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8 Pakistanis among global recipients of 2026 Diana Award recognising their social work

Source: dawn.com Published Tue, 10 Nov 2026 02:09:38 +0500
8 Pakistanis among global recipients of 2026 Diana Award recognising their social work

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Eight Pakistanis have been recognised this year by The Diana Award for their inspirational initiatives surrounding education, health and climate action.</p> <p>They are among the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link--external" href="https://diana-award.org.uk/our-programmes-and-initiatives/award-and-development/roll-of-honour/roll-of-honour-2026">198 recipients</a> from around the world of the award, a “global honour celebrating young social activists driving positive change in their communities and beyond”.</p> <p>“Rooted in the legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, the award celebrates young people who are working tirelessly to change the world — particularly those championing change for individuals from socio-economic <em>[sic]</em> disadvantaged backgrounds,” reads the charity’s <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link--external" href="https://diana-award.org.uk/our-programmes-and-initiatives/award-and-development/the-diana-award">website</a>.</p> <p>Each year, up to 200 exceptional young people are honoured with the Diana Award, which recognises youth-led projects and initiatives that align with four key <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link--external" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals">Sustainable Development Goals</a> (SDGs): quality education, good health and wellbeing, reducing inequality, and climate action.</p> <p>The Pakistani recipients are Ali Ahmed Manj, who wants to improve healthcare access; Areeba Suleman, founder of SheRise Pakistan; Mariam Rehman, heading The Pro-Justice Project; Muhammad Ibrahim, who used digital mapping to help flood-affected people; Noor Abdul Ghani, who encourages girls in science and technology; Reya Yassir Khawaja, who creates awareness on menstrual hygiene; Sara Ali, who supports polio campaigns; and Vishal Parkash, who works on improving financial access for marginalised communities.</p> <p>They received letters from Kensington Palace, the office of Prince William and his wife Kate, as well as Prince Harry, for the awards announced on Nov 4.</p> <figure class='media w-full sm:w-full media--center media--embed media--uneven' data-original-src='https://www.instagram.com/dianaaward/reel/DfU48aBndv2/?hl=en'> <div class='media__item media__item--instagram media__item--relative'><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfU48aBndv2/?hl=en" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfU48aBndv2/?hl=en" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank"></a></p></div></blockquote><script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div> </figure> <p>In the letter to Suleman, seen by <em>Dawn</em> and seemingly identical for all <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link--external" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DfW0haSk-tw/?img_index=2">honourees</a>, Prince William praised her resilience, courage, compassion and belief in kindness.</p> <p>“The impact you are having on your community and the lives of those around you is remarkable,” the letter read.</p> <p>“The world we live in today can feel challenging and uncertain, and creating change is not easy. Yet, in the face of these challenges, you have shown extraordinary resilience, courage and a belief in the power of kindness to make things better.”</p> <p>The Prince of Wales added: “My mother, in whose memory you receive The Diana Award today, would be so proud of your achievements and the deep care you show for others.”</p> <p>In his letter, Prince Harry wrote, “This award is deeply personal to me, not only because it carries my mother’s name, but because it champions her belief that young people have the power to change the world.”</p> <p>Noting that the recipient made it their mission to solve challenges in their communities, he stated: You are already leading with purpose and the rest of us have a responsibility to listen, invest in you and give you real opportunities to take that work further.”</p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed ' data-original-src='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB6RvBAAho0'> <div class='media__item media__item--youtube '><iframe src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/NB6RvBAAho0?enablejsapi=1&controls=1&modestbranding=1&rel=0' loading='lazy' allow='accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture' allowfullscreen='' frameborder='0' scrolling='no' width='100%' height='100%'></iframe></div> </figure> <h2><a id="8-pakistanis-awarded-this-year" href="#8-pakistanis-awarded-this-year" class="heading-permalink" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" title="Permalink"></a>8 Pakistanis awarded this year</h2> <p>“This year’s Diana Award recipients represent some of the most inspirational young people from across the UK and around the world,” the charity noted.</p> <p>The award’s website also provided details of each recipient’s work for which they were recognised, as of their nominations in October 2025. Here is what the young Pakistani honourees have done to bring a positive change in their surroundings:</p> <p><strong>Ali Azan Ahmed Manj</strong></p> <p>Manj has made dedicated efforts to improve access to healthcare for underserved communities across Karachi and rural Sindh.</p> <p>“Over five years with <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link--external" href="https://www.instagram.com/humanityinitiative/">Humanity Initiative</a>, he has helped lead student-led medical camps and collaborations with NGOs, providing longitudinal healthcare to communities with limited resources,” the website read.