experience. He has held strategic positions at leading financial and investment groups and served on various public sector boards, including the Privatisation Commission and the Board of Investment in Pakistan. Khurram is the Founder & CEO of Alpha Beta Core, a premier investment banking and policy advisory platform, and Co-Founder of Base-H Technologies, an AI-driven financial analytics firm. He is also a mentor and advisor to several national and international organizations, contributing to economic and financial policy development. Khurram Schehzad is currently serving as the Adviser to the Finance Minister on Economic and Financial Reforms in Pakistan. 

Kiran Ahmad

Kiran Ahmad, a multidisciplinary graphic designer based in Karachi, Pakistan. Through her professional practice her studio devises creative solutions across the media, art, and design spectrum. Inspired by a minimalistic approach, the practice addresses an interplay of space and form.

Through taking-on and being immersed in independent projects and initiatives, the studio has worked on conceptualising and devising several design identities and branding guidelines for start-ups, NGOs, and educational institutions, focusing mainly on branding and editorial design projects. Ahmad’s current and ongoing research project Print Archive Pakistan focuses on documenting and preserving Pakistan’s history through print media.

Alongside Ahmad’s design practice, she became interested in art and design academia and is currently adjunct faculty in the Department of Communication Design, at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS).

Kishwar Naheed

Kishwar Naheed is one of Pakistan’s most renowned feminist poets. Her first collection of poems, ‘Lab-i-Goya’ (1968), earned her the prestigious Adamjee Prize for Literature. She is the founder of Hawwa (Eve), an organization dedicated to empowering women economically. Kishwar Naheed has also held the position of Director General of the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA).
In recognition of her contributions, she has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2000. Her poetry has been translated into several languages, including English, French, and Italian. Oxford University Press has not only published her original works in Urdu (‘Intikhab-e-Kalam: Kishwar Naheed’ and ‘Pakistan ki Tehzeeb-o-Saqafat’) but also English translations of her works (‘The Distance of a Shout’ [poetry], ‘A Bad Woman’s Story’ [memoirs], and ‘The Culture and Civilization of Pakistan’).
In 2022, the Government of Pakistan honoured her with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian award, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to literature.

Lubna Naz

Dr Lubna Naz is a Professor of Economics at IBA Karachi and Director at the Centre for Business and Economic Research-IBA. With over 20 years of experience in research, she specializes in population issues, climate change, and disaster vulnerability mapping. She has led research with ICIMOD, UN-WOMEN, UN-IOM, and OXFAM, published 28 research articles, and contributes to leading newspapers in Pakistan on gender, social protection, education, and health.

Madad Ali Sindhi

Madad Ali Sindhi is a renowned Pakistani writer, columnist, and journalist. He is currently serving as the Federal Minister for Education, National Harmony, and Youth Affairs in the interim government. He has made significant contributions to Sindhi literature and journalism. He has authored several books on the history and culture of Sindh and has been honoured with the Pride of Performance award in 2021 for his services to Sindhi literature. 

Maha Husain

Maha Husain is a legal researcher specialising in climate change law, environmental law, and public international law. She is the Team Lead of the Climate & Environment Initiative (CEI) and a Research Associate at the Research Society of International Law (RSIL), where her work explores legal solutions to climate change and environmental issues facing Pakistan and the world. 

She has worked with UNDP Pakistan to promote access to environmental justice and strengthen complaint and remedy mechanisms for victims of environmental rights violations in Balochistan. Maha is among twenty young leaders from across Asia-Pacific and the United States selected for the 2024 Asia Foundation LeadNext: Ambassadors for a Global Future Fellowship cohort, where she developed her leadership skills and deepened her cross-cultural communication skills. Maha is currently serving as a Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform (YEACAP) Shakers Fellow 2024, where she is building her capacity on community mobilisation, resource mobilisation and team building to expand her climate advocacy. 

Maha is a recipient of the Storytelling Initiative grant from the Leadership & Learning for Sustainability Lab at McGill University, where she received mentorship to produce a podcast centring the voices of those on the frontlines of socio-environmental crises. Through her research work, Maha has represented Pakistan at the 3rd Asia Pacific Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRD) Forum 2023, the 8th Advanced International Humanitarian Law South Asian Academics Platform (AISAAP) 2023, and the 2023 Transformations Conference. Maha has also co-organised RSIL’s Women in International Law Mentoring Programme to support female lawyers pursuing careers in international law in Pakistan. 

Maha completed her law degree at the University of Cambridge (Downing College), where she earned the Senior Harris Scholarship. She has obtained professional certifications in climate change law, water resource management, and planetary health from the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL), Griffith University, and the Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, respectively. 

Maheen Usmani

Maheen Usmani is Chief Media Relations & Storytelling at Nutshell Communications. She is an author, a research analyst, and a content creator. She has worked with Reckitt UAE, the Aga Khan Foundation, Dr Mahbub ul Haq Human Development Centre, the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, and Geo News. 

Mahim Maher

Mahim Maher is a journalist who has been the city editor for Karachi at Daily Times and The Express Tribune. She writes on Karachi’s urban expansion, water, city government, roads, and transport. Mapping has been an important part of this storytelling. She created the Karachi crime map with designer Jacek Utko for The Express Tribune. 

Malahat Awan

Malahat Awan is working as the Director of Resource Mobilization, Alumni Affairs, and Corporate Relations at the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi (IBA). She also heads a foundation called the Tehzeeb Foundation, which works for the preservation of music, arts, and literature in Pakistan.

Maniza Naqvi

Maniza Naqvi is a novelist and short story writer. Her five published novels are: ’Mass Transit’, ’On Air’, ’Stay with Me’, ‘A Matter of Detail’ and ‘The Inn’. ’Sarajevo Saturdays’ is a collection of her short stories and poems. Her book ’A Guest in the House’ is a memoir which chronicle’s her time at the Pioneer Book House, Karachi and provides a lens into the history of the city. Her storytelling of this memoir was on The Moth Radio Hour. Her short stories are included in several anthologies. She is the Founder and CEO of The Little Book Company (www.littlebookcompany.net), a start-up e-book digital platform for publishers, authors, and booksellers.

Mansoor Raza

Mansoor Raza is an electrical engineer, environmentalist, and urban planner. Currently, he is serving as a lecturer in the Development Studies Program, Department of Architecture and Planning, at NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi. At the start of his engineering career, Raza became involved in social sciences research and is closely associated with civil society and the NGO sector. He has served as a research supervisor on the Green Line (BRT), Lyari Expressway, and other transport and communication-related issues in collaboration with the Urban Resource Centre and the International Institute for Environment and Development (UK). He has co-authored a number of books on transport, migration, land issues, and the street economy. Mansoor Raza is also an Urdu short story writer, and his stories reflect the social and economic issues he deals with in his professional life.

Martin Dawson

Martin Dawson has spent the last 39 years in international development primarily leading and managing programmes in the health, education and livelihoods sectors. Most of this time has been spent living and working in South and Central Asia, South East Asia, Southern Africa and the Caribbean. He is married and has 3 grown up sons. He is an accomplished brass player and brass band conductor and has performed all over the world in many of the great concert halls. Martin has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows globally and on some of the finest brass band recordings. He limits his performances these days to charity events, particularly the fight against breast cancer and appearances with the UK’s only all-female brass band, Boobs and Brass. 

Marvi Mazhar

Marvi Mazhar is an architect and researcher whose practice combines visual culture, spatial advocacy, and interventions. She serves on several advisory boards in government and non-profit organizations. Her present ongoing research focuses upon the representation and production of Karachi’s urbans and rural coastal periphery and its ecology. She recently co-edited the book ‘Architecture for the Future’ (2023, MIT Publication) with Elke Krasny and Angelika Fritz. Mazhar is currently working in Kyrgyzstan on thirteen heritage sites as lead architect focusing on developing infrastructural and management connectivity.

Maya Inayat Ismail

Maya Inayat Ismail is the Chairperson of HBL Microfinance Bank, bringing over 25 years of experience in the financial services sector. She has been instrumental in establishing HBL MfB’s predecessor, FMFB, the first microfinance bank in Pakistan. Maya has held various leadership roles, including Chief of Staff at HBL and Director at Healthwire. She is also a Trustee of the HBL Foundation and a Board member of the Aga Khan Ismailia Charitable Trust. Her expertise lies in financial inclusion, strategic partnerships, and strategy formulation. 

Maya Khan

Maya Khan is a dynamic anchor, actor, and storyteller with a career that began at the age of four. With a natural gift for connecting with audiences, she has hosted and produced impactful television and digital content. From live shows to gripping performances in dramas like Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, Maya’s journey reflects passion, resilience, and authenticity. Beyond the screen, she’s a podcaster at Maya In The Mic, exploring real stories with a casual yet engaging style. With 1.5 million Instagram followers, she continues to inspire, evolve, and create content that resonates with audiences across platforms. 

Mazhar Abbas

Mazhar Abbas is a prominent Pakistani journalist and analyst known for his extensive work in media and journalism. He has served as the Secretary-General of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and has been a vocal advocate for press freedom and journalists’ rights. Mazhar Abbas has worked with various leading news organizations and is a regular contributor to television talk shows and newspapers, providing insightful analysis on political and social issues. He has received several awards for his contributions to journalism, including the CPJ International Press Freedom Award. 

Mehboob Zafar

Mr Mehboob Zafar is a distinguished Urdu poet, writer, researcher, and translator with roots in Talagang, Chakwal District. His father served as a police officer in various Sindh cities. After completing his matriculation in Jacobabad, he moved to Karachi, where he earned his FA and BA degrees, followed by a master’s in Urdu literature.

Mehboob Zafar excels in creation, research, and translation. He has significantly contributed to Urdu literary heritage as a poet and has also made his mark in research and translation. His work has been recognized both nationally and internationally, receiving special acclaim from serious critics. He is proficient in several languages, including Urdu, English, Hindi, Sindhi, Punjabi, Chhachi, and Hindko. He has written poetry in both Urdu and Punjabi and has translated numerous works from these languages into Urdu. His translations from Hindi and Sindhi have been published as separate books.

His notable works include ‘Mere Bhi Hain Kuch Khwab,’ ‘Jadeed Sindhi Afsanon Se Intikhab,’ ‘Jadeed Hindi Adab Se Intikhab,’ ‘Ahmed Faraz: Shakhsiyat Aur Fun,’ ‘Jadeed Urdu Ghazal,’ ‘Jadeed Urdu Nazm,’ ‘Ghazal Asasa Nazm Asasa,’ ‘Naat Asasa,’ ‘Intikhab Kalam Mirza Rafiuddin Sauda,’ and ‘Intikhab Pakistani Adab.’ Four more of his books are in the publication process.

Besides his literary activities, he has played a significant role in promoting literary activities in the twin cities as the driving force behind the renowned literary organization ‘Zawiya.’ He hosted and edited the literary program ‘Afkar’ on Radio Pakistan Islamabad for fifteen years and has hosted numerous poetry recitals and literary programs on PTV and other private channels. As a poet, he has represented Pakistan in many countries. Mehboob Zafar began his professional career with the Pakistan Navy and later served in Pakistani embassies in India and the UK, where his poetic and literary talents further flourished. In recognition of his literary services, he has been awarded the Ghalib Literary Award, Bahadur Shah Zafar Literary Award, and Ahmed Faraz Literary Award.

Mian Raza Rabbani

Senator Mian Raza Rabbani is a Pakistani political leader, constitutional lawyer, and former Chairman of the Senate (2015-2018). As a legislator, he was responsible for the drafting of the famous 18th Amendment, which restored the original spirit of the Constitution and established a firm foundation for Federalism. He has been elected a Senator from Sindh six times since 1993.

A long-standing member of the Pakistan Peoples Party, he was a close aide to former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and was appointed the Party’s Deputy Secretary General in 1997. He has also served as Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination, Minister of State for Law and Justice, and Leader of the House and Opposition in the Senate. Senator Rabbani was awarded the highest civil award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz, for his parliamentary services.

