Talha Ahad Podcast is a conversation series hosted by Pakistani journalist, entrepreneur, and documentary filmmaker Talha Ahad. Drawing on his reporting career in Islamabad, he speaks with a wide range of guests, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, former Guantanamo Bay prisoners, politicians, industry leaders, and creatives. The show focuses on the stories people share off-screen and explores who they really are beyond their public image.
Episodes
Why Is Pakistan Still a Developing Nation? | Mohammad J Sear | Episode 222
What if the future of work, education, and governance looks nothing like it does today?In this episode of Talha Ahad Podcast, we sit down with Mohammad J Sear, Vice Chairperson of the Pakistan Digital Authority, to explore how AI, digital transformation, and emerging technologies are reshaping the way we live, work, learn, and build nations.From questioning whether university degrees are still nec
Can We Really Trust Artificial Intelligence? | Naveed Iftikhar | Episode 221
What if the most important question about AI isn’t what it can do, but whether we can truly understand and trust what it tells us?In this episode of Talha Ahad Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Naveed Iftikhar, Co-Founder of Atomcamp, to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the AI landscape. The conversation looks at AI’s growing role in society, while examining questions around cybersecur
U.S.-Pakistan Relations, Minerals & Investment | A conversation with Natalie A. Baker | 220
I sat down with Natalie A. Baker, Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy Pakistan, for a conversation that covers a lot of ground.Trump's ties with Pakistan's leadership. Mineral wealth. American investment. The historic Islamabad talks. And what it actually means to represent a country through decades of diplomatic postings.
What Really Makes A Bank Islamic? | Shariah & Islamic Finance Explained | Raqami Bank | Episode 219
What really makes Islamic banking different from conventional banking?In this episode of the Talha Ahad Podcast, Sheikh Dr. Mufti Muhammad Imran Ashraf Usmani, Chairman of the Shariah Board at Raqami Islamic Digital Bank, explains how Islamic banking works, how Islamic banks generate profit, and what makes a bank “Shariah-Compliant”The conversation covers the origins of Islamic finance, the differ
How Did Israr Khan Go From Balochistan To Oxford? | Israr Kakar | Episode 216
How far could you go if you stopped letting your starting point define your destination? In this episode of Talha Ahad Podcast, Israr Khan, former Oxford Union President, shares the journey that took him from a village school to some of the world’s biggest academic and politic
How a Pakistani Woman Built Her Career in Britain | Sayeeda Ashraf | Episode 212
What happens when you leave banking, become a mother, build a business from scratch, scale it to millions, lose it, and still choose to start again?In this episode of the Talha Ahad Podcast, we sit down with a social entrepreneur, Sayeeda Ashraf, to unpack a career that refused to follow a straight line. From retail and sales psychology to spotting gaps in the UK’s desi food market, bootstrapping
Can Thandiani become Pakistan's Next Tourism Icon? | Above Zero | Episode 210
What does it take to build a destination that lasts for generations instead of just another tourist attraction?In this episode of the Talha Ahad Podcast, Abdullah Khan, Founder of Above Zero and Qubed, with experience at Careem, Zenysis, UNHCR, and GIZ, shares the vision behind Above Zero Thandiani: a mountain town being built around Thandiani's forest, not on top of it, under Pakistan's f
How Did A Pakistani Become Oxford Union President? | Moosa Harraj | Episode 209
How does a Pakistani student become the President of the Oxford Union? What does it take to lead one of the world's most prestigious debating societies?In this episode of the Talha Ahad Podcast, Moosa Harraj, Former President of the Oxford Union (Term 2025), shares his remarkable journey from Pakistan to Oxford. He reveals the mindset behind his success, what the world's top institutions a
What Does It Really Take To Become A Chef? | Chef Rameen | Episode 208
What does it really take to become a chef at the highest level?In this episode, Rameen Omer, Chef and Entrepreneur, gets real about her journey from her grandmother’s kitchen to working under Gordon Ramsay, the pressure of elite professional kitchens, and why becoming a chef is about far more than just knowing how to cook. She breaks down the difference between a cook and a chef, the discipline it
