Panels
Sara Nisar (Ag-Acumen/WEDU)
Sara Nisar combines design expertise and leadership development to create meaningful social impact. With over a decade of experience, she has collaborated with mission-driven organizations to amplify grassroots voices, catalyze systemic change, and empower social innovators globally. Sara leads Impact Programmes at Wedu, designing and delivering leadership development initiatives for women across South and Southeast Asia. Previously, she led Acumen Academy Pakistan, revitalizing its Fellows Programme, launching sector-specific accelerators, and supporting a community of over 1600 social innovators globally. Sara’s systems-focused work bridges leadership, education, and culture, underpinned by her expertise in entrepreneurship, community engagement, and transformative learning design. She has curated impactful initiatives such as the Women of the World Festivals, integrating arts and culture with gender discourse to drive inclusive narratives.
Fiza Farhan
Fiza Farhan is the CEO of ORA Global Development Advisors and a leading global expert on issues pertaining to inclusive economic growth, climate change, sustainable development, financial inclusion, women empowerment, access to energy and multi-sectorial partnerships; advising various Governments, private sector and development agencies especially the United Nations on critical development issues in both realms of advocacy and action. Fiza is also the Convenor of the Male Champions of Change Pakistan Coalition, creating strong partnerships with CEOs of private sector organizations to enable them to step up for gender equality. Previously Fiza was the CEO & Co-founder of two social enterprises Buksh Foundation & Buksh Energy Private Limited, whereby she launched multiple global innovations on projects creating unique development solutions addressing multiple challenges the rural communities face including the nexus between empowerment for women & girls and access to clean and reliable energy solutions in addition to access to finance, education and economic livelihoods, later the same innovative ideas got recognized as “International Best Practices” by the UN Foundation & UN Habitat. Fiza was featured in the US Magazine Forbes “30 Under 30 List of Social Entrepreneurs” twice in 2015 and then in 2016, in addition to becoming the youngest member of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on Women Economic Empowerment, Future Energy Leader at the World Energy Council, and Chairperson to Chief Minister Punjab’s Task Force on Women Empowerment amongst many other high level board positions. Currently, Fiza is an advisor to multiple stakeholders in individual and institutional capacities, including UNICEF Pakistan, PFAN International, UNGC International etc. Fiza is a graduate of Lahore University of Management Sciences and completed her post-graduation from Warwick Business School, UK.
Durre Nayab
Dr. Durre Nayab is a prominent Pakistani social scientist specialising in social and economic demography. Dr. Nayab’s recent research informs policy and advances understanding of Pakistan’s complex social, economic, gender and institutional challenges. Her work on the demographic dividend is considered seminal work in the area, and started off a whole debate in the country. Dr. Nayab's current work, among other things, focuses on intergenerational economy and quantifying the contribution of the unaccounted work done by females in the country. She has to her credit over 60 national and international publications, and several books on areas of vital importance to the country.
Zoha Naveed
Zoha Naveed, a 22-year-old from Matiari, has always a passion for creating a positive impact in her community. Her journey took a transformative turn when she discovered the Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI), a program by the British Council in partnership with the Sindh Community Foundation. Through a four-day Youth Leadership Training Sessions, Zoha gained valuable insights into environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and sustainability, equipping her with the tools to lead impactful change.
Sundus Bibi
Sundus, a young woman aged 25 from Abbottabad, is a passionate advocate for education and environmental sustainability. Currently pursuing her MPhil in Statistics at Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, she believes education is a powerful tool for personal growth and community transformation. Her love for nature and concern for the environment grew as she witnessed the impact of deforestation and resource mismanagement in her village. Sundus realized that education combined with action could inspire her community to adopt sustainable practices,protect natural resources, and create a greener, healthier future.
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). Maha's research explores legal solutions to climate change and environmental issues facing Pakistan and the world, focusing specifically on promoting access to environmental justice and strengthening remedy mechanisms for victims of environmental rights violations
Muqadas Abbasi
Muqadas Abbasi, a 22-year-old from Larkana, has always been deeply committed to improving her community. Muqadas participated in various training programs and certifications, which helped her grow both personally and professionally. Her journey took a transformative turn when she discovered the Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI) through the Sewa Development Trust. She eagerly joined the four-day Youth Leadership training sessions, which offered young individuals the chance to lead climate action. For Muqadas, this was the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful impact in her community. Motivated by the training, Muqadas and her group members developed a proposal for a solid waste management project. They identified a critical issue in Murad Wahan Muhalla, where poor waste management was causing serious challenges. The area was plagued by accumulating trash due to inadequate infrastructure and limited aware-ness. This led to pollution, health risks like respiratory and waterborne diseases, and an overall decline in the quality of life for residents.
Huma Mobin
Huma is Pakistan’s most-awarded female Creative Director. In 2020, she founded Contentory Inc. to balance her career, passion, and motherhood. In just four years, Huma has built an award-winning portfolio, including her breast cancer prevention campaign, Waxing Lady Tutorials, which helped detect a tumor. Known for creating socially impactful campaigns with minimal budgets, Huma has won over 300 international awards, including Cannes Lions, Clios, and D&AD. Her notable campaigns include Truck Art Childfinder (which located 8 missing children), UNWomen #BridalUniform (#56 on WARC100), and Waxing Lady Tutorials (shortlisted at Cannes Lions 2023). A Cannes Lions See It Be It 2023 alumna, TEDx speaker, and guest lecturer at top universities like the University of Florida, Huma is also a mentor and advocate for working mothers. She fosters a baby-friendly work environment and actively supports female creatives in Pakistan, encouraging them to apply for See It Be It and collaborating on impactful campaigns
Mehr Hussain
Mehr F Husain is an award winning journalist, author, publisher and sustainability consultant. She has worked in the media for over 16 years as Features Editor, News Editor, international columnist and commentator in print, digital and television. Mehr is the author of ‘Pakistan: A Fashionable History’ and editor of ‘Multan: A Spiritual Legacy’ and ‘Behbud: Embroidering Dreams’. Mehr’s work has appeared in The Friday Times, Herald, The Nation, Dawn, Pakistan Today, The Times of India, The Hindu, The Economist's 1843, Forbes, Newsweek, Vogue India, The Times of London, EShe, UN Today, The Quint, India Today and The Daily Mail. She founded Pakistan's first independent literary platform, ZUKA Books, which is a Prix Voltaire finalist, UN Asia Pacific Award shortlisted nominee and a member of the UN's Publishers Compact. Her social enterprise ZUKA Accessories advocates for indigenous fabric, recognition of artisans in the supply chain and female economic empowerment and is a partner of the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs. She is the co-host of Pakistan’s first podcast on sustainability, ZUKAST. Mehr is also an advocate of The Swarovski Foundation for Creatives.
Maria Umar
Maria Umar is a pioneer in empowering Pakistani women through technology as the founderand president of the Women’s Digital League (WDL)—Pakistan’s first fully virtual platform dedicated to providing digital training and employment opportunities for women. Recognized as an Ashoka Changemaker, Maria’s innovative approach to digital empowerment has received significant attention. Under her leadership, WDL has received accolades including the Early Stage Award in Changemaker’s ‘Women Powering Work’ competition. The platform was spotlighted in a Google Pakistan online campaign that highlighted its groundbreaking use of technology. Maria has worked as a Gender and Inclusion Specialist at various fintech companies, contributing to efforts that promote financial inclusion. Her expertise and dedication to gender equality were further acknowledged when Melinda French Gates invited her to a fireside chat at the Singapore Tech Festival, celebrating her remarkable contributions to the field.
Jahan Ara Nabi
Jehan Ara is the Founder & CEO of Katalyst Labs a Technology Startup Accelerator and Innovation hub. She is the former President of the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA) where she served for 25 years and was involved in promoting the Pakistan tech industry locally and internationally – she was also the Founder of The Nest I/O a Tech Startup Incubator which incubated 217 startup businesses. Katalyst Labs runs an acceleration program for startups and a Women Leaders Fellowship Program to build the capacity of women entrepreneurs and professionals and to help them create business networks. Katalyst Labs also run two major conferences +92Disrupt – a startup conference and Slush’d.
Zomehr Fatima
Zomehr Fatima, a 19-year-old from Lahore, has always been passionate about making a positive impact on her community. With a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Punjab, she is determined to use her knowledge to create a sustainable future. Zomehr noticed that a local area near a school, clinic, and residential houses was suffering from piles of waste. Neglected by authorities despite repeated complaints, the waste created problems for residents, including difficulty in transportation, limited access to schools, bad smells, and health risks from diseases. The unhealthy environment urgently needed attention. Motivated to make a difference, Zomehr and her team organized a cleaning drives through their YLA project. They focused on an area spanning around one kanal, removing six truckloads of waste. The cleanup made the surroundings cleaner and safer for the community, especially for children and families.