In addition, he was awarded the Bacha Khan Award for the Defence of Provincial Rights. The Human Rights Society of Pakistan selected him for the 2006 award for his invaluable services to human rights. He was Vice-Chairman of the National Institute of Public Policy and a member of the Forum of Federations, Toronto. He has represented Pakistan as a delegate and speaker at the UN General Assembly, Inter-Parliamentary Union, and Commonwealth Parliamentary Union.

He is the author of, ’A Biography of Federalism in Pakistan’, ’Invisible People’ (fiction), and ’Smile Snatchers’ (fiction). Both his books ‘Invisible People’ and ‘Smile Snatchers’ are recipients of the Patras Bokhari Award for English prose, 2017 and 2020, respectively.

Miftah Ismail

Miftah Ismail served as the Federal Minister of Finance from April 2022 to September 2022. He had previously served in the same office, from April 2018 to May 2018 in Khaqan Abbasi’s cabinet. He has also served as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, and as Chairman, Board of Investment, the Privatisation Commission and the Sui Southern Gas Company. A professional economist, Dr Ismail worked briefly for the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Later, he became CEO & Director of Ismail Industries Ltd. He has also served as President of Karachi American School and as Visiting Faculty at the Institute of Business Administration. Dr Miftah Ismail holds a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and a PhD in Public Finance and Political Economy from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. 

Minaa Shahzad

Minaa Shahzad is a student at the Institute of Business Administration Karachi. She writes short stories and poetry, with some works featured in Poetry in English from Pakistan: A 21st Century Anthology. In the future, she hopes to continue writing and eventually publish novels and poetry collections.

Mishal Husain

Mishal Husain is a journalist, broadcaster and author who was a presenter of BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme for 11 years and will launch a new global interview show for Bloomberg in 2025. She started her BBC career as a producer in 1998, becoming a presenter on BBC World News in 2001 and reporting on location from the US to the Middle East, South Asia, Singapore and China. In 2014 she was the first journalist to enter the school attacked by the Taliban in Pakistan and in 2017 her engagement interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was seen around the world. Her documentaries have included a series on Mahatma Gandhi, on social media and the Arab uprisings of 2011, on Malala Yousafzai, and ‘The Longest Reign’, about Queen Elizabeth II. Her books are ‘The Skills: How to Win at Work’ and ‘Broken Threads: My Family From Empire to Independence.’ In 2024 she presented two election debates for the BBC and won the Charles Wheeler Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Journalism.

Moazzam Ali Khan

Moazzam Ali Khan has over a decade of experience in the corporate world, spanning telecommunications and advertising, before making a significant transition to the creative arts. He is now recognized globally as an actor, narrator, voice-over artist, and ghazal singer. Moazzam made his acting debut in the popular drama serial ’Sabaat’ on HUM TV, which received widespread acclaim. He further showcased his acting skills in ’Ishq e Laa’ and ’Meri Shahzadi’. His talent also extends to voice-over work, where he has lent his voice to numerous television commercials and documentaries for leading companies in Pakistan. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Moazzam is an expert in public relations, corporate communication, and corporate social responsibility. He has been honoured with the Presidential Award for the best public relations person in the private sector.

Moeen Faruqi

Moeen Faruqi is an artist and English language poet living in Karachi. His paintings have been exhibited widely within Pakistan and internationally in Canada, Italy, Singapore, Bangladesh, UK and India. His poems have been published in various literary journals in Pakistan and abroad, including ‘Poetry from Pakistan: An Anthology’ (1997), ‘Dragonfly in the Sun: An Anthology of Pakistani Literature’ (1997), and ‘The Poetry of Men’s Lives’ (2004). His poems have also appeared in Aleph (Pk.) Verse, Orbis, The Rialto (UK), Rattle (USA), Cyphers (Ire.) and in Vallum (Canada).

Mohammad Ahmed Shah

Mohammad Ahmed Shah is a prominent cultural figure in Pakistan, currently serving as the President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. He has held this position for over 11 years. Shah is known for his dynamic leadership and has significantly contributed to the cultural renaissance in Pakistan.

Under his leadership, the Arts Council has seen a remarkable increase in activities, including theatre, music, youth, and dance festivals, as well as literary events. Shah has also fostered international collaborations with countries like China, Germany, the US, Portugal, and Japan.

In addition to his role at the Arts Council, Shah is the Caretaker Provincial Minister for Information, Minority Affairs, and Social Protection in Sindh. His work has earned him recognition and respect across various cultural and social sectors.

Shah has been honoured with several prestigious awards, including the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards, recognizing his exceptional service in the field of arts and culture. He has also received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz for his outstanding contributions. In December 2024, he was awarded Lifetime Membership of the Karachi Press Club in recognition of his exceptional contributions to arts and culture. These awards highlight his dedication and impact on promoting cultural activities in Pakistan.

Moosa Gardezi

Moosa Gardezi is a writer, environmentalist, and educator. He writes poetry in English and Urdu under the nom de plume S.M. Karachvi. His poems attempt to reconcile and transcend the various intellectual traditions that have influenced him, reflecting his committed study of comparative literature, religion, and history. His essays on literature and politics have appeared in several publications, including The News and The Express Tribune.

Moosa is the founder of The Sayebaan Project, a non-profit organization that empowers communities and organizations to take ownership of their environment through planting and caring for trees. He also teaches public speaking and English literature to high school students, encouraging deeper thinking and more effective expression.

Mubeen Mirza

Mubeen Mirza is a noted Pakistani fiction writer, poet, and journalist. He is widely acknowledged as a prominent short story writer in modern Urdu fiction. He wrote a weekly column in the Sunday magazine of Daily Express for about three years, covering literary, socio-political, and international issues. Currently, he is the editor of the renowned literary magazine Mukalama and the managing director of the well-reputed publishing house Academy Bazyaft. He is serving his second term as a member of the Board of Governors of the Pakistan Academy of Letters.

Mubeen Mirza is the author of several books, including Khof ke Aasman Talay, Saadat Hasan Manto: Shakhsiyat o Fun, Tabani, Zameenen aur Zamane, Arzang, Ahwal o Aasar, Urdu ke Behtareen Shakhsi Khakay, Pakistani Adab, Adabiyat, and Manto: Muntakhab Mazameen.

Muhammad Ali Shaikh

Dr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh is a development consultant and former Vice Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi (2012–2020). He currently serves as the President of the Citizens’ Education and Empowerment Society (CEES) and CEO of both Communication and Social Development Consultants (Pvt) Ltd. and RTI Consultancy and Capacity Building (Pvt) Ltd.

With a distinguished career in academia and public service, Dr. Shaikh has previously held key positions, including Principal of Dawood College of Engineering and Technology, Karachi; Chairman of the Sindh Textbook Board, Jamshoro; and Director-General of College Education in the Government of Sindh. He was also a Faculty Fellow and Fulbright Scholar at American University, Washington, DC.

An accomplished author, Dr. Shaikh has written several books and is a regular freelance contributor to Dawn.

Muhammad Ali Tabba

Muhammad Ali Tabba is the CEO of Lucky Cement Limited, one of Pakistan’s largest cement producers. He began his career with the Yunus Brothers Group (YBG) in 1991 and has since held various leadership roles within the group. Under his leadership, Lucky Cement has expanded its operations and exports to over 23 countries. Mr. Tabba also serves as the Chairman of Yunus Textile Mills Ltd., Lucky Motors Corporation, and Lucky Electric Power Company Ltd. He is actively involved in community welfare through the Aziz Tabba Foundation and has received numerous awards, including the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2018. 

Muhammad Azfar Ahsan

Muhammad Azfar Ahsan is a public advocacy consultant, global outreach practitioner, business connector, and entrepreneur based out of Pakistan. He has served as Minister of State and Chairman Board of Investment (BoI), Government of Pakistan (technocrat / non-political). He is also the Founder of CORPORATE PAKISTAN GROUP (CPG), which represents the elite of Pakistan’s national intelligentsia. He is the President Marketing Association of Pakistan – an apex body of marketing in Pakistan. Azfar is the Founder & CEO of Nutshell Group, comprising Nutshell Conferences, Nutshell Solutions and Nutshell Communications. Currently he is working with the Governments of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Azfar is also writing a book titled ‘PAKISTAN: Charting Its Untapped Potential.’ The publication will share the ‘untold story’ of Pakistan with the world and shed light on the untapped potential of the country and its ample resources, with the objective of giving impetus to a fast-evolving geo-economic scenario, especially in the South and Central Asian regions. 

Muhammad Khalid Masud

Muhammad Khalid Masud is the Director General of the Islamic Research Institute at the International Islamic University, Islamabad. He has served as the Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology in Pakistan from 2004 to 2010 and was appointed as an Ad Hoc Member of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 20121. Dr. Masud holds a PhD in Islamic Studies from McGill University and has held academic positions in various international institutions, including Leiden University and the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on Islamic law, modernity, and legal interpretation. 

Muhammad Umair

Muhammad Umair, known by the pen name Umair Najmi, was born on September 2, 1986, in the beautiful city of Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab. He completed his BSc in Architectural Engineering from UIT Lahore and his FSc from FC College Lahore. He officially began his poetic journey in 2014. His favourite poets include Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal, Yagana Changezi, Irfan Siddiqui, Shakeb Jalali, Jamal Ehsani, and Jaun Elia. He is highly regarded among his contemporary poets for the freshness and maturity in his poetry, which often brings together visible and invisible forces. Additionally, his book titled ‘Aik’ was published in 2023. It has also been published in India by Rekhta under the title ‘Aakhri Tasveer’.

Mujahid Barelvi

A leading journalist, analyst, and commentator, Mujahid Barelvi has been a prominent figure on television for over two decades. He has written extensively for political journals and newspapers and has authored several books on Afghanistan and Balochistan, as well as a book in memory of his friend, the revolutionary poet Habib Jalib. An avid globetrotter, he has also penned a travelogue, ‘Khuwahish-e-Safar main Rahay’, detailing his experiences traveling with heads of state and participating in numerous conferences. Mujahid Barelvi was the first Pakistani journalist to enter Kabul in 1979 after the Soviet invasion. He has served as the secretary of the Karachi Press Club and founded various magazines, including ‘Sonehra Daur’ and ‘Bankari’. Currently, he hosts the program Live with Mujahid on GTV News.

Muneeza Shamsie

Muneeza Shamsie is the author of ‘Hybrid Tapestries: The Development of Pakistani Literature in English’ and editor of four anthologies of Pakistani English writing, including the recently published ‘In the New Century: An Anthology of Pakistani Literature in English’. She received the Gold IPPY and Bronze Foreword Awards in the US for her third anthology ‘And the World Changed: Contemporary Stories by Pakistani Women’. Muneeza is the Area Editor for the Literary Encyclopedia, Pakistan’s bibliographic representative for Literature, Critique, and Empire Today (formerly The Journal of Commonwealth Literature), and serves on advisory boards for the Journal of Postcolonial Writing, the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature, and the International Centre of Pakistani Writing in English. She has chaired literary prize juries, including the Commonwealth Writers Prize (Eurasia) in 2010 and 2011. Based in Karachi, she regularly contributes to the Pakistani press.

Murtaza Wahab

Murtaza Wahab is a prominent Pakistani politician currently serving as the Mayor of Karachi, having assumed office on June 19, 2023. Murtaza earned his bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Karachi and later pursued an LLB from the University of London, followed by a Bar-at-Law from Lincoln’s Inn. He has held various significant positions, including serving as an adviser to the Chief Minister of Sindh on law and as an Administrator of Karachi. Murtaza Wahab’s career is marked by his dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of Karachi’s residents.

Mushahid Hussain Sayed

Mushahid Hussain Sayed is the Chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute and the Pakistan-Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR). He is a seasoned journalist, educator, and travel enthusiast. With a Master’s degree from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s from Forman Christian College, Lahore, he has served in the Senate of Pakistan and held ministerial roles. Mr. Sayed has taught at Punjab University and contributed to major national newspapers. His work focuses on foreign policy, regional security, and media issues, making him a prominent figure in Pakistan’s socio-political landscape.