Why a British Christian Chose Islam and How 9/11 Changed Everything | Paul Salahuddin | Episode 207
In this episode of the Talha Ahad Podcast, Shaykh Paul Salahuddin Armstrong, Managing Director (Amir) of the Association of British Muslims, shares his remarkable journey to Islam before 9/11 and reflects on how faith, identity, and world events shaped his life. From discovering the Quran as a young student to embracing Islam after seeking certainty, he offers a deeply personal perspective on spir
Can Pakistan Become a Digital Economy by 2030? | Roundtable | Episode 31
What will Pakistan's digital future look like?Will AI create new opportunities or disrupt existing jobs? Can digital payments, fintech, and innovation help build a more inclusive economy? And what will it take for Pakistan to become a truly digital nation by 2030?In this roundtable, experts discuss the biggest opportunities, challenges, and policy decisions shaping Pakistan's digital trans
The Real Reason Pakistan Isn’t Progressing | Jawad Majid Khan | Episode 206
In this episode, I sat down with Jawad Majid Khan, an economist and President & CEO at Bank Makramah Limited, for a wide ranging conversation on Pakistan’s biggest structural challenges and the reforms needed to overcome them.From economic growth and taxation to governance, judicial reforms, education, youth, and Pakistan’s changing role in the world, this discussion explores why the country c
What Men Really Say When Women Aren’t Around ?| UN Women | Jamshed M. Kazi | Episode 200
Is gender equality in Pakistan a real movement, or just a misunderstood debate?In this episode, Talha Ahad sits down with Jamshed M. Kazi to challenge the biggest narratives around men, women, and power. From “Not All Men” to consent, silence, and social conditioning, this conversation goes straight to the uncomfortable truths.Is this a foreign agenda? Why do men stay silent? And what do women act
Do UK Degrees Still Have Global Value? | Myrah Butt | British Council | Episode 199
In this episode, Myrah Butt (Policy Engagement Advisor at Oxfam International) shares what students often get wrong about studying abroad from chasing grades to overlooking skills, networks, and real-world exposure.We talk about UK education, career realities, financial decisions, and why adaptability matters more than ever in today’s world.This episode goes beyond degrees, into friendships, exper
Pakistan Economy, Oil Prices & Auto Industry | Ali Asghar Jamali | Toyota Motors | Episode 198
What’s driving Pakistan’s economy and auto industry today? In this episode, the CEO of Toyota Indus Motor Company, Ali Asghar Jamali, explains how rising oil prices, inflation, and the falling rupee are driving up car prices and changing the auto market
Do International Forces Influence Pakistani Politics? | Rehman Chisti | Episode 197
From a student writing hundreds of letters to British MPs to standing inside the UK Parliament himself, this Pakistani-born British MP shares a remarkable journey on the Talha Ahad Podcast, one shaped by ambition, identity, and destiny. He recalls meeting Benazir Bhutto at just 19, growing up Pakistani in Britain, and navigating power from both sides of the world. The conversation also explores de
Did Pakistan Miscalculate the Taliban? | Tam Hussein | Episode 196
What is really happening behind the Pakistan–Afghanistan conflict? In this episode, Tam Hussein, an award-winning investigative journalist, takes us deep into the hidden world of tribal politics, foreign fighters, and power plays shaping the war. From the rise of militant groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS to the real strategies of regional powers, we uncover the alliances, betrayals, and ambitions tha
How Exposure to the UK Changes Your Identity as a Pakistani? | Roundtable | Ep21
In this special UK Roundtable, Pakistani voices living in the UK unpack identity, belief, and the impact of stepping outside everything you were taught. From religious tolerance and colonial legacies to curriculum, culture shock, and life between Pakistan and London, this episode explores how exposure reshapes who we are.Featuring:• Talha Umer Rajput – President, Pakistan Society CULC• Momina Ashr
Pakistani Chef Cooking for Hollywood Stars & Netflix | Talha Ahad Podcast | Saliha Khan Sadozai | Ep194
From cooking for Netflix, Soho House, and private international icons to reimagining how Pakistani flavors are experienced abroad, Saliha Khan Sadozai isn’t just serving meals; she’s reshaping narratives.In this conversation, Saliha shares how food became her medium for storytelling, representation, and advocacy. She fights for the people of Kashmir through food, using ingredients, memory, and cul
