Salma Ahmed Alam

 

CEO, Durbeen | Education Reformer | Teacher Educator

Salma Ahmed Alam is a dedicated educationist and the CEO of Durbeen, a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the quality of public schools in Pakistan. With a strong background in teaching and policy, she has been at the forefront of efforts to improve teacher education and public-sector schooling.

Salma’s journey in education began at S.M.B. Fatima Jinnah Government School in Karachi, where she volunteered with Zindagi Trust for four years. She later pursued her higher education at Harvard University, graduating in 2013. Following this, she spent two years working as a consultant with the World Bank, contributing to educational development projects.

Her passion for teaching led her to Singapore, where she obtained a primary teaching qualification. In 2016, she returned to Pakistan and was appointed as the CEO of Durbeen, taking charge of a pioneering public-private partnership at the Government Elementary College of Teacher Education, Hussainabad, Karachi. Under her leadership, Durbeen has been instrumental in reforming teacher training programs and elevating public education standards.

Beyond her executive role, Salma remains deeply connected to teaching. She currently teaches mathematics B.Ed. courses at the college, shaping the next generation of educators. Her work reflects a strong commitment to systemic change in Pakistan’s education landscape, bridging policy, practice, and teacher development.

Shahzada Dawood

Mr. Shahzada Dawood joined the Board of Engro in 2003 and currently serves as the Vice Chairman. He has over 2 decades of experience in corporate governance and transformation of industries, including growth and innovation opportunities through mergers and acquisitions of diversified public-listed companies across textiles, fertilizers, foods, and energy.

Shahzada is a leading voice for the institutionalization of key international networks, including the World Economic Forum (WEF). Under his guidance, Engro has become Pakistan’s first company to sign a commitment sponsored by WEF’s International Business Council to implement Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics, and has also Shahzada Dawood Vice Chairman & Chairman, BIC joined WEF’s Global Plastic Action Partnership to promote a circular economy. He aspires for a sustainable future, and believes in inclusive business models involving low-income communities, building value chains along business interests. In line with this, Shahzada serves as Trustee on the Boards of both Engro Foundation and The Dawood Foundation. In December 2020, Shahzada also joined the Board of Trustees of the SETI Institute. He serves as Director across Boards of various companies within the Dawood Group, including Dawood Hercules Corporation Ltd and Dawood Lawrencepur Ltd, instituting high standards of corporate governance and perpetuating the future proofing of these businesses.

Shahzada holds a M.Sc. in Global Textile Marketing from Philadelphia University, USA, and a LLB from Buckingham University, UK.

Dr. Zubaida Sirang

Dr. Zubaida Sirang Eye surgeon and Best-selling author has started doing ophthalmology clinics at the Aga Khan Diagnostic Centre, Jutial main city Gilgit.

The clinic is equipped with state of the art equipments & Lasers for the quality eye care & the following services are being offered: Management of cataract, retinal disease including diabetic retinopathy, pediatric eye diseases, corneal diseases, glaucoma & diseases related to eyelids.

The clinic operates from Mon - Sat, 9 am to 4 pm. For appointments, kindly call at 05811455813.

Ps: Our Ophthalmology services are being expanded to Chitral soon.

Dr Adeeb Rizvi

DR. ADEEB UL-HASSAN RIZVI, the mastermind laid the foundation of one of the greatest kidney hospitals in the world, Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation (SIUT). Since decades, this institute of DR. ADEEB RIZVI is providing free treatment to all patient suffering from kidney diseases, including Dialysis, Transplant, Urology, etc.
This shows the whole world that Pakistan, our beloved homeland, still have heros like ADEEB UL-HASSAN RIZVI and  SATTAR EDHI. Thanks to people like them, poor people have some hope to live!!!
AT SIUT DON'T LET THEM DIE
BECAUSE THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO LIVE

Asarulislam Syed

Amir of Jannat Pakistan Party, Asarulislam Syed, M.D, Neurologist and Psychiatrist, lives in California, USA. Besides enjoying a deep interest in cognitive sciences and human behavior, he has held a lifelong interest in The Quran, and has devoted himself, pondering over The Final Message. A non-conformist Muslim , he has no religious sectarian affiliation or denomination. He delivers the rational message of The Quran from Shalimar Radio, Los Angeles, every Saturday at noon on Channel 900 AM.

