Sukhan - The Discourse

In this episode of Circle of Stories, we sit down with Adeel Hashmi — actor, satirist, educator, and one of Pakistan’s most respected trainers. Carrying the legacy of his grandfather, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Adeel has carved his own path by blending art, humour, and empathy to spark reflection and change. From the iconic sitcom Teen Bata Teen to founding the Faiz Festival, to mentoring the next generatio...

In this episode, we sit down with Selina Rashid Khan, founder and CEO of Lotus Client Management & Public Relations—Pakistan’s first strategic communications agency. A trailblazer in brand positioning, crisis management, and narrative-building, Selina reflects on her 18+ year journey shaping public perception, pioneering PR in Pakistan, and balancing influence with integrity. Watch the full ep...

In this episode of Circle of Stories – Season 5, we continue our theme “The World We Live In” with Annum Sadiq — Co-founder and CEO of  @Edkasa  , Pakistan’s most-watched online learning platform. A Fulbright Scholar, Education Pioneers Graduate, and Rockefeller Foundation Fellow, Annum has taught over half a million students and is on a mission to reimagine education for Pakistan’s future. In thi...

We begin with a thought-provoking conversation with Tofiq Pasha Mooraj—a social and environmental activist, educator, and the founder of Pasha Farms, a family-run space rooted in organic farming, ecotourism, and environmental education. Since the 1970s, Pasha has championed a more conscious relationship with nature, advocating for urban farming, water conservation, and sustainable living. A lifelo...

In this podcast, we sit down with renowned translator and scholar Dr Asim Bakhshi, who is a computer engineer and literary polymath. Dr. Bakhshi holds a PhD in cardiosignal analysis (UET Lahore) while actively working in NLP and machine learning. As a translator, he received the Urdu Science Award (2017) for rendering Charles Peirce's philosophy of science into Urdu under the Templeton Foundat...

This week, Qudsia and Hammad tackle the big question: Why are men struggling—and how can we fix it? From mansplaining and emotional unavailability to patriarchal conditioning, we break down the roots of toxic masculinity—and what BOTH men and women can do to change it. 💡🔹 Why do men struggle to open up?🔹 How does patriarchy backfire on men too?🔹 The real issues destroying modern marriages.🔹 W...

In this week’s podcast episode, Madiha and Hammad talk all about living mindfully in a busy world! From practical tips to bring calm into your day to exploring zero-waste living, setting boundaries, and stepping back from the social media validation trap, we cover it all. Plus, we dive into the difference between just adapting to life and truly growing from it. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or...

Join Mahnoor and Tayyaba in this deep and thought-provoking conversation about the beauty of writing, self-expression, and the power of creating worlds through words. From the meditative act of putting pen to paper to the escapism and emotional release that writing offers, this video dives into the personal and profound reasons why we write. Watch the episode here .

Welcome to the ultimate Gen Z hangout! In this episode, join Aabgeen and Iman, two young, bold, and unapologetically real Gen Z girls, as they dive into a fun, raw, and thought-provoking conversation about everything that matters to their generation. From navigating the chaos of careers and education to breaking the stigma around mental health, they’re here to spill the tea, share their experience...

Breaking barriers and building futures! Join us in this inspiring podcast episode with Faiza Yousaf, a trailblazing software engineer with over 14 years of experience in tech, as we dive into her journey of empowering women in the industry. From identifying gaps in women’s participation to launching transformative initiatives like WomenInTechPK, CodeGirls, CaterpillHERs, and serving as a country a...

Join us for a candid conversation with our friend Naima Ahmed, a lawyer by profession and a wise soul by experience. In this episode, we delve into the realities of our mid-30s, sharing our honest reflections on life, career, and personal growth. We discuss:- The unexpected lessons learned in our 30s: From prioritizing self-care to embracing vulnerability.- The importance of community and chosen f...

Join us for an insightful and engaging conversation with renowned Pakistani author, Awais Khan, whose gripping and thought-provoking novels have captivated readers worldwide. In this episode, we delve deep into the world of writing and explore Khan's captivating narratives. Discover what inspires him to tackle thought-provoking themes, how he crafts relatable and complex characters, and the import...