Irteza Ubaid
Irteza Ubaid is a seasoned professional in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors, with a strong focus on community development. Passionate about improving lives, he actively volunteers and supports initiatives with global organizations such as TEDx and the World Economic Forum. Through his work with TEDxLahore, Irteza leverages media as a powerful tool to amplify impactful ideas and foster social change. He believes in the transformative power of storytelling and digital platforms to inspire communities and drive meaningful dialogue. This content has reached millions of viewers, creating a global impact and contributing to positive change across various communities. Irteza also serves as a board member of Safe Delivery Safe Mother, a nonprofit organization committed to improving maternal healthcare in Pakistan by training and developing healthcare workers. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from NUST and an MBA from LUMS.
Zoya Rehman
Zoya Rehman is a feminist organiser and an independent researcher-writer & consultant based in Islamabad, Pakistan. Her work revolves around feminism, pop culture, critical legal studies, and the internet. She was part of the South Asia Speaks 2022 cohort and is the Communications Director at South Asian Avant-Garde (SAAG).
Khawar Mumtaz
Khawar Mumtaz is an advocate for women's rights, human rights, and social justice in Pakistan. She has previously served as the Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women and as an early member of the Women’s Action Forum.She was also the CEO of Shirkat Gah Women’s Resource Centre, an organisation focused on empowering women and promoting development. Her efforts were acknowledged through the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2006 and her 2005 Nobel Peace Prize nomination.
Farida Shaheed
Farida Shaheed is a Pakistani sociologist and feminist human rights activist, promoting cultural rights and addressing issues of gender and class inequality. In 2012, she was appointed the first United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of Cultural Rights.She is also the Executive Director of Shirkat Gah, a leading women's resource centre in Pakistan, and has over 25 years of experience in advocacy, research, and policymaking.
Uzma Noorani
Uzma Noorani Founder Trustee Panah Trust and Managing Trustee Panah Shelter. Member Working Committee Women’’s Action Forum and Former Co Chairperson Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
Shahzadi Razi
Shahzadi Rai is a transgender activist and political advocate in Pakistan, and became the first transgender member elected to the Karachi Municipal Council. Dr.Shahzadi also heads the Sindh Moorat March, a movement for transgender rights in Pakistan, calling for an end towards discrimination and inequality, and for justice, safety, and recognition for the Khwaja Sira community
Rafat Yasmeen
Rafat Yasmin works with Aawaz II programme of British Council as Advisor Gender and Social Inclusion. She holds a diversified experience of working with the national and international organisations on different issues, such as democratic governance, gender, social inclusion, community engagement and electoral reforms. She has steered the discourse of social inclusion and youth engagement at different platforms in Pakistan and abroad. She has wide-ranging experience with regard to human rights, policy advocacy, youth engagement and has also been part of legislative reforms process on women and transgender persons rights, civic engagement and democratic processes.
Dr. Luay
Dr. Luay Shabaneh is the Representative of UNFPA Pakistan. Prior to his current appointment, he served as the Regional Director of UNFPA for the Arab States since 2016.A native of Palestine, Dr. Luay has held several high-profile national and international public service positions over the last two decades in official statistics, population census, population and development, monitoring and evaluation, programme management and advocacy within the UN System, in government and in the multilateral arena. He served as chief statistician of Palestine from 2005 until he started his UN career in 2009 with both UNDP/UNCT and UNFPA in Iraq, and the Regional Office for Arab States since 2015 as the Regional Adviser for Population Data and Policies in ASRO.Dr. Luay holds a PhD in Applied Social Statistics from Lancaster University, UK, a Master’s Degree in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Jordan and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Baghdad University.
Shrouq Tariq
Shrouq Tariq is an Egyptian- Pakistani correspondent for Agence France-Presse based in Islamabad who writes about politics, culture and climate. She reports on the ground at breaking news events including the devastating 2022 floods, student protests and national elections.
Namrah Malik
Namrah brings over 8 years of professional experience to her role as an Account Relationship Manager at the British Council, where she expertly manages the Central region, encompassing both Upper and Lower Punjab. Her career journey began as a Project Coordinator at a Stanford University startup, where she collaborated with students from public universities, fostering innovation and leadership. Over the years, she has cultivated a multifaceted professional background, excelling in teaching, training facilitation, and exam operations. At the British Council, Namrah is a driving force behind the growth and capacity-building initiatives for partner schools. She has been instrumental in introducing exclusive partner offers and spearheading impactful projects like Action Research, where her region consistently leads. Known for her strategic mindset and collaborative approach, Namrahactively supports schools in achieving excellence while creating opportunities for professional development.
Aisha Shahzadi
Hailing from an outreach location, focused on empowering middle leaders in English and Science through smart board technology - Aisha is leveraging her research, she has actively engaged outreach communities and developed innovative approaches to digital literacy. Aisha is an educationist with 14 years of experience, dedicated to fostering inclusive and empowering learning environments for students, teachers, and communities. Starting her career as a teacher and currently serving as the Vice Principal at Tall Pines School, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to integrating technology and nurturing a love for learning, particularly among children from marginalized communities. Aisha is deeply passionate about leveraging education as a powerful tool for social change and actively shares her experiences and insights to inspire positive impact in the education sector.
Sarah Ahmer
The current recipient who is researching the integration of AI in the classroom to create a more inclusive learning environment. Sarah is spearheading groundbreaking research on integrating AI into classrooms to foster inclusive learning environments. Funded by the British Council, this project will be showcased at our global symposium, underscoring the organization’s commitment to women’s development and innovation.
Jahanzeb Javeed (Zabo)
Jahanzeb Javeed (Zabo) is a prominent member of the transgender community from Toba Tek Singh. Despite facing numerous challenges, Zabo persevered in her educational journey and successfully earned an MA in Teaching Education.
Instead of conforming to traditional livelihoods often associated with transgender individuals, Zabo pursued diverse career paths. She worked as a teacher in schools, and later provided home tutoring services to support herself.
Beyond her professional achievements, Zabo is a dedicated advocate for the rights of her community. As a volunteer with Aawaz Aagahi Center, she effectively utilized this platform to campaign for the social inclusion of not only the transgender persons but also other vulnerable groups, including women and people with disabilities. Zabo also coordinates with government departments for enhancing their community engagement, and against harmful practices such as gender based violence and child marriage.
Ahtsham Younas
Ahtsham joined Aawaz II as a Village Forum Member in district Sahiwal and quickly advanced to the role of community leader for promoting social cohesion among local communities. He is skilled at mobilizing communities and inspiring others to act. He is currently developing plans for community dialogues and workshops to empower young people and raise awareness about the rights of youth from religious minority groups who often face discrimination in educational settings. As a youth leader, Ahtsham has taken various volunteer initiatives for promoting collective actions against GBV and for the rights of religious minorities in his village.
Farva Hussain
Farva Hussain, is an advocate for women's rights, breaking barriers in her rural Sheikhupura community. Growing up, girls in her community were silenced and denied the right to learn, and married off at a young age. Yet, Farva dared to dream bigger. She bravely fought against her family's resistance to secure a university spot and became the first female graduate in her family, with a master’s degree in chemistry from Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF).
Driven to empower others, she joined the Aawaz II programme, where she is now a powerful voice for women. Farwa mobilises local community members and on the rights and social inclusion of vulnerable groups particularly women. Her initiatives also include collaborating with the government departments administration for addressing GBV while bridging gaps between communities and service providers.
Fizza Tasleem
Fizza, a 30-year-old resident of Abbotabad District, recently completed her master's degree in Urdu. Until the tenth grade, she attended school in person. However, due to physical challenges, she subsequently opted for private examinations for the remainder of her studies. Fizza takes great pride in her social activism, which has significantly boosted her confidence and motivation. She attributes much of her success to her family, and especially her younger brother's unwavering support. He frequently accompanies her on her excursions, ensuring her safety and helping her navigate spaces that may not be fully accessible.
Through the Aawaz II programme, Fizza has become a vocal advocate for PWDs, challenging discriminatory attitudes and practices. Through her advocacy, Fizza has developed strong leadership qualities, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive society. Fizza is now a member of both the District Forum and Special Interest Group (SIG) for PWDs.
Performances
Suhaee Abroo
Suhaee Abro is a multilingual and versatile artist, enriching her deep understanding of diverse cultures, rhythms, and music. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, she began training in South Asian classical dance forms at age seven and later pursued contemporary dance, performing and choreographing across Asia and Europe. Her work bridges movement, music, and drama, often exploring human complexities.A dedicated activist, Abro uses dance to advocate for human's especially women’s and children’s rights. She has led movement workshops with acid burn survivors, shelter residents, refugees and migrant mothers, creating healing connections through her initiative dance, heart & mind. Now based in Italy, she continues to perform, teach, and empower marginalized communities through dance.
Saife Hasan
Saife Hasan is an actor and director for television. He began his career in theatre with Tehrik e Niswan in 1997 in Karachi, and performed in numerous plays both in Pakistan and internationally before venturing towards direction for television. He has worked independently for several production houses, including Hum TV. His notable award winning works include Sung e Mur Mur, and Sung e Mah and Ahd e Wafa. Saife Hasan is one of the co-founders of Zambeel Dramatic Readings and has been performing with the group since 2011.
