Warda Butt

Warda Butt is the dynamic CEO of Startup Mileage Pakistan (SMP), a national platform dedicated to empowering startups, driving innovation, and accelerating sustainable business growth. Under her visionary leadership, SMP has emerged as a vital hub for entrepreneurs, offering digital solutions, strategic mentorship, consultancy services, and a powerful podcast network that enhances brand visibility and impact.

With a diverse professional background, Warda wears many hats, she is a freelance sports journalist, host, podcaster, certified photojournalist, and a passionate social activist. Her extensive experience, over eight years in the corporate sector, equips her with a rare combination of creativity, communication skills, and strategic foresight, all of which she brings to every initiative she leads.

Warda's journey into leadership began with her work at the Development in Literacy Foundation, where her commitment to education and community development first took shape. An alumna of the English Works program and a recipient of a prestigious U.S. scholarship, her leadership qualities were recognized early on. She has served as Youth Group Director and Vice President of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), Karachi Chapter, roles that deepened her impact in civic engagement and youth development.

In pursuit of inclusive leadership, Warda founded the Warda Community Development Organization (WCDO), a nonprofit focused on youth leadership, community service, and social inclusion. Through WCDO, she works actively to support marginalized communities including senior citizens, people with disabilities, and the transgender community, promoting a culture of acceptance and opportunity.

At SMP, Warda continues to champion emerging entrepreneurs, guiding them to scale smarter, faster, and more ethically. She believes in the power of innovation to transform lives and remains deeply committed to building an ecosystem where every voice matters and every dream has a chance to thrive.

A compelling speaker and changemaker, Warda Butt is not just leading ventures, she's shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and empowered future for Pakistan.

Shuja Qureshi

Shuja Qureshi is a well-known Pakistani journalist and television anchor. He has had an extensive career in the media industry, having worked as an anchor and host for several prominent television channels. He gained recognition as the host of shows on Indus TV and CNBC Pakistan, where he was known for his insightful interviews and engaging presentation style.

As of recent reports, Shuja Qureshi has joined Nukta Pakistan, a platform that continues his work in the media, offering coverage and analysis on current business affairs. His transition to Nukta Pakistan marks a new chapter in his journalistic journey, where he continues to be involved in broadcasting and discussions around key national and international issues.

Dr. Saad Humayun – Dental Surgeon

Dr. Saad Humayun is a dedicated and skilled dental professional with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from Fatima Jinnah Dental College, graduating in the class of 2015. He successfully completed his house job at the same institution in 2016, gaining hands-on clinical experience in various dental procedures.

Dr. Saad has undertaken several advanced courses in Endodontics and holds a six-month diploma in Implantology, equipping him with the expertise and confidence to perform complex implant procedures. His areas of specialization include Root Canal Treatments, dental fillings, and implant dentistry.

With a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, Dr. Saad continues to enhance his skills through continued education and clinical practice. If you're looking for professional and reliable dental care.

Prof. Dr. Khalid Mehmood Iraqi

Prof. Dr. Khalid Mehmood Iraqi has served in key leadership roles, demonstrating a commitment to education and institutional development. His tenure includes:

• Dean

• Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi

  • January 2013 to January 2016

  • 16-05-2019 to Present

During his time as Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi, Prof. Dr. Iraqi fostered a valuable association with the College of Banking & Finance. This institution was part of a public-private partnership aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for the people of Karachi. Prof. Dr. Iraqi is proud to have been associated with an institution that promoted the development of entrepreneurial spirit and business leadership.

Baela Raza Jamil

Baela Raza Jamil is a distinguished educationist, policy advocate, and the CEO of Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) Centre for Education and Consciousness. She is widely recognized for her pioneering efforts in transforming Pakistan’s education landscape through advocacy, research, and innovative learning initiatives.

As the founder of the Children’s and Teachers’ Literature Festivals in Pakistan, Baela has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of reading and learning. This initiative has since evolved into the Pakistan Learning Festival, a nationwide social movement dedicated to promoting literacy, creativity, and critical thinking among children and educators.

Her contributions to education have earned her global recognition, including being the sole Pakistani finalist for the prestigious World Education Medals. Under her leadership, ITA and the Sanjan Nagar School have reached over 20 million children and trained hundreds of teachers, significantly improving learning outcomes across the country.

Baela is a passionate advocate for the right to education (Article 25A), early childhood care and education (ECCE), and girls’ empowerment through education. She has spearheaded key initiatives such as the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) Pakistan and the foundational learning program Chalo Parho Barho (CPB)/Teaching at the Right Level (TARL), which focus on improving literacy and numeracy skills among children.

Beyond Pakistan, Baela represents the country on global education platforms, serving as an advisor and board member for various educational and learning innovation programs. Her unwavering dedication continues to shape policies and initiatives that aim to create an inclusive, equitable, and quality education system for all.

Arif Soomro

Arif Soomro is among the renowned writers and researchers of Karachi and Sindh. He completed his matriculation and intermediate studies in Karachi and graduated with a master's degree from Shah Latif University, Khairpur. 

He gained recognition through the publication of research articles about Sufi poets and writers of Sindh in the Mehran Rang section of the Daily Jang. He began contributing research articles to Sindhi Wikipedia and Urdu Wikipedia, with close to a thousand articles published.

Various countries, including the Philippines, Ukraine, and Taiwan, have awarded him shields in recognition of his services to Wikipedia. 

His father, Faqir Muhammad, Uncles Mir Muhammad and Naseer Soomro are also poets and writers. Arif Soomro initially participated in general knowledge quizzes, winning awards, and he currently serves as the General Secretary of the Pakistan Quiz Society International, along with being associated with other literary organizations.

Badiuddin Akber

Mr. Badiuddin Akber has more than 20 years of diversified senior management experience in the fields of finance and operations. He has served in various renowned conglomerates in Pakistan as Head of Finance and Company Secretary. He has also served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited.

Mr. Akber was previously serving as the Chief Compliance and Risk Officer at CDC since June 2015 before being elevated to the position of Chief Executive Officer on January 01, 2019. He was also the nominated Chairman of the Oversight Committee formed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan under Joint Inspection Regulations, 2015.

Mr. Akber has demonstrated extensive expertise in the spheres of Financial Management, Clearing & Settlement, Risk Management, Operations, Product Development and Project Management in the Pakistan Capital Market. As Chief Operating Officer at NCCPL, he played an instrumental role in the implementation of various significant products, services and reform measures which include Revamping of Capital Gain Tax Regime, Unique Identification Number (UIN), Institutions’ Risk Management System, Straight Through Processing of Market Settlements and UIN Information System (UIS) and the introduction of Leverage Products such as Margin Trading, Margin Financing and Securities Lending & Borrowing.

After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of Karachi, Mr. Akber attained various professional degrees in accounts and finance from prestigious national and international institutions. In addition to being a Fellow Member of the Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of Pakistan (FCMA), he also holds ACMA-CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountants) qualification from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA – UK) and qualification of Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA – Ontario, Canada).

He is also serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of CDC Share Registrar Services Limited. Moreover, he is also serving as a Director on the Board of ITMinds Limited.

He has attended the Annual International Institute for Securities Market Growth and Development by the US Securities & Exchange Commission and various seminars and conferences in UK, India, Europe and Far-East countries on risk management, clearing & settlement and surveillance of capital market operations.