Born and raised in Lahore, his family comes from Tibba Syedan, Sialkot. His parents, Dr. Zubaida Gilani and Brigadier Habibus Saqlain, were both physicians from King Edward Medical College Lahore. His grandfather, Hafiz Syed Mohammed Isaac, a pupil of the renowned Syed Mir Hasan, Professor of Arabic at Scotch Mission School & Murray College, Sialkot, imparted to him, his first complete discourse (Dars) on translation and concepts of The Quran.

While a medical student in Lahore in the 70’s, Asarulislam formally studied The Quran at the Tolu-e-Islam Quranic Education Center in Lahore, Pakistan. He was a dedicated pupil of Pakistan’s renowned Quranic scholar and QuaideAzam’s Political Advisor, Baba Ghulam Ahmed Parvez . Working as a physician in Saudi Arabia for seven years allowed him the opportunity to learn the Arabic language and metaphor, and develop a deeper understanding of the cultural and social settings of the lands which gave The Quran.

His wife Nayla Asar Syed, M.D., a Child Psychiatrist, is a graduate from Fatima Jinnah Medical College and Kansas University Medical Center. Married for 33 years, they live on a farm in Southern California. They have four children.
Asarulislam is an Abdalian, a Kemcolian, and a Jayhawk.

Ikram Sehgal

Ikram Sehgal completed Senior Cambridge and FSc from Lawrence College, Ghoragali. He attended Murari Chand (MC) College, Sylhet and Notre Dame College, Dhaka before graduating from Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul. 

Commissioned into 2E Bengal (Junior Tigers) in Oct 1965, the infantry unit his father raised in 1949, he served in Army Aviation (fixed wing and Helicopter Pilot) from 1968 to 1971. Taken PW in April 1971, in then East Pakistan, he was the first Pakistani PW to escape from India in July 1971. Joining 44 Punjab (now 4 Sindh) in Nov 1971, he was given battlefield promotion to the rank of Major on Dec 13, 1971, leaving the Army on Jan 24, 1974. 

He worked as a commercial pilot before starting his own business in 1977. A regular columnist in the print media since 1987, he graduated to his own TV Talk Show. Member of international organizations like the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF), International Organization for Migration (IOM), etc. Ikram Sehgal is presently Chairman Pathfinder G4S, Pakistan.

Begum Laila Haroon Sarfaraz

Begum Laila Haroon Sarfaraz has taken over the responsibility as a President in the year 2005. She belongs to a very well known Haroon Family who has served the country since decades. Her parents Sir Abdullah Haroon & Lady Nusrat Haroon were one of the founders of the country who fought hard to turn their dream of a separate home land for the Muslims into a reality. Their role being a Muslim League leaders are always remembered in the history of Pakistan.

Following the foot steps of the parents, Begum Laila Haroon, her sister Late Begum Hidayatullah, her brother Late Mahmud Haroon and other family members have spent their lives in social wok and in serving the country.

Laila Haroon is an inspirational role model, a talented charismatic who continues the efforts of Begum Ra’ana Ali Khan and successfully manages programs in the field of Health, Education and Social Welfare. She has also served the organization as a Vice-President for Finance & Administration. In her private capacity she oversees various institutions with selfless interest and dedication which includes:

Board Member Sindh Rural Support Program

Board Member SIUT>

Board Member Lady Dufferin Hospital

Member Technical Assistance Study Group with the Asian Development Bank

Member Council of Social Welfare

She has attended many conferences that include:> Pune Conference “Culture Of Peace “ Health for Women & Children in Nov 2001 Second International Scientific Culture& Supportive Congress (ICWSF) in Oct 2001, Tehran. Vienna Conference 21 General Assembly UN / NGO Dynamics 21 Century. Together for Social Justice Equality and Peace in Nov 2000, Vienna Austria. Awards:Star Laurel 2003, Women of the Year 2005

Jameel Yusuf

Mr. Jameel Yusuf was the Founder Chief of Citizens Police Liaison Committee (September 1989 – March 2003) commonly known as CPLC established by the Sindh Government as a statutory institution, operationally independent assisted Victims of Crime in the provision of justice and the Police in combating / detecting crime. For his role in detection leading to apprehending over 500 Kidnappers / Terrorists, he was invested with the prestigious national award of “Sitara-e-Shujaat”, by the President of Pakistan. His services have been recognized not only nationally, but internationally as well. He was also nominated for the First United Nations Vienna Civil Society Award in 1999.

