Pakistan’s growing presence in global innovation, entertainment, and entrepreneurship was spotlighted this year as seven Pakistanis earned spots on Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list for 2026.

The annual list celebrates emerging figures in Asia, under the age of 30, who are shaping industries through creativity, leadership, and breakthrough ideas.

Among the recognised Pakistanis was actor Hania Aamir, who continues to expand her influence beyond television. Widely followed on social media and known for leading roles in hit dramas, Hania has also represented Pakistan internationally as a United Nations Women’s National Goodwill Ambassador.

The actor is expected to appear in Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, Pakistan’s first original Netflix series.

Filmmaker and visual artist Saman Kamran also secured a place on the list for her socially driven creative work. Her short film The Bed She Made received international acclaim after being selected for South Korea’s Busan International Film Festival.

Saman has also collaborated with New York-based artist Wong Kit Yi on projects examining environmental decline and fertility-related concerns in Asia. A graduate of the National College of Arts, Saman also worked as an assistant director on Umro Ayyar.

In the field of science, researcher Maheera Ghani bagged a spot on the list for her contributions to healthcare innovation and semiconductor research.

After completing her doctorate at the University of Cambridge in 2025, Ghani became increasingly involved in science advocacy through WinSci Pakistan, an organisation focused on supporting women in STEM. Her efforts also earned her the Nature Inspiring Women in Science Award earlier this year.

Pakistan’s representation in finance came through Muhammad Furqan Karim Kidwai and Sarfraz Shahid Hussain, the founders of Pluton AI.

The Singapore-backed startup develops automation tools designed to simplify financial management processes for medium-sized businesses, including payroll systems, invoicing, and accounting operations.

Meanwhile, Karachi-based entrepreneur Syed Ismail was recognised in the technology category for founding Saraaf, a platform aiming to modernise commodity trade across Asia.

The company provides digital tools such as shipment tracking, live pricing updates, contract management, and communication systems for traders dealing in commodities like cotton and onyx. According to Forbes, the startup raised $5.3 million in funding in 2024 and is preparing for a public listing.

The list also acknowledged Fahad Shahbaz in the social impact category, for his long-standing involvement in youth-focused initiatives and civic engagement platforms, including the Youth General Assembly.

The inclusion of these young professionals reflects increasing global recognition of Pakistani talent across multiple sectors, from entertainment and science, to finance and technology.