Aleeza Fatima
Aleeza Fatima is a recent Musicology graduate from National College of Arts and currently teaching Theatre and Mime there. She is a theatre activist for over 10 years using movement as a tool to tell stories about how people suffer from lack of community and to bring our generation back to our language and culture.
Jayaa Jaggi
Jayaa Jayaa (she/her), a human rights activist eloquently amplifies her advocacy efforts, embodying unity in diversity through her Hindu and Sikh heritage. With expertise in WPS, PCVE, FoRB and composite heritage, she is associated with Artivism Academy that uses Theater, Storytelling, Poetry, and Films for social change with promotion of our lost heritage , language and culture.
Farah Nadeem
Farha Nadeem is a seasoned theater artist and activist with over 30 years of experience, known for her performances in plays, street theater, and international productions. A dedicated member of Sangat, she has led workshops, created music, and used puppetry for social advocacy. Since 2015, Alina has taught Punjabi language and the history of Punjab; online and in schools. She is also the author of a book on teaching Punjabi to children, showcasing her commitment to preserving the language and driving social change through art and education.
Kanwal Ehsaan
Kanwal, a theatre performer and teacher dedicated to a cause close to her heart – promoting and preserving her mother tongue, Punjabi. Through her work, she strives to celebrate the beauty of our language, share its rich heritage, and inspire others to connect with their cultural roots. Theatre is her way of telling stories that resonate with her identity and keep the spirit of Punjabi alive for generations to come.
Momina Farooq khan
Momina Farooq Khan is a dedicated Classical dancer with 14 years of experience in Kathak, a traditional form of dance. She began her journey under the guidance of renowned dancer Nahid Siddiqui and later expanded her learning with Bina Jawad at Harsukh. Momina has done her Bachelor’s from BNU (Beaconhouse National University) in Cultural Studies (Honours) and then she went for her postgraduate studies to SOAS, University of London for a two-year Intensive programme in South Asian Studies. Through her work, Momina aims to create an immersive experience that highlights the rich cultural traditions of Pakistan. She believes in exploring these traditions not just to preserve them, but to inspire new ways forward.
Noman Khalid
Noman Khalid co-leads Artivism Academy, managing coordination and logistics. With a background in Theater and extensive experience in corporate business development, he brings a unique blend of creative and strategic expertise to streamline operations, significantly contributing to our mission of driving social change through art and culture.
Shafqat husain
Shafqat, a seasoned theater artist with over 40 years of experience, is a celebrated figure in the world of performing arts. Alongside being a skilled musician and activist, he has passionately used theater as a medium for education and social change. Shafqat has taught theater at prestigious institutions like LGS and BNU, inspiring countless students with his expertise. Renowned for blending creativity with advocacy, he continues to leave a lasting impact on the artistic and activist communities.
Shamsa Hussain
Shamsa Hussain, a distinguished theater artist and activist with over 32 years of experience, has dedicated her life to using art as a catalyst for social change. As an accomplished Arts Teacher and a key associate of the Asma Jahangir Legal Aid Cell, she has combined creativity with advocacy to empower communities. Over the years, Shamsa has collaborated with numerous national non-governmental organizations, driving impactful initiatives that inspire transformation and justice.
Wajeeha Wasti
Wajeeha Wasti is a contemporary performing artist and theater actor, specializing in storytelling through movement and space. Her work combines narrative and expression to craft performances.
Momina Farooq khan
Momina Farooq Khan is a dedicated Classical dancer with 14 years of experience in Kathak, a traditional form of dance. She began her journey under the guidance of renowned dancer Nahid Siddiqui and later expanded her learning with Bina Jawad at Harsukh. Momina has done her Bachelor’s from BNU (Beaconhouse National University) in Cultural Studies (Honours) and then she went for her postgraduate studies to SOAS, University of London for a two-year Intensive programme in South Asian Studies. Through her work, Momina aims to create an immersive experience that highlights the rich cultural traditions of Pakistan. She believes in exploring these traditions not just to preserve them, but to inspire new ways forward.
Asma Mundarwala
Asma Mundrawala is a visual artist and theatre practitioner with a DPhil degree from the University of Sussex UK. Her interdisciplinary practice intersects the visual arts, theatre and performance, and education. Her research interests in popular culture, public spheres, Urdu literature and its performative traits critically inform her creative practice and approach to art education. She teaches at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, and is Professor in the Department of Fine Art. Asma is the co-founder and creative director of Zambeel Dramatic Readings. Her current practice renders texts from Urdu literature in a dramatised form to a live audience. She has also initiated and curates the ongoing project Zambeelnaama, a monthly online audio channel for Zambeel Dramatic Readings.
Aaminah Sulaiman
Aaminah Sulaiman who has always been captivated by the power of narrative, drawing her from the page to the stage. For twenty years, she has been associated with Sangat; her artistic home, a place where she has immersed herself in the world of performance. Through countless productions, she has not only contributed her time and passion but discovered the transformative power of theatre, shaping her both as an actor and as an individual.
Nirsha Sarfraz
Nirsha Sarfraz currently doing musicology from NCA I am a vocalist and and also started composing my originals as well.
Rimsha Ashraf
Rimsha Ashraf is a musicology student From National college of Arts,vocalist and a composer.
Zaira Ali
Zaira Ali is a versatile vocalist and a music producer, rooted in classical training and holding a degree in Musicology. Zaira sound is a unique blend of Hindustani classical music with modern genres. Her breakthrough single “Gul De Pa Zulfo,has gained more than a million streams, solidifying her presence in the music industry. In recognition of her talent, Zaira was appointed as Spotify EQUAL Ambassador for 2024. Rimsha Ashraf A musicology student From National college of Arts,vocalist and a composer
Rakae Jamil
Rakae Rehman Jamil is a musician, music producer and a lecturer based in Lahore. He acquired his B.A degree. in Musicology from the National College of Arts in Lahore, and his Masters’ degree in the Humanities from the University of Chicago with a concentration in Ethnomusicology. He is an Assistant Professor of the Musicology Department at the National College of Arts in Lahore, Pakistan. Jamil is also one of the lead members of the band “Mughal-e-Funk” which was established in 2017, and is the sitar player for the band. He is also a music producer, and owns his production company titled “Red Brick Music Studios” (www.rbmusicstudios.com). He has received extensive training in South Asian instrumental classical music from Pakistan and India, where he spent eight months at the ITC- Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata in 2010 learning from India’s most eminent practitioners of classical music. Jamil has also performed as a session artist as well as a lead artist in several cities across the globe, including Canada, UK and U.S.A. Currently he is producing his second album with Mughal-e-Funk”, and his own solo album which he is producing himself.
Workshops
Saba Rana
Saba Rana is an E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master, Meditation and Breathwork Facilitator, Somatic Worker, and Vibrational Sound Therapist. She integrates healing modalities such as trauma release techniques, traditional rituals, kundalini, kriyas, and vibrational sound healing. With over 10 years of experience managing her private holistic wellness studio, Saba creates safe spaces for healing and connection, empowering individuals to embrace authenticity, compassion, and balance in their lives.
Izzah Meyer
Izzah is a research and policy expert with extensive experience in the non-profit and public sectors in the fields of education, skills development and youth engagement. She works with cross-functional teams to better understand and support the needs, potential and aspiration of young people globally. Currently, she works at the British Council where she develops cutting-edge thought leadership research to inform policy and programming. Izzah holds a Master's degree in Economics and Education Policy from Columbia University.
Sabahat Bokhari
Sabahat Khurram Bukhari is a dynamic DEl and organizational development leader with over two decades of global experience spanning fintech, telecommunications, banking, technology, and more. Renowned for pioneering diversity and inclusion initiatives in Pakistan, she has successfully aligned organizational cultures, product innovations, and community impact with DEl as strategic business goals. With successful C-level, DEI advisory and board experience, she has recently founded her firm 'The Inclusion Lab', which specializes in inclusion as strategic imperative for corporate across the globe. Her firm has successfully developed and scaled programs such as Digital Equal, empowering over 5,000 rural women with digital literacy and GBV awareness in Pakistan & Africa. TIL has also launched their mission for including ONE MILLION WOMEN IN TECH BY 2030 and WOMEN CXO Leadership FORUM. The Inclusion Lab has cultivated partnerships with governmental and regulatory bodies like the PTA, Ministry of Planning & Development in Pakistan and UN Agencies to further the goals of social, economic, and financial inclusion for women in Pakistan. She has also pioneered the concept of "Conscious Inclusion for All" emphasizing the need to go beyond the typical viewpoint of gender inclusion by collaborating with corporations to foster 'truly inclusive DNA'. She addresses topics such as ageism, ethnicity, ability, and neurodiversity as part of talent optimization ROl and its larger context of inclusion in workplaces & society through this program. Sabahat is an international speaker and thought leaders and her talks mostly revolve around inclusive leadership, allyship & intersectionality, Agile DEl and Conscious Inclusion. Her experience spans start-ups, private companies, and publicly traded corporations - such as Allied Bank, Ericsson, Pepsi Cola, Coca Cola, Nestle, Unilever, UNFPA, State Bank of Pakistan, Pfizer, Toyota, Haier, Engro Foods, Sapphire, PSDF, Khaadi, Samsung, Careem, Siemens, MassMutual, Brookline Bancorp, GSMA, ING, OneAmerica, Home Credit, Brandix, Human Centric Labs, Qualcomm, Sony Music, Amazon Robotics, and Fidelity Investments. Sabahat is a graduate of the University of Punjab and holds a MS in management, along with certifications in Strategy Management from Harvard University and D&I Professional from the University of South Florida. Additionally trained in executive leadership at INSEAD, she holds numerous coaching and psychometric analysis certifications.