How Is Gen Z Changing Food Trends And Brand Strategy In Pakistan? | Badar Yousuf | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep193
In this episode, Badar Yousuf, Chief Financial Officer at National Foods Limited, shares how Pakistani food brands compete on international shelves and what it takes to stand out among global players. He talks about why today’s competition is brand versus brand, and how a clear identity, innovation, and strong taste help brands win.The conversation also looks at how Gen Z is changing food habits i
Why Do People Find God After Losing Everything? | Roundtable | Episode 20
In this raw, unfiltered episode, Talha sits down with Fahad Malik, Zeeshan Shafqat Malik, and Sheikh Sajawal for a conversation that goes where most podcasts won’t: friendship under pressure, hard work that goes unnoticed, faith in moments of doubt, and the loneliness behind ambition. They debate Gen-Z, social media illusions, ego, integrity, money, growth, and why values matter more when no one i
What Brands Really Want From Content Creators (Inside Secrets) | Farzana Baduel | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep192
When the system isn’t built for you, what does it really take to break in and stay there?In this episode, we sit down with Farzana Baduel, one of the UK’s most respected PR experts, to examine how influence is built when access is never handed to you.Growing up British Pakistani in a hostile Britain and founding a PR firm without elite networks, Farzana reflects on power, exclusion, and the unspok
A Conversation with Imran Khan’s Closest Friend | Sahibzada Amir Jahangir | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep 191
In this conversation, Sahibzada Amir Jahangir, a former advisor and decades-long confidant, reflects on a side of Imran Khan that few have truly seen. From private moments in the UK to decisions made under immense power and pressure, the episode reveals how faith, humility, and an uncompromising moral line shaped him long before politics, and why those same traits became inconvenient once he enter
Is This the Only Guide You Need to Build a Successful Business This Year? | Roundtable | Ep19
Are you ready to build a business that actually lasts?In this roundtable episode, leaders from Wafi Energy Pakistan Ltd ( Shell License) share grounded insights on what it truly takes to turn ideas into real impact. From founder mindset to execution, discipline, and long-term thinking, the conversation goes beyond surface-level entrepreneurship talk.This isn’t hype or motivation. It’s a clear, hon
Pakistan Ready for New Electric Vehicle (NEV) Revolution? | Danish Khaliq | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep190
In this episode, Danish Khaliq, Vice President Sales and Strategy at BYD Pakistan, takes us behind the scenes of bringing new electric vehicles (NEVs) to Pakistan. From floods, delays, and tough roads to winning the trust of drivers, he shares the real challenges and surprising successes of introducing something new to the streets.If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to change how Pakistan
Understanding Pakistan’s Oil & Energy Sector - CEO PARCO Gunvor Limited | Asif Iqbal | Talha Ahad Podcast | Episode 189
Pakistan’s energy sector sits at the intersection of policy, infrastructure, and long-term planning.In this episode, I sat down with the CEO of PARCO Gunvor Limited to understand how Pakistan’s oil and energy ecosystem actually functions, from refining capacity and supply chains to the structural challenges that impact energy security and economic stability.This conversation focuses on realities
Why Pakistan’s Education System Is Failing Students and Youth? | Roundtable | Episode 18
What are we getting wrong in education today?In this roundtable, Talha Ahad is joined by Ms. Kaneez Zehra (Executive Director, SAQE), Urwa Naeem (Senior Program Officer, SAQE), and Ms. Gulmina Bilal (Chairperson, NAVTTC) to unpack how rote learning, digital misinformation, and outdated systems are producing workers instead of thinkers.The discussion explores social media, AI, media literacy, mento
From Council Estate to EY Partner: A British Muslim’s Story | Zishan Nurmohamed | Talha Ahad Pdocast | Ep188
What does it take to succeed when the odds are stacked against you? Zishan Nurmohamed shares his remarkable journey from a council estate in North London to becoming a partner at EY (Ernst & Young). He opens up about childhood struggles, racism, cultural bias, and the enduring influence of his mother.Packed with powerful lessons on resilience, perseverance, and determination, this episode is a
