Outstanding British Pakistanis
Across the community, in the last 50 years, the contributions of British Pakistanis to society are vast and varied. Ranging from pioneering doctors and humanitarians to history-making politicians, these outstanding individuals are stepping up as role models for the next generation. The Outstanding British Pakistani programme showcases the successes of these contributors and celebrates their achievements with them.
The Outstanding British Pakistanis Programme covers a special feature and interview in our monthly newsletter with an illustrious British Pakistani who has made a positive contribution in their profession, local community, charity etc. to serve as a “role model” for our community to inspire the next generation of leaders. Please find below some of the illustrious British Pakistanis featured in our newsletters each month:
Spotlight on Raza Anjum
In episode 8 of the “Spotlight” series, we speak to Raza Anjum, a dynamic individual who masterfully balances his dual passions: law and mountain climbing. As a dedicated lawyer, Raza has built a reputable career advocating for justice and making a significant impact...
Spotlight on Armoghan Mohammed
In episode 7 of the “Spotlight” series, we speak to Armoghan Mohammed, Chair PWC North of England. Armoghan epitomises leadership and expertise in the realm of professional services. With a trail blazing career, he has navigated through the dynamic...
Spotlight on Zahra Khan
On episode 6 of the “Spotlight” series, we speak to Chef Zahra Khan. From baking prodigy to culinary trailblazer, Zahra shares her journey and insights on breaking barriers, empowering women, and revolutionising the culinary scene with Feya Cafe and DYCE....
Spotlight on Tez Ilyas
On episode 5 of the ‘Spotlight’ series, we speak to Blackburn based comedian Tez Ilyas. With a successful career spanning longer than ten years, Tez shares his journey and how he made the jump from a civil service London job to following his dreams and...
Spotlight on Natasha Asghar
Not many people can say they have been successful in multiple career paths in life – yet, Natasha Asghar has managed just that. She has had a flourishing career in media as a television presenter and in the world of banking. But it’s in Politics where Natasha’s...
Spotlight on Shana
In the fourth episode of the Spotlight series, we speak to Pakistani-American-Brit Shana, the founder of the inspiring podcast ‘Her Kajal Won’t Smudge’, celebrating South Asian women, but most importantly having important and difficult conversations about issues...
Spotlight on Dr Amir Khan
As well as being a full time GP, Dr Amir Khan is also a best-selling author and can regularly be seen on TV as resident doctor on shows such as Lorraine, Good Morning Britain and You Are What You Eat. His latest venture is his new book and first novel How (Not) to...
Spotlight on Mim Sheikh
Actor, Broadcaster and Spoken-Word Poet, Mim Shaikh is a multi-faceted talent and with his career spanning so many paths, you are sure to recognise him from one of them. Hailing from South London, Mim has hosted his own radio shows on BBC Asian Network and BBC Radio...
Spotlight On Unzela Khan Sheikh
Second generation British Pakistani journalist, Unzela Khan Sheikh has just published a children’s book about Pakistan during her maternity leave for her new baby. The book entitled Pakistan, I’ll Be Back is a celebration of her Pakistani heritage, centred...
Spotlight on Zara Mohammed
Zara Mohammed is a Law & Politics graduate. She is currently a third sector consultant. In 2018, she was the Assistant Secretary General at the Muslim Council of Britain as well as the head of Media and Communications for the Muslim Council of Scotland. In January...
Spotlight on Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is a British professional boxer who made history on 9th May 2018 after becoming worlds first type one diabetic to be granted a professional license by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBOfC). He is an ambassador for Diabetes UK, JDRF, IDF...
Spotlight on Lord Sarfraz
Lord Sarfraz is a Member of the House of Lords. On his nomination, he became the third youngest Peer in parliament. He was previously a Treasurer of the Conservative Party and an advisor to the party leadership on outreach. His career has included roles in private...
Spotlight on Atifa Shah
A former Youth Member of Parliament and GE19 Parliamentary Candidate, Atifa is a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist who combines a successful management consulting career with active community involvement at local, national and international level. Beginning her...