Honorary National / International affiliations / appointments:

· Member of the Federal Law & Order Commission of Pakistan (Dec’ 1995)

· Director, Asia Crime Prevention Foundation (ACPF), Japan since 1997

· Member of Focal Group and Advisory Board, Federal Ministry of Interior, (December 1999 – September 2002)

· Founding Trustee of “PANAH”, a Shelter Home established for Women in Distress, in 2001 in Karachi

· Member, Advisory Council Fellowship Fund for Pakistan (FFFP), Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars (WWC) since 2004

· Member, Board of Trustee of the Karachi Port Trust since August, 2008

Documented following proposals, later adopted as National Policies:

· Computerized Criminal Record Management System (CCRMS - 1999)

· National Alien Registration Authority (NARA - 2001)

· Arms Control Policy (2001)

· Police Reforms (Police Order - 2002)

Nusrat Bano Abbasi

Ms. Nusrat Bano Abbasi was born on January 29, 1969. She recieved her L.L.B and MA Economics degree from Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh. Politically affiliated with Pakistan Muslim League (Functional), Ms. Bano is member of the Provincial Assembly of the Sindh. She is serving as a member of the Standing Committee on Education and Literacy, the Standing Committee on Industries, Commerce, Mines and

Mineral Development, the Standing Committee on Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights and the Standing Committee on Public Health Engineering, Finance Committee. She is married and has three children.

JUSTICE ( R ) MAJIDA RAZVI

Ø M.A. Political Science and International Relations from Karachi University.

Ø LL.B from Karachi University.

Judicial Positions Held

Ø Holding a unique position of being the first woman Judge of a High Court of Pakistan.

Ø Elevated to the position of Judge, At the Sindh High Court Bench in 1994.

Ø Retired in 1999.

Ø Practicing Advocate, 1963-1994 as a Corporate lawyer

Judicial & Administrative Work Experience

Ø As a Judge, presided over Single & DB numerous cases, providing justice in the form of landmark judgments.

Ø As an advocate, deliberated on hundreds of cases on the civil side.

Ø Provided free legal advice to the needy people, through various social work organizations and convincingly got justice for them.

Ø Former Chairperson of the National Commission on the status of women, from March 2002 to March 2005.

Ø A prolific writer – Author of hundreds of Article on Legal Issues pertaining to Women & Children.

Participation at International Fora/Conferences:

Ø Attended National and International conferences since 1964 to date.

Ø Member of Common Wealth Team to monitor Elections in Tanzania in 2005.

Ø Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.

Awards:

Ø Women of the year Award 1994-95

Ø Pakistan Golden Jubilee Celebration Award for Services in Judiciary 1997

Ø 100 Heroin Award (International) for Social Work.

Ø "Allah" Award 2003 (outstanding women)

Ø Karachi Cosmopolitan Rotary Award for outstanding for services 1992-93.

Ø PAK EXPO (NEW) outstanding performance in the field of jurisprudence 1990.

Ø Lions Club Merits Award 1991.

Ø Women Excellence Award 2006.

Ø Human Rights Society of Pakistan Award 2007 (January 2007).

Ø Women Achievers Award 2007 from I Plus (28-02-2007).

At Present:

Ø Teaching at Hamdard Law School – Karachi.

Ø Practicing at Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Ø Involved in Social Work.

Ø Addresses on National & International Issues of Particularly Human & Women Rights through print & electronic media.

Uzma Noorani

Uzma Noorani is a rights activist and has been working in the field of human rights and women rights for over two decades.