The Hard Truth About Growing Up in Pakistan Today | Roundtable | Episode 17
What does childhood look like in Pakistan today? In this roundtable, I sit down with Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Pakistan’s Country Representative, along with children from the NCRC Child Advisory Panel, Baryal and Sania, to explore what children really need in today’s world.We examine how parental support, emotional care, and education shape a child’s growth, and ask: Are we truly listening to what
Redesigning Madrasas for a Digital Age | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep187
The world is changing, social media, AI, and Gen Alpha are redefining learning. But are our madrasas ready? In this episode, our guest explores how centuries-old Islamic education systems face a new challenge: balancing tradition with technology, and authority with empathy.Can faith education adapt without losing its essence? Watch to discover what’s possible.Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on You
An Exclusive Conversation With the Former British Intelligence Head | David Omand | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep186
What really happens behind the closed doors of modern intelligence?In this rare and powerful conversation, we sit down with Sir David Omand GCB, British former senior civil servant & former Director of the GCHQ, to unravel the world most people only know through headlines, fiction, or rumours.From counter-terrorism missions and tracking Osama Bin Laden to preventing attacks planned across bord
Balancing Feminine Energy & Leadership - Journey as a Woman CEO | Maha Shahzad | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep185
When Pakistan’s mobility sector was collapsing, Swvl was exiting, Careem was shifting focus, and funding was drying up, one woman quietly decided she wasn’t done solving the problem. What started as a single bus run on her maxed-out credit cards grew into one of the country’s most resilient mobility solutions.In this candid and powerful conversation, Maha Shahzad shares what kept her going through
Why Child Abuse Continues To Go Unpunished in Pakistan? | Humaira Masihuddin | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep184
Why does child abuse continue to go unpunished in Pakistan? Humaira explains how, in South Asia, traditions often overpower Islamic reforms, influencing women’s lives, family structures, and even the justice system. Violence, child abuse, polygamy, media exploitation, and misinterpreted faith hide in society’s shadows.She urges young women to embrace their identities, stay self-aware, and let just
Why Traditional Matchmaking Was Failing Young Muslims? | Shahzad Younas | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep183
In this episode of The UK Chapter, we sit down with Shahzad Younas, the man who left a fast-rising career at Morgan Stanley to fix a broken system of Muslim matchmaking and build Muzz_app, one of the world’s leading Muslim marriage platforms.Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.#talhaahad #talhaahadpodcast #shahzadyounas #muzz
This Man Built a Multimillion-Dollar Food Empire | Asif Rangoonwala | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep182
In this episode, I sat down with the Founder and Trustee of British-Pakistan Foundation, Asif Rangoonwala, a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and British Pakistani, to explore his journey of faith, hard work, and resilience.Asif reflects on his early struggles, the importance of humility, and the lessons he learned from building businesses like Eurobuns while giving back through the Rangoo
Sexual Health, Faith, and Education - How Islam Guides Us? | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep181
Dr. Naeemi, an esteemed Islamic scholar and current Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), and Mr. Rasul, a prominent religious scholar and Chairman of Idara Fikr-e-Jadeed, Lahore, explore how faith, culture, and intellect shape morality, including sensitive topics like sex education.From Sufi influence to modern education, they discuss why Islam looks different across regions, how sex
The Strategy to Put Pakistan on the Global Tech Map by 2030 | Amir Anzur | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep180
