Place of residence: Islamabad Pakistan

Position: CEO Redmarker Systems

Please describe a day in your life

Meditation and swimming keep me stress-free while I work all day and sometimes late into the night. I divide my day according to meetings and work requirements, but I prefer to spend my evenings with family and friends.

How many projects are you currently working on? Please describe them

I am working on digitalising the assessment and examination process in Pakistan with Redmarker Systems. I collaborate with multiple educational and assessment bodies in Pakistan, serving as a digital transformation partner for various school systems and acting as a third-party evaluator. I also work with universities on entry tests and distance learning programs. Additionally, I focus on women’s economic empowerment through my social enterprise, Humkaar, and I am involved in the investment domain with different partners. Every day is different and exciting in my life. I engage with diverse sectors and am actively involved with the business community and various tech forums. As an executive member of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a member of the CxO Forum, PSEB, and PASHA, I find connecting with all of them a great learning experience.

In your opinion, who is the most influential person/company in the world of technology these days?

Elon Musk

If you could pick one app/product/project existing now that you wish you were involved in, what would it be?

Etsy/Ali Baba/

How do you see technology evolving in the next ten years?

Predicting technology for the next ten years is challenging because it changes daily. However, some key areas of focus might include:

AI will become more integrated into daily life, enhancing everything from personal assistants to complex problem-solving in various industries.

AI ethics and regulations will develop more as the impact of technology grows.

Precision medicine, enabled by advancements in genomics and AI, will allow for more personalised treatment plans.

As the technology matures, it will become more accessible and practical for broader applications.

AR and VR will become more mainstream, with applications in entertainment, education, training, and remote work.

The development of more immersive and user-friendly AR/VR devices will enhance these experiences.

Autonomous vehicles, including cars, drones, and robots, will become more common, significantly impacting transportation, logistics, and delivery services.

What are the three characteristics you have that make you successful in tech?

Resilience, adaptive, perseverance

What is the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your career?

It is not a smooth sailing ship—it’s a roller coaster ride. There have been many challenging situations and some failures, but learning from these situations has made me more resilient and given me the motivation to keep going.

What is your greatest achievement up until today?

I am the only woman in Pakistan to own a REIT Management company with a major shareholding and work in the investment sector.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Leading in the financial and investment sector.

What is your next goal?

To be the real leader.

What tips do you have for people wanting to start in the tech world?

We should be innovative and not just copy the existing solutions. It is important to develop.

If you could say something to your younger self, what would it be?

Take care of your health. Give yourself time.

What do non-tech people around you (family, friends) think you do?

My family and friends are well aware of what I do. Other than these, people think I am insane and a workaholic.

What is the invention of the century in your eyes?

Internet.

What can’t you do without? (app/product…)

Business without social media apps and digital marketing.

Which famous person would you like to have dinner with and why?

Oprah Winfrey, because I love her work.

Where would you like to travel next?

I have no set plans; I know how to enjoy any place.

If you were asked to stay on a deserted island for six months, what three things would you take with you?

Satellite phone with solar charger.

Survival kit (Non-perishable food supply and water filter kit).

My friend.

Do you have a person who influences or motivates you?

Yes, my soulmate, who is my mirror image and my partner.

What did you dream of creating/inventing/doing as a child?

I wanted to learn to fly but didn’t have any guidelines or career counselling and was scared of math, so I didn’t pursue it.