</p> <p>It noted that Ali was helping to make healthcare “more accessible and equitable”, as his Humanity Initiative has served over 10,000 patients.</p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven' data-original-src='https://www.instagram.com/humanityinitiative/p/DerLwLPDeq4/?img_index=2'> <div class='media__item media__item--instagram media__item--relative'><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DerLwLPDeq4/?img_index=2" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DerLwLPDeq4/?img_index=2" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank"></a></p></div></blockquote><script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div> </figure> <hr /> <p><strong>Areeba Suleman</strong></p> <p>Founder of SheRise Pakistan, Dera Ghazi Khan’s first student-led youth organisation, Suleman has built a “growing network of young women advancing educational equity across south Punjab”.</p> <p>She has directly impacted more than 6,000 students, and her work has expanded access to leadership opportunities for young women, empowering them to become active participants in shaping their communities, the website noted.</p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven' data-original-src='https://www.instagram.com/sherisepakistan/p/DfU7UvTjOFh/'> <div class='media__item media__item--instagram media__item--relative'><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DfU7UvTjOFh/" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; 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height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DfU7UvTjOFh/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank"></a></p></div></blockquote><script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div> </figure> <hr /> <p><strong>Mariam Rehman</strong></p> <p>A Law and Finance graduate, Rehman was studying at university when she founded <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link--external" href="https://www.instagram.com/theprojusticeproject/">The Pro-Justice Project</a>, a pro bono initiative supported by a network of more than 250 volunteer lawyers.</p> <p>“Together, they have supported over 1,000 cases across Pakistan. Mariam has also provided free debate coaching to more than 200 girls, helping them develop confidence, critical thinking and public-speaking skills.”</p> <p>The Diana Award noted she was creating opportunities for people to understand and exercise their rights through legal advocacy, community engagement and youth leadership.</p> <raw-html> <iframe src="https://www.linkedin.com/embed/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7523817947665063936" height="1383" width="504" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Embedded post"></iframe></raw-html> <hr /> <p><strong>Muhammad Ibrahim</strong></p> <p>Ibrahim decided to use technology to help those affected by natural disasters after noticing how floods could destroy homes, livelihoods and access to essential services.</p> <p>He collaborated with the Punjab government on GIS-based damage assessments and field surveys across high-risk areas, combining digital mapping with on-the-ground verification to support fairer compensation planning for nearly 300,000 families, The Diana Award highlighted.</p> <p>Ibrahim had also mobilised communities through the Murree Rainwater Harvesting Project, which <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1975761#:~:text=rooftop%20rainwater%20harvesting%20programme">provided</a> free rooftop systems to around 4,000 families.</p> <p>“By combining technology with community action, he is helping people recover from disasters while addressing water scarcity and reducing the daily burden of collecting water on women and girls.”</p> <figure class='media w-1/2 sm:w-3/5 media--center media--embed media--uneven' data-original-src='https://www.facebook.com/TheUrbanUnit/videos/the-murree-rainwater-harvesting-project-reflects-governments-commitment-to-susta/1050505014000786/'> <div class='media__item media__item--facebook media__item--relative'><div class="fb-video" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/TheUrbanUnit/videos/the-murree-rainwater-harvesting-project-reflects-governments-commitment-to-susta/1050505014000786/" data-width="auto"></div></div> </figure> <hr /> <p><strong>Noor Abdul Ghani</strong></p> <p>Aiming to close the gender gap in science and technology, Ghani founded <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link--external" href="https://winscipk.com/">WinSci Pakistan</a> to encourage more girls and women to see themselves represented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).</p> <p>A machine learning engineer and Master’s student in Artificial Intelligence, Ghani helps students through STEM sessions, school outreach and scholarship guidance.</p> <p>“Under her leadership, WinSci has delivered programmes in underprivileged schools across Pakistan and received the Science Outreach Award from Springer Nature and Estée Lauder Companies. Noor is helping create a future where more young women have the opportunity to participate and succeed in STEM.”</p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven' data-original-src='https://www.instagram.com/noorabdulghani456/p/DfU-w3rDlhW/'> <div class='media__item media__item--instagram media__item--relative'><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DfU-w3rDlhW/" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DfU-w3rDlhW/" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DfU-w3rDlhW/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank"></a></p></div></blockquote><script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div> </figure> <hr /> <p><strong>Reya Khawaja</strong></p> <p>A student at Nord Anglia International School Dubai, Khawaja founded SAFE — Sanitation and Female Empowerment — in collaboration with the KCS Foundation to challenge the stigma surrounding menstrual health.