Amir Anzur sits down with Talha Ahad to share his journey, vision, and insights on building Pakistan’s global presence in tech.From his experiences working with the Dubai government, where he learned the power of confident women leaders, entrepreneurial government culture, and a global outlook, to his role as CMO of Pakistan Software Export Board.Amir explains how Pakistan can scale its IT exports
Altaf Hussain, Imran Khan & Malik Riaz: What Happens in London? | Murtaza Ali Shah | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep179
Exiled leaders, banned tycoons, jailed politicians, secret influence from London, fractured alliances, and silent power play. Pakistan’s politics is shaped as much abroad as at home.From Altaf Hussain’s decline, Malik Riaz’s UK ban, and Imran Khan’s shifting influence, to British courts, hidden networks, media weaknesses, and the political figures who quietly direct 2025, Murtaza Ali Shah breaks d
The Rise and Fall of the Pakistani Entertainment Industry | Ainy Jaffri | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep178
What’s the real cost of chasing fame in Pakistan’s entertainment industry?Ainy Jaffri opens up about the unspoken realities of being an actor: the favoritism, the power lobbies, and the unregulated chaos of an industry where everyone’s replaceable.From Pakistan’s struggle to reach Netflix quality to why the West prefers Indian faces, she unpacks what truly shapes success, and what it costs.Search
What an Oxford MBA Taught Me About Leadership & Life | Noman Azhar | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep177
When even experts from the World Bank and Oxford University are surprised by what Pakistan has already achieved in fintech, you know the script is changing.In this conversation, Noman Azhar, Chief Officer at Zindigi by JS Bank, breaks down how Pakistan quietly built one of the most advanced digital banking ecosystems in the region years before it became a buzzword elsewhere. From pioneering branc
Can AI, Drones & Data Fix Lahore's Toxic Air? | Silwat Saeed | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep176
Is Punjab's crippling smog crisis an unbeatable problem, or is there a new high-tech strategy that could finally clear the air?In this critical episode, Talha Ahad sits down with Silwat Saeed, the Secretary of the Environment Protection & Climate Change Department (EP&CCD), Government of Punjab. As the driving force behind Punjab's new data-led approach, Secretary Saeed reveals the
Imran Khan, Accountability, and Military Influence | Shahzad Akbar | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep175
In this episode, I sat down with Shahzad Akbar, former advisor to Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex–Deputy Prosecutor of NAB.We discussed Pakistan’s political future, his years working closely with Imran Khan, and the question everyone keeps asking: Will Imran Khan ever be free again?A candid conversation about power, accountability, and what really happens behind closed doors in Pakistan’s
Can Pakistan’s IT Sector Save the Economy? | Asad Umar | Ather Imran Nawaz | Syed Ahmad | Roundtable Podcast | Ep16
From political instability and digital neglect to short-term thinking and corporate complacency, Pakistan’s challenges run deep. In a rare and insightful conversation, Asad Umar, Ather Imran Nawaz, and Syed Ahmad break down why our institutions underperform, why the corporate sector failed to innovate, and how the IT industry lost decades of potential.Yet, amid the criticism lies hope, a belief th
Aqib Hassan on Consistency, Struggle, and Believing in Pakistan Again | Aqib Hassan | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep174
As thousands move abroad for stability, Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer at Homes By One, chose to create opportunities in Pakistan. In this powerful conversation with Talha Ahad, he talks about belief when no one else believes, the courage to start from zero, and why he believes Pakistan’s future depends on those willing to fight for change. Through One Homes, Aqib is leading an effort to r
How Yango Plans to Build Pakistan’s First Super App! | Miral Sharif | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep173
From daily commutes to everyday independence, Yango isn’t just about rides; it’s about rethinking how people move, live, and connect.In this episode, Miral Sharif, Country Head of Yango Pakistan, sits down with Talha Ahad to unpack what it means to build technology that truly serves people, especially women finding freedom in their everyday choices.Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spoti
Comedy, Islam, and Breaking Stereotypes | Abdullah Afzal | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep172