Mariam Mizaji
Mariam is a Development Economist and a member of a husband-wife band Laqeerkefaqeer. Mariam is constantly investigating what well-being entails for the definded demographic given the roles we play. One factor that contributes positively to dignity is the consciousness surrounding the choice we make for our wardrobe. When in doubt remember Mizaji is the adverb your life needs!
Dr. Maryam Rab
Dr. Maryam Rab has worked in the field of education and women empowerment for over 28 years. Her experience is primarily in the public service sector in Pakistan, she has made significant contributions to higher education management and leadership. As a Chevening Scholar, she obtained a master's degree in Education Management from King's College London, and later completed her doctorate in Education from the prestigious Institute of Education, UCL, London. Dr. Rab played a pivotal role in establishing Pakistan's first state women's university, Fatima Jinnah Women University, thereby providing young women with access to higher education. She is an ACU certified trainer and a mentor for women in the field of higher education leadership and management. Throughout her career, Dr. Rab has been actively involved in campaigning for women's empowerment in South Asia. Her expertise lies in international collaborations and partnerships in higher education. Her research focuses on education, inclusion, women, and leadership. She has published works on topics such as the experiences of international students in UK universities and the significance of women as role models. In her current position as the head of research programmes for the Global Research and Insight team, she leads the Next Generation Research Series, which aims to empower and uplift young people specially women by conducting groundbreaking research on their needs, potential, and aspirations. Dr. Maryam Rab firmly believes in the ideology that real feminism is about making other women's lives better.
Nadia Amjad
𝙉𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙖 𝘼𝙢𝙟𝙖𝙙", is a 𝙋𝙨𝙮𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩 having experience in supporting individuals with diverse needs. Her professional background includes conducting home-based therapy sessions and serving as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) and Learning Support Assistant (LSA).She also provides life skills training and coaching for individuals, including special needs children, teenagers, and adults. This includes guidance on daily life tasks and personal development Helpful for parents seeking services for differently-abled individuals in Lahore & online.
Suhaee Abroo
Suhaee Abro is a multilingual and versatile artist, enriching her deep understanding of diverse cultures, rhythms, and music. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, she began training in South Asian classical dance forms at age seven and later pursued contemporary dance, performing and choreographing across Asia and Europe. Her work bridges movement, music, and drama, often exploring human complexities.A dedicated activist, Abro uses dance to advocate for human's especially women’s and children’s rights. She has led movement workshops with acid burn survivors, shelter residents, refugees and migrant mothers, creating healing connections through her initiative dance, heart & mind. Now based in Italy, she continues to perform, teach, and empower marginalized communities through dance.
Nashmia Haroon
Nashmia Haroon received her BFA in Painting (2004) and MFA in Visual Arts (2012) from the National College of Arts, Lahore and has since exhibited her photography and paintings in Pakistan, India, Cambodia, Dubai, the USA and UK, and has had a career in commercial photography as well since 2004. She is in official training in Khyaal Gaiki (eastern classical vocals) since 2016, with initially the Delhi Gharana and currently with the Patiala Gharana of Khyaal Gaiki, and is a vocalist for The BlueSax Band, and since has performed live and recorded with her Band. As founder/creative head at Tagh’eer Lahore Creative Space, Lahore Pakistan, Haroon curates the space for exhibitions, a variety of workshops of art forms, theatre, dance and musical performances. Haroon serves as visiting faculty at The National College of Arts, Lahore and The Beaconhouse National University and she is on the tutors faculty list at the MA visual Arts at the National College of Arts, Lahore.
Fireside
Justice Saman
Saman Riffat is a Pakistani judge, and was recently appointment as an additional judge of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Aaminah Qadir
Aaminah Qadir is a constitutional and human rights lawyer. She is the founder of She-her Pakistan, a public interest litigation firm. Her work focuses on empowering women, minorities and the environment. She is the coordinator of the prison reforms committee of Punjab and has trained over 150 district and sessions judges across Punjab.She was appointed by the High Court as an amicus curiae in the Ravi Urban Development Project case that raised serious issues of environmental damage, in a case challenging the Punjab Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act 2021 and in a case challenging the removal of the Punjab Ombudsperson for protection against harassment in the workplace.
Maryam Munir
Maryam has created the empowered parenting program and talks about how parenting makes all the difference in our internal voices. Talking about breaking generational trauma and creating resilence. This conversaition will focus on how parents actually making kids beive that they have 'surkhaab ke par' makes all the differnce. Maryam is a published author, trauma-informed Parent Coach and founder of TPEP (The Parent Empowerment Project) where she empowers and educates parents and teachers about Respectful Parenting and mental health with the lens of the most cutting edge neuroscience findings. Maryam has completed her Masters' degree in Human Services Counseling with Trauma focus from Liberty University in Virginia, U.S. She is also certified in Trauma Counseling from CTRI, Canada. She has an associate's in Psychology and bachelors' in Software Engineering. With her formal education in Psychology, Clinical Mental Health, Play Therapy, Neurobiology of Trauma and Mindfulness she is equipped with knowledge and tools to help parents and other caretakers break generational trauma cycles and become safe humans. This safety created by caretakers makes the kind of environment that children can truly thrive in. She is an advocate of "healed people heal others" and is very passionate about helping parents prioritize their own mental health.
Ramma Cheema
Ramma is a media, communications, advocacy expert with over 12 years of professional experience, renowned for her award-winning digital campaigns, strategic government communication initiatives in public health and gender mainstreaming, and her prominent role as a national television talk show host. Her comprehensive expertise spans digital advocacy, strategic communication, and critical social discourse, positioning her as a leading voice in examining the complex intersections of media, technology, and gender dynamics. Ramma is a current UN UK Women delegate and part of Fawcett Society’s artificial intelligence advisory group that aims to work on researching opportunities and risks for women presented by integration of AI. She currently works as an independent media and PR consultant for the tech and charity sector in the UK and US.
Hera
Hera is the Founder and CEO of CHAYN - a global nonprofit that creates resources on the web to address gender-based violence. Chayn’s multilingual resources, designed with, not for survivors, have reached more than 600 000 people. Raised in Pakistan and living in the UK, Hera knew from early on she wanted to tackle violence against women. She believes in using the power of open source technology, trauma-informed design and hope-filled framing to solve the world's pressing issues. Hera is an Ashoka Fellow, and was on the Forbes 30 Under 30, MIT Technology Review’s Innovators Under 35 and European Young Leader 2020 list.
Mohammad Khosa
Mohammad Khosa is the Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Pakistan and Afghanistan. He is a seasoned growth architect who formerly served as the Senior Commercial and Corporate Affairs Director, overseeing one of PepsiCo’s largest food businesses in the region and heading multiple cross-sectoral teams across the farm-to-consumer supply chain, operating from state- of-the art manufacturing facilities. In his career with PepsiCo Pakistan, Mohammad has also led the beverages business. Coupled with his strategic vision, the breadth and depth of his company knowledge has enabled value-creation across iconic brands such as Pepsi, Dew, Sting, Aquafina, Gatorade, Lay’s, Kurkure, and Cheetos, redefining consumer engagement and brand building while optimizing shareholder returns. He is keenly invested in driving a balance between business growth, return on capital, and building brands and people’s capabilities for sustained performance. In addition to PepsiCo’s commercial operations, Mohammad also led the dynamic Corporate Affairs function. In this role, he was a progressive leader who created critical and meaningful partnerships with the government, various business forums and stakeholders across diversified areas such as taxation, trade policies and investments. He oversaw the company’s active multifarious engagements and strategic partnerships on meeting key pep+ targets such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain, tackling the country’s food security crisis, enabling safe water access for communities, driving investments in leading a circular economy for plastics, and accelerating community livelihood and youth development and educational programs. Mohammad is renowned for his rigorous approach towards business development that focuses on innovation, product development, world-class market access distribution systems and building new capabilities such as revenue management. He champions new service models such as Global Business Services and is dedicated to designing products for affordability in developing markets and strengthening agricultural efficiency. Mohammad has also spearheaded multiple transformational and capacity development projects, providing inspirational leadership to the organization and mentorship to his employees. Mohammad has multifaceted experience in sales, marketing, and general management across multiple FMCG categories. Prior to PepsiCo, he worked with British American Tobacco in various key roles. His diverse business and corporate sector experience includes foods, beverages, tobacco, and technology. His expertise spans multiple business models including franchise- owned, company-owned, agro-based and joint ventures. Mohammad is passionate about strengthening diversity in leadership, inclusion in the workplace and increasing gender parity across teams, as well as driving multiple women inclusion programs in rural areas for tangible, grassroots social impact. Mohammad is an alumnus of McGill University Canada, and a graduate of the prestigious General Management Program of the Wharton Executive Education, University of Pennsylvania. He enjoys sports, traveling, reading, and leveraging his strengths towards creating meaningful opportunities for people and facilitating community development.
