Seven Pakistanis have made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Asia this year!
Forbes is a globally renowned business magazine. It publishes an annual “30 Under 30” list, celebrating young innovators and entrepreneurs across various industries. This prestigious list has recognized exceptional talents for over a decade, highlighting individuals who make significant contributions in their fields.
In 2024, seven Pakistanis made it to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list. Their groundbreaking ventures and contributions are truly inspiring. Here is an introduction to these remarkable individuals and their work:
Bushra Sultan – Filmmaker & Creative Director
Bushra Sultan, based in Lahore, has been honored in the arts category. She is a filmmaker, creative director, and production designer. Bushra is known for her innovative campaigns that challenge societal norms, particularly the constraints on women in Pakistan. For example, her notable works include the ‘Guria’ campaign for luxury clothing brand Demesne Couture. This campaign depicted women controlled like puppets to comment on the demands placed on brides in the wedding industry. Furthermore, Bushra’s work continually pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. She aims to spark conversations about women’s rights and societal expectations in her country.
Aleena Nadeem – Founder Of EduFi
Aleena Nadeem founded EduFi, an edtech startup in Lahore, and has been recognized in the finance and venture category. EduFi’s mission is to make higher education accessible to more Pakistanis.
The platform partners with 27 colleges to cover students’ tuition fees, allowing them to study now and pay later. This innovative approach helps students who might otherwise be unable to afford university education. EduFi also conducts credit vetting to ensure students can repay the loan on a monthly basis as they continue their studies, making higher education more attainable for many.
Sarkhail Shahid Bawany – Head Of Product At Abhi
Sarkhail Shahid Bawany is featured in the finance and venture category for his role at fintech company Abhi. Within Abhi, workers can withdraw a percentage of their salary before payday.
This provides financial flexibility and helps them manage emergency expenses more effectively. Sarkhail also serves as the CEO of Abhipay, a subsidiary offering payment services. Under his leadership, Abhi has expanded its services to the Middle East and Bangladesh, demonstrating significant growth and impact in the fintech sector. Sarkhail’s work addresses critical financial needs and promotes financial inclusion for workers in Pakistan and beyond.
Kasra Zunnaiyyer – Founder Of Trukkr
Kasra Zunnaiyyer, the founder of Trukkr, has been featured in the enterprise technology category. Trukkr, based in Karachi, is a logistics management platform designed to support Pakistan’s trucking industry.
The platform offers services such as financing, fleet tracking, and customer connections. These services address key challenges faced by small and medium-sized trucking companies. Established in 2020, Trukkr has attracted global investors. It provides essential digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency and transparency in the logistics sector.
Adeel Abid, Aizaz Nayyer, And Ali Raza – Co-founders Of Linkstar
Adeel Abid, Aizaz Nayyer, and Ali Raza are the co-founders of Linkstar, a platform based in Karachi. They have been recognized in the consumer technology category for their innovative solution. Linkstar empowers freelancers to showcase their work and attract clients.
It provides a user-friendly interface. Freelancers can build and upgrade their websites over time with advanced functionalities. This platform supports the growing freelance economy in Pakistan. It aims to uplift young talent across the MENAP region, which includes the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
These seven remarkable Pakistanis are driving progress and innovation, gaining well-deserved international recognition. By addressing vital social and economic issues, they are paving the way for a brighter future in Pakistan and inspiring young people worldwide who have a vision to make a difference. Their stories serve as powerful examples of how dedication and creativity can lead to impactful change.
