Meet the Finalists 2026

Dr Nadia Nawaz Qadri

University of Essex

A Professor of Computer Engineering at COMSATS University Islamabad and founding lead of the Center for Innovation in Networks, Telecom and AI. Rising from a remote village in Sindh, she earned her PhD from the University of Essex, UK. With 22+ years of experience, 70+ publications, and U.S. patents, she is a pioneering leader in engineering education, research, and women’s empowerment in STEM.

Dr Gulbeena Saleem

University of Glasgow

Dr Gulbeena Saleem is an Associate Professor of Pathology at UVAS Lahore, a PhD graduate of the University of Glasgow, and a Fellow of Advanced Higher Education, UK. Recognised by Glasgow’s World-Changing Alumni Awards, she leads impactful research on novel antimicrobial alternatives supporting Pakistan’s poultry industry and food security, while building global collaborations and mentoring emerging scientists in sustainable animal health.

Shaheena Salman Alwani

University of the West of Scotland

A senior nursing leader with over two decades of experience in education reform, research, and community health in Pakistan. A University of the West of Scotland graduate, she champions evidence-informed practice across maternal and child health, mental health, geriatrics, and primary care, with internationally recognised research and WHO-acknowledged publications shaping sustainable nursing leadership.

Zaara Khadija Abbas

Cardiff Metropolitan University

A national athlete, rowing coach, umpire, and international World Rowing official who has transformed women’s participation in rowing in Pakistan. A Cardiff Metropolitan University graduate, she champions inclusive pathways for athletes, coaches, and officials. Inspired by her UK education, Zaara aims to advance sports infrastructure, biomechanical education for women, and leadership development in South Asian sport.

Dr. Sauleha Kamal

University of Cambridge

An internationally published writer, cultural critic, and scholar whose work has reached over two million readers worldwide through The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and multiple anthologies. A Chevening and Cambridge Trust Scholar, she studied at Cambridge and earned her PhD at York. Author of the upcoming Empathy Industry, she has received the $25,000 Axinn/Anna Quindlen Prize and a Yaddo Fellowship in Literature, shaping global literary discourse.

Shahrukh Sohail

University of East London

A sports management professional with experience in strategy, digital transformation, and talent development across the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia. A University of East London MSc graduate, he works at Xplere, Saudi Arabia, leading national youth talent, league development, and digital sports solutions. He worked with Crystal Palace FC, Coventry United Women FC, and the Pakistan Football Federation, and won the 2022 SportsPro Hackathon.

Mariam Zahid Malik

University of Liverpool

A public health and IT expert in Pakistan who led the digital transformation of Sindh’s TB response, improving early diagnosis, patient pathways, and outcomes for over 200,000 people across 15 districts. A Commonwealth Scholar and University of Liverpool MPH graduate, she uses evidence-based, technology-driven solutions to influence national policy, strengthen health systems, and advance equitable digital health innovation in Pakistan.

Aon Bukhari

University of Surrey

A Chevening Scholar leading disability inclusion reforms as Special Secretary (Operations), Health & Population Department, Punjab. Aon has integrated services, expanded treatment access for 38,000+ children, trained providers, and supported caregivers. Inspired by his UK education and as Global Ambassador for the University of Surrey, he aims to scale rights-based disability inclusion nationally for differently-abled children in Pakistan.

Zile Huma

University of Oxford

A Deputy Secretary at the Governor’s House, Lahore, with expertise in policymaking on climate change, human rights, democracy, and higher education. A Chevening Scholar and University of Oxford graduate, she integrates climate change into education to build the next generation of environmental leaders in Pakistan and the region. She is named among the 50 Leading Lights of Asia Pacific 2025 and won Silver and Bronze Women Changing the World Asia Awards 2025.

Mohsin Masood

University of Northampton

An investment promotion and private sector development specialist driving reforms and attracting investment in Pakistan. A University of Northampton MBA graduate, he led 150+ regulatory reforms, developed digital investor platforms at the Prime Minister’s Office, and built a pipeline of 59 firms seeking $400M+. Mohsin applies UK-inspired strategies to advance green projects, export-ready businesses, and sustainable economic growth nationwide.