2024 Pakistan Comparative Public Policy
Amin Jan (he/him/his)
Lakki Marwat, Pakistan
English Literature, Islamia College University, Peshawar
Amin Jan is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in arts and humanities with a major in English literature at Islamia College University, Peshawar. He is a civically engaged individual who has demonstrated his commitment to making a positive impact on society. As a member of an irrigation committee in his village, his primary objective was the cleanliness of streets and drainage. Along with his team, Amin has provided a water system to the community by collecting donations. Additionally, he teaches the students of his village voluntarily and organizes awareness campaigns regarding education and environmental cleanliness in remote areas of his district. He has remained the CR of his class and has hosted many programs and events in his school, adding to his leadership qualities. He aspires to play an active role in developing his society by promoting education, environmental cleanliness, and solving water issues. Amin is looking forward to not only showcasing his own culture in the SUSI program, but also exploring other cultures. Through this exchange, he aims to broaden his horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world around him.
Aqsa Asghar (she/her/hers)
Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
BA LLB Hons, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Aqsa Asghar is pursuing an LLB Hons degree from the University of the Punjab in Lahore. With a fervent passion for law and justice, her professional aspirations extend beyond being a lawyer to ultimately becoming a judge. She believes that by learning from the United States through the SUSI program she will understand the intricacies of policy formulation. This will equip her with a broader perspective on the legal landscape, enabling her to make more informed and effective decisions during her professional life. Engaging with diverse perspectives and experiencing firsthand the intersection of law and policy in a different context will sharpen her analytical skills and broaden her outlook. Overall, the knowledge and experiences gained from the program will enhance her capabilities, positioning her as a well-rounded and effective adjudicator committed to serving the interests of justice and the rule of law. Outside of academia, she finds solace in the pages of books, as reading is her favorite hobby. Fuelled by an unwavering passion to make a positive impact on humanity, she is committed to using her legal knowledge and skills to contribute to the betterment of society.
Ehsan Rahim (he/him/his)
Chitral, Pakistan
LL.B, Bahria University, Islamabad Campus
Ehsan Rahim is pursuing a law degree from Bahria University, Islamabad. Ehsan’s professional journey includes valuable volunteering experiences with the Community Emergency Response Team of Aga Khan Agency for Habitat and the Bahria Law Moot Society. Additionally, Ehsan has been actively involved in teaching through various volunteering programs. Ehsan aspires to become a respected and intellectually driven lawyer, contributing to the development of legal frameworks and policies. His long-term goals include writing books on policy-making and the legal system, as well as serving in advisory roles or ministries within the executive system of Pakistan. Ehsan hopes to gain insights into the intricate workings of the American legal and policy-making systems. Exploring what makes the U.S. a great country will provide him with invaluable perspectives to apply within the context of Pakistan. In his free time, Ehsan enjoys engaging in volunteering experiences, playing football, and indulging in travel adventures.
Esha Sultan (she/her/hers)
Islamabad, Pakistan
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Rawalpindi Medical University
Esha Sultan is a second-year MBBS student at Rawalpindi Medical University. She aspires to be a surgeon and help people develop an interest in scientific fields. Therefore, she has hosted suturing workshops at different colleges. She wants to preserve her culture and is a huge fan of Urdu literature. She has participated in a literary competition in addition to hosting a major literary event at her University. She is looking forward to learning a lot from the SUSI program, including meeting new people, learning from their experiences, broadening her horizons on different cultures, and representing her culture and values in the best possible way. In her free time, Esha loves to play badminton and ukulele.
