“چلو چلو سفر کی راہ پہ، عزمِ بلند لے کے چلو”

(Let’s set forth on the path of journey, carrying high determination)

“Man can’t discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide

I am a passionate scholar, leader, and innovator dedicated to driving positive change through research, entrepreneurship, and community service. Selected as a World Science Scholar by the World Science Festival — one of only 52 students worldwide — I have had the privilege to delve into advanced studies on CRISPR, quantum mechanics, and neurology with guidance from renowned scientists like Dr. Brian Greene and Nobel laureates. This experience fuels my mission to push scientific boundaries and inspire others through my work.

My academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence and leadership. Ranked first in my class from grades 9-11, I have earned the Highest Academic Achievement Award, standing as the equivalent of a valedictorian. In addition to academics, I’ve led Pakistan to top placements at international science and math tournaments. As the captain of Pakistan’s team for the International Tournament of Young Mathematicians (ITYM) 2023, I fostered collaboration across complex problem-solving challenges, earning an Honorable Mention for our nation. In chemistry, I placed first nationally at the Pakistan Chemistry Tournament (PCHTo), representing Pakistan on the international stage in the ICHTO competition, which underscored the power of interdisciplinary approaches and persistence.

Leadership is central to my impact both within my school and beyond. As School President and Headboy, I represent over 3,500 students, bridging dialogue between students and administration. I pioneered my school’s first anti-discrimination constitution, a transformative policy now expanding across campuses. Under my leadership, our school won 10 national competitions, and I supervised over 20 student-run clubs. Additionally, I founded several initiatives, such as MTMUN, which provide students with opportunities for debate and critical thinking.

Social responsibility is a cornerstone of my journey. I am the Founder and President of Nakhal, an NGO focused on economic empowerment through scientific innovation. Nakhal’s initiatives include an energy-efficient egg incubator I developed, which has provided stable income for 139 low-income families. Nakhal’s Baant project also supports over 100 families daily with food and basic needs. Leading a team of 200 volunteers across 10 cities, we have raised over $10,000 and continue to expand our reach. I was honored to receive Pakistan’s National Youth Leadership Award from the Prime Minister, recognizing my work in advancing financial literacy and independence.

My research experience spans multiple fields, focusing on leveraging science to solve real-world challenges. As a research intern at Pakistan’s National Center for Physics, I designed a quantum algorithm to optimize D-Wave’s quantum annealers for combinatorial problems, a project which is under review for publication. My interest in biochemical applications led me to study enzyme-mimicking nanoparticles and cancer diagnostics, publishing findings in prestigious journals like the Columbia Junior Science Journal. My paper on advancing physicochemical approaches for cancer diagnosis delves into innovative techniques to enhance early detection, aiming to make a tangible difference in patient outcomes.

Through ventures like Scholium, a platform supporting neurodivergent children, and Baghbani, which provides sustainable farming solutions to underprivileged farmers, I combine technical expertise with compassion to address societal needs. As I continue this journey, I am dedicated to advancing scientific discovery, fostering leadership, and uplifting communities, guided by the belief that impactful change begins with responsibility and vision.