TEDxLyari

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Aseela Abdullah Dehwari

  Lecturer @Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law, Karachi.

  Aseela Abdullah, a trailblazing community leader and social entrepreneur from Lyari, Pakistan. Born and raised in a Baloch family, Aseela's journey to higher education was not without its challenges, but her faith, belief, and persistence paved the way. Currently, she's a scholar and researcher in Management Science, focusing on Sustainable Development Goals and social business. As co-founder of Raaji Baloch Women Forum and curator of Khud Mukhtar, Aseela is empowering women entrepreneurs and driving positive change in her community. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of community-driven initiatives.

• Ibrahim Noorani

  Professor

  Dr. Ibrahim Noorani is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Public Administration at Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari, Karachi. With more than 15 years of academic experience, he holds a doctorate in Public Administration and has developed a multidisciplinary research profile covering public policy, community engagement, human behaviour, organizational studies, and moral and political philosophy. His research explores contemporary social, economic, organizational, and philosophical issues, including work-life balance, organizational power, morality, capitalism, consumer behaviour, and economic development. Through his teaching, research, and academic leadership, Dr. Noorani contributes to the development of students and the advancement of social sciences and public administration in Pakistan.

• Imran Shah

  Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon AO HOSPITAL KHI

  Dr. Imran Shah is a Consultant Trauma, Revision, and Orthopaedic Surgeon at A.O. Hospital & Clinics, Karachi, and Clinical Director at United Medical & Dental College (UMDC). He holds an MD from Palacky University, Czech Republic; MRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow; Dip. SICOT from Sweden; and FRCS (Trauma & Orthopaedics) from the Royal College of Surgeons of England. As an Associate Professor of Orthopaedics, he is deeply involved in teaching and postgraduate training. He established the Orthopaedic Sports Surgery Fellowship at A.O. Hospital, accredited locally and by SICOT, attracting international candidates. He regularly conducts seminars and contributes to peer-reviewed journals. Beyond medicine, his passion for hospitality led him to found PC Legacy Skardu, blending excellence in healthcare and tourism.

• Madiha Shaikh

  Educator

  Madiha Shaikh is an educator, education leader, and changemaker dedicated to transforming lives through education and emotional well-being. Born and raised in Lyari, she has built a career focused on nurturing children, empowering educators, and creating supportive learning environments. With academic backgrounds in Biosciences and Education from SZABIST, along with further studies in Leadership and Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Madiha brings together educational expertise, empathy, and compassionate leadership. Her work centers on empowering children, mothers, educators, and young people through learning and personal development. She has also spoken at TEDxLyari, where she shared insights on love, empathy, and how the experiences, actions, and environment children encounter today shape who they become tomorrow.

• Muhammad Faheem

  Filmmaker, Peace Activist, Founder Mehrdar Art & Production & Co-Founder Mehr-Ghar Community Space.

  Muhammad Faheem is a peace advocate, filmmaker, and founder of Mehrdar Art & Production, a youth-led organization using storytelling, art, and digital media for community development. Since 2013, he has produced impactful documentaries, social campaigns, and festivals promoting cultural diversity, peacebuilding, gender equality, and ethnic harmony. In 2020, he established Mehr-Ghar, Lyari’s first arts-based community space, fostering dialogue, learning, and civic engagement. His initiatives on countering and preventing violent extremism (C/PVE) have inspired thousands of youth, women, and minorities to champion peace and social cohesion. Through film, research, and partnerships with local and global organizations, he drives grassroots change. Faheem is also a recipient of prestigious global fellowships, including Acumen (2024), Swedish Institute Leader Lab (2023), Global Shapers (2022), and Kofi Annan “Extremely Together” (2021).

• Mush Panjwani

  Founder & Chief Happiness Officer

  Mush Panjwani is the Founder & Chief Happiness Officer at Coffee Wagera – Pakistan’s Largest Coffee Brand. Mush has been a sales, marketing and training expert for over 40 years. Mush has worked with corporates, entrepreneurs, managers and sales teams in 20 countries across Asia Pacific. Mush is also the author of Dhinchak Life – a book about living a fantastic life. Mush is also a certified happiness trainer from Woohoo Academy (Denmark), and coaches individuals and organizations on happiness.

• Syed Ghazanfar Agha

  Senior Banker | Social Worker | Motor Sports Practitioner

  Syed Ghazanfar Agha is a senior Pakistani banking professional, philanthropist and motoring personality, with over three decades of experience across banking, motorsports and community development. Having held leadership roles across Treasury, Corporate and Investment Banking and Compliance, he has contributed to Pakistan’s financial markets and mentored generations of professionals. He has contributed to flood relief, housing and healthcare initiatives, supporting communities across Pakistan. Widely regarded as Pakistan’s motoring ambassador, he has competed in autocross, rallies, karting, drifting, drag and truck racing, while organizing international motoring events. A five-time consecutive Autocross Champion and Pakistan’s first Grandmaster Karting Champion, he has undertaken pioneering overland journeys across Europe, Russia and the Middle East. A regular speaker and mentor, he continues to inspire young Pakistanis through education, sport, philanthropy and leadership.

• Waheed Noor

  Advocate | Poet | Author

  Waheed Noor is a Pakistani writer, literary figure, educator and social activist known for his contribution to literature, reading culture and community development. With a deep connection to books, ideas and the arts, he has worked to promote literary activities and create spaces where young people can engage with literature, creativity and critical thinking. His work reflects a strong commitment to education, cultural awareness and the intellectual development of society. Through his involvement in literary initiatives and community activities, Waheed Noor continues to encourage dialogue, learning and a greater appreciation for the power of ideas and storytelling.