Khansa Maria
Khansa Maria is a disability rights advocate and activist. Khansa graduated from Georgetown University in Qatar after pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Service and in 2021, she was the sole winner of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship in Pakistan. She has recently graduated from the University of Oxford with an MPhil in Development Studies and the Rhodes Scholar has also explored the trajectory of the disability rights movement within South Asia through the lens of literature in her honours thesis. She is the founder of the project ‘HOPE for Tomorrow’ with LSU’s Youth Social Leadership Program, which aims to bridge the gap between able-bodied and ‘differently-abled’ students and is the receiver of one of the nation’s most privileged awards, the ‘Tamgha-e-Imtiaz’. Khansa is deeply passionate about advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and designing accessible communities in an effort to ensure inclusivity. Khansa’s story stands as a testament to the notion of innovation and change knowing no boundaries.
Riaz ur Rehman -
Dr. Riaz ur Rahman stands as one of the founders of the first and only palliative care center, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the field. His professional profile is a trifecta of expertise, encompassing roles as an oncologist, radiotherapist, and palliative physician. Dr. Rahman's illustrious career features an impressive tenure within the Ministry of Health Malaysia, where his pivotal contribution culminated in the establishment of the pioneering hospital-based Palliative Care Unit. His academic pursuits have been equally exceptional, with the accolades of a Rotary International Scholarship Program and the esteemed recognition of a C.I.D.A (Canadian International Development Agency) Scholarship.
Dr. Riaz's multifaceted accomplishments and tireless dedication have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the field of palliative care.
Zareen Arif
Zareen Arif Ijaz is a children’s rights advocate. She also serves as the founder and chairperson of a non-profit charitable Trust, ‘The JahanAra Memorial Trust’ (JMT). JMT, a Trust which facilitates patients of all ages, was founded in the memory of Zareen Arif’s teenage daughter, JahanAra Arif Ijaz, who lost her life at only 16 years of age due to ineffective and incompetent hospital emergency care service. Zareen is a regular sight on Youtube, uploading videos on various topics frequently. On top of that, she currently serves as advisor to the chairperson at Fatima Memorial system. Patience, perseverance, faith and awareness- these are all messages that Zareen is motivated to spread among the youth of today. Her example serves as proof that it is possible to rise above personal tragedies, barriers and harsh realities of life, and to channel personal grief into hope for others while serving the community.