Myra Murad Khan

Myra Murad Khan works in the Education Global Practice at the World Bank, supporting the Bank’s global education agenda. She has 12 years of experience working on education projects across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. In her most recent role, she supported the Global Director’s office, conducting high-level political analysis, managing portfolio and corporate responsibilities for the Education Global Practice, and supporting communications and high-level global and political conferences. For three years in a row, she has been awarded an internal World Bank grant for developing a socioemotional skills development program for refugee youth. She is well-versed in a wide range of education topics, including basic education service delivery, education finance, girls’ education, and refugee education. Through the World Bank, she has worked with dozens of ministries of education, ministries of labour and jobs, and international development ministries in donor and client country governments. Prior to this, she obtained her Master’s in International Education Policy from Harvard University and worked at Teach For Pakistan.

Naazish Ata-Ullah

Naazish Ata-Ullah is an artist, educator, writer, curator, human rights activist and an active member of the Women’s Action Forum. In a career that spans four decades, Professor Ata-Ullah is best known as the founder of the Printmaking specialization at the National College of Arts. She is a graduate of Kinnaird College for Women and the National College of Arts. She undertook postgraduate studies at the Slade School of Fine Art and at the Institute of Education, London University. Ata-Ullah retired as Principal of NCA in 2010. She is a Fellow of NCA and was awarded with the title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the Government of France. She lives and works in Lahore. 

Nadeem Baig

Nadeem Baig is a renowned Pakistani film and television director, producer, and writer. He has directed some of Pakistan’s highest-grossing films, including “Jawani Phir Nahi Ani,” “Punjab Nahi Jaungi,” and “Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2″. Nadeem began his career in television, directing popular serials like “Pyarey Afzal” and “Mere Paas Tum Ho”. He has won several awards, including the Lux Style Award for Best Director. His work is known for its commercial success and critical acclaim, making him a prominent figure in the Pakistani entertainment industry. 

Nadeem Farooq Paracha

Nadeem Farooq Paracha is a prominent Pakistani author and social commentator. He has authored nine best-selling books on the social and political history of Pakistan. His latest book ‘Of Reason, Romance and Ruin’ was published in November 2024. His books, ‘End of the Past’ (2016), ‘Points of Entry’ (2018), and ‘Imran Khan: Myth of the Pakistani Middle-Class’ (2023) have been three of the biggest selling non-fiction books in Pakistan in the last six years.

In 2018, Nadeem was accepted as a Research Scholar at the International Forum for Democratic Studies in Washington DC. Since 2005, he has been a regular columnist for Dawn, Pakistan’s largest English language newspaper. He is also associated with Adcom Leo Burnett as Head of Ideas & Research.

Nadeem Ghani

Nadeem Ghani is the Dean of Nixor College and a founding member of both Nixor College and Academia Civitas. With a BSc, MSc, and an MBA from Northwestern University, he brings a strong academic foundation and a commitment to educational excellence.

As a key architect of Nixor College, Mr. Ghani has played a pivotal role in shaping a no-tuition model where educators take full ownership of student development. His leadership has fostered a culture of accountability, mentorship, and innovation, ensuring that students receive not just an education, but a transformative learning experience.

In addition to his work at Nixor College, Mr. Ghani is a founding member of Academia Civitas, an institution dedicated to developing young leaders through academic rigor, civic engagement, and leadership development. Academia Civitas emphasizes the importance of social impact and community-driven learning, preparing students to be proactive changemakers in society.

Naeem Sadiq

Naeem Sadiq is an industrial engineer and a volunteer citizen engaged in promoting public interest causes for the last two decades. His special areas of interest, research, and advocacy include governance reforms, de-weaponisation, and improving the wages and working conditions of exploited and downtrodden workers such as janitors, security guards, coal miners, and railway coolies. He is also a newspaper columnist who frequently writes for Dawn and Express Tribune.

Naeem Sameer

Naeem Sameer, a well-known contemporary Urdu poet born in Karachi, has been active in the challenging literary scene since 2006. He is the author of the poetry collection ‘Rhythm’ and has contributed to the Urdu curriculum for grades one to eight for the Sindh Urdu Academy. Sameer also serves as the president of the literary organization Sukhanwar Adabi Forum.

Najeeba Arif

Prof. Dr Najeeba Arif is an eminent scholar, creative writer, critic and researcher. Her major field of specialization is Archival Research. She has discovered, edited and published about a dozen manuscripts of eighteenth and nineteenth century. She also founded the first Indexation Agency for the Urdu Research Journals at International Islamic University, Islamabad and has been the editor of renowned research journals of Pakistan. She has been invited to several universities in Europe and USA to present her research. Some of her works in the field of Criticism are of pioneer nature, including her research on the Impact of 9/11 on Pakistani Urdu Fiction and the Impact of Colonialism on Sirah literature in Urdu. Sufi literature has been another field of her interest. Besides her research in Sufi literature, she has translated ‘Qaseeda Burda Shareef’ from Arabic into Urdu verse as well as a voluminous book on Science, Mysticism and the Concept of Allah from English to Urdu. Her collection of Urdu poetry ‘Ma’ani se Ziyada’ won the Award of the Best book of the year in 2015. Her poetry is being taught at the Ankara University, Turkey. Her other creative works include a book of memoirs, titled ‘Raagni ki Khoj Main’, a collection of short stories ‘Meethay Nalkay’, a novel, ‘Makhota’, travel writings and light essays. She writes in Urdu and English and knows Persian, Arabic and Punjabi. She has authored 18 books and published more than 60 articles in national and international journals. Currently she is serving as the Chairperson of Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad.

Najma Usman

Najma Usman is a renowned poet and fiction writer. Her first poetry collection, Shaakh-e-Hina, was published in 1989, followed by Karay Mausamon Ki Zad Par in 1999. Her third collection, Khayaal Ki Khushboo, came out in 2013, and her fourth, Nayi Rut Ki Khushboo, was published in 2024.

In 2024, she also wrote a travelogue of her Hajj journey titled Kitaab-e-Dil. Her novel, Teen Naslon Ki Kahani, is currently in progress. Najma has 13 years of research experience and 25 years of teaching experience.

She has received two Lifetime Achievement Awards for her contributions to Urdu literature and has served as the Secretary of the Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Khawateen, UK

Nasira Zuberi

Nasira Zuberi is a senior journalist and media professional with over twenty-five years of experience in both print and electronic journalism. She has worked with prestigious organizations such as Business Recorder, Aaj News, Geo News, and NewsOne. Notably, she is the only female journalist to have successfully launched two news channels (Aaj News and NewsOne). She has held prominent positions including Controller News at Aaj TV, Director News and CEO of NewsOne, and Editor Business at Geo News. She is also the first female journalist to serve as CEO of a mainstream news channel.

Nasira is the author of four poetry collections: Shagoon, Kaanch ka Charaagh, Teresa Qadam, and Be Mausmi Khawahshain. She is currently finalizing two prose books. Additionally, she is a well-known columnist for various online magazines, including Independent Urdu and HumSub. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to visit different countries and attend prominent conferences, including the Bonn Media Conference multiple times. Recently, Alhamd Islamic University in Islamabad published an M.Phil paper on her poetry.

Nasira Zuberi’s poetry explores various aspects of life, including sorrow, happiness, anger, excitement, and other human emotions. Her primary poetic focus is on love, which she considers the most essential element in a human being’s life. Her poems celebrate love for parents, friends, children, other people, and even animals. She also expresses her admiration for the beauty of nature, including flowers, colors, butterflies, fragrances, and raindrops.

As a journalist, she addresses social differences and political developments on both national and global levels. She is acutely aware of the interconnectedness of the modern world, and some of her poems and verses reflect international issues such as war, monetary dependence, border conflicts, and other contentious topics between states.

Natalia Gul

Natalia Gul is a remarkable multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur, driven by her passion for cultural heritage and performance arts. Despite holding a degree in dentistry, Natalia has always been deeply connected to the world of artistic expression. Her diverse talents range from acting in theatre plays, television, and commercials to creating thought-provoking viral content through her stand-up performances.

Natalia’s artistic prowess extends beyond acting and comedy. She is also a skilled DJ, leveraging her music to promote and celebrate her cultural and Sufi background. Recognizing the need for more engaging entertainment events, she founded her startup, The Jungle PK, which quickly gained popularity for hosting some of the most captivating commercial events that combine comedy, art, music, and wellness.

Neda Mulji

Neda Mulji is working with OUP as Senior Manager, Professional Development and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy UK. Before joining OUP, Neda was a university lecturer in Dubai and has taught English as a Foreign Language in London, UK. She has a BSc (Hons.) from LUMS, MA in Postcolonial Studies – Literature and Culture from Goldsmiths, University of London, a CELTA and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education from Middlesex University. She writes for Dawn on topics in education and has authored a book on parenting, titled ‘The Love Connection’, published by Austin Macauley, UK. Neda is a certified workplace coach with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). 

Noor Ahmed

Noor Ahmed is an art curator, artist, and writer. Her research-based curatorial practice focuses on creating platforms for interdisciplinary connections and exchange and merging the public/private areas of art-making and consumption. Her investigations are rooted in the cultural heritage and political pulse of the communities surrounding her. She was part of the team curating her country’s national Pavilion, the Pakistan Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020, which received the Silver Award in March 2022 from 192 participating countries. During lockdown in 2020, she founded ‘Open Studios at 73’, a residency program that provided opportunities, studio space and exhibiting space to artists at a time of total lockdown, while critiquing power structures and notions of the white cube. She was Assistant Curator for Karachi Biennale 2019, Pakistan’s largest contemporary art event. Her essays on Pakistan and contemporary art have been published in international and local publications. She currently heads The Citizens Archive of Pakistan, a non-profit dedicated to historical and cultural preservation that builds, maintains, and disseminates from one of the largest and most diverse digital archives in Pakistan and its history. 

Noorul Huda Shah

Noorul Huda Shah is a well-known and respected short story writer, playwright, poet, columnist, and broadcaster. Presently, she is Joint Secretary of the Pakistan Arts Council Karachi. She writes both in Urdu and her native language Sindhi. A familiar name in the Pakistani drama industry, she is famous for very popular serials including Jungle, Marvi, Bebak, Meri Adhuri Mohabbat, Ajaeb Khana, Adhoora Milan, and Ishq Gumshuda. She now works as a freelance consultant with a few broadcasting houses. Ms Shah is working on an Urdu translation of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s poetry. She also has four collections of short stories and one collection of poetry in Sindhi. Nowadays she is working on an Urdu novel.

Nusrat Khawaja

Nusrat Khawaja is a Karachi-based writer, independent researcher, curator, and landscaper. Her interests include art and literature, botany and horticulture. She is an active participant in cultural events in the city. She has a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College, USA.

Omar Shahid Hamid

Omar Shahid Hamid is a celebrated Pakistani novelist known for his gripping crime thrillers that draw heavily from his experiences as a police officer. His debut novel, ‘The Prisoner’ (2013), became a bestseller in both India and Pakistan and was longlisted for the DSC South Asia Literature Prize. The book, inspired by his time in the police force, is being adapted into a feature film.

Hamid’s second novel, ‘The Spinner’s Tale’ (2015), is loosely based on the kidnapping of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl and won the Karachi Literature Festival’s fiction prize in 2017. His third book, ‘The Party Worker’ (2017), explores the dark underbelly of Karachi’s political landscape and also received critical acclaim. This novel was contracted for a Netflix adaptation, highlighting its widespread appeal.

In 2019, Hamid released ‘The Fix,’ which delves into the world of cricket match-fixing, and ‘Betrayal,’ a thriller about espionage and political intrigue. His novels are known for their gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of corruption and violence, making him one of Pakistan’s most popular English-language authors.

Omar Shahid Hamid’s latest novel, ‘The Election’ (2024), is a satirical take on the political landscapes of both the United States and Pakistan. The novel is a sharp spoof of geopolitics, highlighting the absurdities and machinations of political campaigns. It has been praised for its well-defined characters and engaging plot, making it a must-read for those interested in political satire.

Peerzada Salman

A prominent journalist and literary personality, Peerzada Salman is a senior reporter and a staff member with Dawn. He writes on a variety of subjects related to art, culture, and literature. He dabbles in short fiction and is a bilingual (Urdu and English) poet. In December 2017, his first collection of poems in English, ‘Bemused’, was published, followed in 2018 by his first collection of Urdu poems, ‘Waqt’. In 2021, Salman also published his debut collection of short stories, ‘Ephemera’.

