Looking Beyond Limits, Labels & Expectations
One stage. Diverse voices. Ideas that challenge the way we think.
TEDx ICE Islamabad brings together individuals from different walks of life who are questioning conventions, breaking boundaries, and reimagining possibilities.
Their stories remind us that sometimes, the greatest change begins when we dare to look beyond the limits, labels, and expectations placed before us.
Discover their stories. Hear their ideas. See what lies beyond.
From founding Depilex in 1980 and growing it into a network of 80+ salons and training institutes that have professionalized the beauty industry and created thousands of jobs, to establishing the Depilex Smileagain Foundation in 2003, restoring the lives of over 1100 acid and burn survivors through medical treatment, psycho-social support, and vocational training, Masarrat Misbah’s journey is one of resilience, compassion, and purpose. A recipient of Pakistan’s Presidential Pride of Performance (2010) and the Global Ambassador Award (2024), and many other international and national awards, she remains living proof that true beauty lies in giving back.
Azhar Hamza Wasti is a visionary sports entrepreneur, football coach, and youth-development leader dedicated to transforming the sporting landscape of Pakistan. As the CEO of Smurfs Group and founder of Smurfs Football Club, he has built a growing football ecosystem focused on excellence, discipline, education, and character development. Since 2018, his leadership has helped Smurfs evolve from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognisedyouth football platform, creating opportunities for thousands of young athletes. His vision extends beyond winning games—to developing confident individuals, nurturing future leaders, and creating pathways for Pakistani talent to compete and succeed on the international stage.
Azhar Hamza Wasti is a visionary sports entrepreneur, football coach, and youth-development leader dedicated to transforming the sporting landscape of Pakistan. As the CEO of Smurfs Group and founder of Smurfs Football Club, he has built a growing football ecosystem focused on excellence, discipline, education, and character development. Since 2018, his leadership has helped Smurfs evolve from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognisedyouth football platform, creating opportunities for thousands of young athletes. His vision extends beyond winning games—to developing confident individuals, nurturing future leaders, and creating pathways for Pakistani talent to compete and succeed on the international stage.
Azhar Hamza Wasti is a visionary sports entrepreneur, football coach, and youth-development leader dedicated to transforming the sporting landscape of Pakistan. As the CEO of Smurfs Group and founder of Smurfs Football Club, he has built a growing football ecosystem focused on excellence, discipline, education, and character development. Since 2018, his leadership has helped Smurfs evolve from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognisedyouth football platform, creating opportunities for thousands of young athletes. His vision extends beyond winning games—to developing confident individuals, nurturing future leaders, and creating pathways for Pakistani talent to compete and succeed on the international stage.
Fahad Saif is the Founder and Creative Director of “Mohtaram”, a pioneering Pakistani luxury menswear house. Since 2015, he has championed fashion rooted in heritage, identity, and refinement. A creative thought leader, he advocates for authentic Pakistani narratives and “Cultural Architecture.” Mohtaram has been recognised as the official designer wardrobe for the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Fatima Faraz Hoti is a climate activist and youth policy advocate committed to turning young voices into meaningful action. As a UNICEF Foresight Fellow and member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, she works at the intersection of youth, climate, policy, and social change.Her journey has taken her to national and international platforms, where she advocates for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Through grassroots initiatives and policy engagement, she challenges young people to see themselves not just as the leaders of tomorrow, but as changemakers of today.
At TEDx ICE Islamabad, Fatima brings a powerful perspective on what becomes possible when young voices move beyond expectations and into action.
Fatima Faraz Hoti is a climate activist and youth policy advocate committed to turning young voices into meaningful action. As a UNICEF Foresight Fellow and member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, she works at the intersection of youth, climate, policy, and social change.Her journey has taken her to national and international platforms, where she advocates for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Through grassroots initiatives and policy engagement, she challenges young people to see themselves not just as the leaders of tomorrow, but as changemakers of today.
At TEDx ICE Islamabad, Fatima brings a powerful perspective on what becomes possible when young voices move beyond expectations and into action.
Marriam is a Pakistani media professional, social entrepreneur, and educator based in Islamabad, working at the intersection of media, climate action, and women’s empowerment.
As President of KhudMukhtar Sawi, she champions women’s economic empowerment and climate justice, while also teaching digital strategy and business at universities. A regular columnist for Pakistan Observer and The News International, she also hosts a podcast on media, climate, and social change and directs KAMTECH, a media training initiative for university students.
Umair Jaliawala is a seasoned inspirational speaker, learning consultant, trainer, facilitator and digital creator. Umair weaves content from faith, business, history and psychology to create inspirational and leadership development experiences for a wide-range of audiences. He has been involved with over 500+ commercial, non-profit, government and educational clients.
Umair is Founder, Torque Corp, a corporate learning outfit. Previously, Umair has led School of Leadership and Foundation
Umair Jaliawala is a seasoned inspirational speaker, learning consultant, trainer, facilitator and digital creator. Umair weaves content from faith, business, history and psychology to create inspirational and leadership development experiences for a wide-range of audiences. He has been involved with over 500+ commercial, non-profit, government and educational clients.
Umair is Founder, Torque Corp, a corporate learning outfit. Previously, Umair has led School of Leadership and Foundation
Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy is a renowned Pakistani nuclear physicist, mathematician, educator, and public intellectual. A professor emeritus at Quaid-i-Azam University, he has spent decades contributing to scientific research and advocating for critical thinking, academic freedom, and meaningful reform in education. Widely recognized for his outspoken views on science, society, and Pakistan’s educational challenges, Dr. Hoodbhoy continues to engage audiences through his writing, teaching, and public discourse.