Spotlight on Cllr. Waseem Zaffar MBE
Born and brought up in the Lozells neighbourhood in Birmingham, the area he represents, Councillor Waseem Zaffar is the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Birmingham City Council. This brings together the responsibilities for: sustainable transport policy...
Spotlight on Ali Farid Khawaja
Ali Farid Khwaja is the Chairman of KASB Securities, a leading stock brokerage in Pakistan. He is based in London and lives with his wife Mubashira and daughters Mashal (10) and Manahil (7). He also works for the Asian Development Bank as a consultant. Prior to KASB,...
Spotlight on Akhtar M. Zaidi (FCA)
Akhtar is an ex-partner at Coopers & Lybrand (now PWC), who has worked in numerous global offices such as London, New York. He was previously the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Dabbagh in Saudi Arabia and co-founded Dabbagh Information...
Spotlight on Zahra Shah
Zahra is the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Seers – UK’s leading privacy and consent management platform for companies worldwide (https://www.seersco.com). She has a background in Management Consultancy with over a decade of...
Spotlight on Major Naveed Muhammad MBE
Major Naveed Muhammad MBE joined the Royal Corps of Signals Army Reserve in December 1987. Trained as a Communications Systems Operator, he held a normal mix of Squadron roles up to the rank of WO2. Commissioned in 2007, he embarked on the first of his Full Time...
Spotlight on Dr. Suhail Chughtai
Dr Suhail Chughtai FRCS, Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medico.legal Examiner, Microsoft Certified Specialist & Tele-health Expert (Pakistan, UAE, KSA, USA, UK), Masters in Telemedicine & e-Health (ongoing), Professor, Faculty of Health...
Spotlight on Hira Ali
Hira Ali is author of the renowned book: Her Way to the Top: A guide to smashing the glass ceiling which has received international awards and outstanding testimonials worldwide. She is also an inspiring and well-recognised leadership expert and career coach who has...
Ebba Qureshi – June 2020
Ebba is an accomplished campaigner with qualified experience of working in the Public Relations, Communications sector as well as developing high profile events. She is the founder and CEO of FemGames, where she aims to implement structured PE lessons for girls’...
Spotlight on Bilal Bin Saqib
Bilal Bin Saqib is the founder and director of BBS&Co, a digital marketing agency with clients in the UK and overseas. When Bilal is not travelling for work, he dedicates his time to fundraising for Tayaba.org a non-profit organisation he founded that has changed...
Spotlight on Farmida Bi
Farmida Bi has more than 20 years of experience in capital markets and Islamic finance transactions, advising on English and New York law. She is the EMEA Chair & European Head of Islamic Finance at Norton Rose Fulbright and is based in London. Farmida is named as...
Spotlight on Dr. Yarjan Abdul Samad
Dr Yarjan Abdul Samad, PhD is a Senior Research Scientist and a Teaching Fellow at Cambridge Graphene Centre, The Department of Engineering at The University of Cambridge. He is the first Space Scientist from Pakistan at the University of Cambridge. His research work...
Spotlight on Rabia Bhatti
Formerly one of the youngest ethnic female politicians in the country, Rabia Bhatti is a young leader of leading vision and inspiration with a reputation of excellence. With a background in politics, Rabia is a college governor for the largest educational institution...
Spotlight on Ahmed Farooq
Interview with Ahmed Farooq, Chief Financial Officer at Wesleyan Assurance Society: Ahmed became Chief Financial Officer of Wesleyan, a specialist financial mutual for doctors, dentists, teachers and lawyers, in November 2015. Having joined Wesleyan in 2010, he was...
Spotlight on Hammad Akhtar
How did you get started in your career? When I completed my (non-law) undergraduate degree I faced a choice: to study law or undertake a Phd in management. Law appealed because of the US TV show LA Law and because my dad told me it did! I started my career at Herbert...
Spotlight on Samia Latif
Why did you choose Public Health? I trained as a doctor and am currently a consultant in Public Health, more specifically, a Consultant in Communicable Disease Control. I work in the health protection team at Public Health England (PHE) East Midlands. Throughout my...