Pervez Hoodbhoy

Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy taught physics at Quaid-i-Azam University for 47 years (1973-2021) and was a Distinguished Professor at Forman Christian College (2013-2020). He has been a visiting professor at MIT, Carnegie Mellon, University of Maryland, and a post-doc at the University of Washington. In 2022, he founded The Black Hole, a community space in Islamabad for science, art, and culture.

Dr Hoodbhoy graduated from MIT with degrees in electrical engineering, mathematics, solid state physics, and a PhD in nuclear physics. He sponsors The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, is a member of the World Federation of Scientists, and founded the Eqbal Ahmad Centre for Public Education. Since 1988, he has led Mashal Books, promoting modern thought and human rights in Urdu.

He has received numerous awards, including the Baker Award (1968), Abdus Salam Prize (1984), UNESCO’s Kalinga Prize (2003), Joseph A. Burton Award (2010), and Jean Meyer Award (2010). He was named one of Foreign Policy’s 100 most influential global thinkers in 2011 and served on the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Affairs (2013-2017). In 2019, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of British Columbia.

Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui

Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui (born February 8, 1943) is a noted Pakistani scholar, Urdu poet, and educationist with significant contributions to higher education. He earned his PhD from Newcastle University, England. Since 1966, he has been associated with Karachi University’s Department of Physiology. He served as the Founding Vice Chancellor of Federal Urdu University and as Vice Chancellor of Karachi University and Ziauddin University. Currently, he is Professor Emeritus at both Ziauddin University and the University of Karachi. Professor Pirzada Qasim has authored several books in English and Urdu, including notable Urdu poetry collections such as تیز ہوا کے جشن میں, شعلے پر زباں, and بیمسافت سفر.

Qasim Ali Shah

Mr. Qasim Ali Shah, currently serving as the Deputy Executive Director (Ops) at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), is a seasoned development practitioner with extensive experience in resource mobilization, program design and implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance of research outputs. At SDPI, he oversees these areas while supervising core units.

Mr. Shah has held managerial positions with the United Nations World Food Programme, United Nations Development Programme, and ActionAid International. He has also served the federal government, heading the Poverty Reduction Monitoring Cell in the Planning & Development Department of Punjab province.

His research interests include agriculture, climate change, food security, livelihoods, social protection, the humanitarian-development nexus, and the analysis of local governance and policies.

Raja Shehzad

Raja Shehzad originally hails from Karachi and has been based in New Zealand, along with his family, for over two decades. He has a master’s degree from the University of Canterbury in International Law & Politics along with a postgrad diploma from Australian National University in Migration Law and Practice. Despite being in the legal profession he has been writing short stories, novels, and poems for years. Other than the translation of an anthology of lectures of Swami Vivekananda, he has avoided publishing his fiction. Now his first collection of Urdu stories has been published by Maktaba-e-Danyal under the title of ‘Log Sargoshiyon Mein Goya Hain,’ which includes around 60 short stories and one novella.

Rani Abdul Qayyum

Rani Abdul Qayyum, hailing from Lyari, has completed her intermediate education. She currently serves as a coordinator at Woman is a Nation Welfare Organization, focusing on girls’ empowerment and education. Rani has also worked with the international organization Right To Play for four years, contributing to their mission of promoting education and empowerment through play.

Rehana Ahmed

Dr. Ahmed is a medical doctor with an executive MBA from Columbia University, USA. Her career has focused on maternal and child health, with a concentration on family planning. Dr. Ahmed has revolutionized access to quality sexual and reproductive health services by engaging private providers using a business approach called Social Franchising for Health. This model fosters a symbiotic and efficient partnership with healthcare providers.

During her 14-year stay in East Africa, Dr. Ahmed extended her influence well beyond Pakistan, propagating the social franchising model across 37 countries in Asia and Africa. These efforts, commissioned by donors and leading global health organizations such as PSI, MSI, and FHI360, culminated in the establishment of successful franchise brands like Blue Star, Gold Star, and Tunza. These are recognized in the Clinical Social Franchising Compendium, an annual survey by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Dr. Ahmed’s commitment to advancing global health standards is further evidenced by her work as a Technical Advisory in the Reproduction Division of the World Health Organization. Her dedication to nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders continues through lectures in the MSc Health and Policy Management program at the Aga Khan University, Karachi.

Notably, Dr. Ahmed serves as the Board Chair of Greenstar Social Marketing and a Global Board Director for FP 2030. She also serves on the inaugural Governing Board of FP 2030, underlining her leadership in family planning and reproductive health on a global scale.

Rumana Husain

Rumana Husain is a Karachi-based writer, artist, and educator. She is the author of two acclaimed coffee-table books: ‘Karachiwala—a Subcontinent within a City’ about Karachi’s diverse communities, and ‘Street Smart—Professionals on the Street’.

Rumana co-founded the Book Group in 1988. She has authored and illustrated over 90 children’s books for several publishers, including the Oxford University Press, and has won awards for four of her books in Pakistan, Nepal, and India. She is a regular contributor to national newspapers and magazines.

Rumana is an honorary advisor on the board of the Pakistan Learning Festival, and is the honorary General Secretary of the Karachi Conference Foundation.

Saabhiyan Sangi

Prof. Saabhiyan Sangi is an Associate Professor at Govt. Girls Degree College, Green Belt, Karachi. She is a poet and writer and has authored ten research papers. She has two published and five unpublished books to her credit. She is an MPhil scholar in the Department of Sindhi at Federal Urdu University, Karachi.

Ms. Sangi has presented numerous papers at national and international conferences. Her recently published book, ‘Khaamoshi Galhae thi’ (Silent Speaks), has been widely recognized and appreciated.

Saba Hamid

Saba Hamid is a distinguished Pakistani actress and director. She began her four-decade-long career in 1978 on television and also worked in theatre from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. In recent years, Saba has continued to captivate audiences with her performances in several popular dramas. Notable among these are ‘Kahin Deep Jaley,’ where she played a pivotal role, and ‘Mere Humsafar’ and ‘Noor Jahan.’ Saba’s portrayal of Noor Jahan has been widely praised for its depth and complexity. Throughout her illustrious career, Saba has received several accolades, including the prestigious Pride of Performance award in 2012.

Saba Karim Khan

Saba Karim Khan is an author, award-winning filmmaker, and educator, whose writing has appeared in The Guardian, The Independent, Wasafiri, Huff Post, Dawn, The Friday Times, and Express Tribune. She studied Social Anthropology at the University of Oxford and works at NYU Abu Dhabi. Before joining academia, she served as Country Marketing and Public Affairs Head at Citigroup. Saba’s debut novel, ‘Skyfall’, was published by Bloomsbury in December 2020. Her new book, Home #itscomplicated, is an anthology exploring people’s relationship with Pakistan. Saba’s latest project, W.R.A.P. (We Really Are Pakistan), a documentary film explores the lives of underground hip-hop artists in Karachi. Born in Karachi, she now resides in Abu Dhabi with her husband and two daughters.

Saba Pirzadeh

Saba Pirzadeh is Associate Professor of English at Lahore University of Management Sciences. Her research areas are environmental humanities and postcolonial studies, with a particular focus on literary representation of anthropocentric violence, climate crisis, petroculture, hydropolitics, and socioecological justice.

Sabeela Inam Siddiqui

Sabeela Inam Siddiqui is a notable poetess from Karachi, recognized in Urdu literature. She holds a Bachelor’s in Commerce, a Master’s in Economics, and a Master’s in Urdu Literature. Her poetry, known for its universal truths and profound thoughts, has earned her the New Generation Representative Poetess Award in 2014 and 2016. Her work was featured in the book ’Rang Laye Ga Shaheedon Ka Lahu’ in 2015, and her poem Aurat Hoon received an award from the Sindh Government in 2020. Sabeela’s poetry is regularly published in national and international journals, and she has been invited to numerous international poetry events. Despite challenges, she continues to contribute significantly to Urdu literature.

Sabir Zafar

Mr. Sabir Zafar is a renowned ghazal poet and lyricist. He has published 54 collections of his poetry. For his excellent services in the category of literature (poetry), the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan bestowed upon him the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2010. He is a recipient of the National PTV Award, ARY Music Award, and Music Channel Award. He has also received the Allama Iqbal Award from the Academy of Letters Pakistan, the KLF Award, and the UBL Award for his poetic collections.

Sadiq Mari

Hailing from Balochistan, Sadiq Mari’s poems are rich with astounding imagery. He avoids traditional metaphors and similes, creating his own unique expressions. His poetry also explores history and historic figures in a distinctive manner, always on his own terms. His collection of nazms, titled Karezon Mein Behta Paani (The Water Flowing Underground), feels like a fresh breeze to readers of Urdu poetry, introducing the latest words and symbols that poetry can offer.

Sadiq Mari has published several notable works. His book Singani Zavan showcases his Balochi poetry, while Karezon Mein Behta Paani features his Urdu poems. He has also translated Balochi poetry into Urdu in Mubarak Qazi Ki Nazmen. Additionally, his collection of Urdu ghazals, titled Shola-e-Barshagal, further highlights his versatility as a poet.

In addition to his published works, Sadiq Mari has two unpublished collections: one of Balochi poetry and another of Urdu poems, which are eagerly awaited by his readers.

Saeed Ghani

Saeed Ghani is a senior Pakistani politician affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He has held various key roles, including Provincial Minister of Sindh for Labour, Information, and Human Resources, and is currently serving as the Provincial Minister of Sindh for Local Government & House Town Planning. Ghani has been a member of both the Provincial Assembly of Sindh and the Senate of Pakistan. As the President of PPP’s Karachi chapter, he has been actively involved in legislative and policy-making processes, significantly contributing to the political landscape of Sindh and Pakistan. His ongoing role in the Sindh cabinet underscores his commitment to the province’s governance and development. 

Sajjad Ahmed Siddiqui

Dr. Sajjad Ahmed Siddiqui is a multifaceted professional, excelling in both the fields of public health and Urdu literature. He holds an MBBS degree from the University of Karachi (1991) and a Master in Public Health (MPH) from the same institution (1996). With over 20 years of experience as a Public Health Analyst, Dr. Siddiqui has made significant contributions to public health research, data analysis, and program development. His expertise includes field epidemiology, disease surveillance, program design and evaluation, and project management.

Dr. Siddiqui has been actively involved in promoting women’s and girls’ reproductive health rights, working closely with the Ministry of Health to manage Annual Work Plan (AWP) activities. His research has been presented at numerous international workshops and conferences in countries such as India, Bangladesh, Thailand, China, Kenya, the USA, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Uganda, and Mozambique.

In addition to his public health career, Dr. Siddiqui is a renowned Urdu story writer. His literary works delve into the complexities of human emotions and societal issues, earning him recognition in literary circles. His passion for Urdu literature, history, and poetry is evident in his storytelling, which continues to inspire and engage readers.

Dr. Siddiqui’s dual dedication to public health and literature showcases his diverse talents and commitment to making a positive impact in both fields.

Salahuddin Ahmed

Salahuddin Ahmed obtained his law degree from the University of Buckingham, UK in 2000. He was called to the Bar of England Wales from Lincoln’s Inn in 2002. He has been practicing in Karachi since. He is a partner of the law firm of Malik, Chaudhry, Ahmed Siddiqi, in Karachi.

Salma Ahmed Alam

Salma Ahmed Alam is a teacher by her professional qualification and is presently the CEO of Durbeen, a non-profit organization that is striving to raise the bar of public schools in Pakistan. Salma started her education career at the S.M.B. Fatima Jinnah government school in Karachi, where she volunteered with Zindagi Trust for 4 years. After graduating from Harvard University in 2013, Salma spent two years consulting with the World Bank. In 2016, after returning from Singapore with a primary teaching qualification, Salma was appointed as the CEO of Durbeen, to lead a public-private partnership in the Government Elementary College of Teacher Education, Hussainabad in Karachi.