Mallory Knodel
Technologist & human rights expert founded Internet Exchange; a human rights-based feminist perspective on technology governance publication. She serves as an Executive Director at the Social Web Foundation, a nonprofit working towards growing a healthy and multi-polar Fediverse. Mallory is active in the internet and emerging technical standards at the IETF, IEEE and the UN. Her background in computer science and civil society brings a unique perspective to the intersection of technology, policy, and human rights. She was the CTO of the Center for Democracy and Technology and on the steering committee of the Global Encryption Coalition.
Mina Malik
Mina Malik is an Oxford-trained writer and poet based in Lahore. She is the co-founder of indie publishing house The Peepul Press and prose editor at The Aleph Review.
Fiza Farhan
Fiza Farhan is the CEO of ORA Global Development Advisors and a leading global expert on issues pertaining to inclusive economic growth, climate change, sustainable development, financial inclusion, women empowerment, access to energy and multi-sectorial partnerships; advising various Governments, private sector and development agencies especially the United Nations on critical development issues in both realms of advocacy and action. Fiza is also the Convenor of the Male Champions of Change Pakistan Coalition, creating strong partnerships with CEOs of private sector organizations to enable them to step up for gender equality. Previously Fiza was the CEO & Co-founder of two social enterprises Buksh Foundation & Buksh Energy Private Limited, whereby she launched multiple global innovations on projects creating unique development solutions addressing multiple challenges the rural communities face including the nexus between empowerment for women & girls and access to clean and reliable energy solutions in addition to access to finance, education and economic livelihoods, later the same innovative ideas got recognized as “International Best Practices” by the UN Foundation & UN Habitat. Fiza was featured in the US Magazine Forbes “30 Under 30 List of Social Entrepreneurs” twice in 2015 and then in 2016, in addition to becoming the youngest member of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on Women Economic Empowerment, Future Energy Leader at the World Energy Council, and Chairperson to Chief Minister Punjab’s Task Force on Women Empowerment amongst many other high level board positions. Currently, Fiza is an advisor to multiple stakeholders in individual and institutional capacities, including UNICEF Pakistan, PFAN International, UNGC International etc. Fiza is a graduate of Lahore University of Management Sciences and completed her post-graduation from Warwick Business School, UK.
Abdul Rehman
Abdul Rehman is a slow fashion designer and a researcher who works at the intersection of indigenous cultures, shared South Asian nostalgia, literature, art and fashion. He is the founder of slow-fashion label Aangan which promotes locally inspired sustainable fashion. He also documents aural and visual culture of medieval punjabi literature.
Fatima Razzaq
Fatima Razzaq is a journalist, writer and feminist activist. Her work involves on human rights, especially of religious and gender minorities. She CEO of Lok Sujag (an independent digital media platform amplifying voices from the margins of power) and Sujag Academy (an e-learning platform for progressive knowledge)
Pop-ups
Attiya Dawood
Saleema Jawwad
Saleema J. Khawaja from Lahore, Pakistan is a lawyer by profession. She has been involved with learning music since the age of seven. Her main focus has been Punjabi folk. In the year 2007 she started learning Gurbani Sangita Sabadritas (compositions of Sikh tradition) from Bhai Ghulam Muhammad Chand belonging to the Rababi tradition and remained his student till shortly before his death in April 2015.
Rabia Pasha
Rabia Pasha is a Programme Officer for the Adolescent and Youth Programme at UNFPA. She has a background in law, having done her LLB and LLM from University of London. She has been in corporate and academic roles and transitioned into the development sector onward 2016. Taking an interest in theatre during school years, Rabia has worked with Theatre Wallay as a writer and actor, taking part in several productions, with some supported by Alliance Francaise and the US State Department. She attend a three week theatre residency at Ithaca College in 2017. She was also part of Insolent Knights, an Islamabad based theatre group that performed at Kuch Khaas, Cultural Arts Center. Most recently, she attended a master training on theatre based techniques for social change conducted by National Centre for Culture and Arts of King Hussain Foundation, Jordan, in partnership with UNFPA. Nowadays she’s being schooled on theatrics by her children, aged 5 and 2.
Amna Mawaz
Amna Mawaz Khan's work intersects between art and politics. At the age of 11 years, she began training in south asian dance forms with a focus on Bharathanatyam under Guru Indu Mitha (Pride of Performance award recipient). From 2016-2018, Amna was appointed choreographer for the Pakistan National Council of the Arts. She has also written, acted, and directed theatre plays, performed in music videos and short films, and has been associated with theatre troupes Azaad Awaam Theatre, Theatrewallay and is a founding member of public art platform, Laal Hartaal. She has performed and given workshops in Belgium, China, India, Germany, Pakistan, Switzerland, the UK and the USA. Since 2007, she has been engaged with political organizing in Awami Workers Party and Women Democratic Front. Their work centres around urban housing rights, artistic rebellion/creation, feminist interventions, and solidarity with progressive groups and movements. In 2015, Amna stood for the local government elections in Islamabad, in the first women-led electoral panel in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Pakistan Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, and has taught a course, “The Aesthetics of Power/The Power of Aesthetics” at the South Asia Institute in 2022. Currently, she is writing her thesis for another Master's degree, this time in Transcultural Studies, at the University of Heidelberg.
Abdul Rehman
Abdul Rehman is a slow fashion designer and a researcher who works at the intersection of indigenous cultures, shared South Asian nostalgia, literature, art and fashion. He is the founder of slow-fashion label Aangan which promotes locally inspired sustainable fashion. He also documents aural and visual culture of medieval punjabi literature.
Fatima Razzaq
Fatima Razzaq is a journalist, writer and feminist activist. Her work involves on human rights, especially of religious and gender minorities. She CEO of Lok Sujag (an independent digital media platform amplifying voices from the margins of power) and Sujag Academy (an e-learning platform for progressive knowledge)
Aima Arif
Aima Arif is a Pakistani poet, writer and literature enthusiast from Sialkot, Pakistan. Currently pursuing her English literature degree at Government College University (GCU) Lahore, she finds inspiration in everyday life, nature and personal narratives of friendship, grief, personal growth and self-discovery. When she's not reading or writing, she spends her time exploring new music, and tracing constellations in the night sky. Her work has been published in The Ravi and Beneath the Mask. To explore more of her work, find her on Instagram: @__radi0silent.
Sajjar
Sajjar is a student of English literature from Lahore, Pakistan whose poetry delves into the spiritual and the sombre, exploring themes of god, graveyards, and grief, drawing inspiration from the halls of Lahore Museum. Sajjar's poetry has been featured in Unsent Letters (2022), and her articles have appeared on Samaa TV’s blog site.
Zarish Khalid
Zarish Khalid is a writer who tends to drift towards the dark and eerie. She has been published in the anthology, Spaces and Places (Punjab University’s 2023). Residing in Lahore, she spills her words on @arcane.notes on Instagram, and Substack.
Zehra Wasif
Zehra Wasif is a writer and student of history based in Lahore. Zehra is interested in the power of storytelling in the everyday, and has recently been published in the Students for Justice in Palestine’s Written Resistance. She shares her writing on her Substack at @zehrasssubstack
Sana Mohsin
Sana Mohsin received her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto and her graduate degree from York. Her work has been published in Acta Victoriana, Hart House Review, Decameron Writing Series and others. Her debut chapbook ‘Grief Grows Elsewhere’ was published in 2022. She is the recipient of the 2023 ZHR Prize for her short story ‘Rabbits’.
Imran Iftikhar
Imran Iftikhar is a theatre director, writer, and actor based in Rawalpindi, currently serving as the Artistic Director at Chaand Nagar Cultural Centre. He previously held the role of Programme Director at Theatre Wallay in Islamabad for eight years, contributing significantly to the organization's growth. Imran's portfolio spans productions based on Russian, French, Urdu, and English literature, with works showcased in Pakistan and the United States. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School in New York. Notable works include directing the Urdu adaptation of Dance Like a Man (Mi Raqsam) in 2024, showcased at the World Culture Festival in Karachi, and writing and directing Marhoom Ki Yaad Mein in 2022, a series of plays based on Patras Bukhari's essays. His earlier career highlights include co-writing and acting in On Common Ground, performed at the Oregan Shakespeare Festival in Oregon, USA in 2017.
Films
Safar Ali Danish
Safar Ali Danish is an independent filmmaker who is well known for his short film "Flying in Darkness" which has received 20 international Award, including the 8th Shahr International film festival Iran. He belongs from a prestigious Hazara Community and born in Quetta Balochistan, Pakistan, graduated from Iqra University Karachi in major of Film and Tv. He also made a documentary film by the name of "A Journey Through Perseverance" which has won 7 International Awards at different film around the world, His contributions to cinema not only highlight the culture and stories of Balochistan but also resonate with audiences worldwide. His films often explore themes that reflect social issues and human experiences.
