Three ordinary Pakistanis achieving extraordinary feats
These individuals have defied the odds to achieve the unthinkable
Pakistan, as a country, has gone through more lows than highs over the last decade or so. We’ve lost thousands of men, women and children in a myriad of terrorist attacks on our soil, because of which almost all facets of our society have suffered immensely.
However, as we progress as a society, we usher in a new era of positivity. Our people are making strides in the fields of sports, science, art and culture. What they lack, however, is a platform to use as a stepping stool. It is important to teach the upcoming generation to expect hurdles and stumbling blocks; they should know that facing hardships is part of the process. That is where this platform comes in, and not only does it exist, it’s thriving.
Through the smog of negativity, oppression and defeat, we see passionate individuals who have refused to take no for an answer. Individuals who have made it their goal to see the name 'Pakistan' up in lights, who, in times of peril, can put their heads down and work tirelessly to achieve something miraculous. Be that as it may, there are countless Pakistanis breaking records in their respective fields.
Sparkistan is arguably the only project in the country that is working towards shedding light on the unrecognised achievements attributed to these individuals, giving value to the tireless efforts of these unsung heroes:
When we talk about individuals who are driven to achieve something, we speak about where that drive comes from. For Dr Taj, that drive comes from the promises he made to himself and the will to make his late father, proud.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJa2nS-tqCM
Dr Naeem Taj has been awarded two different records in, the much revered, Guinness Book of World Records, one for removing the World’s Longest Gall Bladder (5,568 stones from a 25.5cm gall bladder) through laparoscopy, and the other for removing the Longest Appendix from a child, which was 21cm long. Dr Taj is extremely passionate about helping his community in any way he can, currently working at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) hospital in Rawalpindi, he’s working to make sure he gives back to his country, and in the process, inspire his patients to work towards a healthier Pakistan.
2. Muhammad Ali – CEO of Roshni helpline
Trafficking, sexual violence, abuse and exploitation are issues that even the bravest of individuals would refrain from trying to fix, mainly because of how deep rooted they are to the dark underground crime syndicates of Pakistan. A man by the name of Muhammad Ali from Karachi threw that analogy in the bin and founded Roshni Helpline in 2006, which is a non-profit and non-government organisation (NGO).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cBp05ltCLw
Ali is a human rights activist, who for more than two decades has championed human rights efforts all over Pakistan, without major assistance from any influential outlets. His main focus has always been to protect women, children and ethnic and sectarian minorities. Roshni Helpline works in his image to protect children and women from exploitation of whatever kind; trafficking, abuse, sexual violence and exploitation; while also helping families search for and recover lost and trafficked children, providing psychiatric assistance immediately after traumatic events.
3. Samar Khan - Professional cyclist/Social activist
The face of ‘Adventure sports’ in Pakistan, Samar Khan is an athlete, professional cyclist and an avid adventurer. She has made efforts as a social activist by encouraging the Pakistani youth to break stereotypes and go beyond what is expected of them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrPpFRWRE2Q
Samar Khan holds the record for becoming the first woman in the world to cycle atop Biafo Glacier in the Karakoram Mountains, which is 4500 meters above ground level. She has become a favourite among the people of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), the kind of adoration that has led her to be awarded several accolades and certificates by the tourism Department of G-B. And to put the cherry atop the cake of her achievements, she has also managed to cycle 1,000 kilometers from Islamabad to the Pakistan-China border within ten days.
Impressed? It’s hard not to be. Whenever Pakistan or its people are mentioned in the news, we prepare ourselves to hear the worst; but it is the efforts of these individuals that give us reason to believe that soon not all news stories about our people will mean the worst.
However, as we progress as a society, we usher in a new era of positivity. Our people are making strides in the fields of sports, science, art and culture. What they lack, however, is a platform to use as a stepping stool. It is important to teach the upcoming generation to expect hurdles and stumbling blocks; they should know that facing hardships is part of the process. That is where this platform comes in, and not only does it exist, it’s thriving.
Through the smog of negativity, oppression and defeat, we see passionate individuals who have refused to take no for an answer. Individuals who have made it their goal to see the name 'Pakistan' up in lights, who, in times of peril, can put their heads down and work tirelessly to achieve something miraculous. Be that as it may, there are countless Pakistanis breaking records in their respective fields.
Sparkistan is arguably the only project in the country that is working towards shedding light on the unrecognised achievements attributed to these individuals, giving value to the tireless efforts of these unsung heroes:
- Dr Naeem Taj – Guinness World Record holding surgeon
When we talk about individuals who are driven to achieve something, we speak about where that drive comes from. For Dr Taj, that drive comes from the promises he made to himself and the will to make his late father, proud.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJa2nS-tqCM
Dr Naeem Taj has been awarded two different records in, the much revered, Guinness Book of World Records, one for removing the World’s Longest Gall Bladder (5,568 stones from a 25.5cm gall bladder) through laparoscopy, and the other for removing the Longest Appendix from a child, which was 21cm long. Dr Taj is extremely passionate about helping his community in any way he can, currently working at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) hospital in Rawalpindi, he’s working to make sure he gives back to his country, and in the process, inspire his patients to work towards a healthier Pakistan.
2. Muhammad Ali – CEO of Roshni helpline
Trafficking, sexual violence, abuse and exploitation are issues that even the bravest of individuals would refrain from trying to fix, mainly because of how deep rooted they are to the dark underground crime syndicates of Pakistan. A man by the name of Muhammad Ali from Karachi threw that analogy in the bin and founded Roshni Helpline in 2006, which is a non-profit and non-government organisation (NGO).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cBp05ltCLw
Ali is a human rights activist, who for more than two decades has championed human rights efforts all over Pakistan, without major assistance from any influential outlets. His main focus has always been to protect women, children and ethnic and sectarian minorities. Roshni Helpline works in his image to protect children and women from exploitation of whatever kind; trafficking, abuse, sexual violence and exploitation; while also helping families search for and recover lost and trafficked children, providing psychiatric assistance immediately after traumatic events.
3. Samar Khan - Professional cyclist/Social activist
The face of ‘Adventure sports’ in Pakistan, Samar Khan is an athlete, professional cyclist and an avid adventurer. She has made efforts as a social activist by encouraging the Pakistani youth to break stereotypes and go beyond what is expected of them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrPpFRWRE2Q
Samar Khan holds the record for becoming the first woman in the world to cycle atop Biafo Glacier in the Karakoram Mountains, which is 4500 meters above ground level. She has become a favourite among the people of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), the kind of adoration that has led her to be awarded several accolades and certificates by the tourism Department of G-B. And to put the cherry atop the cake of her achievements, she has also managed to cycle 1,000 kilometers from Islamabad to the Pakistan-China border within ten days.
Impressed? It’s hard not to be. Whenever Pakistan or its people are mentioned in the news, we prepare ourselves to hear the worst; but it is the efforts of these individuals that give us reason to believe that soon not all news stories about our people will mean the worst.