Pakistani superstar Hania Aamir has added another major milestone to her growing list of achievements. The actor has officially been named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list, joining a diverse group of young changemakers, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and innovators from across the region.
The annual list, now in its 11th edition, celebrates 30 young people under the age of 30 who are making a significant impact in their respective fields. This year, seven Pakistanis earned a spot on the coveted roster, highlighting the country’s growing presence across entertainment, technology, science, finance, and social impact.
For many fans, Hania Aamir’s inclusion is one of the biggest headline-grabbers of the year.
Hania Aamir Earns a Spot on Forbes’ Prestigious List
Recognised in the Entertainment & Sports category, Hania Aamir has become one of Pakistan’s most influential young stars. With nearly 20 million followers on Instagram, she currently holds the title of Pakistan’s most-followed female celebrity, a testament to her popularity both at home and abroad.
Aamir made her acting debut in 2016 before rising to prominence with her acclaimed performance in Phir Wohi Mohabbat, which earned her the Best Television Sensation Female award at the Hum Awards. Since then, she has become one of the country’s most bankable stars, delivering memorable performances in dramas including Sang-e-Mah, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, and Meri Zindagi Hai Tu.
The recognition comes during a particularly exciting chapter in her career. Later this year, Aamir will star in Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, Netflix’s first-ever Pakistani original series, a project that has already generated significant buzz among audiences worldwide.
Beyond entertainment, Forbes also highlighted her growing influence as a public figure. In October 2025, she was appointed as a UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador, further cementing her role as one of Pakistan’s most prominent young voices.
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Saman Kamraan Brings Pakistani Storytelling to the Global Stage
Joining Aamir in the Entertainment & Sports category is filmmaker Saman Kamraan, whose work has steadily gained international recognition for tackling complex social issues through bold and experimental storytelling.
Kamraan’s short film The Bed She Made was selected for the 2026 Busan International Short Film Festival, making it the only Pakistani project featured at the event. The film explores the relationship between climate change and fertility within a Pakistani context, blending powerful symbolism with deeply personal storytelling.
Festival programmer Professor Sébastien Simon praised the film for confronting systemic oppression and the silencing of women through a striking visual narrative.
Before earning international acclaim for The Bed She Made, Kamraan worked as an assistant director on Umro Ayyar, one of Pakistan’s rare ventures into large-scale fantasy and sci-fi filmmaking. Her previous projects have also earned recognition at international festivals, including Gandhara: Land of Fragrance and her award-winning music video for Pakistani grunge band Skehlaaj’s See Through the Sin.
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The Other Pakistanis on Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026
While Aamir and Kamraan are representing Pakistan’s creative industries, five other Pakistanis have also earned spots on this year’s list.
Muhammad Furqan Karim Kidwai and Sarfraz Shahid Hussain
The co-founders of Singapore-based startup Plouton AI were recognised in the Finance & Venture Capital category.
Their company develops AI-powered automation tools designed to simplify finance operations for mid-sized businesses. The platform helps companies manage invoicing, payroll, reconciliations, and other financial workflows through browser-based AI agents, reducing reliance on traditional spreadsheet-heavy systems.
Syed Ismail
Featured in the Consumer & Enterprise Technology category, entrepreneur Syed Ismail was recognised for co-founding Saraaf, a Karachi-based technology platform focused on modernising commodity sourcing across South and Central Asia.
The platform offers businesses real-time pricing data, shipment tracking, digital contracts, and communication tools aimed at bringing greater transparency to regional trade.
Maheera Ghani
In the Healthcare & Science category, materials scientist Maheera Ghani earned recognition for her groundbreaking research and commitment to science education.
After completing her PhD in Materials Science at the University of Cambridge, Ghani began postdoctoral research focusing on ultra-thin semiconductors. She also leads WinSci Pakistan, an initiative dedicated to increasing women’s participation in science and STEM careers.
Her work was previously recognised with the Nature Inspiring Women in Science Award.
Fahad Shahbaz
Named in the Social Impact category, Fahad Shahbaz was honoured for his efforts to empower young people through civic engagement and policymaking.
He founded the Youth General Assembly in 2015 at just 18 years old, creating opportunities for Pakistani youth to participate in governance discussions through a parliamentary-style assembly modelled on both Pakistan’s National Assembly and the UK Parliament.
Shahbaz is also a recipient of the Diana Award and serves as part of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community.
A Strong Year for Pakistan on the Global Stage
The inclusion of seven Pakistanis across multiple categories reflects the country’s growing footprint on the international stage. First, Sanam Saeed’s debut at Cannes and Pakistani fashion making global headlines and now this. We are healing and all this was long due.
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