In this episode of The Talha Ahad Podcast UK Chapter, I sit down with Abdullah Afzal, best known as Amjad from Citizen Khan, to talk about identity, representation, and life beyond fame.We discuss his journey as a British Pakistani comedian, the realities of typecasting, and how comedy became his way to express faith, culture, and belonging. A candid and humorous conversation about breaking stereo
This Rural Area Is Beating Cities, Here’s How! | Asadullah | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep171
This episode takes you inside rural Punjab, where hope and awareness are rewriting the story of health and hygiene. From scarcity to sustainability, discover how behavior change became the spark for lasting progressSearch ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.#talhaahad #talhaahadpodcast #asadullah
How A Pakistani Brand Conquered Kitchens Worldwide? | Raheel Ahmed | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep170
Raheel Ahmed, Business Head at Shan Foods, shares the story behind biryani wars, brand philosophy, and building a Pakistani food legacy worldwide, all in one conversation.In this episode, discover how a local dream became an international success, staying true to its roots while redefining what it means to showcase Pakistani taste to the world.Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, o
What Really Happens Inside British Intelligence? | David Bickford | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep169
In this episode of our UK Chapter, I sat down with David Bickford, former MI5 and MI6 Legal Director, to explore the secret world of espionage.We talked about his journey into the world of intelligence, black ops, and what life inside Britain’s most secretive institutions really looks like. David also shared how he transitioned from government service to becoming an author and reflected on the hum
Secrets, Strategies & Millions of Views - 2025 Content Creation Guide | Roundtable Podcast | Ep15
When they uploaded their first Facebook posts 10 years ago, their families thought it was just a waste of time. Today, Waleed Wakar, Arbaaz, and Urooj are professional creators who've got millions of views, helped launch restaurants, built communities, and changed lives through content.And they answered the question nobody else is asking: Is Facebook still the golden platform to start your co
Former First Minister of Scotland - Islam, LGBTQ+ and Gaza | Humza Yousaf | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep168
In our opening conversation for the much-awaited UK Chapter, I travelled to Scotland to sit down with Humza Yousaf, the country’s first Muslim First Minister.He reflects on navigating criticism for LGBTQ+ rights, balancing faith and identity under scrutiny, calls Gaza the world’s first “livestreamed genocide,” and grounds his journey in the Hadith: “Actions are judged by intention."Search ‘Ta
Can Pakistan Really Become a Digital Nation? | Shaza Fatima Khawaja | TownHall | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep02
"Digital Pakistan” sounds futuristic, but what does it really mean?In this exclusive conversation, Shaza Fatima Khawaja from the Ministry of IT Telecom Pakistan explains how digitization isn’t about fancy tech; it’s about improving everyday lives.From FIRs at the police station to payments and citizen services, this episode unpacks how Pakistan could become a true digital nation.Search ‘Talha Ahad
From Cash to Digital - Pakistan’s Tax Revolution Explained | Abdur Rehman | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep167
Most Pakistanis get nervous when they hear FBR. But why? And how is technology changing the way taxes are collected?This episode clears myths, explains taxes in simple terms, and shows why paying taxes is not just a duty, it’s an investment in Pakistan’s future.Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.#talhaahad #talhaahadpodcast #fbr #fe
From Careem to Shark Tank - Junaid Iqbal on Pakistan’s Startup Dilemma | Junaid Iqbal | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep166
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a content creator, or simply curious about Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, this episode is a must-watch.In this exclusive discussion, Junaid Iqbal (former MD of Careem Pakistan and Shark Tank Pakistan investor) reveals the challenges, failures, and hidden opportunities shaping the future of Pakistan’s business and tech landscape. From Careem’s journey in Pakistan to w
Is Karachi Still Controlled by Hidden Powers? | Omar Shahid | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep165
