About Shahid Babul (Shahid Shah)

Social Activist | Entrepreneur | Content Creator | Travel Blogger

I am Shahid Shah (Shahid Babul), a Karachi-based social activist, travel blogger, and entrepreneur committed to highlighting the realities of the Pakistani Bengali community and promoting positive civic values. My journey is defined by a struggle for identity, a passion for storytelling, and a belief in the power of entrepreneurship to drive social change.

Advocacy for Identity & Citizenship

My path as an activist began with my personal struggle for citizenship. By sharing my own experience—of being born in Pakistan but fighting to establish my legal identity—I became a voice for thousands in the Pakistani Bengali community. Through my activism and media presence, I have consistently utilized social media as a platform to highlight issues faced by disenfranchised groups. My efforts led to media coverage across major news channels and national newspapers, where I advocated for the rights of marginalized communities.

The Face of "Bhashaili (Adrift)" & Global Advocacy

I served as the lead character and storyteller in the acclaimed documentary "Bhashaili (Adrift)," directed by Jawad Sharif. This film intimately chronicled my life, my marriage, and my personal journey toward securing my citizenship. The documentary became a vital tool for advocacy and anchored the "Partition of Identity" (POI) study, a major academic project funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Through this platform, my story was showcased at prestigious global institutions including University College London (UCL), the London School of Economics (LSE), LUMS, and the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture. These screenings allowed me to participate in global panel discussions—sharing the stage with prominent researchers and scholars—to bring the realities of statelessness in Pakistan to an international audience. Today, my advocacy is documented across global academic repositories, art exhibitions, and mainstream media.

Explore the Impact & Official Resources:

Official Documentary & Project Profiles:

• Jawad Sharif Films: Official Bhashaili Documentary Page

• Partition of Identity (POI) Study (UCL): My Official Project Team Profile

• POI Academic Resources: Published Academic Work & Research

Academic Grants, Reports & Global Repositories:

• UKRI Grant Portal: Partition of Identity Project Details (AH/T000619/1)

• UKRI Outcomes: Artistic & Creative Product Recognition

• UCL Discovery Repository: Bhashaili Film Archive

• UCL Discovery: Think of Others - English Book Catalog

• UCL Health of Public: Creative Health Report Feature

• LUMS Annual Report: MGSHSS Coverage (2024-2025)

• Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion (ISI): Think of Others Full Catalogue

Exhibitions & University Screenings:

• LUMS University: Bhashaili Film Screening and Discussion Event

• Rich Mix London: Paper Boats: The Pakistani Bengali Story Exhibition

• Indus Valley School (IVS): IVS Gallery Exhibition & Screening

Media Coverage & Panel Discussions:

• Dawn News (2023 Feature): Coverage on citizenship struggles and individual advocacy

• Dawn News (Additional Report): Community representation and activism

• The Black Hole Panel Discussion: Post-Screening Talk featuring Dr. Humera Iqtidar and Jawad Sharif

Entrepreneurship & Civic Responsibility

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I transitioned from a small-scale business to founding "Seafood Babu." More than just a business, my goal was to demonstrate the importance of formalization and civic duty. I took the initiative to register my small enterprise with the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue), aiming to inspire fellow entrepreneurs to understand the value of becoming tax-paying citizens and contributing to the nation's growth. My story of resilience and business formalization has been highlighted by major media outlets, including The Express Tribune, Ary News, Samaa TV, Jang and Daily Pakistan.

Travel, Blogging & A Positive Pakistan

Beyond my activism, I am a passionate travel blogger and vlogger. Traveling across Pakistan, often on my motorcycle, I use my digital platforms to showcase the beauty and hospitality of our country. My mission is to present a positive, authentic image of Pakistan to the world while using my writing and videos to educate society on civic values, community rights, and the importance of active citizenship.

My Mission

My life is a bridge between grassroots activism and modern digital content creation. Whether through my business, my travels, or my advocacy, my goal remains the same: to create social value, promote civic responsibility, and ensure that every voice—especially those from my community—is heard and respected.

Professional Experience & Expertise