Theme: Fine Lines

There seem to be very fine lines between the good and the bad. A lot of the problems today seem to be because of the collective moral, social, and mental dead-end that humanity seems to have reached.

This year, the theme for TEDxPIEAS is Fine Lines. It depicts exactness and accuracy, perfect comparisons and differences. It is simplicity, and it is multi-faceted depth. It can be defined in many ways and as many things, and hence, it depicts the versatility of the talks Team TEDxPIEAS is working hard to showcase.

PIEAS Auditorium
Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Lehtrar Road, Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Islamabad, Islamabad, 44000
Pakistan

Ahmer Bilal Soofi

Advocate, Supreme Court of Pakistan

Ahmer Bilal Soofi has done far more than can be mentioned in such a short introduction. In a country which seems, like many others, to be caught up in its own issues, Mr. Soofi has taken a stand to promote the importance of honoring International Law. Having done his LLM from the University of Cambridge, he went on to do great things, some of which are: being an Advocate of the Supreme Court, representing Pakistan at international courts, and serving as a federal minister during a caretaker government. He was an elected Member Advisory Council for UNHRC. He has advised the government of Pakistan on many legal and human rights issues, and is often looked to for comment on various issues by the media. As an expert, he has been a lecturer and professor of International Law at various institutes. He is the president of WWF Pakistan and also a member of multiple think-tanks, one of which (Research Society of International Law) he is the presiding founder of.

Bakht Baryar

Young Development Fellow, Ministry of Planning Development and Reforms

Bakht Baryar is currently engaged as a Young Development Fellow with the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform. He read Political Economy at ‘King’s College London’ and is joining the ‘University of Oxford’ in the fall of 2017 for a programme in water security, management and policy. His work with government and international exposure enables him to shed light on pertinent global issues such as water, peace and security. He has worked with Forcier Consulting in Somalia on post-conflict development and is also actively involved in charity works both in United Kingdom and Pakistan. His active participation with the student community and youth leadership activities has helped in stay in touch with growing demands, needs and issues that the global youth faces. Over his career, Bakht also served as the ‘Warwick Junior Commissioner’ on energy and sustainability at the University of Warwick’s International Gateway for Gifted Youth.

Khaya Ahmed

Consulting Writer, Marvel Comics

A writer by trade and a fangirl by nature, Khaya Ahmed started working as a writer at the age of 17. By the time she turned 23, she’d managed to work as a consulting Editor with Marvel comics, helping shape the story and character of Ms. Marvel. In addition, she helped pen seasons 2-4 of Burka Avenger, acting as both script writer and script coordinator and also acted as the Lead Writer for we.R.play, a gaming company based in Pakistan. Currently, Khaya is a Leading Contributor for IGN Pakistan as well as various other blogging platforms. Through her writing, Khaya hopes to create an awareness in mainstream media about the misconception of women in various mediums of entertainment.

Moeed Pirzada

Political Commentator, Analyst and Television News Journalist

Moeed Pirzada is a prominent political commentator, TV Anchor, columnist and influential blogger in Pakistan. He advises government and key public sector organizations on communication strategies and has worked with international organizations as consultant on issues related to policy and governance. He is currently Director of Governance & Policy Advisers (GAPA) and is Editor Strategic Affairs and lead Anchor for Dunya News, where he hosts his popular show:Tonight with Moeed Pirzada.

Orooj - e - Zafar

Award Winning Spoken Word Poet

Orooj-e-Zafar is a spoken word poet whose work has been widely published online, and made shy appearances in print. She has been published in print publications such as The Fem, Picaroon Poetry, Damaged Goods, and America is Not the World anthology to name a few. In 2016, Orooj won the 2nd Judith Khan Memorial Poetry Prize, Where Are You Press' Poet Contest, placed second in Pakistan Poetry Slam and judged The Missing Slate's second Islamabad Poetry Slam, which she won in 2015. She has also released two spoken word albums, "all the colors my hair has worn”, and "the articulation of my vertebrae" on Bandcamp. She has been featured on art blogs like Berlin Artparasites multiple times, and invited to talk about the importance of poetry and reading to children, and trained budding slam poets.

Resurrection the band

Resurrection is an Islamabad based hard rock/heavy metal band. They are known for their highly energetic live shows, and for playing with some of the biggest bands in the Pakistani music industry. Their influences include Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, and Metallica. Vocals: Usman Ayub Drums: Shershah Ahmed Lead Guitar: Noroze Sikandar Dani Lead Guitar: Hassun Ahmed Bass Guitar: Faran Ahmed