Habib University Alumni Win PM’s Youth Excellence Award 2026

Islamabad: Two Habib University alumni have been awarded the Prime Minister’s Youth Excellence Award 2026 for their global leadership in diplomacy, climate justice, and artificial intelligence. The award recognizes young individuals for their exceptional achievements, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, academic excellence, community service, and contributions to the socio-economic development of Pakistan.

Aniqa Adil (BSc Social Development and Policy, Class of 2023) and Muhammad Furqan Karim Kidwai (BSc Computer Science, Class of 2020) were honored at a ceremony on the 12th of August, held at the Convention Centre in Islamabad, presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The awardees were selected from a nationwide pool of over 600 nominated candidates representing 250 universities.

Aniqa was recognized for her commitment to global civic engagement, social harmony, and institutional equity. She is the Youth Chairperson at the All-Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA), Pakistan’s oldest ECOSOC-accredited NGO. Representing Pakistani youth across 12 countries between 2025 and 2026, she has addressed the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69 and CSW70), served as a panelist at PPSEAWA Tokyo, and championed climate justice at COP29 and COP30. Her recent nomination for the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize underscores her commitment to global civic engagement, social harmony, and institutional equity.

“Receiving the Excellence Award from the Prime Minister of Pakistan is a deeply humbling honour. I carry immense gratitude for my parents, especially my mother, who tirelessly shaped me, pushed me beyond my limits, opened my world and believed in me long before I believed in myself. To Habib University, for liberating my mind, educating me, and teaching me to look at the world differently, question what exists and believe that I could help shape what comes next. I feel incredibly fortunate for how far I’ve come and deeply responsible for what I do with that privilege,” she said.

Muhammad Furqan Karim Kidwai’s work highlights the transformative application of generative technology in modern workplace operations. A co-founder of Plouton AI, an enterprise fintech platform automating complex financial workflows for mid-market firms. He is also a featured presenter at the AI Collective Malaysia. Recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list alongside his co-founder Sarfaraz, Furqan’s venture was selected as one of 40 companies globally to compete in The Deel Pitch Singapore Regional Finals, presented by J.P. Morgan.“Receiving the Youth Excellence Award from the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme on International Youth Day was very meaningful. For me, it represents more than individual recognition; it is a reminder that the years of building, failing, learning, and continuing to pursue ambitious ideas can eventually create meaningful impact. I’m especially grateful to the mentors, teammates, institutions, and communities that have been part of this journey. I hope this recognition encourages more young Pakistanis to take risks, build boldly, and believe that ideas originating from Pakistan can create impact far beyond our borders. Most importantly, I see this not as a destination, but as motivation to keep building and contributing,” said Furqan.

Habib University congratulates our alumni! Their achievements reflect the institution’s rigorous interdisciplinary framework and dedication to fostering thoughtful, globally impactful leaders.