Five Pakistanis make it to Forbes 30 Under 30 list
Five talented individuals from Pakistan have achieved a remarkable feat by securing a spot on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list of 2023, bringing pride to their nation.
Forbes’ 2023 list showcases a diverse group of honorees under the age of 30, representing 20 countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region. Among the accomplished Pakistanis recognized on the list are Ayesha Mubarak Ali, a multimedia visual tech artist; Azam Mahmood, a screenwriter; Hassan and Islam, co-founders of the startup KalPay; and Anas Niaz, the founder of Bioniks, a social enterprise.
Ayesha Mubarak Ali is an internationally acclaimed artist known for her fusion of traditional methods and digital technology. Her work explores themes such as identity politics, light pollution, space applications, and the future of humanity.
Notably, Ali is the first Pakistani artist to collaborate with scientists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Her artwork was even sent to the International Space Station through SpaceX for Maleth II.
Azam Mahmood has gained recognition for his storytelling skills and serves as a story editor for a drama series. He has also had the opportunity to work with the renowned Golden Globe-winning actor Ramy Youssef on the show “Ramy” that Youssef created.
Hassan and Islam are the co-founders of KalPay, a Sharia-compliant buy-now-pay-later startup. Their aim is to cater to the vast Muslim population in Pakistan and provide them with financial access through innovative solutions.
In 2021, KalPay partnered with Muawin, a BNPL player from Foodpanda, to expand its reach and offer financial services to a wider audience. Anas Niaz established Bioniks in 2016, a social enterprise that focuses on developing low-cost bionic arms. These 3D-printed prosthetics are customized and equipped with sensors and software, enabling users to hold objects using robotic fingers.