TEDxSuperior University

Speakers

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

• Ahmad Sarim

  Physician, Educator, and Social Entrepreneur

  Dr. Ahmad Sarim Aziz is a physician, educator, and social entrepreneur committed to creating meaningful change through innovation and community service. A graduate of Azra Naheed Medical College, he received the Best Graduate award and the Student of the Year Award 2026. He is the founder of Humans of Burewala Foundation (HOB), one of South Punjab’s largest food philanthropic organisations, working to combat hunger and support underserved communities. In recognition of his contributions to poverty eradication, he received the Governor of Punjab’s Award for International Youth Day 2022. His work has also been recognised by various national and international organisations. Through his journey, he advocates for a simple yet powerful idea: meaningful change does not begin with abundant resources, but with the courage to begin.

• Daheem Din

  Consultant Psychiatrist

  Daheem Din in a certified Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a Master in Counseling (marriage and family therapy) from California State University, Long Beach. She has been practicing for the past 9 plus years now. The first 3 years were in California, USA and now since 2009 in Lahore. In USA, Daheem has worked in middle schools with children with emotional and behavioral issues. Also she has worked in a Mental Health Agency working with families faced with issues like divorce,substance abuse, child abuse, dysfunctional behavioral and interactional patterns. Her practice in Lahore is inclusive of working with psychological and emotional issues experienced by an individual, a couple or a family unit. Her clinical work reflects her training as a Systemic therapist. Other than her Private Practice, she has taught counseling courses and facilitated group therapy.

• Dr. Amjad Saqib

  Founder & Chairman of Akhuwat

  Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib is a distinguished social entrepreneur, development practitioner, and Founder of Akhuwat, the world’s largest Islamic microfinance institution. Since 2001, Akhuwat has disbursed $1 billion in interest-free loans, benefiting over six million families across Pakistan. He also established Akhuwat College University, Pakistan’s first merit-based, fee-free university. A former civil servant, he holds degrees from King Edward Medical University and The American University, Washington, D.C. His work spans poverty alleviation, financial inclusion, education, healthcare, and rural development. He has chaired the Punjab Development Network, comprising over 160 organizations, and serves as Executive Director of Fountain House. His accolades include the 2021 Ramon Magsaysay Award, the 2018 Islamic Economy Award, and a 2022 Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

• Dr. Sami Ullah Bajwa

  Director ORIC, Superior University.

  Dr. Sami Ullah Bajwa is an academic leader, researcher, and innovation advocate serving as Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at Superior University, Lahore, and Dean of the Faculty of Art & Design. His work focuses on strengthening research culture, translating academic knowledge into practical solutions, and building partnerships between universities and industry. With expertise spanning organizational studies, human resource management, entrepreneurship, monitoring and evaluation, and development, he has contributed to research on capacity and economic progress. His publications include work on electricity distribution companies and international development initiatives. Dr. Bajwa champions innovation-led learning and supports platforms that help students and entrepreneurs turn ideas into impact. Through research collaboration, incubation, and industry engagement, he works to advance new solutions and strengthen Pakistan’s knowledge economy.

• Nida Jaffery

  CEO Nashtaywalay

  Nida Jaffery is a professional whose experiences, ideas, and perspectives shape the way she engages with the world around her. She brings a thoughtful approach to exploring the connections between people, their experiences, and the possibilities for positive change. Through her work and personal journey, she represents the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and the courage to question familiar ways of thinking. As a TEDx speaker, Nida aims to contribute to meaningful conversations, encourage fresh perspectives, and inspire audiences to reflect on the ideas that influence their choices and communities. Her participation reflects the spirit of TEDx: sharing ideas worth spreading and creating opportunities for dialogue, discovery, and transformation.

• Prof. Dr. Rafia Rafique

  President - Pakistan Psychological Association

  Professor Dr. Rafia Rafique is President of the Pakistan Psychological Association and served two terms as Director of the Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab (2020–2026). Her postdoctoral research is from the University of Nottingham, UK. She received the HEC 6th Outstanding Research Award and Pride of the Nation Award. A recipient of the National Talent Scholarship, she is featured in Kinnaird College’s encyclopaedia, Light, Courage and Love. She has supervised numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers, published over 90 research papers, and reviewed for 25 national and international journals. She is a Visiting Research Scientist at York University, Canada, and a member of the American and Canadian Psychological Associations. She serves on the Board of Directors of the International Institute of Muslim Mental Health and Family Therapy, Malaysia. Known for her media contributions, mental health awareness videos, and free online COVID-19 mental health services.

• Rahmeen Ali

  MBBS Student, Superior University.

  My Name is Rahmeen Ali, I am a fourth year MBBS Student at Azra Naheed Medical College. I love sitting down with a good book and I am passionate about helping other people.

• Salim Ghauri

  CEO and Founder NETSOL Technologies Ltd

  Salim Ghauri is Founder and CEO of NETSOL Technologies, an IT company serving the asset finance and leasing industry, including blue-chip and Fortune 500 clients. With four decades of experience, he is a leader in Pakistan’s technology sector. Under his leadership, NETSOL became a leading IT exporter and earned recognition including CIO Magazine’s “Pioneer in Taking Technology Global,” the 8th Teradata National IT Excellence Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Governor of Punjab. PakWired named him among Pakistan’s top IT CEOs in 2022. He authored Everything Is Possible and Ghauri: From Nothing to Everything. He serves as Honorary Consul of Australia for Punjab and founded NSPIRE in 2015 to support startups. A motivational speaker, he has addressed universities and international industry forums. His philanthropy includes NETSOL’s Education Support Program, which funds schooling for 652 children of lower-wage employees, and support for charitable causes across Pakistan.

• Syed Imran Ali Shah

  Dean: Faculty of Medical Sciences, Superior University, Lahore.

  Prof. Dr. Syed Imran Ali Shah graduated from King Edward Medical College, earned an MPhil in Medical Biochemistry from UHS, and completed his PhD at Imperial College London. With 19+ years of experience in medical education, health sciences research, and academic leadership, he serves as Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Superior University, and Professor of Biochemistry at Azra Naheed Medical College. His honours include selection for the Nobel Laureates Meeting in Germany, a Research Fellowship in Japan, a Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK, and a royal reception by Queen Elizabeth II. He has published 100+ research papers, co-authored books, secured international research grants, and presented at leading conferences in the USA and Europe.

• Umair Jalianwala

  International inspirational speaker, master trainer and changemaker

  Umair Jaliawala is an international inspirational speaker, master trainer, and changemaker who has spent more than twenty years helping people find the courage to act. His work has reached over 625,000 people across 213 named organisations in 35+ countries, but the thread has always been the same: real change that outlasts the applause. Away from the stage, that same belief runs through From Zero, his zero-waste farming social enterprise, proof that you can build something from almost nothing.