Islamabad, Apr 5, 2025: Pakistani author Alishba Khan Barech was recently named the winner of the “Young Woman of the Year” award at the prestigious 2025 Women Changing the World Awards, as revealed in a press statement on Friday.
This renowned global initiative honors extraordinary women who are making significant contributions across various sectors such as business, sustainability, leadership, health, education, innovation, and technology.
The Women Changing the World Awards aim to amplify the voices of women globally, fostering empowerment and inspiring action to “ignite hearts and reclaim dreams,” the statement emphasized.
Alishba, who had previously been a finalist in the same category and earned national acclaim in Pakistan, officially received this esteemed international recognition on April 3 at a ceremony held at the Park Hyatt London River Thames.
Dr. Tererai Trent, a Zimbabwean American author and advocate, along with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, presented the award.
Alishba’s literary contributions have focused on challenging mainstream narratives, particularly those related to Balochistan, the press release noted.
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Recognized as Pakistan’s youngest novelist and memoirist, she wrote her first novel at just 11 years old, followed by a memoir at 14, and a self-published book at the age of 16.
Beyond her literary accomplishments, Alishba actively advocates for mental health awareness and polio eradication as a youth ambassador for UNICEF Pakistan.
She also advises Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif as a youth consultant and is a member of the National Youth Council.
Additionally, she represents the Quetta Gladiators cricket team as a youth ambassador and became the first female Pashtun from Balochistan to earn a merit scholarship to the John Locke Summer University.
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Reflecting on her honor, Alishba shared, “My goal has always been to rewrite the stories that shape us.” She dedicated the award “with all my love to my parents, teachers, my cherished homeland Balochistan, and to Pakistan.”
She concluded, “When my country was acknowledged among global leaders, it wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was a testament that stories of resilience and brilliance can rise from Nushki and Quetta, beyond the narratives of conflict and militancy that often dominate the news.
Bringing a global recognition home for my people is the most rewarding achievement.”