Karachi: A city where killing was a career. In this episode, Omar Shahid, a serving officer in the Police Service of Pakistan and a bestselling author, shares how MQM turf wars, Taliban infiltration, RAW’s spy networks, and target killers turned the city into a living war zone.Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.#talhaahad #talhaahad
Inside the Mind of a Clairvoyant, a Yogi & an Energy Reader | Roundtable Podcast | Ep14
Energy, intuition, and the pain that brings you closer to God.In this roundtable, three spiritual practitioners talk about the unseen world, clairvoyant visions and energy reading. We also navigate heartbreak, trauma, and karmic cycles. Alizay, Tooba, and Hammad get candid about the loneliness of healers, the clients who come with black magic fears, and why true healing is rarely pretty.Search ‘Ta
How Aik Is Redefining Digital Banking in Pakistan? | Ashfaque Ahmed | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep164
"AIK", the first of its kind in Pakistan, is set to revolutionize the way we think about banking. But what does it mean? Is it a strategy? A promise? A secret code for success?In this episode, we asked Ashfaque Ahmed, Chief Officer of Aik by Bank Islami, about it… and the answer might surprise you.Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen to yo
Who Gets to Define Pakistan’s Freedom? | Roundtable Podcast | Ep 13
A former Chief of Naval Staff, a seasoned journalist, and a university student sit down on Talha's roundtable to reflect on a single, powerful question: What does independence truly mean in Pakistan? Then, now, and in the future. Different generations. Different views. But one question: Where is Pakistan headed? This is not your typical Independence Day conversation.Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast&
Google, Startup & the AI Shift Everyone’s Talking About | Saad Hamid | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep163
What changes when someone who's spent years navigating Pakistan’s tech and startup chaos ends up at one of the world’s most powerful tech companies?In this episode, Saad Hamid joins us to talk about that shift, from hustle culture to high-performance environments, from chasing money to chasing meaning, and from building for survival to building with intention.We dive into the failures that tea
Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza Returns to the Podcast - Politics, Power & Perspective | Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep162
One year after his first appearance, Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza returns for an exclusive podcast.We spoke about what’s changed since then, the reaction to his previous episode, the evolving political landscape, his views on free speech, military narratives, and how public perception has shifted over time.This is a follow-up conversation that picks up right where we left off and answers a lot that
Trauma, Therapy, and the Lie of “I’m Fine” | Dr Farah Qadir | Khayyam Sajid | Nawal Ahmed | Roundtable Podcast | Ep 12
Why do we wait for a breakdown to finally ask for help?In a culture that romanticises pain and shames softness, mental health becomes either aesthetic or alien. Dr Farah Qadir, Khayyam Sajid, and Nawal Ahmed talk about growing up without emotional language, being “functional” despite anxiety, and the irony of seeking validation in healing spaces.This roundtable is a deep dive into our desi discomf
What's Really Wrong With Pakistan's Entertainment Industry? | Sarwat Gilani | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep161
Why did Sarwat Gilani walk away from TV dramas at the peak of her career?In this conversation, Sarwat opens up about her aristocratic roots, artistic childhood, and the code of ethics she carries into every room. From turning down regressive roles to calling out the hypocrisy of performative activism in entertainment, Sarwat takes us deep into the politics, power dynamics, and quiet courage it tak
Why Every Journalist Needs a Therapist? | Maria Memon | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep160
Maria Memon has been on your screen for nearly two decades, as a journalist, anchor, and one of the few female faces who held her ground in a polarising media landscape. But behind the screen presence is a story of constant evolution.In this episode, she opens up about her complicated love-hate relationship with the media industry. She talks about how growing up under societal pressure shaped her,
What Leaving Pakistan Taught Us About Success? | Saad Hashmani | Ayaz Chaudhry | Uzair Hasan | Roundtable Podcast | Ep 11
