Lahore (TDI): The British Council hosted Study UK Alumni Awards 2026 at the Avari Hotel, celebrating the achievements of Pakistani alumni of UK higher education institutions who are making significant contributions across diverse sectors.
The event underscored the enduring educational and cultural ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Pakistan is among a select group of countries to host a national-level UK Alumni Awards ceremony, reflecting the strong impact of UK-educated professionals in the country.
The ceremony was attended by British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott as Chief Guest, alongside James Hampson, Country Director of the British Council Pakistan; Rebecca Walton, Secretary of the Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust; Sarah Berrisford, Study UK Senior Alumni Manager; representatives of UK universities; and business and community leaders.
The event was hosted by actor and theatre director Omair Tahir Rana and featured a musical performance by singer Natasha Baig. The awards recognized excellence across four categories: Business and Innovation; Science and Sustainability; Social Action; and Culture, Creativity and Sport.
Read More: British Council Delivers Master Training in KP’s Food and Beverage Sector
Speaking at the ceremony, James Hampson said, “The Study UK Alumni Awards finalists from Pakistan reflect the powerful role of British higher education in driving positive change and strengthening connections between our two countries.”
The Science and Sustainability Award was presented to Dr. Nadia Nawaz Qadri, an alumna of the University of Essex. Currently a Professor of Computer Engineering at COMSATS University Islamabad, Dr. Qadri leads the Centre for Innovation in Networks, Telecom and AI.
With more than two decades of experience, numerous publications, and US patents to her name, she has advanced applied research, engineering education, and women’s empowerment in STEM. Finalists in this category included Dr. Gulbeena Saleem and Shaheena Salman Alwani.
The Business and Innovation Award went to Dr. Murtaza Najabat Ali, a University of Sheffield graduate and medical device researcher.
He has been mandated by the Prime Minister’s Office to establish Pakistan’s first state-owned medical device industry, securing approximately PKR 1.5 billion in funding.
Read More: International Young Diplomats School Concludes with Visit to British High Commission
Dr. Ali has also played a key role in launching the country’s Biomedical Engineering program. Mohsin Masood Malik and Shabeer Ahmed were finalists.
The Social Action Award was awarded to Aon Abbas Bukhari, a Chevening Scholar and University of Surrey alumnus. Serving as Special Secretary (Operations) in Punjab’s Health and Population Department, he leads disability inclusion reforms benefiting over 38,000 children. Mariam Zahid Malik and Zile Huma were finalists.
In the Culture, Creativity and Sport category, Dr. Sauleha Kamal, an alumna of the University of Cambridge, received the award for her contributions to global literary discourse.
The national winners and finalists will now be considered for global recognition, with selected awardees invited to the UK for further engagement and networking opportunities.
