Over the years, the TIME100 list has featured some of Pakistan’s brightest talents, showcasing the country’s capacity for producing leaders and pioneers who challenge the status quo. From courageous activists to transformative political figures, these individuals have put Pakistan on the map for their groundbreaking contributions across various fields.
Their recognition is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a better world, illustrating the profound impact that voices from Pakistan continue to have on global conversations.
1. Mahrang Baloch
Dr. Mahrang Baloch, leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has been recognized in Time Magazine’s ‘2024 Time100 Next’ list for advocating for Baloch rights peacefully. The list highlights 100 rising stars from various fields, including art, sports, and activism, celebrating those making a meaningful impact early in their careers.
Time Magazine praised Dr. Mahrang for her commitment to peaceful advocacy, particularly for organizing a march to Islamabad in December 2023, where she and hundreds of women demanded justice for their missing loved ones—husbands, sons, and brothers. The magazine noted that influence and leadership have evolved beyond traditional definitions, and Dr. Mahrang embodies this new wave of leadership through her tireless activism for her community’s rights.
BBC also recognised Mahrang Baloch for her tireless efforts in it’s ‘100 Women For 2024.’ She stands as a great example of determination and perseverance in times of need and is a role model for young women. Getting these recognitions are a great motivation for her and others just like her. (This article was written in October 2024, and this part has been updated in December 2024).
2. Sherry Rehman
Federal Minister for Climate Change, Sherry Rehman, was featured in TIME magazine’s 2023 list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The annual list recognized global figures who made significant contributions in various fields.
Jennifer Morgan, Germany’s State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action, praised Ms. Rehman in a tribute letter, highlighting how she amplified the voices of those affected by devastating floods. Morgan commended Rehman for her passionate speeches and relentless efforts during COP27 negotiations, which played a pivotal role in achieving a historic outcome—the establishment of a new funding mechanism to support countries most vulnerable to climate change.
At the COP27 conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Ms. Rehman advocated not only for Pakistan but also for the entire Global South, calling for increased private and public investment in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. She emphasized the need for $125 trillion to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Her inclusion in the list, alongside nine other global leaders, acknowledged her role as a key figure in shaping the international climate agenda and advancing climate justice.
3. Dr Shahzad Baig
Dr. Shahzad Baig, the national coordinator of Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Programme, was featured in Time Magazine’s prestigious ‘TIME100 Health’ list for his contributions to polio eradication in Pakistan and his role in the global fight against the disease.
TIME Magazine described the ‘TIME100 Health’ list as a community of leaders across various fields—scientists, doctors, advocates, educators, and policymakers—working to create credible and tangible changes for a healthier world.
Jeffrey Kluger, Editor at Large for Time Magazine, highlighted Dr. Baig’s significant impact in reducing polio cases since taking charge of the program. Despite the challenges, including threats from extremists targeting polio workers, Dr. Baig remained steadfast in his mission, declaring that such threats would no longer hinder their efforts. Before leading Pakistan’s polio eradication program, Dr. Baig played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s successful battle against polio as a technical adviser. Kluger noted that under his guidance, Nigeria achieved polio-free status in 2020. Time Magazine projected that Pakistan could be the next country to eliminate polio, with Kluger stating, “If Baig has his way, Pakistan will be next.”
During Dr. Baig’s tenure, the Pakistani government deployed 400,000 vaccinators and 80,000 security personnel to vaccinate over 90 million children, with an additional 24 million targeted in a spring vaccination drive. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme celebrated Dr. Baig’s inclusion in the ‘TIME100 Health’ list, recognizing his dedication and leadership in the fight against polio.
4. Imran Khan
Prime Minister Imran Khan was included in Time magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People’ list for 2019. The list categorized influential figures into five groups: leaders, pioneers, artists, icons, and titans.
Journalist Ahmed Rashid, in his write-up for the issue, described Khan as Pakistan’s “closest thing to a rock star.” He highlighted Khan’s journey from leading Pakistan’s cricket team to victory in the 1992 World Cup to establishing a world-class cancer hospital in Lahore, followed by a top-tier university for underprivileged students. Khan’s political career began two decades ago, a path that Rashid noted as particularly challenging in a country like Pakistan.
Rashid pointed out that while Khan can be ambitious, cold, and calculating, he continues to inspire hope across generations. Many believe he has the potential to transform Pakistan and contribute to making South Asia a region of peace rather than ongoing conflict.
5. Ali Sethi
Pakistani singer Ali Sethi was featured in Time Magazine’s 2022 ‘TIME100 Next’ list of emerging global leaders. In the write-up, award-winning author Amitav Ghosh acknowledged Sethi’s international hit Pasoori, which had garnered nearly 400 million views on YouTube. Despite being a Punjabi song by a Pakistani artist, Pasoori achieved massive popularity in neighboring India, even as tensions between the two countries escalated.
Ghosh praised Sethi’s unique talent for using classical raags—an ancient form of music—to challenge and broaden perceptions of gender, sexuality, and identity. He described Pasoori as a masterful example of how artists subtly push back against restrictions imposed by rising authoritarianism and intolerance.
Ghosh further noted that Sethi was doing much more than simply creating beautiful melodies. Through his music, Sethi demonstrated that cultural, linguistic, religious, and gender differences do not have to be sources of conflict. Instead, he showed how they have historically enriched societies and inspired some of the greatest works of art.
Did we miss any? Let us know!