Fizza Batool (she/her/hers)
Hafizabad, Pakistan
Bachelor of International Relations and Politics, University of Lahore
Fizza Batool is a self-motivated and result-driven student, currently enrolled at the University of Lahore. She is pursuing a major in international relations and politics with exposure to other fields such as international law, comparative politics, peace and conflict studies, security studies, governance, and public policy. She has been part of a renowned institution SHARP-Pakistan, where she completed her volunteer work for Afghan and Non-Afghan refugees. Fizza has participated in capacity-building workshops, community awareness campaigns, and site visits to observe the living conditions of marginalized people as part of her volunteer work with UNHCR. Fizza wants to work as a human rights activist. Her goal is to fight for the rights of all people, regardless of gender. Her participation in SUSI will encourage her to gain more exposure and identify cultural gaps by interacting with people from all over the world. This comparative public policy program will motivate her to learn more about the policy-making structure of America, which she can emulate in Pakistan. Her hobbies include reading romance novels, playing table tennis, and observing nature.
Habib Ullah (he/him/his)
Sanghar, Sindh, Pakistan
Bachelor of Law (LL.B.), Bahria University, Islamabad
Habib Ullah, hailing from Sanghar, Sindh, is pursuing a nachelor of law (B.A. LL.B.) at Bahria University, Islamabad. He holds the position of general secretary at the Bahria University Law Moot Society (BULMS), where he actively engages in fostering legal discourse and advocacy within the university's law school community. His professional aspirations are deeply rooted in increasing awareness among the masses regarding fundamental and human rights, as well as the importance of the rule of law. Through organizing law moot court competitions on contemporary legal issues, Habib aims to empower individuals with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities. Beyond his academic pursuits and professional endeavors, Habib is driven by a passion for initiating positive change and raising awareness among underprivileged communities in Pakistan. He believes in the transformative power of education and civil rights advocacy in improving lives and shaping a more just society. Habib's dedication to his goals led him to vie for a spot in the SUSI program, recognizing it as an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into U.S. public policymaking and institutions. He is eager to draw comparisons with the Pakistani context and further enrich his understanding of global legal frameworks. In his leisure time, Habib finds joy in sports, particularly football and table tennis, as well as the challenge of solving Rubik's Cubes.
Javeria Shahid (she/her/hers)
Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
Microbiology, Quaid I Azam University, Islamabad
Javeria is an enthusiastic first-year student at Quaid I Azam University Islamabad, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. She hopes to become a successful clinical microbiologist and social rights activist. As a participant in the SUSI program, she is eager to gain valuable insight into comparative public policy analysis, policy formulation, and the public healthcare system of the United States to transform healthcare in Pakistan. She spends her spare time indulging in community service and works weekly as a passionate member of the Organization for Educational Change.
Kamran Nazim (he/him/his)
Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Bachelors of Public Administration, University of Management and Technology
Kamran Nazim is a dedicated student pursuing a bachelor's degree in public administration at the University of Management and Technology in Lahore. Kamran's journey into public administration began at 13 after a conversation with his father revealed the policy challenges faced in Gilgit-Baltistan. Kamran's dedication to public service is underscored by his extensive professional experiences and community engagements. He has volunteered in scouting, a special needs organization, the Bubur Youth Forum, and Diamond Jubilee School Bubur. In addition to his professional pursuits, he is an active member of various clubs and societies at his university, including the Leaders Forum and the Scouts Club, where he engages in leadership development activities and organizational events. Outside of academia, he maintains a balanced lifestyle by participating in sports, volunteering, pursuing his passion for mountaineering, and cooking local delicacies. Kamran’s diverse experiences and dedication to serving his community showcase his potential as a future leader in public administration. He aims to broaden his perspectives through exchange programs and engagement with American culture, seeking to contribute meaningfully to societal advancement. Kamran's journey exemplifies the transformative power of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to positive change.