</p> <p>Through the initiative, she has distributed menstrual hygiene packs and organised educational awareness sessions that encourage open conversations about periods.</p> <p>“Her work focuses on ensuring that girls in underserved communities have access to essential resources as well as the knowledge and confidence to discuss their health openly,” The Diana Award notes.</p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven' data-original-src='https://www.instagram.com/p/DMAqrdlR_a1/?img_index=1'> <div class='media__item media__item--instagram media__item--relative'><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMAqrdlR_a1/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMAqrdlR_a1/?img_index=1" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank"></a></p></div></blockquote><script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div> </figure> <p><strong>Sara Ali</strong></p> <p>Witnessing gaps in health awareness, Ali founded the Pakistan Polio Project to “strengthen vaccine confidence, combat misinformation, support frontline health workers and protect zero-dose children”.</p> <figure class='media w-full sm:w-1/2 media--right media--embed media--uneven' data-original-src='https://www.dawn.com/news/1996107'> <div class='media__item media__item--newskitlink '> <iframe class="nk-iframe" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:250px;position:relative" src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1996107" sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div> </figure> <p>Through community outreach, she has inspired more than 100 volunteers to educate families, promote immunisation awareness and support progress towards a polio-free Pakistan.</p> <p>“Her work brings young people into the heart of public health advocacy, showing how youth leadership and community education can help build greater understanding and protect children from preventable illness,” the website reads.</p> <p><strong>Vishal Parkash</strong></p> <p>Growing up as a Hindu in Pakistan, Parkash became passionate about creating greater financial and legal access for excluded communities, The Diana Award noted.</p> <p>He founded RUBAN, connecting more than 200 women artisans across Karachi, Lahore and Sindh with formal markets and generating over Rs5 million in revenue for its artisans, according to the website.</p> <p>Parkash also founded Emprende, providing financial and legal literacy training to refugees and migrants around the world.</p> <p>“Alongside this, he co-leads Rem &amp; Company, a global student-run consulting network with more than 30 chapters, and founded Konnect to advance disability advocacy. From Karachi to Berlin, Lusaka and Cape Town, Vishal continues turning financial exclusion into entrepreneurial opportunity.”</p> <raw-html> <iframe src="https://www.linkedin.com/embed/feed/update/urn:li:share:7351638640785002497?collapsed=1" height="542" width="504" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Embedded post"></iframe></raw-html> This development from dawn.com highlights ongoing changes in the sector.

Eight Pakistanis have been recognised this year by The Diana Award for their inspirational initiatives surrounding education, health and climate action. They are among the 198 recipients from around the world of the award, a “global honour celebrating young social activists driving positive change in their communities and beyond”. “Rooted in the legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, the award celebrates young people who are working tirelessly to change the world — particularly those championing change for individuals from socio-economic [sic] disadvantaged backgrounds,” reads the charity’s website. Each year, up to 200 exceptional young people are honoured with the Diana Award, which recognises youth-led projects and initiatives that align with four key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): quality education, good health and wellbeing, reducing inequality, and climate action. The Pakistani recipients are Ali Ahmed Manj, who wants to improve healthcare access; Areeba Suleman, founder of SheRise Pakistan; Mariam Rehman, heading The Pro-Justice Project; Muhammad Ibrahim, who used digital mapping to help flood-affected people; Noor Abdul Ghani, who encourages girls in science and technology; Reya Yassir Khawaja, who creates awareness on menstrual hygiene; Sara Ali, who supports polio campaigns; and Vishal Parkash, who works on improving financial access for marginalised communities. They received letters from Kensington Palace, the office of Prince William and his wife Kate, as well as Prince Harry, for the awards announced on Nov 4. View this post on Instagram In the letter to Suleman, seen by Dawn and seemingly identical for all honourees, Prince William praised her resilience, courage, compassion and belief in kindness. “The impact you are having on your community and the lives of those around you is remarkable,” the letter read. “The world we live in today can feel challenging and uncertain, and creating change is not easy. Yet, in the face of these challenges, you have shown extraordinary resilience, courage and a belief in the power of kindness to make things better.” The Prince of Wales added: “My mother, in whose memory you receive The Diana Award today, would be so proud of your achievements and the deep care you show for others.” In his letter, Prince Harry wrote, “This award is deeply personal to me, not only because it carries my mother’s name, but because it champions her belief that young people have the power to change the world.” Noting that the recipient made it their mission to solve challenges in their communities, he stated: You are already leading with purpose and the rest of us have a responsibility to listen, invest in you and give you real opportunities to take that work further.” 