Latest news with #AlishbaKhanBarech
Arab News
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Pakistani novelist bags global award at Women Changing the World Awards 2025
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's self-published novelist Alishba Khan Barech bagged the 'Young Woman of the Year' award at the Women Changing the World Awards 2025 program this week, state-run media reported, dedicating her victory to the people of the southwestern Balochistan province she hails from. Barech is Pakistan's youngest self-published author and a native of Balochistan province's Nushki district, which often features in headlines for militant attacks. She was announced as one of 12 finalists for the Young Woman of the Year award in February 2025, selected from a pool of 751 nominations across over 50 countries. The Women Changing The World Awards is a global program that honors women making a positive impact across industries such as business, sustainability, leadership, health, education, innovation, and technology. The awards ceremony was held at the Park Hyatt London River Thames from Apr. 2-3. 'As I've said before, my mission has always been to rewrite the narratives that define us,' Barech was quoted as saying by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). 'This award is dedicated with all my heart to my parents, my teachers, my beloved province Balochistan, and my country Pakistan.' The Pakistani writer said winning the award was 'more than a personal milestone' for her, adding that it was proof that stories of resilience rise from Nushki and 'not just headlines of conflict and militancy we've grown used to.' State-run APP said Barech's work centers on rewriting dominant narratives, particularly around Balochistan, where separatists are fighting the state for a larger share in the province's natural resources. '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,' the APP said. It said Barech has worked with UNICEF Pakistan as its youth ambassador for mental health and polio eradication, adding that she currently serves as a youth adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and is also a member of the National Youth Council. The Pakistani author serves as a youth ambassador for the cricket franchise Quetta Gladiators and is the first Pashtun woman from Balochistan, South Asia, to secure a merit scholarship to the John Locke Summer University.
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.