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Muhammad Hassan Miraj—an accomplished writer, playwright, and storyteller known for his deep exploration of history and culture. Miraj, a published author and communication expert, shares insights into how his upbringing and family stories shaped his interest in history, leading to the creation of his acclaimed book, Rail ki Seeti. We delve into the ch...

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of religion, peace, and conflict. In this episode, we delve into the rich tapestry of Islamic intellectual history with Dr. Aurangzeb Haneef who is a scholar of Islamic history, focusing on the early centuries of Islam. Dr. Haneef offers a unique perspective on the Quran as a historical text, exploring its ambivalent nature and the int...

Join us as we delve into the complex world of primary education in Pakistan with Dr. Anjum Altaf. We explore the burning question: Should classrooms be taught in English or mother tongues? Dr. Altaf, a renowned education expert, shares insights on the impact of language policy, the Single National Curriculum, and successful multilingual education models from around the world. Discover how language...

Step into the vibrant world of contemporary visual art with the acclaimed artist Sana Arjumand in the latest episode of Circle of Stories. We delve into Sana's artistic evolution, discussing how themes like gender, identity, mysticism, and spirituality influence her work. Learn about her creative process, the use of powerful symbols like the Moon, and the impact of cultural influences on her a...

Join us for the new "Circle of Stories" season as we chat with Maria Umar, the visionary founder and president of the Women's Digital League (WDL). Since 2009, Maria has dedicated her career to empowering Pakistani women through digital literacy and online work opportunities. Discover her challenges, the importance of digital literacy for women in Pakistan, and the transformative cha...

Dive deep into the legal labyrinth of Palestine with Dr. Nimer Sultany, a distinguished Reader in Public Law at SOAS, University of London. With a stellar background including a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from Harvard Law School, Dr. Sultany is a beacon in constitutional theory, comparative constitutionalism, and Israeli jurisprudence. His accolades include the British Academy Fellowship a...

We are in conversation with Saddam Hussain, captain of the Pakistan National Football Team who plays for Sui Southern Gas Company in the Pakistan Premier League, previously playing for Kyrgyz club FC Dordoi Bishkek, Isa Town FC, Gençler Birliği S.K. & Khan Research Laboratories, as a central midfielder. He has previously played for Pakistan International Airlines and led PIA to third place in...

Step into the dynamic world of co-working spaces with our latest episode of Sukhan Circle of Stories, featuring Saad Idrees, the CEO of Daftarkhwan. Join us as we delve into the origins of Daftarkhwan and explore the vibrant co-working ecosystem in Pakistan. Saad Idrees, a tech consultant-turned-entrepreneur and a LUMS graduate, brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for music, squash, and...

Step into science and education with our fourth episode of Sukhan Circle of Stories, featuring the remarkable Lalah Rukh, founder and CEO of Science Fuse. Join us as we dive deep into her fascinating journey and explore the transformative power of science communication. Lalah Rukh, an educator trained in molecular biology and biotechnology, aims to make quality science education accessible to marg...

Step into the world of Pakistani drama with Asghar Nadeem Syed in this captivating episode. From his humble beginnings to becoming a renowned drama writer, he takes us on a journey through the evolution of Pakistani society and the country's political landscape. Discover the transformation of Pakistan's state television and the role it played in shaping the nation. Explore the powerful fem...

Daisy Rockwell, an accomplished painter, and translator, has embarked on a remarkable journey from being an artist to an award-winning writer and translator. Her novel "Tomb of Sand" was honored with the prestigious 2022 International Booker Prize. Through her translations, Daisy brings forth classic works with a specific emphasis on the partition era, challenging the ongoing debate betw...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ahmad Rafay Alam, a Pakistani environmental lawyer, and activist, as we delve into his personal journey and explore the crucial role of local laws, regulations, and activism in protecting the environment and heritage. Discover the impact of climate change on Pakistan and the significant role played by the judiciary and civil society in addressing these c...

In this episode, we sit down with Zeerak Ahmed, the founder of the innovative initiative, @matnsaz . Zeerak has taken on the challenge of improving the Urdu typing experience on mobile phones with the launch of an incredible new Urdu keyboard. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Urdu typing technology and explore the background and need for this exciting project. Zeerak also shares hi...