TEDxSukkurIBA

Speakers

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

• Afifa Nazir

  Student Activist

  Afifa Nazeer was raised in a village near Nara, Sindh, and moved to Sukkur with her family in 2010 to pursue her education. She completed her primary schooling at IBA Public School, Sukkur, and is currently a Computer Science student at Sukkur IBA University. Looking ahead, Afifa aims to use her voice, education, and leadership skills to create meaningful impact—particularly by empowering others to grow, heal, and move forward. Today, as she steps onto the TEDx stage, Afifa brings that journey full circle by speaking about moving on from life’s toughest experiences and embracing self-growth—proving that even the smallest beginnings can lead to the biggest stages

• Agha Shakeel

  CEO SignBoard:Coin the education

  Agha Shakeel is a Pakistani graduate from Quaid-e-Azam University who founded the grassroots initiative Coin the Education, dedicated to supporting underprivileged children’s schooling by selling recyclable materials to fund stationery and educational resources.

• Alisha Channa

  Gole Medalist - Kyokushin Karate

  Alisha Channa, an 18-year-old athlete from Sindh, Pakistan, is a formidable figure in Kyokushin Karate, a highly intense full-contact martial art. Driven by unwavering determination, she achieved a historic feat by becoming Pakistan's first-ever international gold medalist in the sport. Her inspiring journey is a narrative of grit and courage, demonstrating her profound passion for Kyokushin. Holding three national gold medals and an international gold medal, Alisha embodies perseverance and strength. She has overcome numerous obstacles in her quest for excellence, proving that focused dedication can turn aspirations into reality. Beyond her personal victories, Alisha is a source of national pride, particularly for the youth of Sindh. She is actively elevating the profile of Kyokushin Karate in Pakistan and is a powerful role model, paving the way for young athletes, especially girls, to pursue their dreams and realize their immense potential.

• Babar Mangi

  Musician Artisist

  Babar Mangi is a pioneering Sindhi artist, rapper, and music producer from Sukkur, Pakistan, who is credited with introducing and popularizing Sindhi hip-hop into the mainstream. Drawing inspiration from international rap, he began his career around 2014, blending pop, R&B, and traditional rap into a unique modern sound. His national breakthrough came with the hit song "Ayi Ayi" on Coke Studio Season 15, which significantly elevated Sindhi rap. Mangi is a multi-talented artist who often produces, writes, and composes his own music, using his platform to champion his culture and inspire young Sindhi artists.

• Dr. Niaz Ahmed Bhutto

  Dean - Faculty of Management Sciences

  Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Bhutto is a distinguished Professor of Economics in the Business Administration Department at Sukkur IBA University, where he also served as Head of the department for over seven years and has held various key administrative roles. He completed his post-doctorate at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, USA under a Fulbright Scholarship, and earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Hacettepe University, Turkey. Dr. Bhutto has been recognized for academic excellence throughout his studies, including topping his faculty and receiving gold medals at Shah Abdul Latif University. He brings over two decades of teaching and research experience, has published widely in reputable journals, and regularly presents at national and international conferences. He is an HEC-approved supervisor for PhD and MS research and actively contributes to advancing research, education, and academic initiatives within the university.

• Dr. Sarah Gill

  Transgender Doctor social Activist

  Dr. Sarah Gill is an inspirational and trailblazing figure in Pakistan, celebrated as the first openly transgender doctor in the country after graduating from Jinnah Medical College. Her professional success serves as a landmark achievement, challenging deep-seated societal prejudices and showcasing the capabilities of the transgender community. Beyond her medical career, Dr. Gill is a fervent activist and advocate for transgender rights in Pakistan. She actively works to combat discrimination, improve access to healthcare, and enhance social inclusion for the khwaja sira community, partnering with NGOs and government entities to influence policy and foster a more equitable society. Her story is widely seen as a powerful testament to resilience and courage for marginalized groups nationwide.

• Faraz Sarwar

  Ventroloquist

  Faraz Sarwar is a Pakistani social media artist and one of the country’s first known ventriloquists, gaining attention for his live performances and creative storytelling. He has performed at events such as the Sukkur IBA University Alumni Homecoming, where he entertained audiences with his ventriloquism act. Faraz is active on platforms like YouTube and Instagram as FarazSarwarLive, where he shares his ventriloquism clips and performances. In addition to performing, he engages with audiences at TEDx and other campus events, blending humor with artistic expression. He’s also part of the Sukkur IBA community, contributing to its cultural and creative scene.

• Javed Brohi

  Associate Professor - HoD Mathametics and Natural sciences

  Dr. Javed Hussain Brohi is a faculty member and academic at Sukkur IBA University, where he serves as a professor in the Mathematics Department and has also been Head of Department. He holds a PhD from the University of York, UK, with strong research expertise in stochastic partial differential equations and financial mathematics, and has taught at both the University of York and Sukkur IBA University.

• Maira Rajput

  Shortest TEDx Speaker

  Maira Rajput is a Computer Science graduate from Sukkur IBA University, a digital creator, and an inspiring advocate for self-acceptance. Despite having a naturally short height, she never saw it as a flaw—though the hurtful words of close people once challenged her confidence. With strong family support, Maira transformed those experiences into strength, embracing herself as complete and capable. At TEDx Sukkur IBA 2.0, under the theme “Future Architects,” she highlighted that no human being is born incomplete—only their mindset can limit them. Through her YouTube and Instagram platforms, Maira encourages young people, especially girls, to shift their thinking, break stereotypes, and believe that they are just as enough as anyone else.

