Meet the Finalists 2025

Dr Muhammad Abul Hasan

University of Glasgow

An Associate Professor at NED University, Dr Hasan co-leads Pakistan's first Neurocomputation Lab at the National Center for AI. Holding a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Glasgow, his work in cognitive enhancement has benefited over 1,000 lives. He has secured PKR 100M+ in grants, mentored 150+ students worldwide, and earned accolades, including Best Researcher and Best Teacher awards.

Dr Rafia Mumtaz

University of Surrey

A distinguished professor and award-winning researcher, Dr Rafia has received multiple honors, including the HEC Best University Teacher Award 2022. She has established international labs, secured over $680,000 in research grants, and co-led projects with Coventry, Chiang Mai, King’s College London, Warwick, among others to bridge academia, industry, and global collaborations.

Dr Syed Talha Ali Hamdani

University of Manchester

A pioneer in E-Textiles in Pakistan, Talha developed innovations like the patented 'Intellitex' smart socks and led multiple funded research projects, including enhancing local power loom functionalities. As a UK Alumni, Talha bridges academia and industry, driving sustainability, boosting exports, and advancing Pakistan's textile innovation.

Dr. Sonia Irum

Royal Holloway, University of London

A faculty member at the International Islamic University Islamabad, Dr Sonia empowers women through projects on gender and sustainability. Her education in the UK sparked a passion for creating change and impact. She has mentored young women, reshaped narratives on Pakistani women’s contributions, and in her upcoming book she uses writing to inspire social change.

Shanzay Subzwari

London Metropolitan University

A Chevening Scholar and award-winning visual artist and writer, Shanzay specializes in Fine Arts, like miniature painting, video, and papercutting. Her work has been exhibited across the USA, Europe, and Asia and is featured in prestigious collections. As an adjunct faculty at IVS, she collaborates with leading brands like Spotify and Khaadi and hosts ArtLounge Talks.

Zehra Shallwani

King’s College London

Founder of Dastaan Tours Pvt Ltd, Zehra champions eco-tourism and community empowerment in Pakistan. With an MSc in Tourism, Environment, and Development, she integrates sustainability into tourism, promoting heritage, interfaith harmony, rural tourism, and artisan development. Her initiatives support cultural preservation, and inclusive growth, and align with UN SDGs.

Asad Aslam

Queen Mary, University of London

A biomedical engineer, Asad developed an AI-based infant incubator to address the lack of locally made devices for premature babies in Pakistan. His innovation will help reduce mortality and currently serves 15,950 preterm babies. Asad is expanding green tech to lower middle-income countries and war-torn regions with potential UN support, aiming to serve humanity.

Saqib Tariq

University of Glasgow

Associate Investments at Karandaaz Pakistan, Saqib advises on the country's first PKR-denominated green bond, aiming to raise PKR 1 billion for climate-friendly projects. Focused on SME financing and sustainable investments, he works to strengthen Pakistan’s financial architecture, while overseeing investments in financial institutions.

Salimah Taufiq

University of Sheffield

Senior Manager of EHR Training at Aga Khan University Hospitals, Salimah has over two decades of experience in clinical informatics. She led the Meditech Expanse EHR implementation at AKUH Nairobi and oversees EHR training for 10,000+ staff at AKUH Karachi. Holding an MSc in Health Informatics from the University of Sheffield, she advocates for nursing informatics in clinical practices across Pakistan.

Dr. Amara Khan

University of Glasgow

As head of UN WFP Punjab, Dr Amara leads stunting prevention efforts that benefit women and children. A strong advocate for gender equity and climate resilience, she drives transformative projects and has co-founded an orphanage. As a UK Alumni, she applies global expertise to combat malnutrition and advance public health through innovative, sustainable solutions.