Advocacy & Media Presence

Featured Documentary: "Bhashaili (Adrift)"

A documentary exploring the struggle for identity, citizenship, and the human spirit.

My story was captured in the critically acclaimed documentary "Bhashaili (Adrift)," directed by the award-winning filmmaker Jawad Sharif. The film serves as a powerful testament to the challenges faced by stateless communities in Pakistan. It has been showcased at prestigious global institutions, where I had the honor of participating in panel discussions to bridge the gap between grassroots struggles and international humanitarian policy.

Global Screenings & Panel Discussions:

• United Kingdom: Screenings at University College London (UCL) and the London School of Economics (LSE), featuring expert panels chaired by Dr. Maria Rashid.

• International Forums: Q&A sessions at the UNHCR and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) London offices.

• Global Conference: Featured speaker at the World Conference on Statelessness in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

• National Impact: Screenings at IBA Karachi and Indus Valley School of Arts and Architecture, fostering dialogue among Pakistan’s academic elite.

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

In the News

I have used my platform to represent the Pakistani Bengali community and raise awareness about civic rights. Below are some of the key media features covering my advocacy and entrepreneurial journey.

• Voice of America: https://www.urduvoa.com/a/new-pakistan-new--pakistanis/4588120.html Reports on my role as a community voice and the impact of my social activism.

• Express Tribune: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2273175/how-this-25-year-old-turned-his-fortunes-around-during-lockdown – How resilience during the lockdown turned into a successful business.

• Dawn News: https://www.dawn.com/news/1755644 – Featured as a community activist in a panel discussion regarding citizenship struggles and the transformative power of individual advocacy.

• Express News: https://www.express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=1103889482&Issue=NP_KHI&Date=20161201 – Coverage on citizenship struggles and the power of individual advocacy.

• Samaa News: https://web.archive.org/web/20180925120720/https://www.samaa.tv/urdu/blogs/2018/09/1285517/

• Urdu Point News: https://www.urdupoint.com/daily/column/syed-shahid-abbas/23584/pakistani-hi-pakistani-nahi.html

Public Speaking & Community Expert

Beyond the screen, I serve as a community expert and advisor. I actively participate in forums where I provide insights into:

1. Citizenship & Identity Rights: Navigating the legal landscape for marginalized groups.

2. Civic Responsibility: Encouraging small businesses to formalize their operations and become tax-paying citizens.

3. Positive Branding: Using digital media to shift global narratives about Pakistan.