Bushra Waqas Khan
Bushra Waqas Khan (b. 1986) graduated summa cum laude from the National College of Arts, Lahore (2008) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, specializing in Printmaking. In her current practice, Khan reimagines the intricate designs of a state document better known as an Affidavit or Oath Paper. These papers, often associated with legal ownership and rights, particularly of men, symbolize systemic exclusion and the perpetuation of patriarchal norms. By manipulating and strategically repeating these patterns, she creates visually elaborate and conceptually charged works. Khan’s practice is multidisciplinary, encompassing both 2D and 3D forms. Her work ranges from intricate paper-based compositions to sculptural installations and meticulously crafted textile pieces. These creations highlight the interplay between printmaking techniques and the materiality of textiles, merging the traditional and the contemporary. Through this approach, she critiques the lingering impact of colonization in South Asia, exploring themes of identity, power, and societal fragmentation. By pushing the boundaries of form and medium, Khan transforms symbols of state control into powerful expressions of resistance, creating a dialogue that challenges historical and cultural hierarchies.
Mariyam Nawaz
Mariyam Nawaz is a communications specialist with almost two decades of work experience in the UN across Asia and Pacific. She is a champion of women's rights and empowerment and have produced various campaigns on women and girls that reached millions of people.
Dr. Luay
Dr. Luay Shabaneh is the Representative of UNFPA Pakistan. Prior to his current appointment, he served as the Regional Director of UNFPA for the Arab States since 2016.A native of Palestine, Dr. Luay has held several high-profile national and international public service positions over the last two decades in official statistics, population census, population and development, monitoring and evaluation, programme management and advocacy within the UN System, in government and in the multilateral arena. He served as chief statistician of Palestine from 2005 until he started his UN career in 2009 with both UNDP/UNCT and UNFPA in Iraq, and the Regional Office for Arab States since 2015 as the Regional Adviser for Population Data and Policies in ASRO.Dr. Luay holds a PhD in Applied Social Statistics from Lancaster University, UK, a Master’s Degree in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Jordan and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Baghdad University.
Imran Sajid
Was I an outcast or was it just hard for me to fit in or maybe not having a pleasant childhood helped me rebel against the normal. Life taught me to choose who I wanted to be. So I chose to be an artist. I find the word “Artist” burdened. Mostly it’s very hard for me to admit to myself if I am one. I know artist’s. I know humans. I think I know God. I am just a human, not the best of kind either. Sometimes the world calls me an artist, I nod mostly... I think everyone should have the right to express themselves. I’m mostly self taught but I can’t deny that I’ve had mentors. One of them stands out from the rest of them since he taught me not just cinematography but about life itself. I made my first narrative short film through a program introduced by Olomopolo. Before that and Sometimes I still make experimental films. When I say experimental it just means I don’tknow what I am going to make, I look for inspiration or inspiration finds me, I try not to control it. One of my experimental films won four awards around the globe last year, I wasn’t aiming to win anything but I am glad I did.
Farah Naz Baloch
Farah studied film diploma from “Karachi School of Arts” Her journey began with thesis short film “Arzoo” as an assistant art director. In 2022 she joined Iqra University’s students for their multiple thesis projects. Farah worked as camera assistant, Sound Recordist, Art Director. Farah worked Mehrdar Art and Production’s short film “Dazguwar a tawar” as a Script Supervisor and still working in multiple projects with them. In 2023 she worked at Ab films as content editor
Mahera Omer
Mahera Omar is a Pakistani filmmaker and environmental advocate known for her documentaries addressing social, urban, and environmental issues. She co-founded the Pakistan Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), which promotes biodiversity conservation and compassionate treatment of animals. Her film, Sometimes Even the Shore Drowns, explores Karachi’s coastal ecosystem and won a special mention at the 5th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival in 2024. Her film was inspired by Rachel Carson’s The Edge of the Sea, which highlights environmental degradation caused by urbanisation and activities along Karachi's shoreline. Her documentaries have been showcased globally, such as at the Istanbul International Architecture and Urban Films Festival and Film South Asia. She is currently working on projects addressing air pollution and Karachi’s biodiversity.
Wardha Shabbir
Visual practitioner and contemporary miniaturist Wardha Shabbir born in 1987 is residing in the city of Lahore Pakistan. She graduated from the prestigious National College of Arts, (NCA), Lahore, with her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts (BFA Hons.), receiving Honours, in 2011, where she also merited the Principal’s Honour Award. During her academic career at NCA, Shabbir was awarded numerous scholarships and grants as well as being selected for an exchange programme in Paris, with the Ecoledes Beaux Arts, (2006-‘10). Additionally, she received the best young artist Award from Al Hamra Gallery, Lahore, in 2011. She is also an educationist, having taught at her alma mater since 2013 where she also served as a Visiting Assistant Professor till 2021. Since graduating, Shabbir has exhibited widely on national and international platforms. She was the first artist from Pakistan selected for FLACC Belgium, where she initiated a research-based experiment on the human sensorium while transforming a two-dimensional miniature painting into a three-dimensional interactive environment. In 2016, she participated in the Summer Intensive Programmeat the Slade School Of Fine Arts, London. In addition, Shabbir has exhibited at DAS (Dhaka Art Summit)-2014, Scope (Basel), Contemporary Istanbul-2011, Abu Dhabi Art Fair, 2020 and 2023, Indian Art Fair (2012 & 2019, 2022), Artissima 2021- Italy, Art Dubai 2022– Solo Booth (Bawwaba Section), ARCO- Madrid 2024 , The Asian Pacific Triennial at the Gallery Of Modern Art, Brisbane, Asian Now Paris 2024 as well as numerous groups exhibit around the world. She has been invited as a Panelist at various platforms including the FLF (Faisalabad Literature Festival) 2022, LLF (Lahore Literary Festival),2023 and Art Basel Hong Kong - A Conversation On Ink and Miniaturism, 2023. Her solo exhibitions include “ The Water is Never Still” at Sabrina Amrani, Madrid Spain 2024,“If A Tree Could Wander” Alhamra Arts Centre, Public Institution in Lahore, Pakistan, “The Water You Seek” 2022 at Grosvenor Gallery London, “Green Matter” at Canvas Gallery, Karachi 2021; ‘In a Free State’ at Grosvenor Gallery, London, 2019; “The Space Within” at Canvas Gallery, Karachi, 2018; “Of Trees and Other Beings” at Rohtas II, Lahore, 2016; and “Many Metamorphoses “at Rohtas II, Lahore, 2012. Shabbir was among the finalists for the esteemed Jameel Prize 5 (2018), Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London where her work was exhibited, and travelled to other venues, including the Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai in 2019. She has been nominated twice for the Sovereign Art Prize, (2019 and 2020). Shabbir has also given workshop and lectures on Miniature Painting at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) 2018, London UK, Master Class on Miniature Painting at Art Abu Dhabi 2021, Workshop on the Introduction of Miniature Painting at MISK Institute , Riyadh, Saudi Arab, 2023. Shabbir’s work is in well-reputed private and corporate collections in Switzerland, Berlin, Dubai, Abu Dhabi ,India. As well as various prominent collections in Pakistan, India, UK, USA and Canada. Her work has been acquired by the British Museum, UK and Kiran Nadar Museum, India in 2023.Her recent Museum acquisition of works was done by QAG& GOMA (Queens Land Art Gallery/Gallery Of Modern Art.
Interactive/Exhibitions
Khaled Anam
Khaled Anam 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 theatres 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.
Aamna Saleem
Aamna Saleem is an astronomer who has a postgraduate diploma in Quantitative Life Sciences from the Abdus Salam International Center for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy, and is the founder and CEO of Cosmic Perspective, Pakistan's first astronomy education and entertainment social enterprise. She was awarded the first ever grant in Pakistan from the International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development to conduct a project called "Development through Astronomy in Pakistan [DAP]" in 2019. The goals of DAP are to provide quality STEM education, reduce gender inequality, raise awareness about the environmental crises, and promote peace and equality in Pakistan. She is also a facilitator of the Climate Fresk in Pakistan. She has taught Mathematics at the IB MYP Level at renowned schools including LGSi. She is currently working as the Career Advisor at BCP Defence Campusand and hopes to combine her various life experiences together to inspire the next generation of college applicants. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction and dabbles in the culinary arts.
