TEDxRiphah Intl U

Speakers

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

• Aisha Yousaf

  Broadcast Journalist & Media Personality

  Aisha Yousaf is a celebrated broadcast journalist and morning show host with over 14 years in Pakistan’s leading newsrooms. Currently hosting Morning Ahow (Subah Say Agy) on HUM News, she is known for her credible journalism, compelling storytelling, and ability to connect deeply with audiences. Beyond television, Aisha is a digital content creator, making content on philosophy, poetry and new age trends, working as a corporate trainer who empowers professionals through workshops on communication, leadership, and personal branding. Her work reflects a belief in the power of dialogue, authenticity, and storytelling to inspire change.

• Dr. Najeeba Arif

  Chairperson, Pakistan Academy of Letters

  Prof. Dr Najeeba Arif is an eminent scholar, creative writer, critic and researcher. Her major field of specialization is Archival Research. She founded the first Indexation Agency for the Urdu Research Journals at International Islamic University, Islamabad and has been the editor of renowned research journals of Pakistan. Her collection of Urdu poetry ‘Ma’ani se Ziyada’ won the Award of the Best book of the year in 2015. Her poetry is being taught at the Ankara University, Turkey. Her other creative works include a book of memoirs, titled ‘Raagni ki Khoj Main’, a collection of short stories ‘Meethay Nalkay’, a novel, ‘Makhota’, travel writings and light essays. She writes in Urdu and English and knows Persian, Arabic and Punjabi. She has authored 18 books and published more than 60 articles in national and international journals. Currently she is serving as the Chairperson of Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad.

• Dr. Shagufta Feroz

  Director, Riphah Institute of Lifestyle Medicine

  Dr. Shagufta Feroz is an Integrative physician and founder of Synchronized lifestyle modification program, which is personalized and prescription-based program. She had specialized in Family medicine, done two PhDs from US in Holistic nutrition and Integrative medicine. Her certifications from Harvard university has further polished her leadership qualities. She is Diplomate international board of lifestyle medicine and only Pakistani who is Fellow of University of Arizona in Integrative Medicine. Dr. Shagufta Feroz runs her Integrative Holistic Care Center in Lahore and Islamabad and help all types of clients with minor or serious ailments throughout the country and abroad. She is the author of the book "Living as Nature Intended". Currently she is contributing as Director RILM.

• Hira Nigar

  Licensed Professional Counselor /Psychologist at Punjab AIDS Control Program

  Hira Nigar is a passionate advocate for public health awareness and social change. With a background rooted in health communication and community engagement, she works to challenge stigma, promote empathy, and create dialogue around issues often left unspoken. Her work reflects a deep commitment to reshaping how society perceives sensitive health narratives and to fostering spaces where compassion and understanding replace silence and judgment. At TEDxRiphahIntlU, Hira will address one of the most misunderstood health challenges of our time — exploring the power of knowledge, empathy, and open conversation in breaking societal taboos. Through her thought-provoking talk, she invites us to re-examine our perceptions, embrace awareness, and build a future grounded in humanity and hope.

• Kabeer Naqvi

  Entrepreneur in Residence, Abhi Group

  Kabeer Naqvi – Digital Banking Strategist, Fintech Visionary & Advocate for Financial Inclusion. With over 18 years of leadership across Pakistan's banking and fintech sectors, Kabeer Naqvi is a transformative force driving innovation at the intersection of finance, technology, and inclusion

• Khurram Ellahi

  Author + Thought Leader + Coach

  Khurram Ellahi recently completed his PhD, where his doctoral research, inspired by the poetry of Iqbal, integrates philosophical insights with actionable business strategies. This unique blend of philosophy and business acumen positions Khurram as a thought leader in the field of leadership development. Khurram is the author of two influential books, including "Managers as Little Prince," which was presented at the House of Lords in the UK. His work merges literary wisdom with modern management practices, providing readers with profound insights into effective leadership. Khurram Ellahi's contributions to the field extend to television appearances on programs like "Nukta" on PTV Home, ATV, and HUM TV. He has also delivered two impactful TEDx talks, further establishing his authority as a leadership expert. His insights are regularly featured in numerous podcasts, expanding his reach and influence across various platforms.

• Riffat Shaheen

  Artist

  Riffat Shaheen is one of Pakistan’s most prominent artists, known for creating large-scale artworks on both national and international platforms. Her creative work encompasses painting, graphic design, architectural aesthetics, museum design, and the preservation of historical structures. Her exhibitions in painting and sculpture have been held worldwide and have received high praise and acclaim. Originally from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Riffat began her artistic journey at the young age of 14 when she won first prize in a global art competition—bringing pride and recognition to her homeland. Following that success, she was invited to several countries over the course of five years as a symbol of exceptional talent and brilliance, where her work and personality were celebrated through various events. She is currently the owner of three major private limited companies in Pakistan and serves as the Chairperson of the Riffat Shaheen Foundation, a charitable organization.

• Sardar Yasir Ilyas

  Advisor/ Coordinator to Prime Minister of Pakistan on Tourism

  Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan is a prominent Pakistani business leader, CEO of The Centaurus, and currently serves as the Advisor & National Coordinator for Tourism to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, focusing on promoting tourism and investment through strategic development and leveraging technology. A dynamic figure with an MBA from Kingston University, he's involved in real estate (Centaurus) and hospitality, aiming to boost Pakistan's economy by enhancing its global image and fostering regional connectivity, as noted in his roles with ICCI and EO Islamabad.

• Wahaj Siraj

  CEO, Nayatel

  Wahaj Siraj is a prominent Pakistani tech entrepreneur, best known as the CEO & Co-founder of Nayatel, Pakistan's first Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) network, revolutionizing internet, TV, and phone services. With a background in government IT and telecom, he also co-founded Micronet Broadband (Pakistan's first DSL provider) and serves on various boards, championing digital innovation and entrepreneurship in Pakistan.

• Zahid Latif Khan

  CEO, ZLK Group

  Zahid Latif Khan is a prominent Pakistani financial figure, known as the Chairman of ISE Tower REIT Management and CEO of ZLK Securities, a leading brokerage firm he founded, pioneering Sharia-compliant investing with ZLK Islamic Financial Services. With extensive capital market experience, he's championed market awareness, served on the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) board, and contributes to national trade policy through roles in the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). He's also an alumnus of prestigious institutions like NDU, Stanford, and Kellogg.