LONDON: Pakistani teenage novelist Alishbah Khan Barich has been declared the winner in the 'Young Woman of the Year' category at the prestigious Women Changing the World Awards 2025.
This global platform recognizes “incredible women who are driving positive change across industries and fields including business, sustainability, leadership, health, education, product development, innovation, and technology.”
A press release issued today highlighted that the awards aim to amplify the voices and contributions of women around the world, with a vision to “awaken hearts and reclaim dreams through collective empowerment.”
Alishbah had already been selected as a finalist in the category last month, which was celebrated across Pakistan as a moment of national pride.
According to the press release, the award was formally presented to her on April 3 during a ceremony held at the Park Hyatt London River Thames. She received the honor from Zimbabwean-American scholar Dr. Tererai Trent and the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.
Alishbah’s work has long focused on reshaping dominant narratives, particularly those concerning Balochistan. The press release noted, “She is Pakistan’s youngest novelist and biographer, having authored her first novel at 11, the country’s youngest autobiography at 14, and becoming a published author again at 16.”
In addition to her literary achievements, Alishbah has actively served as a UNICEF Pakistan Youth Ambassador for Mental Health and Polio Eradication. She is currently serving as a Youth Advisor to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and is a member of the National Youth Council.
She also represents the Quetta Gladiators cricket franchise as their Youth Ambassador, and is notably the first Pashtun woman from Balochistan to earn a merit scholarship at the John Locke Summer University.
“My mission has always been to rewrite the narratives that shape our identity,” Alishbah stated in her acceptance speech. “This award is dedicated from the bottom of my heart to my parents, my teachers, my beloved province of Balochistan, and my country, Pakistan.”
She added, “When my country’s name was called among global achievers yesterday, it meant more than just a personal milestone. It proved that stories of resilience and brilliance can emerge from Nushki and Quetta — not just headlines of conflict and militancy we’ve grown accustomed to.”
“There is nothing more special,” Alishbah concluded, “than bringing home a global award for your people.”
