Pakistan is home to some of the most inspiring people in the world who are doing extraordinary things in order to give back to their country. Our nation is filled with individuals who have shown determination, hard work, and compassion to attain outstanding achievements – not only nationally, but internationally as well.
Here are 11 amazing Pakistani’s that were an inspiration to us all in 2017:
1. Muhammad Rayyan Siddiqui
Muhammad Rayyan Siddiqui has recently become the youngest Google certified Associate Android Developer in the world. At the young age of 13, Siddiqui has shown us that the Pakistani youth has proven their creative flair and knowledge exceeds expectations.
2. Abid Brohi
Abid Brohi took Pakistan by storm with his hit “Sibbi Song”. The story of Abid very inspirational – unable to read or write, he taught himself how to rap on the streets of Sibbi. Alongside Patari and SomeWhatSuper, he created an instant hit and continues to travel around Pakistan.
3. Pakistan National Cricket Team
In June, our boys made us all proud when Pakistan beat India by 180 runs and hold the 2017 ICC Champion Trophy 2017. Amazing.
4. Muhammad Shaheer Niazi
This 17-year-old Pakistani student surprised experienced scientists with his groundbreaking research on electric honeycombs. This Lahore student photographed the movement of ions that form the honeycomb and recorded the heat found on the surface of the oil – something no one has been able to do before. Niazi aims big and hopes to win another Nobel Prize for Pakistan.
5. Hassan Siddiqui
Hassan Siddiqui is the creator of the “Pakistan Girl” comic series. His female superhero vows to battle corrupt officials and protect women, as Siddiqui wants to inspire the next generation to fight injustice in this patriarchal society. He hopes the superhero will give young girls across Pakistan a role model to follow and inspire them to fight corruption and violence.
6. Shabnam Chaudhri
Shabnam Chaudhri made Pakistanis and Muslims all over the world proud by becoming the first ever Muslim and Asian Woman to be appointed Superintendent of the Scotland Yard. She also received the Outstanding Contribution Award when serving as a Detective Chief Inspector on the Metropolitan Police Service.
7. Muniba Mazari
Referred to as the “Iron Lady of Pakistan,” she is Pakistan’s first wheelchair-using artist and first female Goodwill Ambassador. At the age of 21, Muniba was left paralyzed hip down after surviving a tragic car accident. She proves that determination always surpasses hardship and she continues to model, create art, and sing.
8. Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy
The Oscar-winning Pakistani filmmaker, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, won the outstanding documentary award at the 38th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards for her documentary: “A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness.” Her work showed millions of people around the world how talented and powerful Pakistanis are.
9. Dr. Ruth Pfau
Dr. Ruth Pfau was a German-Pakistani nun who traveled to Pakistan and dedicated fifty years of her life trying to combat leprosy in Pakistan. Her will and passion to help those in need eventually led to the formation of The Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre.
10. Kami Sid
A 26-year-old transgender activist and Pakistan’s first transgender model. She is a motivational speaker and consistently creates awareness for equal treatment of transgenders. She aims to portray the Pakistani transgender community in a positive light – and is helping transgenders all over the country get opportunities they never had before.
11. Fatima Hassan
Diagnosed with Dystonia and losing her voice at the age of 10, Fatima is a living testimony to the fact that people with disabilities don’t need help, but a supportive environment. A successful graphic designer and an inspiration to all of us, Fatima has been selected as an inspiring woman for UN Women Pakistan’s recent campaign.
These Pakistani’s have definitely made us very proud and we cannot wait to see who will arise in 2018.
cover image source: goalcast.com/pakistantoday.com