As a human rights activist she has :

· Served on the council of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) for over a decade. Through her work in HRCP she has conducted fact finding missions all over Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir to assess the state of human rights. She has monitored and observed the election process and conducted visits to jails to highlight the plight of prisoners. She has taken part in workshops, seminars and protest rallies conducted by HRCP.

· Founding member of Women’s Action Forum (WAF) a pioneer women’s rights organization of Pakistan. As an activist she has been lobbying and advocating for the rights of women since the early 80’s. She has supported non-violent solutions during ethnic strife in Karachi in the mid 90’s.

· She is as an office bearer of Pakistan India Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFD), and a member of South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR).

· Ms.Noorani was instrumental in the inception of Panah Shelter Home and is a Founder Trustee of Panah Trust. She is also a Managing Trustee and General Secretary.

· Founding member of People’s Resistance, a civil society group campaigning for the restoration of the judiciary in 2007.

· Member of Violence against Women Watch (Aurat Foundation) and Joint Action Committee which is a coalition of several NGO’s that come together to work on specific issue’s

Due to her rich experience Ms.Noorani has been invited to speak at various forums and participated in several workshops, both national and international. She has been interviewed by both electronic and print media. Ms.Noorani has helped initiate several campaigns and pressure groups to lobby on various issues of human rights, women’s’ rights, environment, peace, justice and law.

As a peace activist she has participated in various forums advocating peace. Recently she was part of a delegation to Afghanistan to participate in a trialogue on peace (India, Pakistan and Afghanistan).

Additionally she has advocated and lobbied against discriminatory laws like the Hudood Ordinances ,and Blasphemy Law and campaigned for special legislation such as a law on domestic violence.

Nadira Panjwani

Nadira Panjwani is a social worker and philanthropist based in Karachi, Pakistan. She is the Founder and Managing Trustee of the Panjwani Charitable Foundation and Trusts.

In 1994, she established the Zainab Panjwani Memorial Hospital in memory of her late mother. This 75-bed, not-for-profit organization is dedicated to serving the public and providing quality medical care at subsidized rates and also on free basis.

In the year 2000 she established the Dr Panjwani School/College for the Blind, which was inaugurated by the President of Pakistan. This is a modern, purpose-built training complex providing education from nursery to Master’s level for visually-handicapped students. This school complex, affiliated with the University of Karachi, is the largest academic centre for visually handicapped people in Pakistan. It is functioning under the management of the Ida Rieu Welfare Association, Karachi.

In 2004, President Pervez Musharraf inaugurated the Dr. Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research at the University of Karachi. This is the first centre of its kind in Pakistan and second in South-East Asia. The Centre conducts research in the field of molecular medicine and drug development. It focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of prevalent diseases in Pakistan through its MPhil and PhD training programmes at national and international levels. This Centre has put Pakistan on the international map of drug research through its valuable contributions to leading scientific journals.

Nadira Panjwani teaches at the Bahria Institute of Management & Computer Sciences of the Bahria University (an educational organ of the Pakistan Navy) in Karachi. She is an honorary instructor at the University since 1996 and has arranged for a large number of scholarships for deserving students for pursuing studies at different levels.

Nadira Panjwani is a Trustee of the PANAH Shelter Home for Women. This organization provides support and protection to women in distress who are victims of societal and domestic violence.

She is a member of the Jinnah Society. The main objective of this society is to assist in the development of projects dedicated to the memory of Quaid-e-Azam for propagation of his ideals, principles and vision.

Nadira Panjwani is a Founding Director of the Pakistan Human Development Fund, established in early 2002 to assist the National Commission for Human Development towards promoting health and educational facilities at the grass roots level in rural areas of Pakistan.

She is a member of Board of Governors of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Syndicate of the Dow University of Health Sciences, Board of Governors of the National University of Modern Languages, and Board of Governors of the Bahria University.

Nadira Panjwani also served as the Minister for Women Development and Population Planning in the 2007-2008 caretaker cabinet of Sindh.

In recognition of her meritorious services in the field of Public Service, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan conferred upon her the prestigious awards of Sitara-i-Imtiaz in the year 2000 and Hilal-i-Imtiaz in 2004.