Rabbania Shirjeel
Rabbania Shirjeel is a Lahore based multi-disciplinary artist and curator. She has an Art background with a photography degree. With her practice, she is interested in using photography, text, video, architecture model making techniques and paper collages to address personal histories, nostalgia and social behaviors and coexisting. Her works are mostly multi-layered from exploration of cultures, languages and social landscape. Rabbania’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally including Gallery 39k, Lahore, Alhamra Arts Gallery, Lahore, The Drawing Room, Lahore, Sir Syed Memorial Complex, Islamabad, Millepiani,Italy. She started her career as Coordinator Arts at The British Council Lahore and has been invited for artist talks and as a Jury including All Indian Summer,UK, Kalaboration Arts, UK, Kaaravan, Lahore, LUMS. Rabbania is a founder of Tasweerghar through which she is Interested in community building and expanding critical discourse on south Asian contemporary photography through exhibitions ,talks and its Annual Residency Program since 2015. She has curated many projects under Tasweerghar , transforming Narratives and co-lead the project Art Chain Pakistan. She Introduced Tasweerghar Annual Residency program in 2017 and since then have curated and organized Art residencies including the British Council Residency Grant 2023-2024 and was part of the WOW festival 2024.
Aiman Amin
Aiman Amin is a visual artist who completed her BFA in Visual Arts from Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, in 2024, where she received a distinction. She currently lives and works in Lahore. Aiman primarily works with photography and video, focusing on the daily lives of diverse cultural communities. She explores places, spaces, and moments where social and cultural structures become visible. A significant aspect of Aiman Amin's work involves reimagining and recreating self-portraits based on archival photographs or oral histories of Baloch women from different time periods. This process allows her to connect with her heritage while offering a contemporary lens to understand and honor their experiences. Inspired by her roots in Balochistan, her practice centres on resilient Baloch women—matriarchs who uphold their families despite conflict and displacement. By blending documentary realism with storytelling, she creates interactive interfaces that uncover layers of meaning about her heritage.
Summaiya Jillani
Exploring the Self through Arts by Summaiya Jillani, a contemporary artist, she specialises in Pop Art-inspired works that merge vibrant, retro aesthetics with social commentary.She is inspired by both Eastern and Western cultures, often merging Western pop icons with Eastern elements. She also teaches at the Indus Valley School of art and architecture.
Baithak
Dr. Maryam Rab
Dr. Maryam Rab has worked in the field of education and women empowerment for over 28 years. Her experience is primarily in the public service sector in Pakistan, she has made significant contributions to higher education management and leadership. As a Chevening Scholar, she obtained a master's degree in Education Management from King's College London, and later completed her doctorate in Education from the prestigious Institute of Education, UCL, London. Dr. Rab played a pivotal role in establishing Pakistan's first state women's university, Fatima Jinnah Women University, thereby providing young women with access to higher education. She is an ACU certified trainer and a mentor for women in the field of higher education leadership and management. Throughout her career, Dr. Rab has been actively involved in campaigning for women's empowerment in South Asia. Her expertise lies in international collaborations and partnerships in higher education. Her research focuses on education, inclusion, women, and leadership. She has published works on topics such as the experiences of international students in UK universities and the significance of women as role models. In her current position as the head of research programmes for the Global Research and Insight team, she leads the Next Generation Research Series, which aims to empower and uplift young people specially women by conducting groundbreaking research on their needs, potential, and aspirations. Dr. Maryam Rab firmly believes in the ideology that real feminism is about making other women's lives better.
Sidra Allah Wasaya
Ms Sidra Allah Wasaya, a dedicated biodiversity conservationist with a passion for protecting and preserving our planet's precious wildlife. She is working as an Assistant Director Wildlife in the Punjab wildlife and Parks Department, she brings a wealth of expertise to the field, backed by a strong academic foundation in Zoology. Academically she has done M.Phil in Zoology and her expertise spans around Wildlife and its Ecosystem.
Rizwana Aziz
Rizwana is the first woman to join the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department, where she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and remarkable abilities in wildlife conservation. A pioneer in in-situ conservation, she has played a pivotal role in the safe rescue and release of Indian pangolins in Punjab, one of the most trafficked mammals in the world. Rizwana is widely recognized for her work in combating illegal poaching and wildlife trade, focusing on pangolins, birds, and numerous other species. As the first woman officer in her department, she has carved a unique niche for herself, earning credibility and respect within the field of wildlife conservation. Despite limited resources, Rizwana and her team have been at the forefront of efforts to protect vulnerable species, showcasing resilience and dedication in the fight to preserve biodiversity.
Haseena Anbarin
Haseena Anbarin serves as the Deputy Inspector General of Forests (DIG) at the Federal Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. A qualified forester and a passionate nature conservationist, Haseena is among the pioneering women to join wildlife departments in Pakistan. She spent over 15 years with the KP Wildlife Department, contributing to in-situ wildlife conservation and promoting conservation education across the region. Her work has consistently emphasized the protection of biodiversity and fostering awareness among local communities. Haseena recently represented Pakistan’s wildlife rangers at the prestigious World Ranger Congress in France, showcasing their vital role in the conservation effort
Rabia Tahir
Rabia Tahir is Director Communications at WWF-Pakistan, where she leads the organization’s efforts to amplify the impact of its conservation work across the country. Passionate about both nature and social impact, Rabia’s work is dedicated to creating a world where conservation and communities thrive hand in hand. She is shaping stories that highlight innovations and successes across a range of environmental issues; from the conservation of key species to sustainable agriculture and food systems and the protection of freshwater sources and forests. At WWF, she is driving impactful communication campaigns that not only raise awareness, but also support advocacy efforts for a sustainable future. Prior to joining WWF, she was Deputy Director Research and Head of Communications at the Punjab Healthcare Commission. She holds a Bachelors degree from the University of Toronto, a Masters degree from the University of London, and a PG Certificate in Communications for Public Policy Delivery from the National University of Singapore. She is also a mother to two girls and in her (rare) free time, she’s either on Netflix or behind a book.
Hamera Aisha
Hamera Aisha is a wildlife ecologist with over 15 years of dedicated experience in wildlife conservation. She works with WWF in Pakistan as Senior Manager of Wildlife Conservation.
Mariam Saleem Farooqi
Mariam Saleem Farooqi is a Heritage and Culture Management Specialist from Pakistan. She specializes in improving safeguarding practices for intangible cultural heritage, integrating cultural knowledge into classrooms and museums, community engagement for heritage protection, and disaster risk management for heritage. She has worked with the UNESCO Field Office in Islamabad, and her professional experience includes research work with the British Council, curatorial work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and field archaeology at the World Heritage Site of Aphrodisias in Turkey. A Fulbright alumna, she holds a Master’s degree in the history of Art & Archaeology from New York University, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities from the Lahore University of Management Sciences.
Sara Hassan
Sara Hassan is currently heading the British Council Lahore Library, bringing over 6 years of experience in the development sector, primarily focusing on third space libraries. With a strong background in EDI initiatives, thought leadership, policy development, cultural initiatives, and programming, she has led impactful projects that promote inclusivity in education and community spaces, encouraging collaboration and creativity. She continues to advocate for more inclusive practices in library spaces and beyond.
Aliza Khalid
Aliza Khalid works as the Manager of the National History Museum, Lahore. She is also a seasoned climate journalist and has covered stories concerning climate change, gender issues and such. Recently, she has worked with Lok Sujag, Samaaj, and Alliance for the Climate Justice as a journalist. She works collaboratively with her team to implement solutions that enhance the safety and well-being of her female colleagues, recognizing that women can only truly thrive when they feel secure and protected at workspaces.
Ayza Khan
Certified ‘weird’ women’s literature lover and resident book troll at The Last Word, Ayza has been in charge of hosting various workshops, open mics, poetry circles and community events at the bookstore – including bazaars empowering women-owned businesses, and facilitating fundraisers and a space for organisations like Mahwari Justice and Todd’s Welfare Society.
Awais Malik
Awais Ahmed Malik is the Director of the National History Museum Lahore; Pakistan’s first digital and interactive museum. He is committed to preserving Pakistan's heritage and leads vibrant educational programs for youth engagement. Awais also serves as the Assistant Project Director for the “Digital Curation of Lahore & Taxila Museums” project. Awais is an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program by the US State Department and also heads Raaye Saazi; a peacebuilding initiative. He holds a bachelor's in History and an MPhil in Education Leadership and has received multiple awards for public speaking and leadership initiatives.
Dr. Um-e-Habiba
Dr. Um-e-Habiba serves as the Director of Wildlife at the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, where she oversees the management of Margalla Hills National Park and wildlife conservation efforts within the federal capital territory. Under her leadership, her team undertakes diverse activities including visitor management, wildlife research, human-wildlife conflict resolution, and managing critical challenges such as forest fires and the conservation of species like the common leopard. She previously served on the faculty at Haripur University, where she specialized in wildlife and forest management, further solidifying her expertise in natural resource conservation.
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Khadija Siddique
Khadija Siddiqi is a Pakistani criminal lawyer and women's rights activist. She gained national and international attention in 2016 when she survived a life-threatening attack and single handedly fought for justice in a crooked system. Her struggle resonated and echoed throughout the society and led a battle which became a movement for the prevalence of human rights in Pakistan Despite facing significant challenges and obstacles, Siddiqi persisted in seeking justice and ultimately succeeded in obtaining a conviction against her attacker from the Supreme Court. Since 2016 Siddiqi has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and access to justice in Pakistan. She chose to pursue criminal law and has secured justice for women across the country. She has spoken at various forums both nationally and internationally, highlighting the challenges faced by women in Pakistan and the need for reforms in the country's legal system to address gender-based violence and discrimination. Khadija received her Bachelor of Law degree from University of London. She completed her Bar-At-Law in 2019 from The Honourable Society of Lincolns Inn, London. In acknowledgement of her human rights work she was awarded Hum Women Leaders Award 2020. She is also the recipient of the UK alumni Award, social Action Award 2022. She is an Asia 21 fellow, class of 2024.