Kinza Shafi (she/her/hers)
Karachi, Pakistan
Information Technology, Karachi School of Business and Leadership
Kinza Shafi is an IT student in her fourth semester at Karachi School of Business and Leadership, specializing in business analytics. Alongside her academic pursuits, she actively contributes to the professional arena, serving as a marketing executive at Colaraz and an independent top-rated freelancer on Upwork. Fueled by her fervor for data, technology, and business, Kinza harbors aspirations of advancing her studies at MIT and charting a career path as a data scientist at NASA. She aims to dismantle educational barriers for women in her country by offering IT tutoring and establishing an organization in her hometown to encourage more women to pursue technology-oriented careers. In addition to this, Kinza is actively involved in global initiatives as a member of the World Economic Forum and serves as the Impact Officer for Karachi Hub. Kinza is also engaged with Once Upon a Book Club, one of the largest book organizations worldwide. Kinza finds solace in hobbies such as reading, gardening, and dedicating time to welfare activities. For Kinza, success isn't solely about individual achievements; it's about uplifting others. She views the SUSI program as an invaluable opportunity not only to broaden her horizons but also to effect positive change.
Mariam Nawaz (she/her/hers)
Mardan, Pakistan
Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan
Mariam Nawaz is a student at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan studying biotechnology. Her studies have ignited a strong interest in her related to neuroscience and neuropsychiatry, particularly regarding major depressive disorder (MDD). Notably, she aims to be the first researcher in Pakistan to investigate MDD using biotechnological methods. This passion for creating diagnostic tools and treatments for MDD stems from a desire to improve societal well-being. She is also working on a research project alongside a PhD student on the topic “Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE)”. She has conducted a research survey at her university on the topic “Body image issues in the students of AWKUM”. Driven by strong leadership qualities and a commitment to positive change, she sees the SUSI Comparative Public Policy Program as an opportunity to broaden her perspective and refine her skills. Her dedication extends beyond the program itself, as she plans to leverage the acquired knowledge to make a significant impact in her home country. In her leisure time, she enjoys the challenge of learning Korean. Her passion for continuous learning extends across disciplines.
Sajjad Hussain (he/him/his)
Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Public Administration, National University of Science And Technology
Sajjad Hussain is pursuing a bachelor's of public administration at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad. Sajjad is a social worker and a humanitarian at heart. He has national-level programmatic work experience in addressing and reducing HIV/AIDS vulnerabilities of Pakistani migrants. He has also conducted two research studies in the domain of public health. Sajjad has also led community-based initiatives to promote eco-friendly development and equality for gender minorities. Currently, Sajjad is a mental health ambassador of the Me for Myself (M4M) campaign. He is also a member of the national team of YPEER Pakistan. As part of his YPEER responsibilities, he carries out monthly grassroots interventions aimed at building the capacity of citizens on SRHR and mental health. Sajjad aspires to be a human rights activist and social worker, giving back to his community and the world at large. Through this program, he aspires to gain essential skills to help achieve his dream through the policy lens. Sajjad is also a poet and his writings reflect upon divine love and philosophy. He is also a movie and series fanatic.
Syeda Fatima Batool (she/her/hers)
Mansehra, Pakistan
Bachelor of Political Science, Hazara University
Syeda Fatima Batool studies political science at Hazara University, Mansehra. She aspires to become an efficient policymaker and take part in state affairs by joining the civil superior services of Pakistan. With the help of this program, she wants to experience advanced educational techniques, the enriched culture of America, and to learn more about advanced policies and innovative ideas that are adoptable for underdeveloped communities. Her hobbies are cooking, traveling, reading, and writing.
Umra Saba (she/her/hers)
Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Bachelor of Business Administration, Government College University, Faisalabad
Umra Saba is a business administration student from Pakistan. Throughout her academic journey, she has gained a solid foundation in finance, marketing, and management. She also had the opportunity to participate in the English Works program sponsored by the US Consulate General and the Amal Fellowship sponsored by Standford University and PepsiCo, from which she has built her analytical and problem-solving skills. Currently, she is working with the Rotaract Club of Faisalabad with a drive for continuous learning and a positive impact on society through leadership. She actively seeks to understand diverse cultural and societal aspects to promote peace, education, and women's empowerment through entrepreneurship in remote areas. She is enthusiastic to share her cultural norms and values with the students of the USA, help them learn new languages and skills, and bridge the gap between the two countries through an interactive and friendly environment. She looks forward to interacting with the global community to share and exchange ideas, explore U.S. culture, and intensify her leadership qualities through the SUSI program. Further, she is also interested in traveling and community service, such as girl guiding, teaching, and cleaning campaigns.
