Latest news with #Alishba
Gulf Today
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Pakistani novelist wins 'Young Woman of the Year' award in UK
Pakistani novelist and youth advocate, Alishba Khan Barech, has been named the winner of the "Young Woman of the Year' category at the prestigious Women Changing the World Awards 2025. The global ceremony was held at Park Hyatt London River Thames which was attended by international dignitaries, thought leaders, industry leaders, and guests from all over the world. The awards were presented by Britain's Princess Sarah Ferguson and globally celebrated humanitarian Dr Tererai Trent, said a press release received on Saturday. 'She is Pakistan's youngest novelist and memoirist, having written her debut novel at the age of 11, youngest memoirist at 14 and self-published author at 16,' it said. Alishba Barech, the youngest self-published author from Pakistan and a native of Nushki, Balochistan province, was earlier announced as one of 12 finalists in February 2025, selected from a remarkable pool of 751 nominations across more than 50 nations. Her selection was widely celebrated across Pakistan at the time, praised as a moment of national pride and a powerful message from Balochistan to the world. Alishba Barech triumphed among fellow finalists from India, Iran, Africa — standing as the only Pakistani and South Asian woman recognised in her category. Princess Sarah congratulated the winners and presented the awards. Alishba's work has long centered on rewriting dominant narratives, particularly around Balochistan, a region associated with militancy and conflict. Her activism spans work with Unicef Pakistan as a youth ambassador for mental health and polio eradication, and she currently serves as a youth adviser to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and a member of the National Youth Council. She also serves as a youth ambassador for the cricket franchise Quetta Gladiators. A self-taught writer, Alishba began crafting full-length novels at just 11, far beyond the scope of her peers' school essays. Following the announcement, Alishba said, "As I've said before, my mission has always been to rewrite the narratives that define us. This award is dedicated with all my heart to my parents, my teachers, my beloved province Balochistan, and my country Pakistan. Yesterday, when my country's name was called among global achievers, it was more than a personal milestone — it was proof that stories of resilience and brilliance can rise from Nushki and Quetta, not just the headlines of conflict and militancy we've grown used to. There is nothing more special than to bring a global award for your people.' NNI News Service
Express Tribune
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Alishba Yousuf talks ten-year break from acting
In an interview on a local talk show, Alishba Yousuf addressed her acting break and whether or not actor-sister Syra Yousuf forces her to make a comeback. Laughing, Alishba said, "We don't force each other to do anything, we just suggest. So, I have been on the receiving end of these suggestions a few times, but back then I wasn't ready for it. Some element or the other would make me feel that way." Alishba announced that she finally feels ready to return to the small screen. "I think everything has its time," she said. "I'm the kind of person who makes decisions based on how I feel. It's usually not influenced by what's happening in my head." The Ek Nazar Meri Taraf actor admitted that she has left projects that didn't feel as significant to her. "Sometimes, we get a little dramatic over our craft. At some point, I knew that I had to find a balance. So, I have faced a few difficulties in that regard," she said. Eldest of the three Yousuf sisters, Alishba was the first to enter showbiz and has been on a career break for a decade now. "It's actually been ten years," she said. "I started working as a VJ about 19 years ago and began acting in commercials some 23 years ago. I was 16 when I started appearing in commercials." Recalling the beginning of her career, she said, "I wasn't sure whether I even knew how to act. When I was offered a role, I was like, 'I don't know.' But that was just the next thing to do at the time." Alishba shared that she didn't have anyone to guide her into the industry. Instead, she was scouted for her first commercial by an Iranian makeup artist. "She got in touch with me, and asked me if I would like to pursue it. So, I said, 'I don't think I'll get the permission.' Because my father was strict. But when I asked him, he was fine with it, which confused me. I asked him if this would result in weird confrontations with the extended family, but he said, 'I'm your father. I'm giving you permission. Just do it.'" The Main Abdul Qadir Hoon actor used to feel as if she was struggling on set. However, her crew's praise and encouragement helped her recognise her talent. "I had no experience with acting. I hadn't learned it from anywhere. And it just happened."
Express Tribune
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Alishba Khan Barech named for Global Award
Alishba Khan Barech from Nushki, Balochistan has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 Women Changing the World Awards. Among 751 shortlisted nominations, the judges have selected Alishba Khan Barech as a finalist for the Young Woman of the Year Award, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to literature, advocacy, and youth empowerment, said a press release issued here Friday. Hailing from Nushki, near the Afghan bordera region often associated with militancyAlishba is determined to redefine its legacy. Instead of a militant, she hopes to be the one who shapes its narrative. She is Pakistan's youngest novelist, having written her debut novel at 11, and the country's youngest memoirist, beginning her memoir at 14. By 16, she became Pakistan's youngest self-published author. Her journey extends beyond literatureshe has served as a UNICEF Pakistan ambassador for polio eradication, a youth ambassador for mental health in UNICEF's On My Mind campaign, and a youth ambassador for the Quetta Gladiators.
