Pakistani Novelist Alishba Khan Barech Becomes a Finalist for Global Award

Pakistani author Alishba Khan Barech has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 Women Changing the World Awards, an international platform that recognizes women making a significant impact in various fields.

Among 751 nominations, Barech is a finalist for the Young Woman of the Year Award, acknowledged for her contributions to literature, youth advocacy, and social change.

Originally from Nushki, Balochistan, she aims to reshape the perception of her region beyond its association with conflict.

Barech, Pakistan’s youngest self-published author, wrote her debut novel at 11 and started her memoir at 14. Her work extends beyond writing—she has served as a UNICEF ambassador for polio eradication and a youth advisor to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. She has also spoken out on media restrictions in Balochistan.

She is the first female Pashtun from Balochistan to secure a merit scholarship at John Locke Summer University 2024.

The Women Changing the World Awards, founded by Dr. Tererai Trent, aims to inspire women globally. Barech is committede to challenging biases, uplifting marginalized voices, and driving meaningful change.