8 Pakistanis awarded this year “This year’s Diana Award recipients represent some of the most inspirational young people from across the UK and around the world,” the charity noted. The award’s website also provided details of each recipient’s work for which they were recognised, as of their nominations in October 2025. Here is what the young Pakistani honourees have done to bring a positive change in their surroundings: Ali Azan Ahmed Manj Manj has made dedicated efforts to improve access to healthcare for underserved communities across Karachi and rural Sindh. “Over five years with Humanity Initiative, he has helped lead student-led medical camps and collaborations with NGOs, providing longitudinal healthcare to communities with limited resources,” the website read. It noted that Ali was helping to make healthcare “more accessible and equitable”, as his Humanity Initiative has served over 10,000 patients. View this post on Instagram Areeba Suleman Founder of SheRise Pakistan, Dera Ghazi Khan’s first student-led youth organisation, Suleman has built a “growing network of young women advancing educational equity across south Punjab”. She has directly impacted more than 6,000 students, and her work has expanded access to leadership opportunities for young women, empowering them to become active participants in shaping their communities, the website noted. View this post on Instagram Mariam Rehman A Law and Finance graduate, Rehman was studying at university when she founded The Pro-Justice Project, a pro bono initiative supported by a network of more than 250 volunteer lawyers. “Together, they have supported over 1,000 cases across Pakistan. Mariam has also provided free debate coaching to more than 200 girls, helping them develop confidence, critical thinking and public-speaking skills.” The Diana Award noted she was creating opportunities for people to understand and exercise their rights through legal advocacy, community engagement and youth leadership. Muhammad Ibrahim Ibrahim decided to use technology to help those affected by natural disasters after noticing how floods could destroy homes, livelihoods and access to essential services. He collaborated with the Punjab government on GIS-based damage assessments and field surveys across high-risk areas, combining digital mapping with on-the-ground verification to support fairer compensation planning for nearly 300,000 families, The Diana Award highlighted. Ibrahim had also mobilised communities through the Murree Rainwater Harvesting Project, which provided free rooftop systems to around 4,000 families. “By combining technology with community action, he is helping people recover from disasters while addressing water scarcity and reducing the daily burden of collecting water on women and girls.” Noor Abdul Ghani Aiming to close the gender gap in science and technology, Ghani founded WinSci Pakistan to encourage more girls and women to see themselves represented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). A machine learning engineer and Master’s student in Artificial Intelligence, Ghani helps students through STEM sessions, school outreach and scholarship guidance. “Under her leadership, WinSci has delivered programmes in underprivileged schools across Pakistan and received the Science Outreach Award from Springer Nature and Estée Lauder Companies. Noor is helping create a future where more young women have the opportunity to participate and succeed in STEM.” View this post on Instagram Reya Khawaja A student at Nord Anglia International School Dubai, Khawaja founded SAFE — Sanitation and Female Empowerment — in collaboration with the KCS Foundation to challenge the stigma surrounding menstrual health. Through the initiative, she has distributed menstrual hygiene packs and organised educational awareness sessions that encourage open conversations about periods. “Her work focuses on ensuring that girls in underserved communities have access to essential resources as well as the knowledge and confidence to discuss their health openly,” The Diana Award notes. View this post on Instagram Sara Ali Witnessing gaps in health awareness, Ali founded the Pakistan Polio Project to “strengthen vaccine confidence, combat misinformation, support frontline health workers and protect zero-dose children”. Through community outreach, she has inspired more than 100 volunteers to educate families, promote immunisation awareness and support progress towards a polio-free Pakistan. “Her work brings young people into the heart of public health advocacy, showing how youth leadership and community education can help build greater understanding and protect children from preventable illness,” the website reads. Vishal Parkash Growing up as a Hindu in Pakistan, Parkash became passionate about creating greater financial and legal access for excluded communities, The Diana Award noted. He founded RUBAN, connecting more than 200 women artisans across Karachi, Lahore and Sindh with formal markets and generating over Rs5 million in revenue for its artisans, according to the website. Parkash also founded Emprende, providing financial and legal literacy training to refugees and migrants around the world. “Alongside this, he co-leads Rem & Company, a global student-run consulting network with more than 30 chapters, and founded Konnect to advance disability advocacy. From Karachi to Berlin, Lusaka and Cape Town, Vishal continues turning financial exclusion into entrepreneurial opportunity.”

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