Salma Malik

Salma Malik holds a PhD in International Relations and serves as an Associate Professor at the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) in Islamabad, Pakistan. Additionally, she oversees the External Linkages directorate for the university. Her expertise lies in Conflict and Security Studies, as well as South Asian Affairs. Dr Malik is an alumna of Uppsala University, Sweden, and the Asia Pacific Center for Strategic Studies (APCSS) in Hawaii. She actively participates in various forums, including the Regional Center for Strategic Studies, Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks, Social Sciences Research Council, WISCOMP, and WDN-USA. 

Before joining QAU, she worked as a Research Officer at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, Pakistan, from June 1996 to August 1999. Her publications encompass an edited volume titled ‘Pakistan’s Security Problems and Challenges in the Next Decade’ (October 2015), RCSS Policy Studies on ‘Small Arms and the Security Debate in South Asia,’ a co-authored study with USIP on ‘Mapping Conflict Trends in Pakistan,’ as well as articles in research journals, book chapters, and monthly columns. 

Salman Sarwat

Dr. Salman Sarwat is a promising name from the younger generation of Urdu poets who has attracted attention with his unorthodox work. He entered the literary scene in 2009 and has since been very active in the literary circles of Karachi. Salman has developed a distinctive style in Urdu free verse poetry, reflecting urban sensitivities, existential paradoxes, and contemporary consciousness in his poems. He also writes criticism, literary essays, articles, and short stories; his work has been published in various renowned literary periodicals such as Mukalma, Dunyazaad, and Adbiyaat. He has read from his work at various literary events, including the Karachi Literature Festival, Urdu Conference ACP Karachi, Sakinan-e-Shehr-e-Quaid Mushaira, and Tahbib Festival in Dubai. His first poetry collection, titled ‘میں استعاروں میں جی رہا ہوں’, was published in 2020. His second poetry collection, titled ‘خواب رنگ’, is currently in printing.

Salman Tarik Kureshi

An English language poet, writer, and columnist. Kureshi’s poems have appeared in anthologies such as ‘Pieces of Eight’; ‘Legacy of the Indus’; ‘The Blue Wind’; ‘Dragonfly in the Sun’; ‘An Anthology’; Journal of Postcolonial Writing; and a solo volume ‘Landscapes of the Mind’. Some of his poems and short stories have been published in the annual Pakistan Journal of Literature. As a columnist, he writes on socio-political topics in the weekly The Friday Times and the dailies Dawn and Daily Times.

Samia Khan

Samia Khan is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and thought leader. Her recent climate series, Future Forward (Amazon Prime), was named by Forbes Magazine and the World Economic Forum as one of the most compelling character-driven series on climate change. Her recent short film, Year One, for the White House, was featured on MSNBC, CNN, Fox, and ABC. For five years, she directed the WSJ. Magazine’s signature film series, The Innovators, a suite of content critical to the magazine’s success. Samia’s first feature film, about the collapse of BCCI, is in production and has been selected by Sundance for a fellowship. Samia has had the pleasure of interviewing and filming many global leaders and celebrities, including President Biden, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Oprah Winfrey. Samia began her filmmaking career at the Emmy Award-winning studio, MediaStorm. 

Saniya Chughtai

Saniya Chughtai is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning author, serial entrepreneur, and storyteller who has captivated audiences worldwide with her imaginative and culturally rich narratives. With 13 published books to her name, including the award-winning ‘Tach and the Cosanthor’ and ‘Marni Khan and the Ancient Silk Route’, the first in the Rise of the Energy Warriors series, Saniya continues to inspire young minds across the globe.

‘On a treacherous journey along the ancient Silk Route, Marni must unlock the secrets of her mother’s mysterious silk cloth and protect it from evil spirits who seek its power.’

Saniya’s work seamlessly blends magical fantasy with Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage, bringing the beauty of its landscapes and traditions to life. Her books, translated into Arabic, Irish, and Urdu, have paved the way for Pakistani young adult literature, making her a trailblazer in the genre.

Saniya has reached over 200,000 children globally through her engaging storytelling sessions, teacher training workshops, and partnerships with embassies. Her accolades include the Royal Dragon Book Award, the Purple Dragon Book Award, and the Readers’ Choice Award from TCK America.

Her latest book, ‘Marni Khan and the Ancient Silk Route’, is a testament to her ability to weave compelling tales that resonate with readers of all ages. It marks a new chapter in her mission to foster imagination, emotional intelligence, and a love for literature in young readers around the world.

Sara Malkani

Sara Malkani is an advocate of the High Courts of Pakistan with over 10 years of experience practicing law. She has extensive experience in constitutional litigation, family law, criminal litigation, and international human rights law.

Sara actively pursues human rights cases and has an extensive pro bono practice. The Sindh High Court has appointed her as amicus curiae in a number of matters involving implementation of laws for the protection of women and children. Her analysis and commentary have appeared in leading newspapers and periodicals including Dawn and The News, and she has also published in academic journals, including the ’Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender and Society and Contemporary South Asia’. Her forthcoming book is titled, ‘Progressive Laws in Patriarchal Societies: Lessons from Pakistan’.

Sara has a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School at Ann Arbor and a B.A. with high honours from Princeton University, where her thesis was awarded the ‘Class of 1869 Prize in Ethics’.

Sara Vaqar Pagganwala

Sara Vaqar Pagganwala received her BFA (Hons) from Central St. Martins, University of the Arts, London, and is a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and academic. She has been a part of several group shows locally and internationally. Her work explores the construction and rearrangement of different materials and properties, asking questions about form and control. She also investigates notions of the body and identity as a repetitive constant, especially in her performative work.

Pagganwala was an assistant curator for the inaugural Karachi Biennale 2017 and curated Mix Tape (1), an exhibition of contemporary performance art from all over Pakistan at Canvas Gallery, Karachi. She has since been a part of curating numerous shows in Karachi, including Quantum City: Territory | Space | Place, which was the first International Public Art Festival at the iconic Karachi Port Trust (co-curated with Amin Gulgee and Zarmeene Shah); Lal Jadoo, an exhibition of performance art at Karachi House and a part of the second International Public Art Festival, which was aired live (co-curated by Amin Gulgee); The Trojan Donkey, a virtual international performance show happening simultaneously in over twenty-eight different cities around the world (co-curated by Amin Gulgee and Adam Fahy-Majeed); and If These Walls Could Talk, a drive-through new media show (co-curated by Amin Gulgee). Her recent project, Jagah Hai, was co-curated by Amin Gulgee and Adam Fahy-Majeed, and was Pakistan’s largest performance art show, featuring over fifty-two works from artists from all over the country.

Pagganwala currently lives and works in Karachi. She has worked as an assistant curator and special projects coordinator at Canvas Gallery and is part of the adjunct faculty in the Liberal Arts department at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, where she designed and introduced performance art as a course for the first time in Pakistan.

Sara Wajid

Sara Wajid MBE is the Co-CEO of Birmingham Museums Trust, a role she shares with Zak Mensah. She is also the founder of Museum Detox, a network advocating for diversity and inclusion in the museum sector. With a background in English from the University of Sussex and an MA in Comparative Literature from SOAS University of London, Sara has held various leadership roles in museums, including Royal Museums Greenwich and the Museum of London. She was awarded an MBE in 2019 for her services to culture and diversity. 

Sarmad Khoosat

Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, a pioneering Pakistani director, actor, producer, and screenwriter, boasts a distinguished career spanning over 25 years. Throughout his journey, Sarmad has led some of Pakistan’s most celebrated projects in film, television, and theatre, including ‘Humsafar’, ‘Manto’, ‘Zindagi Tamasha’, and ‘Kamli’.

In the realm of film, Sarmad has played a pivotal role in rejuvenating Pakistani cinema and nurturing local talent. In 2016, he established Khoosat Films, an independent Pakistani production house that has produced groundbreaking films like ‘Kami’, ‘Joyland’, and ‘Zindagi Tamasha’. These films made history by winning top prizes at esteemed film festivals such as Busan, Cannes, and others worldwide, firmly establishing Pakistani cinema on the global stage. Notably, Khoosat Films’ productions were selected as Pakistan’s official entries to the Oscars in both 2021 and 2022.

On the television front, Sarmad has contributed to over 50 projects, delivering immensely popular and genre-defining serials like ‘Humsafar’, ‘Shashlik’, ‘Aakhri Station’, ‘Jalpari’, and ‘Shehr-e-Zaat’, among others.

In the domain of theatre, Sarmad has engaged in various projects, including a record-breaking 24-hour non-stop live performance for The Justice Project Pakistan’s ‘No Time to Sleep,’ which was streamed live in the EU Parliament.

Beyond his professional work, Sarmad has made significant contributions to society, actively participating in academia, charity, and more. Locally, he is involved in teaching and curating art and literature festivals. Internationally, he has represented Pakistan at prestigious global universities and cultural festivals, spanning the UK, New York, Singapore, and Delhi.

Sarmad’s contributions to society extend to collaborations with various organizations, such as PTV, Radio Pakistan, PNCA, UN, British Council, WWF, and ISPR, where he has designed film curriculums, celebrated national defence heroes, and supported charitable initiatives like SKMCH. He exemplifies a model Pakistani citizen, leading by example with his responsible and conscientious approach to art. His groundbreaking projects, including ‘Manto’, ‘Aakhri Station’, and ‘Zindagi Tamasha’, delve into important social themes and promote tolerance.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Pakistan’s film and TV industry, Sarmad was honoured with the Pride of Performance Medal in 2016 and Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2023.

Scherazade Jamali

Scherazade Jamali is a passionate advocate for talent development, having mentored young minds for over three decades. As the Founder of Zaheen Labs, she merges her expertise in EdTech with her dedication to STEAM youth entrepreneurship and college admissions advisory for Ivy League and Oxbridge applicants. With a strong academic foundation from Columbia Business School and London Business School, Scherazade leverages her experience to guide students toward academic and professional excellence. Her mission is to empower the next generation with the skills, mindset, and opportunities to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Shabbir Nazish

Shabbir Nazish writes poetry in both Urdu and Punjabi. He has published two Urdu poetry collections: ‘Aankh Mein Thehray Huay Log’ in 2017 and ‘Hum Teri Aankh Se Hijrat Nahi Karne Wale’ in 2022. Additionally, his work is regularly published in esteemed literary magazines and journals.

Shahid Siddiqui

Shahid Siddiqui is a renowned educationist, linguist, teacher, researcher, academic administrator, and prolific writer. He obtained his PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Toronto, Canada, M.Ed. TESOL from the University of Manchester, UK, and Postdoc research at Oxford University. He has worked in academic and administrative positions at some prestigious universities such as AKU, LUMS, GIKI, and NUML to name a few. He was Vice Chancellor of AIOU from 2014 to 2018. He is currently working as Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Media Studies, Art and Design at Lahore School of Economics. His books include ‘Rethinking Education in Pakistan Perception, Practices, and Possibilities’; ‘Education, Inequalities, and Freedom: A Sociopolitical Critique’; ‘Language, Gender, and Power: The Politics of Representation and Hegemony in South Asia’; ‘Education Policies in Pakistan: Politics, Projections, and Practices’; ‘Aadhay Adhooray Khwab’ (Urdu novel); ‘Zair-e-Aasmaan’ (Urdu); ‘Mausam e Khush Rang’ (Urdu); ‘Potohar: Khitta-e-Dilruba’ (Urdu); ‘Ad Pora Khawab’ (Sindhi); ‘Neem Ghari Khaboona’ (Pashto); ‘Pakistan, Education and 21st Century’; ‘Toronto, Dubai, and Manchester’ (Travel Stories) (Urdu).

Shahida Hasan

Syeda Shahida Hasan is a distinguished poet and educator, currently serving as a Professor at the Government College for Women, Nazimabad, Karachi, where she also previously held the position of Principal. Born in Karachi, she holds dual nationalities of Pakistan and Canada. Shahida Hasan earned her M.A. with Honours in English Literature from the University of Karachi.

Her literary contributions include several acclaimed poetry collections such as ‘Aik Tara Hay Sarhanay Mairay’ and ‘Yahan Kuch Phool Rakhkhay Hain.’ She has received numerous awards, including the Raees Amrohvi Award and the Bazm-e-Sadaf International Award for Poetry. Internationally recognized, she has represented Pakistan in various literary forums across the USA, China, and Qatar.

Shahida Hasan’s poetry has been translated into multiple languages, and she continues to be an influential figure in both local and international literary circles.

