In a remarkable achievement, five individuals from Pakistan have garnered international recognition by securing a place on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list of 2023.
Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, which represents a diverse range of talents, features 30 exceptional young entrepreneurs, leaders, and trailblazers from 20 countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region. The list highlights artists, athletes, scientists and entrepreneurs, sports, and music stars and many more, whose talents are recognized locally and internationally in their respective fields.
Pakistanis on the Forbes list
The Pakistanis on the list include multimedia visual tech artist Ayesha Mubarak Ali, screenwriter Azam Mahmood, cofounders Hassan and Islam of a startup named KalPay and Bioniks founder Anas Niaz.
Ayesha Mubarak Ali – 26 years
Ayesha Mubarak Ali, an esteemed multimedia visual tech artist, has gained international acclaim for her unique approach that seamlessly merges traditional artistic techniques with cutting-edge digital technology. Through her captivating works, she delves into thought-provoking themes, including identity politics, light pollution, space applications, and the future of humanity.
Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani artist to collaborate with NASA scientists. Her artwork was even sent to the International Space Station through SpaceX for the Maleth II project. Ayesha’s captivating fusion-art practice has been recognized by esteemed platforms like NFT NYC, Forbes Middle East, E27, Hello, and GRAZIA. Her work has been showcased internationally, including prominent exhibitions such as the Karachi Biennale and Islington Mill Gallery.
Anas Niaz – 29 years
Another standout Pakistani on the list is Anas Niaz, the founder of Bioniks, a social enterprise specializing in developing affordable, 3D-printed bionic arms. These custom-made prosthetics are equipped with sensors and software, enabling users to grasp objects using robotic fingers. Moreover, Bioniks facilitates connections between those unable to afford prosthetics and potential donors, demonstrating a commitment to social impact. Anas Niaz holds a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, robotics, and automation from SZABIST Karachi.
KalPay cofounders Hassan and Islam – both aged 25
The list also features the co-founders of the startup KalPay, Shershah Hassan and Waleed Amjad Islam. KalPay, a Sharia-compliant buy-now-pay-later platform, aims to cater to Pakistan’s vast Muslim population. Since its launch in 2021, KalPay has sought to extend its financial access by partnering with Muawin, a BNPL player in the food delivery industry.
Azam Mahmood – 29 years
Azam Mahmood’s inclusion on the list stems from his exceptional storytelling talent, which has garnered attention from major networks. As a story editor for a drama series, he has also embarked on an exciting collaboration with Ramy Youssef, the Golden Globe-winning actor, on the creation of the show “Ramy.”
Rich pool of innovators – The presence of these talented individuals on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list showcases Pakistan’s rich pool of innovative thinkers and highlights their contributions to various fields, including art, entertainment, technology, and social entrepreneurship. Their achievements are a testament to Pakistan’s thriving talent and its potential to make a global impact.