Pakistan’s rising influence in entrepreneurship, technology, science, entertainment, and social impact has gained global recognition. Seven young Pakistanis earned a place on the prestigious Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 List 2026.
The annual Forbes list celebrates outstanding individuals under the age of 30 who are driving innovation, leadership, and change across Asia. This recognition is due to their achievements and groundbreaking contributions.
Among the notable names is actress Hania Aamir, who continues to strengthen her presence both locally and internationally. Additionally, Hania also serves as a United Nations Women National Goodwill Ambassador.
Filmmaker and visual artist Saman Kamran was also recognized for her impactful storytelling and socially conscious creative projects. Her acclaimed short film The Bed She Made was showcased at South Korea’s Busan International Film Festival, earning international praise. Kamran has also collaborated on projects addressing environmental and social issues across Asia.
In the field of science, Maheera Ghani secured a spot on the list following the completion of her doctorate from the University of Cambridge in 2025. She has become a prominent advocate for women in STEM through her work with WinSci Pakistan. Moreover, she recently received the Nature Inspiring Women in Science Award.
Their Singapore-backed startup develops automation solutions that help businesses streamline accounting, payroll, invoicing, and financial operations.
Technology entrepreneur Syed Ismail earned recognition for founding Saraaf, a digital platform transforming commodity trading across Asia. The company offers tools for shipment tracking, contract management, live pricing, and trader communication. Forbes reported that Saraaf raised $5.3 million in funding in 2024 and is preparing for a future public listing.
Also featured on the list was Fahad Shahbaz, recognized in the social impact category for his contributions to youth empowerment, civic engagement, and leadership initiatives. He achieved these through platforms such as the Youth General Assembly.
The inclusion of these seven individuals highlights Pakistan’s growing footprint on the global stage. Furthermore, it showcases the country’s emerging talent across entertainment, science, technology, finance, and social development.