Spotlight on Mohammad Shoaib Memon
Mohammad Shoaib Memon is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Europe Arab Bank plc and a director of a number of companies of the Group in Europe. He was also the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Bank during 2018 responsible for management of the Bank’s...
Spotlight on Adil Javed
How did you get started in your career? Wow, ok, let me see…..which career shall I start with?! I think when I look back I actually started acting at a very early age, actors are spontaneous and have to be able to adjust to situations quickly and I used those skills...
Spotlight on Dr Shahid Latif
How did you get started in your career? I graduated as a doctor in 1995 and have been working in Psychiatry since 1997. I’ve always had a keen interest in the human psych and how we operate on a day to day basis from a psychological perspective. I became a consultant...
Spotlight on Shahzad Younas
How did you get started in your career? Graduated in comp sci…but back in 2005, Finance and trading was the hot sector to be in, so I applied for an internship at Morgan Stanley in trading….and Alhamdullilah got my first (and only job) after that! I rose...
Spotlight on Sheikh Bilal Khan
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Spotlight on Hashim Bhatti
Outstanding British Pakistani of the Month: Hashim Bhatti CEO of HB Capital A short bio: Hashim Bhatti is a corporate lawyer by background with a Masters in Economics, Politics, Philosophy and Law. He is the CEO of HB Capital, which operates from the...
Spotlight on Sahar Farooqi
Barrister & Director of Advocacy DWF Advocacy Ltd How did you get started in your career? In truth it began when I was asked to read a match report of my school’s football team at assembly in front of a couple of hundred people. I was six. The adrenaline, the...
Spotlight on Amjad Pervez
Amjad Pervez: Chairman of JumpStart Pakistan What has been a highlight of your career? The highlight of my life was the moment I decided to leave my secure job in financial services and take the plunge to start our very humble family business,a typical corner shop....
Spotlight on Nazli Imtiaz
Nazli Imtiaz is a London-based dentist with over 18 years of experience under her belt. We caught up with her on her career journey so far: What sparked your interest in dentistry? I did work experience as a dental nurse in 1989. I kept working as a holiday/Saturday...
Spotlight on Ahlya Fateh
Ahlya Fateh is the Managing Director of Amanda Wakeley Ltd. We caught up with her on her career journey so far: What encouraged you to study French and Russian? My uncle Syed Usama Rafique was a ballet dancer and studied in the Soviet Union at the Vaganova...
Spotlight on Abby Ghafoor
How did you make the jump from studying Biology at University to having a successful career in Marketing Organisation? Coming from a scientific background and straight into a marketing consultancy was all to do with being in the right place at the right time. After...
Spotlight on Zeeshaan Shah
Zeeshaan Shah is the CEO of One Investments. We caught up with him on his career journey so far: 1- What was One Investments born out of? ONE Investments was born out of my desire to offer and deliver innovative property investment solutions to investors so that they...
Spotlight on Dr. Robina Shah
Dr Robina Shah MBE is the current High Sheriff for Greater Manchester and we caught up with her on her career journey so far. 1- What motivated you towards your career in Psychology? My father studied psychology as a subsidiary subject to his degree and often spoke...
Spotlight on Suman Hanif
BPF recently met up with the young and talented filmmaker Suman Hanif Suman Hanif is a Yorkshire based filmmaker. With the passion for creative storytelling the young filmmaker aims to connect people through the medium of film. Suman’s films are dedicated to...
Spotlight on Ali Beg
BPF caught up with Ali Beg who is the Project Manager of Awaaz FM Mr Beg’s family came to the UK from Pakistan in the 1950’s and settled in Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow, Reading and eventually Southampton. He is currently working as Project Manager for Awaaz...
Spotlight on Mohammad Saleem Latif
BPF caught up with Mohammad Saleem Latif as our Outstanding British Pakistani this month, who won the Commonwealth Export Champion title in November 2017 as a leading Commonwealth SME. To learn more about the Commonwealth First programme and to apply please visit:...
