On March 23, as Pakistan commemorated its historic Resolution Day, when the Lahore Resolution of 1940 was passed, the nation resonates with pride and patriotism.
Amidst the festivities and remembrances, the Inter-Services Public Relations took a distinctive initiative to honour the exemplary accomplishments of young Pakistanis, who have excelled in various spheres of life.
To recognise the efforts and remarkable achievements of these young individuals, they were bestowed with the title of 'Pride of Pakistan 2024'. They were
Ramna Saeed, a young journalist, has earned the title for her unwavering dedication to combatting sexual harassment against women. Her commitment to this cause was recognized in 2022 when she was honored with the prestigious Diana Award, which celebrates young individuals who demonstrate exceptional efforts in improving their communities.
Named in honor of Diana, Princess of Wales, the award acknowledges Ramna's advocacy against sexual harassment, alongside her impactful social action and humanitarian efforts.
Furthermore, Ramna has represented Pakistan as a cultural ambassador in the United States, showcasing the rich diversity and talent of her homeland. Additionally, she is the visionary founder of She Leads Pakistan, a community-based organization focused on empowering young women and fostering leadership skills to promote a more equitable and inclusive society.
In her journalistic pursuits, Ramna sheds light on pressing issues such as gender-based discrimination, women's empowerment, freedom of expression, and human rights. Through her insightful storytelling, she amplifies marginalized voices and champion’s meaningful societal change.
Tanweer Ahmed has also been honored with the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian award given to any Pakistani civilian for their achievements.
He is a prominent Pakistani businessman, investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, renowned for his collaborations with leading corporations, non-profit entities, and healthcare institutions.
Recently, Tanweer Ahmed made a significant contribution by donating $9 million to Islamabad's National University of Science & Technology (NUST), aimed at providing scholarships to underprivileged students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across Pakistan, thereby empowering them with access to quality education.
Azima Dhanjee and Arhum Ishtiaq have both been honored for their efforts for deaf community. Azima, is a Child of Deaf Adult (CODA), the co-founder and CEO of ConnectHear, a board member of the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF).
She graduated from the Institute of Business Administration in 2020 and has received recognition for her work in publications such as Forbes and Pioneers Post, in addition to being a recipient of the Diana Award.
Arhum Ishtiaq has been featured in TechJuice's 25 under 25 list, and serves as the chief technology officer (CTO) for ConnectHear. He is also a recipient of the Diana Award and is highly skilled in machine learning.
Mr Taimoor Siddiqui hails from Hyderabad. He is a dynamic figure in the realm of international development and climate action.
As the founder and CEO of Project Clean-Green, Taimoor leads a youth-driven initiative recognized globally for its impact on Transformative Climate Education and sustainable development. His advocacy and activism for climate action have empowered communities at the grassroots level, particularly young girls.
Taimoor has represented Pakistan as a youth delegate, earning accolades for his climate activism. He has been honored with several awards and has presented his work and policy recommendations in diverse international climate conferences and amplified the voices of those affected by climate change.
Sister Zeph is a renowned expert in women's education, a champion of children's rights, and a dedicated community leader promoting interfaith harmony. Her commitment to uplifting marginalized communities has garnered international acclaim, making her the first Pakistani recipient of the prestigious Global Teacher Prize from the Varkey Foundation in partnership with UNESCO and Dubai Cares.
This latest accolade further acknowledges Sister Zeph's exceptional contributions to her community.
Another recipient, Zara Naeem Dar from Lahore, was announced as the top performer in the ACCA exams by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), earning her the prestigious worldwide prize.
Achieving the highest marks in the Financial Reporting exam administered in December 2020, Zara has made history by setting a new world record in the ACCA examination within the field of Chartered Accountancy.
