Pakistani author Alishba Khan Barech has been awarded the “Young Woman of the Year” title at the 2025 Women Changing the World Awards. The ceremony took place on April 3 at London’s Park Hyatt River Thames, where Barech received the accolade from Dr. Tererai Trent and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.
Hailing from Nushki, Balochistan, Barech penned her first novel at 11 and began her memoir at 14, making her Pakistan’s youngest novelist and memoirist. Beyond her literary achievements, she has served as a UNICEF Pakistan ambassador for polio eradication and mental health and currently advises Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as a member of the National Youth Council. Additionally, she is the first female Pashtun from Balochistan to earn a merit scholarship to the John Locke Summer University.
Upon receiving the award, Barech dedicated it to her parents, teachers, Balochistan, and Pakistan, emphasizing her commitment to reshaping narratives associated with her region. She expressed pride in bringing global recognition to her homeland, highlighting the potential for stories of resilience and brilliance to emerge from areas often overshadowed by conflict.