Shahnaz Ahad

Shahnaz Ahad holds a master’s in journalism from Karachi University. She has worked with weekly Mayaar and various other weeklies and daily newspapers. She served as a media consultant and patient welfare officer at The Kidney Centre and has been a freelance journalist for several years. Shahnaz was the first woman hunger-striker during Gen. Zia’s military government, fighting for press freedom, and was imprisoned for her activism. She is the author of two books, Karachi Kyun Jalta Hai and Musafaton Ki Dhool, and co-author of Karachi Press Club – The Island of Truth. A human rights activist, she is vocal on social issues.

Shaista Lodhi

Dr. Shaista Lodhi is a renowned television host, aesthetic physician, and entrepreneur who has transformed Pakistan’s media, beauty, and wellness industries. A celebrated TV personality, she has hosted numerous popular shows and acted in dramas, captivating audiences with her charisma and insight. A strong advocate for women’s empowerment, she embodies self-reliance and success. As the founder of SL Group, she leads a chain of clinics and four thriving brands, with a majority female workforce. She also mentors young doctors, teaching aesthetics through specialized training programs.

Shama Afroz

Dr. Shama Afroz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urdu at the University of Karachi. She holds a PhD in Modern Urdu Poetry, along with master’s degrees in Urdu and Linguistics, and a diploma in Persian. Dr. Afroz is a focal person for the HEC, a member of the Board of Studies, and the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. She has authored several works, including “Intellectual and Critical Perspective of Urdu Literature” (2021) and “Motivations of Modern Urdu Poetry” (2019). She also serves as Co-Secretary of Bazm-e-Yousufi. 

Sharif Awan

Sharif Awan is a writer, culture revivalist, and internationally acclaimed curator/producer of classical, folk, and world music from Pakistan. He has recorded and preserved indigenous Pakistani music and produced several high-quality audio and video albums. He has also written, produced, edited, and published books on Pakistani culture.

‘Indus Raag’, produced by Sharif Awan, was internationally recognized as a premier project of Pakistani music and was Pakistan’s first-ever entry to the coveted Grammy Awards. Sharif is the Founder and Director of the Tehzeeb Foundation of Pakistan, an organization dedicated to the promotion, preservation, and archiving of classical heritage, music, literature, and fine arts. He is also the founder and director of the Tehzeeb Festival. Additionally, he has served as a senior civil servant in various departments and corporations of the federal and provincial governments.

Sharjeel Akhtar

Sharjeel Akhtar is a seasoned commercial executive based in Dubai, currently working as a Senior Director at a leading corporate services firm. In a career spanning over a decade, Sharjeel has come to be known as a renowned expert in building and scaling organizations. A proud torchbearer of the legacy of his father, Moin Akhtar, Sharjeel is also a Board Member for Deen Trust International, advancing his father’s charitable vision.

Shazaf Fatima Haider

Shazaf Fatima Haider is a Pakistani author known for her exploration of cultural and familial themes, particularly around marriage and societal expectations. Born in 1982, she hails from Karachi, Pakistan.

Haider’s literary career began with her debut novel, ’How It Happened’ (2012), published by Penguin Books India. The novel offers a comedic yet insightful look at arranged marriages within a traditional Pakistani family, blending humour with social commentary. Her second novel, ’A Firefly in the Dark’ (2016), delves into magical realism, portraying a young girl’s journey through family trauma with the help of mythical creatures. This book explores themes of empathy and coexistence and was adapted into a TV series. ’A Firefly in the Dark’ won the Children’s Choice Award at the Peek a Book Children’s Literature Festival in Mumbai.

Her third novel, ‘A Woman on a Suitcase’ (2024) has been shortlisted for the Atta Galatta Book prize for Fiction. It centres around the theme of divorce, autonomy and female pleasure.

Currently, Haider lives in St. Albans with her husband and four children. Her compelling narratives resonate with readers both in Pakistan and beyond.

Shazia Kamal

Shazia Kamal serves as EVP, Outcomes at TCF, leading teams focused on programme design and enhancing the impact of TCF’s education initiatives. She first joined TCF in 2011 as General Manager, Education, overseeing curriculum development and teacher training. After a stint at the Learning Disabilities Association of Halton-Hamilton, Canada, where she worked as a researcher and resource facilitator for individuals with learning disabilities, she rejoined TCF, bringing a wealth of experience. Shazia has also held senior roles at Tetra Pak, Kashf Foundation, and the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Switzerland. She holds an MBA in Finance from LUMS, is CFA Level 1 certified, and holds Orton-Gillingham (O-G) Associate Level accreditation, certified by the International Dyslexia Association in Canada. 

Sheema Kermani

Sheema Kermani is a distinguished performing artist, human rights activist, choreographer, and dance guru. She is the founder of the Tehrik-e-Niswan Cultural Action Group and a renowned exponent of Bharatanatyam. Kermani has been a prominent advocate for culture, women’s rights, and peace through her art. She holds degrees in Fine Arts and History and has actively participated in various peace and women’s movements across Pakistan and South Asia. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan in 2023.

Shehzad Ghias Shaikh

Shehzad Ghias Shaikh is the host of the popular podcast The Pakistan Experience and a stand-up comedian. After graduating from LUMS, Shehzad went on a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue his master’s in theatre. Shehzad has written for several leading publications and is currently working on his first book.

Shehzad Roy

Shehzad Roy is a singer and the Founder and President of Zindagi Trust. He has received three presidential awards for his exemplary service to the country. As a result of his untiring efforts, the National Assembly of Pakistan passed a law criminalizing corporal punishment; previously, hitting children in good faith was legal. Due to his incessant work, life skills-based learning was integrated into the school curriculum of Pakistan, hopefully helping to protect millions of children from sexual or other forms of abuse. He is also the goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 

Sher Mehrani

Dr Sher Mehrani is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sindhi at the University of Karachi. He is a scholar of Sindhi language and literature, holding a PhD on ‘Aestheticism in the Poetry of Shah Latif.’ Recognized by the HEC for PhD and MPhil supervision, he has guided fifteen scholars to complete their research. Dr Mehrani has authored over thirty research papers and sixteen books, including Aestheticism in the Poetry of Shah Latif, Modern Study of Shah Latif, and Critical Analysis of the Poetry of Shah Latif. He has received several awards, including the Shah Latif Award, Sachal Sarmast Award, Shehbaz Award, and CSR Global Award.

Sherry Rehman

Senator Sherry Rehman is Chair of the Climate and Environment Caucus of the Senate of Pakistan, former Federal Minister for Climate Change, the First woman Opposition Leader in the Senate of Pakistan, and the Vice-President of Pakistan Peoples Pakistan.

She is the Founding Chair of the policy think-tank, Jinnah Institute, a fourth-term parliamentarian, diplomat, journalist, and civil society activist who received Pakistan’s highest civil award, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.

Rehman was ranked among the 100 Most Influential People of 2023 by TIME magazine and named among 25 Most Influential Women of 2022 by the Financial Times. She was featured in Forbes ‘50 Over 50: Asia 2023’ list and identified as one of the Top Global Thinkers of 2011 by Foreign Policy magazine. She was also cover-titled by Newsweek Pakistan as ‘Pakistan’s Most Important Woman’.

She was the Chair of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee, the Chair of Pakistan Red Crescent, and a member of the Global Futures Council at the World Economic Forum.

She served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, and held additional portfolios of Health, Women Development, and Culture.

Rehman has received several awards including the title of Democracy’s Hero; The Freedom Award for her work for media independence; the International Peace Award for Democrats; and the Jeanne Kirkpatrick Award for Women. She was the former editor of Pakistan’s ‘Herald’ magazine and an award-winning journalist with 20 years of experience in both broadcast and print media.

Her latest book, ‘Womansplaining’ navigates modernity, politics and activism in Pakistan through the prism of 22 women activists, leaders and academics speaking in their own voices.

Rehman has also co-authored the book ‘Five Hundred Years of The Kashmiri Shawl’ with Naheed Jafri, which was published in 2006 and was awarded the prestigious R.L. Shep Ethnic Textiles Book Award from the Textile Society of America.

Shoaib Arshad

Shoaib Arshad is a young civil society leader, talented curator, and accomplished educator. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Funoon Forum, a youth-led dialogue platform, Director of the Nixor Literature Festival, and a rising teacher affiliated with leading colleges in Karachi. He graduated top of his class with a major in International Political Economy from Bridgeport University in the US, where he was selected as one of five students for the worldwide Global Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship. Since returning, he has been associated with the pedagogy of Global Perspectives and Urdu Literature. He has demonstrated his capabilities as an effective teacher trainer and has gained teaching certifications from Cambridge, Harvard, OUP, NYU, and more. He has made his mark in youth development initiatives and regularly features in universities, conferences, and literature festivals as a speaker and youth representative.

Sibtain Naqvi

Sibtain Naqvi is a corporate strategist, independent researcher, and author who focuses on institutional history, development, economics, politics, and cultural anthropology. A frequent contributor to Pakistan’s English newspapers, Naqvi’s research has been presented at Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia, and other international institutions. His essays have been published by Oxford University Press in ‘Pakistan’s Radioactive Decade.’ He has been heavily cited in ‘Through the Eyes of Tiger Cubs: Views of Asia’s Next Generation,’ published by Time Magazine, Asia Business Council, and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. He is currently writing the institutional history of Meezan Bank. Naqvi has authored ‘Unravelling Gordian Knots: The Works and Worlds of Dr. Ishrat Husain,’ ‘Chronicling Excellence: A History of IBA,’ ‘Cobwebbed World of Sadequain: A Retrospective,’ ‘Ghalib: Call of Angel,’ ‘Sadequain: Drawings 1970,’ ‘Surah-e-Rehman: Calligraphy,’ and ‘Rubaiyaat-e-Kuliyaat-Sadequain (The Complete Quatrains of Sadequain).’

Suhel Rais Khan

Suhel Rais Khan belongs to an immensely talented and artistically inclined family. He is the eldest son of the world-renowned sitarist Ustad Rais Khan Sahib. His mother, Tasneem Khan, was a highly appreciated dancer, formally trained in two forms of dance – Kathak (under Shri Gopi Krishnaji) and Bharatnatyam (from the famous actress Vyjayanthimala).

Suhel is a sitarist and vocalist. In his career spanning over 20 years, he has done jingles, songs, played in concerts and shows, and has worked on compositions and music direction.

Suhel will be performing a few of the most loved songs of Farida Khanum, his father Ustad Rais Khan, and other masters.

Syed Aqeel Abbas Jaffri

Dr. Syed Aqeel Abbas Jaffri is a renowned Pakistani researcher, writer, and poet. He has authored several books on Pakistan’s political history and biographical stories, including Pakistan Chronicle, Pakistan Ke Siasy Wadery, and Pakistan Ki Nakaam Sazishen. He translated Kanji Dwarkadas’s rare book Jinnah, Rutti aur Main. Dr. Jaffri earned his PhD with a dissertation on Pakistan ki Urdu Filmi Sana’t. As a poet, he compiled Talluq and Farsh e Aza. He has participated in Mushairas and seminars globally. His accolades include the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, ‘Best Naat Go’, and ‘Best National Song Writer’ awards. He serves as Secretary of Halqa-e-Arbab-e-Zouq, Karachi Chapter, and was Chief Editor at the Urdu Dictionary Board, Karachi.

Syed Kashif Raza

Syed Kashif Raza is a poet, novelist and translator. He has authored several works, including two poetry collections and the celebrated novel ‘Char Darvesh aur Aik Katchwa’, which won the 9th UBL Prize for Best Fiction in Urdu. It was short-listed for the KLF prize for Urdu Literature the same year. The German translation of this novel is scheduled to be published by Draupadi Verlag in Germany, in April 2025.

His poetry collections ‘Muhabbat ka Mahall-e-Wuqu’ and ‘Mamnu Mausamon ki Kitab’ were published in 2003 and 2012 respectively. His poems have been translated into English, Arabic, Hindi and Sindhi and were also published in the prestigious ‘Portland Review’. A third collection of his poetry, ‘Gul-e-Dogana’ is being published by Maktaba-e-Daniyal, Karachi, shortly.

