In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

EE Seminar Hall CUI Islamabad
Park Rd, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory
Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550
Pakistan

Aun Raza

Tech Leader

Aun Raza, With over 16 years of dynamic experience in the tech industry, Aun stands at the forefront of cloud computing and DevOps strategies, marking him as a visionary in the field. His professional journey encompasses a diverse range of roles, including operations, cybersecurity, human resources, and team building. Aun's true passion lies in sculpting highly efficient software development teams, overseeing every stage from recruitment to secure deployment. His profound understanding of both the technical and human aspects of the industry sets him apart as a leader. Aun's multifaceted expertise in tech and HR has not only made him a notable figure in the industry but also a source of inspiration for many Technology aspirants.

CRISTINA VON SPERLING AFRIDI

Social Worker

Cristina von Sperling Afridi is the Chairperson of the Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation (KKAWF), an organization she and her husband Ambassador Tariq Khan Afridi founded in 2015 after the tragic loss of her only child, Karim, due to drug related accident. Driven by her personal experience, Cristina has devoted her life to addressing critical social issues such as drug prevention, women's empowerment, and public health. Her tireless efforts have earned her the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, recognizing her commitment to making a difference. She has also been instrumental in organizing Sports Galas in collaboration with Pakistan's Sports Board, including the recent FIFA World Cup Qualifiers matches in Pakistan, showcasing her belief in the power of sports to unite and inspire. Her curriculum for drug prevention strategies has garnered international recognition, including endorsement from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and other global policymakers.

Dr. Majid Iqbal Khan

Professor

Prof. Dr. Majid Iqbal Khan is an educationist, consultant, speaker and trainer. Currently, Dr. Majid Iqbal is working as Professor at Computer Science at COMSATS University Islamabad. He has extensive experience as Head of Department as well as teach and research. His contributions to the education sector are numerous. His research interest includes Trust management in distributed systems, Realtime task scheduling in networks, Routing issues in internet of things. Dr. Majid obtained his Masters degree in Software Engineering (2004) and a PhD in Wireless Sensor Networks from University of Vienna, Austria in 2009.

Jawad Sharif

Film Maker

As the founder of JS Films, Jawad is known for his impactful storytelling and commitment to cultural representation. He directed the acclaimed documentary Indus Blues (2018), which highlights the rich musical heritage of Pakistan, and produced, filmed, and edited the award-winning documentary K2 & the Invisible Footmen (2015), which has won over 37 awards across various categories. In 2016, Jawad was awarded a prestigious scholarship at the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, further refining his craft. He is a TED Fellow and had the honor of representing Pakistan at the TED conference in Vancouver, Canada, in 2022, where he delivered a thought-provoking talk. Additionally, Jawad is a National Geographic Explorer and participated in the National Geographic Storytellers Summit in Los Angeles in February 2024. He has also received the HBL PSL Hamaray Heroes Award in 2022 for his significant contributions to the arts.

Maryam Raja

Social Media Activitist

Our next speaker, Maryam Raja, a talented photographer, social media influencer, and artist who has recently gained significant fame for her captivating videos showcasing the Twin Cities. Since her breakout video on Instagram just a few months ago, Maryam’s account has experienced rapid growth, attracting a passionate following that resonates deeply with her creative vision and authentic storytelling. Her ability to blend artistry with cultural exploration has made her a standout voice in the digital space. She is setting an example for women in Pakistan by breaking cultural stereotypes and norms, she’s also an avid biker, embracing adventure and self-expression in every aspect of her life. Her fearless approach resonates deeply with her audience, and she is truly loved by those around her for her authenticity and passion.

Muhammad Asmaar Hussain

Tourism and Photography

Mr. Muhammad Asmar Hussain is an engineer by profession and a passionate, hobbyist, and internationally award-winning landscape photographer from Dera Ismail Khan. He began his journey in landscape photography using a mobile phone to promote the beauty of Pakistan while studying at COMSATS University, Abbottabad, in 2008. Over the past 16 years, he has earned several national and international awards for his distinguished skills. Among his many accolades, Asmar Hussain was recently named Pakistan’s Best Travel Photographer of 2024. He is the only Pakistani to win the Landscape Photographer of the Year award in 2023, one of three prestigious awards he received at 35AWARDS in Russia. He is also the recipient of the 2023 Paris International Street Photography Award. Currently, he has the honor of being the only Pakistani to serve as a brand ambassador for Sony, the world’s largest camera company, representing landscape photography in Pakistan.

Osama Akhter

Story Teller

Osama Akhter is not just a passionate storyteller; he’s the visionary founder of Buland Community, where he’s on a mission to bring the rich tradition of storytelling back to life in Pakistan. With a background in psychology from COMSATS, Osama has a unique understanding of human stories. His love for connecting with people led him to explore mass communication, allowing him to amplify his message and focus on community-driven projects. Through Buland Community, Osama has created welcoming spaces where people can share their stories and find common ground. Whether it’s through open mic nights, workshops, or even adventurous hikes and art circles, he inspires creativity and builds strong community ties. His dedication to empowering voices and celebrating the art of storytelling is making a real difference in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

Qasim Abbasi

Entrepreneur

Qasim Abbasi is an entrepreneur and digital marketing specialist with a passion for growth, both personal and professional. As the founder of XposureVerse, a company offering digital marketing, cybersecurity, and AI solutions, Qasim has dedicated his career to helping businesses leverage technology and social media to scale. His journey embodies resilience, self-belief, and continuous learning. He aims to inspire others to embrace their inner journey, harnessing the power within to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful success.

Talha Bhatti

Tech Entrepreneur

Talha Bhatti is renowned influencer, content creator, Graphic Designer & Video Editor and owner of Bhailog Digital. Teaching design is his passion because in his early years as a designer he always wanted to quick and easily tutorials through which he could learn design but there was no such source in time. So, he took on the challenge to teach design with short and to-the-point tutorials. He has over one million followers.

Umer Saleem

Media Person

Umer Salem is a YouTuber, comedian, and content creator. Umer Salem is known for creating comedic sketches, parodies, and relatable content often centered around everyday life and humorous takes on social situations. He gained popularity on platforms like YouTube, where he showcases his sense of humor and ability to engage audiences through both short skits and longer comedic videos. Umer Salem often produces content that resonates with a younger audience, using humor to comment on cultural and social issues, and his videos typically have a comedic and light-hearted tone. His content style might include impressions, satirical takes on pop culture, or commentary on current trends. If you're a fan of his, you likely enjoy his unique take on everyday scenarios and his engaging personality!

Uzair Jaswal

Musician/Artist

We welcome our next speaker, the incredibly talented Uzair Jaswal! Known for his mesmerizing voice and captivating presence, Uzair has taken the music world by storm, enchanting fans with his soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, winning multiple awards for his exceptional music, including Lux Style Awards for best emerging talent and best song, Pakistan Media Awards, Indus music awards for his outstanding musical performances. But that’s not all—Uzair is also a gifted actor, shining in hit dramas that have left audiences in awe. His dynamic performances have earned him accolades and a dedicated fan base, proving that his talent knows no bounds.