Spotlight on Sadia Mirza
This winter BPF got up close and personal in an exclusive interview with the Programme Coordinator of The VM Centre for Traditional Arts Pakistan.The ZVM Rangoonwala Foundation has just embarked on an incredible journey with The Prince’s School of Traditional...
Spotlight on Sarmad Masud
This Fall BPF got up close and personal in an exclusive interview with the unparalleled and talented film-maker, writer and director Sarmad Masud. His monumental feature film, ‘My Pure Land’ was the first British Pakistani feature film to be nominated for...
Spotlight on Asif Majid
This September, BPF caught up with candid and brilliantly funny, Asif Majid, CEO and founder of award-winning design and build practice YU Spaces & Partners. He gave us an insight into how the company began and what it is like to advice, design and build for high...
Spotlight on Shaista Gohir
BPF caught up with ShaistaGohir, a leading women’s rights activist and Chair of Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK), a national charity. Prior to joining the board in 2011, Shaista began volunteering for MWNUK in 2005 when it was an informal group and became...
Spotlight on Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed
“My Pakistani heritage makes me standapart from the crowd and I am so proudto be Pakistani…” BPF caught up with MasterChef 2017 winner Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed, on her fantastic win and her career as a Junior Doctor,...
Spotlight on Shahid Azeem
ShahidAzeem is an award winning British-Pakistani entrepreneur andphilanthropist, and one of Surrey’s best-known business leaders. In addition to a string of successful businesses, he has been named one of the Top 100 most influential Muslims in the UK by Royal Bank...
Spotlight on Raishma Islam
BPF caught up with British Pakistani fashion designer Raishma Islam, who worked as anAssistant Designer to Elizabeth Emanuel, famed for creating Princess Diana’s iconic wedding dress, she then was inspired to launch her self- named label in 1998 after much...
Spotlight on Deputy Senior District Judge, Chief Magistrate. Tanweer Ikram
“There is nothing we can’t do, we just need to aim high, work hard and go for it …” BPF caught up with Deputy Senior Disrtict Judge (Chief Magistrate) Tanweer Ikram, the Deputy Lead Diversity and Community Relations Judge and supporter of Lead Judge...
Spotlight on Mohammed Ali
“Entrepreneurs should avoid seeking seed money, and any sort of investment before they have a working prototype…” Our Outstanding British Pakistani of the Month is our very own Mohammed Ali from Dewsbury, Yorkshire! A 16-year-old tech genius...
Spotlight on Shaista Aziz
“Use everything that makes you different to your advantage: your language, your background, your community and use it in your creativity…” Shaista Aziz is a freelance journalist specialising on Pakistan, women’s rights, gender, race and...
Spotlight on Adil Ray OBE
“I thought that can be my thing, I can be British and be Pakistani, I can be both of those things! It was a big lesson…” BPF caught up with Adil Ray, a British-Pakistani born to a Kenyan mother and Pakistani father in Birmingham, where he was brought...
Spotlight on Shamshad Ahmed
This September, we caught up with candid and brilliantly funny, Shamshad Ahmed, CEO and founder of Smart Cells, a private UK stem cell storage company that is changing the way we think about umbilical cords. Once discarded as medical waste, the blood left in the...
Spotlight on Noreen Khan
This month, we’re celebrating the stunning and mesmerisingly sweet Noreen Khan, BBC radio presenter and DJ, as our Outstanding British Pakistani of the month. Hosting Asian Radio Network’s most-listened to show, we got up close and personal with...
Spotlight on Sarah Sarhandi
BPF caught up with half-English, half-Pakistani violist, Sarah Sarhandi during Alchemy Festival at Southbank last month. Her work has been described as an “individual story, that of a person with joint British and Pakistani heritage and the experiences, stories,...
Spotlight on Sadiq Khan
Sadiq Khan, Europe’s most powerful Muslim politician, is an inspiration to the community, all Britons and the world at large, and a success story that motivates us all. Khan is also BPF’s illustrious British Pakistani of the month! At this landmark moment in world...