He has taught courses on world literature and scriptwriting and has guided young poets as part of the Youth Poet Laureate Programme, New York.

He has translated notable works by authors such as Noam Chomsky, Arundhati Roy, Muhammad Hanif, Eqbal Ahmad and Frances Hodgson Burnett into Urdu. He has also translated stories of Milan Kundera, James Joyce, Jorge Luis Borges, and Isabel Allende. He co-compiled a bilingual anthology with Naila Mehmood which depicts corona experience in literature and arts.

Kashif Raza has written socio-political articles, literary essays and book reviews for Daily Dawn, The News International, Daily Jung and many literary magazines. He also edited six volumes of Karachi Review, a journal of book and art reviews. He is a broadcast journalist by profession and works for Geo News as Executive Producer.

Syed Nusrat Ali

Syed Nusrat Ali is a renowned international consultant, trainer, and motivational speaker. He served a multinational organization as the Head of Training and Development for 24 years. He has also served at IBA as a member of the teaching faculty. So far, he has trained more than thirty thousand personnel, including board directors, parliamentarians, armed forces officers, and students of renowned universities, colleges, and schools. At present, Mr. Ali is serving the Pakistan American Cultural Center (PACC) as a member of the Governing Board and Chairman of ELP and Marketing. His signature teaching style involves making serious topics simple and easy to understand through fun, games, and his unbridled sense of humour.

Syeda Rinam Fatima

Syeda Rinam Fatima, the Regional Coordinator for Corporate Engagements (South) at WWF Pakistan, is a passionate advocate for sustainability. With over a decade of experience in the news industry, she has been a strong voice for environmental awareness, urging corporations to adopt sustainable practices. A nature enthusiast and sustainability ambassador since 2014, she now leads corporate partnerships and environmental education initiatives across the South region of Pakistan. 

Syra Vahidy

Syra Vahidy is the founder of the Zeenat Haroon Rashid Writing Prize for Women, which she established in 2019 to honour the memory of her mother. The prize, which awards rupees one lac annually to the winner of a writing competition, has provided a platform for showcasing some excellent writing by Pakistani women, culminating in the publication of an anthology ‘Mightier’ (Reverie 2024), in 2024.

Now retired, Syra has worked as a journalist (Dawn, The Friday Times), copywriter (Prestige Communications, Spectrum, Asiatic), teacher (Lyceum, IVS), consultant to the Sindh Culture Department, and as a business partner in a music school in the UK, where she now resides.

Tabinda Jabeen

Tabinda Jabeen is a versatile education leadership professional with over 20 years of experience. She has designed and led numerous education projects in the public sector across Sindh and other provinces. Tabinda has significantly contributed to the development of the Climate Change Education Curriculum and the teacher’s toolkit for Climate Change Education. She has trained over 3000 teachers from pre-primary to higher secondary levels. 

Holding a Master’s degree in Education and a diploma in Early Childhood Education, Tabinda is an accredited teacher trainer from TQUK, UK, and FGES, Finland. Currently, she leads the Training and Development team at TRC, managing large-scale donor-funded projects and collaborating with national and international stakeholders. 

Tabinda has led projects like the UNESCO-funded “Supporting Girls’ Right to Education” and the Thinking Classroom Project. She has developed training programs for government master trainers and organized consultations on integrating critical thinking skills into curricula. Additionally, she has created teacher guides and learning resources for various educational levels and contexts. 

Tabinda has been involved in provincial curriculum committees and has reviewed national curricula and textbooks. She is also a certified trainer of Finland’s Teach Like a Finn Program and has participated in several school evaluation projects. 

Taha Kehar

Taha Kehar is a novelist, journalist, and literary critic. A law graduate from SOAS, London, Kehar is the author of three novels: ‘No Funeral for Nazia’ (2023), ‘Typically Tanya’ (2018), and ‘Of Rift and Rivalry’ (2014). He is also the co-editor of ‘The Stained-Glass Window: Stories of the Pandemic from Pakistan’ (2020). Kehar has served as the head of The Express Tribune’s Peshawar city pages and bi-monthly books page, and he worked as an assistant editor on the op-ed desk at The News. His essays, reviews, and commentaries have been published in The News on Sunday, The Wire, The Hindu, and South Asia magazine. His short fiction has appeared in the Delhi-based quarterly ‘The Equator Line,’ ‘The Aleph Review,’ the biannual journal ‘Pakistani Literature,’ and the OUP anthology ‘I’ll Find My Way.’ Two of his short stories appeared in an anthology titled ‘The Banyan and Her Roots,’ which was edited by the British writer Jad Adams. In 2016, he guest-edited an issue of ‘The Equator Line’ titled ‘Pakistan: After the Stereotypes,’ which focused on new writing from Pakistan. He has also penned entries on the works of Khaled Hosseini, Zeeba Sadiq, Aamer Hussein, Moni Mohsin, and Omar Shahid Hamid for ‘The Literary Encyclopedia.’ Kehar curates ‘Tales from Karachi,’ an Instagram e-anthology that publishes flash fiction from and about Karachi. In 2021, he compiled and edited the first print anthology of the initiative. Based in Karachi, he teaches undergraduate media and social science courses.

Tanveer Anjum

Tanveer Anjum is a distinguished poet from Karachi, who emerged on the scene of Urdu poetry in the 1970s and became famous in the genre of prose poem. She is the author of eight poetry collections, namely ‘Andekhi Lehrein’ (1982), ’Safar aur Qaid mein Nazmein’ (1993), ’Toofani Barishon mein Raqsan Sitare’ (1997), ’Sar-o-Barg-e-Arzoo’ (2001), ‘Zindigi Mere Pairon se Lipat Jaaegi’ (2010), ’Naye Naam ki Mohabbat’ (2013), ’Hashyon mein Rang’ (2016), and ‘Frame se Bahar’ (2016). ‘Fireworks on a Windowpane’ (2014) is a bilingual book of her selected poems with English translations and ‘Nai Zabaan ke Huruf’ (2020) is a compilation of her selected poems from all her seven poetry collections. Her poetry has been translated in various languages and widely anthologized. She has contributed to Urdu magazines with her translations of world literature from English and literary criticism articles. She has a PhD in English from the University of Texas at Austin, USA and currently teaches Urdu and English Literature courses at Habib University and Iqra University in Karachi. She is also the recipient of some prestigious literary awards.

Tariq Alexander Qaiser

Tariq Alexander Qaiser is a multi-faceted individual, working as an architect, environmentalist, filmmaker, writer, and lover of nature. With 40 years of experience in architecture, Tariq specializes in designing schools and hospitals. He also served as visiting faculty at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston for eight years and has been a sought-after international and national lecturer. Tariq is the author of three bilingual books and has showcased his environmental films, photographs, and paintings in 13 group and solo gallery exhibitions, including an installation in the Lahore Biennale LB03. Notably, ‘Time Magazine’ featured an 8-page spread on Tariq in their July 2022 Oceans Issue, highlighting his efforts to preserve the island mangroves of Karachi. He made a significant appearance at COP27 in Sharm al Sheikh, Egypt, presenting his film ‘A Story of Survival.’ Currently, Tariq is actively engaged in film production and working on several books about the Indus Delta, all while managing his architectural practice.

Tashina Rashid Nur

Tashina Rashid Nur, affectionately known as Aunty Tashi, is a certified AMI Montessori Directress with extensive teaching experience in various schools. She has a deep passion for storytelling, education, and child development. Aunty Tashi is well-known for her engaging storytelling sessions, captivating audiences with her vibrant narrations. She has worked tirelessly to promote girls’ education and empowerment, including conducting awareness campaigns to prevent early childhood marriages and establishing the first library for girls in Pishukan, Gwadar. Her dedication to education and storytelling continues to inspire many across Pakistan.

Tooba Masood-Khan

Tooba Masood-Khan is a freelance journalist and communications specialist based in Karachi, Pakistan. She has worked at news media organizations in Pakistan for over 14 years. Her reporting has been featured on the BBC, FiftyTwo, NPR, Dawn, HuffPost India, and Samaa. Her writing ranges from covering elections, documenting Karachi’s history and building regulations, to longform work on sexual harassment in the workplace, and writing about women’s health in the country. She was shortlisted for the Zeenat Haroon Rashid writing prize in 2020.

Umair Najmi

Umair Najmi is a renowned poet from Rahimyar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan. He is celebrated for his contributions to Urdu poetry, particularly his ghazals and nazms. Umair’s work is known for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty. He has a significant following on platforms like Rekhta and YouTube, where he shares his poetry and participates in mushairas. His poetry often explores themes of love, loss, and the human experience, resonating deeply with his audience.

Umber Khairi

Umber Khairi is a columnist, writer, and editor. She has worked as a journalist in Pakistan and the UK since the 1980s and was a producer and radio broadcaster at the BBC World Service in London for almost two decades. She is a co-founder of the independent, journalist-owned magazine Newsline, established under the leadership of the late Razia Bhatti in 1989. Khairi now runs the Razia Bhatti Memorial Lecture Series in partnership with the IBA’s Centre for Excellence in Journalism. Her weekly column, UK Calling, has featured in The News on Sunday since 1998, and she occasionally contributes to other publications, including Dawn, Naya Daur, and The Circuit. Her novel, ‘Akbar in Wonderland’, is set in 1990s Pakistan, in a post-martial law landscape. Umber Khairi is a graduate of Princeton University, where she studied Comparative Literature and Near Eastern Studies.

Uzma Aslam Khan

Uzma Aslam Khan is an award-winning author of five globally published novels. Her latest work, The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali, was recognized as one of the New York Times ‘Best Historical Fiction 2022’ and featured in their ‘Books for Summer 2022’ list. It also won the 9th UBL Literary Awards for English Language Fiction in 2020, the Karachi Literature Festival-Getz Pharma Fiction Prize in 2021, and the Massachusetts Book Award in Fiction in 2023.

Khan’s earlier novels include Trespassing, a 2003 Commonwealth Prize nominee; The Geometry of God, named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2009; and Thinner Than Skin, which was nominated for both the Man Asian Literary Prize and the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature, and won the inaugural French Embassy Prize for Best Fiction at the Karachi Literature Festival in 2014.

Her work has also been recognized or nominated for the Zoetrope: All-Story Short Fiction Prize, the Australian Book Review’s Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize, and Calyx magazine’s Margarita Donnelly Prize. Her writings have appeared in Granta, The Massachusetts Review, Australian Book Review, Nimrod, AGNI, Calyx, Guardian UK, Dawn, and many other journals.

Often set in landscapes that predate modern states, her work explores themes of refuge, focusing on migrant and Indigenous communities whose connections to land and water are threatened by racism, patriarchy, war, and colonialism.

Victoria Schofield

A historian and commentator on international affairs, Victoria Schofield was educated at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, and graduated with a degree in Modern History. While at Oxford, she was president of the Union, succeeding Benazir Bhutto. In 1978, she travelled to Pakistan to attend the appeal of Benazir’s father, former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, against the death sentence in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Her first book, Bhutto: Trial and Execution, was published in 1979. Since then, she has contributed to numerous media outlets, including the Sunday Telegraph, The Times, The Independent, The Spectator, and as a commentator for the BBC and Al Jazeera. Her other publications include a two-volume history of the UK’s oldest highland regiment, ‘The Black Watch’; ‘Wavell: Soldier and Statesman’ (2018); ‘Kashmir in the Crossfire’ (1996); ‘Kashmir in Conflict’ (2000, 2003, 2010, 2021); ‘Afghan Frontier: At the Crossroads of Conflict’ (2003). Her latest book, ‘The Fragrance of Tears: My Friendship with Benazir Bhutto’, was published by OUP Pakistan in 2021.

Waqas Khan

Waqas was born in Akhterabad. He is a visual artist who expresses himself with multi-layered mediums, including drawings and installations. In traditional scholarship, where both artists and audiences have been internalizing and appreciating only the customary aesthetic aspect of an artwork by viewing it through the limiting lens of existing labels like minimalistic abstraction, miniature, or pointillism, Waqas has been making a conscious effort to move beyond and introduce an academic debate about his experimental approach that should not be compartmentalized. His art expressions are depicted as spatial artistic engagements ranging from large-scale canvases to neon and wire-based installations. His works are part of public collections at The Whitworth, Manchester; Manchester Museum; British Museum, London; Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Manchester Art Gallery; Kamel Lazaar Foundation, Tunis; Kiran Nadar Museum, New Delhi; Devi Art Foundation, New Delhi; The Deutsche Bank Collection, Frankfurt; and The Habib Bank (HBL Art Collection), Karachi. 