Aaminah Qadir
Aaminah Qadir is a constitutional and human rights lawyer. She is the founder of She-her Pakistan, a public interest litigation firm. Her work focuses on empowering women, minorities and the environment. She is the coordinator of the prison reforms committee of Punjab and has trained over 150 district and sessions judges across Punjab.She was appointed by the High Court as an amicus curiae in the Ravi Urban Development Project case that raised serious issues of environmental damage, in a case challenging the Punjab Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act 2021 and in a case challenging the removal of the Punjab Ombudsperson for protection against harassment in the workplace.
Zoe Khurshid Khan
Zoë is the General Secretary of the Salman Sufi Foundation, a not for profit organisation whose sole objective is to give back to Pakistan through its multiple groundbreaking initiatives, including Women on Wheels: an unprecedented social movement aiming to increase independent mobility for women. She holds an LLM from Kings College London and is a lawyer and licensed advocate who litigates regularly before high courts across Pakistan. She is currently a partner at the law firm Ramdays. She is passionate not only about her legal practice but also a training institute (www.kakti.pk) set up by her and her team in Lahore in memory of her late father which offers technical, english language and computer related short courses at subsidised rates. Along with three likeminded friends, she started the Lahore Children’s Festival, a one of its kind event exclusively for kids, offering services and products that are a 100% made in Pakistan. She is a columnist for The Daily Times newspaper, writing about social and political issues.
Gulalai Khan
Gulalai Khan is a policy communication, governance and gender practitioner and teaches Internet Governance and Technology Policy at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. She is the founder of the Pakistan Professional Women Forum which provides mentorship and networking opportunities for professional women in Pakistan. Ms Khan has an MSc in Communication Governance from the London School of Economics with research in Gender and the Third Level Digital Divide in Pakistan. She is also an alumnus of the Oxford Univeristy Media Policy Institute as well as the European School of Internet Governance, Germany. Ms.Khan is a trainer for women legislatures on inclusive planning and budgeting and women leaders in leadership and communication. She also trains extensively on digital skills and security.
Baemisal
Baemisaal is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in fashion, with a deep understanding of body politics and a strong academic foundation in Liberal Arts. As a versatile professional, she blends creativity with strategy, excelling in digital marketing, project management, social media, branding, art direction and communications. A skilled storyteller and AI artist, her innovative approach bridges the gap between art and technology. Her work has been featured by prominent platforms such as The BBC, The News, The Body Shop, HERbeauty, The Malala Fund, TEDx, Dawn Images and a range of both international and national publications and brands
Anum Uzair
Anum Uzair is a Pakistani endurance athlete and forensic scientist, Mountaineer and mother of two. Known for her exceptional achievements in sports, she holds national records, including a 34-minute wall sit, and has won gold in trail running and gym championships. Balancing her demanding career in forensic science, Anum has emerged as a role model for aspiring athletes. As the team leader of Pakistan’s first women’s K2 expedition organized by FCNA, she has inspired many to pursue excellence after becoming the second woman on Broad Peak. Her journey highlights determination, resilience, and a commitment to breaking barriers in both science and sports. Anum and her husband are the first mountaineer couple of Pakistan.
Rukhsana Sahiba
Rukhsana Izhar, Chairperson of Rukh Foundation and Rizq Trust, is a philanthropist with over 35 years of community service. She leads initiatives in education, food security, and sustainable development, including feeding 1,500 individuals daily and running a K-10 school. She received the 2023 Pride of Pakistan Award.
Mariyam Nawaz
Mariyam Nawaz is a communications specialist with almost two decades of work experience in the UN across Asia and Pacific. She is a champion of women's rights and empowerment and have produced various campaigns on women and girls that reached millions of people.
Aaminah Qadir
Aaminah Qadir is a constitutional and human rights lawyer. She is the founder of She-her Pakistan, a public interest litigation firm. Her work focuses on empowering women, minorities and the environment. She is the coordinator of the prison reforms committee of Punjab and has trained over 150 district and sessions judges across Punjab.She was appointed by the High Court as an amicus curiae in the Ravi Urban Development Project case that raised serious issues of environmental damage, in a case challenging the Punjab Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act 2021 and in a case challenging the removal of the Punjab Ombudsperson for protection against harassment in the workplace.
Nada Zareen Parvez
Nada Zareen Parvez is a Pakistani boxer who won the 54 kg bantamweight title at the National Women's Boxing Championship in Lahore. Along with being a mother of two, she has pursued boxing passionately and aspires to represent Pakistan internationally. Nada is a also qualified lawyer, having earned her law degree from the UK. She is recognized as Pakistan's first boxer-lawyer, balancing her legal profession with her commitment to boxing
Somayeh Bardai
Somayeh Bardai oversees the Raana Liaquat Craftsmen’s Colony - RLCC which supports over 20,000 beneficiaries a year and 120 staff members in Shah Faisal Town. This women empowerment organisation houses a school with 750 children, a polyclinic serving 12,000 patients, a vocational training department educating 1000 trainees, a livelihoods department that supports over 250 home based craftswomen and an outreach team that brings awareness to 13000 beneficiaries in the community. Somayeh's journey in design Intervention began in 1999, Quetta, to document the fading embroideries of Balochistan. She attained her BFA from AUD and further studied Photography at SVA in New York after which Somayeh joined the M.Des at NIFT Delhi. Since returning to Karachi in 2012 Somayeh has taught photography at TIP and IVS, worked with Save the Children and the IKEA foundation to eradicate child labor and empower women in the Cotton fields of Interior Sindh and Punjab, restructured and managed the manufacturing unit and vocational training classes at Behbud Karachi and served as an assistant curator at the Mohatta Palace Museum.
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Shanza Khan
Shanza Noorhasan Khan is a graduate student in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, USA. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Emory University, USA, and an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Mount Marty College, USA. A Summa Cum Laude graduate from Emory University and a Dean’s Fellow at the Kennedy School, she was inducted in the Omicron Delta Epsilon International Economic Honor Society and the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society during her academic career. She has worked as an Executive Director of Strategic and Economic Policy Research, a private consulting firm based out of Islamabad. She has also been a Poverty Research Associate at the Asian Development Bank, Islamabad, and also served as a Junior Professional Associate at the World Bank, Washington, D.C. She also works in the capacity of an independent consultant and has recently worked with the Overseas Development Institute, The World Bank, Microfinance Opportunities, Feinstein International Center, Sustainable Development Policy Institute, GTZ, UNICEF, United States Agency for International Development, Department for International Development, British High Commission, Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, and Royal Netherlands Embassy Development Cooperation. Ms. Khan focuses on social protection, health and monitoring and evaluation issues. Her skill sets includes research, policy design, program management, capacity building, strategic planning, intercultural communication and impact assessments. She is passionate about higher education opportunities for Pakistani youth and started an education organization, Eye on Ivy, in 2019 that assists students with identifying their academic passion, building their extracurricular profiles with targeted internships and community service, and guiding through the entire college application process.
Mahad Ahmad
Mahad Ahmed is a Grade 11 student at Scarsdale International School, with a deep passion for AI and computer science. In 2022, he had the honor of representing Pakistan at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) at Dallas, USA. Since then, he has been dedicated to enhancing his skills in computer science, AI development, and engineering to innovate and make a meaningful impact by providing STEM education to underprivileged communities.
Mydah Azhar
Mydah is a high school student at TNS with a keen interest in history, graphic design, and economics. Through internships and projects in financial research, digital marketing, and community building, she has explored how technology, including AI, is reshaping learning, career opportunities, and societal norms. She is particularly interested in how AI can empower teenagers to excel academically and professionally.
Zoya Azfar
Zoya Azfar is a 15-year-old high school student at Learning Alliance International with a deep interest in computer science, particularly artificial intelligence. From a young age, she has been passionate about creating games and websites using HTML, CSS, and Python. As a member of The Junior Academy of Sciences and a participant in the prestigious Veritas AI program, Zoya aims to pursue a career in computer science. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and playing the guitar.
Mehek Rashad
Women behind STEMLAB: Mehek Rashad and Ayesha Inam! These trailblazing CEOs are redefining hands-on learning, where science meets imagination and curiosity sparks innovation. Together, they’re not just leading a lab—they’re leading a movement to inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, and changemakers. Ready to get curious? Let’s explore the future, one experiment at a time!
Ayesha Inam
Women behind STEMLAB: Mehek Rashad and Ayesha Inam! These trailblazing CEOs are redefining hands-on learning, where science meets imagination and curiosity sparks innovation. Together, they’re not just leading a lab—they’re leading a movement to inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, and changemakers. Ready to get curious? Let’s explore the future, one experiment at a time!