• Mariam Khan

  founder and CEO of NeuroNurture

  Mariam Khan is the founder and CEO of NeuroNurture, Pakistan’s first dedicated mindset and behavior-change coaching and consultancy firm. With over 17 years of experience in human behavior, organizational culture, and personal development, she is an internationally certified NLP Master Practitioner and executive coach. Through NeuroNurture, she has helped individuals and organizations improve emotional well-being, strengthen workplace culture, and develop growth-oriented mindsets. Her work focuses on empowering people to overcome stress, build confidence, and unlock their potential through scientifically informed coaching and mindfulness-based approaches. As a mental-wellbeing advocate and culture strategist, Mariam continues to lead initiatives aimed at creating healthier, more resilient individuals and organizations across Pakistan.

• Mehboob Shar

  Founder & CEO Icreativez

  Mehboob Shar is a prominent Pakistani entrepreneur, global marketing strategist, and CEO of Icreativez Technologies, a major digital marketing and IT services company he founded. Recognized as one of the world's top SEO experts, he built his company into a global powerhouse from humble beginnings in rural Sindh. Shar is known for his innovative digital strategies, serving clients worldwide, and is also dedicated to mentorship and philanthropy, actively working to empower the next generation of digital marketers in Pakistan.

• Rafay Rashidi

  Producer / Director

  Rafay Rashdi is a Pakistani filmmaker, producer, and director known for his impactful work in cinema and television. He holds a degree in Commerce and IT from Ryerson University, Canada, and a postgraduate degree in Business Systems Analysis from City, University of London, which informs his innovative approach to storytelling. Rafay has directed feature films including Deemak (2025), a psychological horror drama recognized internationally at festivals such as the SCO Film Festival in China. He started his career producing television dramas and award-winning short films like Jamun Ka Darakht, showcased globally. Beyond filmmaking, he has produced major industry events, including the Pakistan International Film Festival, and hosts the podcast Behind The Curtain with Rafay Rashdi, sharing insights with creatives. His work combines cultural depth, genre experimentation, and global storytelling, positioning him as a leading voice in Pakistan’s contemporary film scene.

• Rehana Sana

  Vice Principle TCS Indus Campus

  Mrs. Rehana Sana serves as the Vice Principal at The City School – Indus Campus in Sukkur, one of the well-established branches of The City School network, which offers education from playgroup through O-Level/Matric levels. In her leadership role, she supports academic excellence, student growth, and school development, and her messages to the school community reflect encouragement, commitment to learning, and fostering a positive environment for students’ progress and success. Her guidance emphasizes creativity, curiosity, and empowering each learner to reach their potential as part of the school’s mission.

• Saif Samejo

  Musician/Singer

  He is founder and lead vocalist of the most popular Pakistani Sufi/Folk/Rock band The Sketches.His Motherland Sindh has been the major inspiration of SaifSamejo that has been portrayed in his work. He is considered as the one of the most popular voices that gave a new birth to the departed old identity of Sindh and its Sufi poets as well as brought a soul in a long declining life of Sindhi media. Saif collaborated with Mai Dhai to present the original Rajasthani flavor of music besides this he also intended to collaborate with other artist through Lahooti Music Ashram.First ‘international collaboration’ of ‘The Sketches’ was with ‘Hollywood’s’ music producer ‘Jono Manson’ who came to Pakistan for his project with The Sketches called‘Khahori’

• Shakir Ali Mangi

  Freelancer

  Shakir Ali Mangi is a seasoned freelancer, Top Rated Seller on Upwork and Fiverr, and an experienced Master Trainer at Sukkur IBA University and the National Freelance Training Program, where he helps students and aspiring freelancers build in-demand digital skills. He has over a decade of professional experience in freelance platforms and digital services, including project management and creative solutions. Shakir holds a Master’s degree from SZABIST and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Karachi, blending academic insight with practical expertise. As a freelancer, he has worked with clients worldwide, delivering quality work and mentoring others to succeed in the global freelance marketplace.

• Shehzad Ghias

  Comedian, Podcaster & Social Commentator

  Shehzad Ghias Shaikh is a leading Pakistani stand-up comedian, writer, and social commentator who uses his work for social activism. He is a Fulbright scholar with a Master's in Theatre from Brooklyn College and is credited with promoting the modern comedy and theatre scene in Pakistan, notably as the founder of Cogito Productions (a youth theatre company for social change) and Room for Improv-ment (Lahore's first improv troupe). He is widely known as the host of the popular podcast "The Pakistan Experience" and has performed his stand-up comedy inteSrnationally, including a solo show at the Broadway Comedy Club in New York. He is also a frequent writer for major publications and currently teaches theatre and critical thinking.

• Shumaila Sawand

  Female Educational Activist

  Shumaila Sawand is a business student at Sukkur IBA University, an AACSB-accredited institution, whose journey reflects the power of turning challenges into opportunities. Growing up with limited support and facing multiple personal and academic hurdles, she relied on resilience, discipline, and faith to move forward. Her journey serves as a motivation for young individuals, showing how determination and self-belief can transform adversity into growth. Passionate about learning, leadership, and empowerment, Shumaila continues to inspire others by proving that every challenge can become a stepping stone toward a stronger and more meaningful future

• Waheeda Mahesar

  Director SZABTech

  Waheeda Mahesar is the Executive Director of SZABIST-ZABTech, one of Sindh’s leading technical and vocational education networks. With a strong academic background in Computer Science and Public Administration, she began her career in research and academia before moving into leadership roles. Since taking charge of ZABTech in 2014, she has transformed the institution from a small training center into a large, industry-linked TVET provider offering diverse diploma and skill-development programs across Sindh. Her work focuses on youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, and promoting demand-driven vocational training. She has represented Pakistan internationally through the Australia Awards program and continues to champion accessible, high-quality skills education as a pathway to economic growth and social uplift.