Wajahat Ali (he/him/his)
Havelian, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Bachelor of Medicine And Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Ayub Medical College (Khyber Medical University, Peshawar)
Wajahat Ali is pursuing a bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery (MBBS) at Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad. He is a research enthusiast working in various medical fields. Apart from his studies, he is involved in various projects of social work and societal well-being. His social contributions are related to the fields of education and healthcare. He is currently the Ambassador of Muaawin, a social organization at his university. Furthermore, he wants to pursue a career in public health and work towards the universal coverage of healthcare for his nation. As a SUSI Comparative Public Policy participant, he is eager to share his culture and thoughts and is open to learning about U.S. culture and policies. He believes this program will help in his professional endeavors as well as polish his leadership skills.
Zahid Sarfaraz Khan (he/him/his)
Gilgit, Pakistan
Government and Public Policy, National Defence University
Zahid Sarfaraz Khan is a third-year university student pursuing a degree in government and public policy from the National Defence University, Islamabad. He is passionate about becoming a great policymaker and playing a role in developing his society and the world into a better place. He hopes that this program will equip him with the necessary quality skills that will help him achieve his objectives and motives in life. Apart from that, he loves to hike, explore new places and cultures, and wants to spend most of his leisure time with nature.
Urooj Ul Hasan (she/her/hers)
Quetta, Pakistan
BS Accounting and Finance, Institute of Business Administration Karachi
Urooj Ul Hasan is a rising senior at the Institute of Business Administration Karachi, pursuing her bachelor’s in accounting and finance. She has been involved in various community services in her hometown. As a part of her community work, she has arranged multiple counseling sessions with non-profit organizations for students with the aim of enlightening and empowering her fellow peers. Her internships at various social and corporate organizations provided her with valuable experience in translating her academic knowledge into practical solutions for real-world challenges. This experience has further nurtured her desire to make a positive social impact, which seamlessly aligns with her long-term career goals in finance. Beyond the rigors of professional pursuits, she also has a keen interest in the intricate realm of public policymaking and community work. With her sights set on a future in finance, she envisions a path illuminated by global connectivity and the exchange of invaluable insights amongst student leaders worldwide.
Tirlok Kumar Varyani (he/him/his)
Quetta, Pakistan
MBBS, Bolan Medical College
Tirlok Kumar Varyani is a fourth-year medical student pursuing a bachelor’s in medicine and surgery at the Bolan Medical College in Quetta. He is an enthusiastic medical researcher and welfare volunteer. Tirlok is an energetic individual who strives to achieve his goals and help others through community engagement. He is keenly interested in sustainable development goals and scientific and professional networking. During the SUSI program, he wants to learn about the implementation of policy in the U.S. to emulate inclusive policies in his home community. He also aspires to learn about other cultures, languages, and visions. In his free time, Tirlok enjoys theater, working with NGOs, discussing public issues, and spreading thoughtful awareness.
Mahan Aslam (she/her/hers)
Kech, Pakistan
MBBS, Bolan Medical College
Mahan Aslam is a final-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery at Bolan University of Medical Science, Quetta. Mahan is co-founder of the Baloch Zaalbol Hub, a non-profit community initiative dedicated to empowering young girls in her home city Turbat, Balochistan. She actively works to combat mental health stigma and is a strong advocate for reproductive health and menstrual hygiene. Mahan aspires to gain valuable experience and insights from the SUSI program. She plans to utilize the knowledge and skills acquired from the program to further her efforts in empowering young girls. Mahan is committed to applying what she learns in the U.S. to make a meaningful impact in her home country.
