Zara Shaheen Awan

Zara Shaheen Awan, a Barrister of Lincoln’s Inn and an Advocate of the High Courts of Pakistan, is a distinguished legal practitioner and academic. She received her education from the Inns of Court School of Law (UK), the University of Kent at Canterbury (UK), Karachi Grammar School, and the Convent of Jesus & Mary, Karachi. With extensive experience in civil, commercial, and arbitration law, Ms. Awan combines legal practice with academia and pro bono service. She has served for over twelve years as Director of the University of London International Law Programmes in Karachi, managing the Foundation in Law, Certificate of Higher Education, and LLB degrees. As a senior faculty member, she has taught a range of subjects, including Constitutional Law. Ms. Awan is a partner consultant at Q&A Consultants, advising and supporting students seeking admission to universities abroad, particularly in the UK. She has also served as an Independent Director for three years at Pakistan Reinsurance Company Limited, a public sector entity under the Ministry of Commerce, and is presently a member of the Appellate Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). Deeply committed to education and social development, she serves on the General Body of The Citizens Foundation (TCF) and is an active member of the Supporters of The Citizens Foundation (STCF) Group. She has led multiple successful initiatives—such as the Flood Relief Fundraising Drive and the Chand Raat Fundraiser—mobilising schools and young professionals in support of TCF’s mission to provide quality education to underprivileged children. She is also part of the Obhartay Sitarey Fundraiser Team, an initiative of TCF that brings together schoolchildren across Karachi for Obhartay Sitarey, an interschool singing competition hosted by STCF. The event celebrates young voices that inspire awareness and action for children without access to quality education. An Australia Awards alumna, Ms. Awan was recognised under the Women in Executive Leadership Development (Pakistan) programme. Driven by integrity, empathy, and a deep sense of civic responsibility, Zara remains dedicated to contributing to a Pakistan that is educated, equitable, and full of promise.