Wusatullah Khan

Wusatullah Khan is a senior journalist. A graduate of Karachi University in International Relations (1982–83) and a Diploma holder in Theatre Arts from the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), Wusat has been a working journalist for the last thirty-six years. He has been attached with the BBC Urdu Service since 1991 and covered the 2003 Iraq war from Baghdad, Cairo, Amman, and Istanbul. He was in Beirut during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon. Wusat reported the 2004 and 2009 Lok Sabha elections while touring 13 states of India. He travelled extensively in the aftermath of the 2005 Pakistan earthquake. His work on the 2010 floods has been published as Sailab Diaries by the Pakistan Study Centre, University of Karachi. Wusat writes a weekly column Baat say Baat for the BBC Urdu Service (online/radio). He has produced documentaries for BBC Urdu TV and has also contributed a weekly column to the Daily Express, Pakistan. He is a co-host of the Dawn News daily talk show Zara Hut Kay.

Yousuf Hussain

Yousuf Hussain is the President and CEO of Faysal Bank Limited, a leading financial institution in Pakistan. With a career spanning over two decades in the banking sector, he has held various senior leadership roles and has been instrumental in driving the bank’s growth and innovation. Yousuf was recently elected as the President of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) for the 2024-2026 term. He is known for his strategic vision and commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s economic landscape through sustainable development and investment opportunities. 

Zahida Raeesi

Zahida Raees Raji (penname) is a Balochi teacher at the University of Karachi, a position she has held since January 2024. She is also a student of AI-Quarter Two at Governor House Karachi since February 2024. She completed her MPhil in Balochi language and literature from the University of Balochistan and graduated in science from the University of Karachi. Zahida holds a two-year diploma in Computer Science from the Sindh Board of Technical Education, Karachi, and a one-year diploma in Oracle Database and Developer Tracks from OraSoft Karachi.

She is the author of five books across diverse genres, including poetry (in Balochi and Urdu), short stories, essays, novels, novelettes, drama, book reviews, and technical writings. Zahida has also translated literary, scientific, and academic texts. She has written academic and non-academic research papers and participated in over 20 national and international seminars and conferences. Additionally, she runs the first digital library of Balochi language and literature, baask.com.

Zakir Thaver

With a background in physics, Zakir’s deep passion for science and storytelling led him down the path of filmmaking. His debut feature documentary on the life of Dr. Abdus Salam premiered on Netflix and won six Best Documentary awards at top international film festivals around the world. The film was widely praised for its rigorous research and powerful storytelling. He previously worked as a consultant for ITV Studios in New York, where he developed a number of true crime programs. His expertise in archival research and restoration plays a crucial role in his storytelling, ensuring historical accuracy and authenticity in his work. Currently, Zakir is producing a documentary on the life of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, one of the greatest qawwali musicians of all time. This project, now in production, delves into Nusrat’s extraordinary journey, the evolution of his music, and the enduring impact of his artistry on global audiences.

Zamena Hassan

Zamena Hassan is a Canadian citizen residing in Dubai, UAE, who was born and raised in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). She graduated from the American School of Kinshasa, acquired her Bachelor’s in Philosophy and French Literature at the University of Toronto, and received her Master’s in Special Education from the University of Birmingham. She speaks English, French, Lingala, Urdu, Gujarati, and can understand bits of Arabic and Swahili. In addition to being an avid traveller, she has lived in Kinshasa, Toronto, Dubai, London, and Los Angeles. She loves to volunteer her time towards various humanitarian and non-profit activities. Her mission in life is to provide support to as many people as she can, especially by creating support groups and communities for carers all across the world. Let’s care for carers too!

Zamir Ghumro

Barrister Zamir Ghumro has served as Advocate General Sindh and is currently a Member of the Senate of Pakistan. He has extensively written in various papers on constitutional and legal matters and undertaken public interest litigation. He has advocated for constitutional supremacy and believes that the political system is the linchpin of constitutional government. He asserts that the federal nature of our Constitution requires that federal and provincial governments work within their own legal and constitutional spheres. The division of powers between the Federation and Provinces must be respected and, in case of disputes, adjudicated by a Federal Court that represents all provinces equally. He believes that the fundamental rights of people are sacrosanct. There are two contracts in a federal constitution: one political, between the Federation and the Provinces, and the other a social contract between the State and Citizens. Both must be respected for the people and the country to prosper.

Zarmeene Shah

Zarmeene Shah is an academic, and an independent curator and writer currently based in Karachi, Pakistan. Focusing on global contemporary art with specialist knowledge of the Global South, and Pakistan in particular, Shah’s research-based practice investigates ideas of power and control, geography and territory, rights and access. Since 2010, she has curated and been involved in the production of several notable and often large-scale exhibitions of contemporary art institutionally and independently, including The Rising Tide: New Directions in Art From Pakistan (Karachi, 2010), the politically focused Parrhesia I & II shows (Karachi, 2011 & 2015), Althea Thauberger’s Pagal Pagal Pagal Pagal Filmi Dunya (Karachi, 2017), Madiha Aijaz’s Memorial for the Lost Pages (Vancouver, 2020), and Manzar: Art and Architecture from Pakistan 1940s to Today (Doha, 2024) .

Amongst other prominent projects and appointments, she has served as Assistant Director and Curator of the Mohatta Palace Museum and Curator-at-Large of the inaugural Karachi Biennale in 2017 (KB17). She has also been Consultant for South Asian Art at the CCA Derry, Londonderry, and guest curator for the Contemporary Art Gallery in Vancouver (2020), as well as for the Art Mill Museum, part of Qatar Museums in Doha, where she has recently curated the landmark exhibition Manzar: Art and Architecture from Pakistan 1940s to today. Shah’s writings have been published in magazines, journals, books, catalogues and monographs, both local and international. She is currently Associate Professor and Director Graduate Studies at the Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture.

Zarmina Raza

Zarmina Raza is a poet and essayist whose work explores relationships and possibilities. She co-founded The Crows Karachi, a platform where people share their experiences with a live audience. She is the Head of the Literature Department at Cedar College and teaches at Karachi Grammar School. Zarmina has also founded ink’d.conversations, a platform that creates spaces and experiences for dialogue and writing. She has also served as a member of The AKU-IED Blog’s International Editorial Board.

Zarminae Ansari

Zarminae Ansari is an architect, cultural tourism consultant, and journalist who has lived in eight countries around the world and is currently residing in Portugal. She is the founder of Joy of Urdu, a bilingual, volunteer-run organization aimed at promoting the Urdu language and reclaiming literary heritage. The initiative, which began in 2013, has grown to include over 150 volunteers worldwide and offers bilingual resources for children and adults online, as well as in Joy of Urdu Reading Group Chapters in many countries.

Ansari’s passion for Urdu was ignited while studying at the Lester Pearson United World College in Canada and later at the National College of Arts, Lahore, where she was introduced to the poetry of Faiz. Questions of identity and decolonization in architecture remained her focus during her Masters from MIT (Cambridge, USA). She founded Joy of Urdu while living in Moscow out of concern for her son’s connection to Urdu.

On the 10th anniversary of the organization, they launched their bilingual publishing house and their first book, a coffee table keepsake: ‘Three Tales from Gulistan-e-Saadi’. Ansari’s work has been instrumental in promoting a renewed interest in Urdu literature, poetry, and cultural heritage, making significant strides in creating accessible and engaging resources for young readers, language beginners, and those who wish to return to the joy of their ancestral and/or national language.

Zeba Shehnaz

Zeba Shehnaz is a celebrated Pakistani actress, comedian, host, and voice actress. Born on November 24, 1952, in Karachi, she began her career as a child actress on PTV in the 1960s. She gained fame in the late 1970s for her work in the comedy show ‘Fifty Fifty’, where she portrayed 108 different characters. Zeba has also appeared in numerous television dramas, including ‘Umrao Jan Ada’, ‘Baityaan’, and ‘Mera Yaar Miladay’. In addition to her television work, she has performed in theater and voiced characters in animated films like ‘3 Bahadur: The Revenge of Baba Balaam’. For her contributions to the entertainment industry, she was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) by the President of Pakistan in 2021.

Zeenat Hisam

Zeenat Hisam is a Karachi-based independent researcher-writer, editor, and translator. Her interest in Urdu and world literature as a reader, spans decades. Earlier, she translated a few Urdu short stories (by Khwaja Ahmed Abbas, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, and Shafiqur Rehman) into English. Her first collection of short stories, translated from English into Urdu, Mohr-e-Sukoot (2007), contains writings of Yusuf Idris, A.B. Yehoshua, Donald Barthelme, Kim Monzo, Italo Calvino, and Daniel Alarcón, first published in Aaj quarterly. She translated Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel One Hundred Years of Solitude (2020) and Italo Calvino’s novel Invisible Cities (2021). Ms. Hisam translated several poems of Lyubomir Levchev, a great Bulgarian poet, before proceeding to the translation of North American women’s poetry. Currently, she is about to finish translating Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend, the first novel of her famous Neapolitan tetralogy.

Professionally, Zeenat Hisam has been involved in action research on labour. Gender, community development, and minority issues are her other areas of interest. Her published works include research reports, articles, book reviews, and essays in journals and mainstream media. She holds a Master’s in Development Studies, specializing in Women and Development, from the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, the Netherlands.

Zeeshan Hasan

Zeeshan Hasan is the CEO of Khan Academy Pakistan with over 25 years of experience in senior management roles across education, telecommunications, and financial services, having worked in Australia, Malaysia, UAE, and Pakistan. He founded Grassroots Consultants Pvt Ltd, focusing on online teacher professional development and digital skills development for e-learners in Pakistan. Zeeshan holds an MBA from the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia, and has been an Adjunct Professor at LUMS.

Ziad Zafar

Ziad Zafar is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and award-winning investigative journalist with a special interest in South Asian history and politics. He has worked in the UK for over a decade, holding staff positions at The Guardian and the BBC. He has also worked on films for major broadcasters like National Geographic, Paramount+, Showtime, NBC, France Télévisions, ARTE, and Al Jazeera. Ziad has co-produced a number of acclaimed podcast series, including the groundbreaking BBC series The Assassination (Winner of the AIB award and British Podcast of the Year award) and The Hijack (Winner of the ARIA award 2022 for Best Factual Series UK, Audible). In 2023, he co-produced the acclaimed documentary film As Far As They Can Run, which was shortlisted for an Academy Award. Ziad has twice received Pakistan’s prestigious press guild award for investigative journalism (APNS 2007 & 2019). He divides his time between London and Karachi. 

Zobaida Jalal

Zobaida Jalal is a renowned social activist and educationist, known for her work in women empowerment. She has held key positions, including Federal Minister for Education, Women Development, Social Welfare and Special Education, and Defence Production.

Hailing from Mand village in Kech District, Balochistan, she began her activism in 1982 by establishing the first girls’ school in the remotest part of Balochistan with her father’s support. The school, now a Higher Secondary School, continues to provide quality education to hundreds of Baloch children.

Her political career started in 1999 as Federal Minister for Education. In 2002, she became the first Baloch woman to win a National Assembly seat. She worked to make Pakistan’s education system more inclusive and updated the curriculum to support girls’ education. As Federal Minister for Women Development, she played a pivotal role in getting honour killings declared as murder and establishing the National Commission on the Status of Women.

In 2004, she became Federal Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education, creating the first Social Protection strategy and the National Plan of Action for Special Education. She continued her political career as a Member of the National Assembly from 2008 to 2013 and again in 2018, when she was appointed Federal Minister for Defence Production. During her tenure, she introduced significant reforms, including the establishment of the Gwadar Shipyard and the production of indigenous ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zobaida Jalal has received numerous national and international awards for her contributions to education and social activism, making her a prominent figure in both local and international circles.