They left Pakistan. Built new lives. Created companies. Found stability. But no matter where they go, Pakistan keeps showing up in the guilt, in the pride, in the conversations that never really end. In this roundtable, three diaspora voices, Saad Hashmani, Chaudhry Ayaz, and Uzair Hasan, sit down not just to talk about business or identity, but about what it means to still care about a country th
Who Really Controls the Media in Pakistan? | Syed Talat Hussain | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep159
Is journalism still journalism when it’s bought and sold?Behind the glitz of primetime lies a broken system: unpaid staff, Syed Talat Hussain collapsing newsrooms, and journalists struggling to survive. gives a raw, insider look into the structural collapse of Pakistan’s media landscape. We talk about financial insecurity, political interference, and why truth-telling has become a luxury.Search ‘
Crypto Bans, Broken Policies & Pakistan's Innovation Woes | Mubariz Siddiqui | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep158
Why are Pakistan’s most promising founders giving up and moving out?This week, we sit down with Mubariz Siddiqui, founder of Carbon Law and legal advisor to some of Pakistan’s biggest startups, to discuss the country's broken startup ecosystem. From regulatory loopholes and crypto bans to policy failures and the brain drain, Mubariz shares the inside view on how the startup wave rose after 201
Dealing With Hate, Trolls, and Pressure | Shehzad Ghias | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep157
“Do I love Pakistan enough to die for it? No.”Shehzad Ghias has been called everything: traitor, atheist, sellout, hero. In this week’s episode, the host of The Pakistan Experience joins us to talk about the mental toll of cancel culture, the loneliness behind viral fame, and why he’s no longer sure if it’s safe to live or speak freely in Pakistan.He opens up about public backlash, blasphemy acc
The Grind, The Ego & The Price of Making It | Irfan Junejo | Kazi Akber | Roundtable Podcast | Ep10
Fame, ego, and the grind behind the camera. What really goes into making it as a creator in Pakistan, and why it’s harder than it looks.In this episode, Irfan Junejo and Kazi Akber get honest about gatekeeping, mainstream egos, chasing perfection, and surviving a world where numbers matter more than craft. From awkward encounters with celebrities to finding meaning in a noisy digital space, this c
They Said Women Couldn’t Lead Media — She Proved Them ALL Wrong! | Sultana Siddiqui | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep156
What does it take to build an empire when no one gives you a roadmap?In this episode, Sultana Siddiqui, the force behind HUM, talks about starting from scratch, fighting nepotism, and carving out space for women when the industry refused to make room.From working in a garage to launching one of South Asia’s biggest entertainment channels, she reflects on loss, resilience, and why teaching the nex
What REALLY Goes On Between ISI, RAW & the Taliban? | Ali K. Chishti | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep155
What if the biggest battles weren’t fought with guns, but with whispers?In this episode of the Talha Ahad Podcast, Ali K. Chishti, counter-terrorism expert and author, takes us into the unseen corridors of intelligence. From the tangled roots of Al‑Qaeda and the Taliban, to the covert games of RAW and ISI, Ali exposes how espionage shapes borders, politics, and perceptions.If you’ve ever wondered
Fame, Power, and Palestine & Pretend Activism | Saad Hashmani | Talha Ahad Podcast| Episode 154
More than fame, Saad Hashmani wants to be understood.In this week’s podcast, the Pakistani-American businessman opens up about the illness that changed his life, the trap of online fame, and why he walks out of award shows but shows up at funerals.We talk power, ego, influencer silence on Palestine, and how Pakistan is losing the war of narratives to India. Saad breaks down toxic motivation cultur
The Awkward Truth About Being Different in Pakistan | Abdullah Maroof | Abiola | Nawafil | Roundtable Podcast | Ep09
What’s it really like growing up as a Black or African-identifying person in Pakistan?In this episode of TAP Into, content creator Abdullah Maroof , entrepreneur and talent strategist Abiola, and social media influencer Nawafil aka Fils unpack what most people are too awkward to even ask.From microaggressions in schools to double takes in taxis, and how they’ve carved out space in a culture that w
No Policy, No Plan—Just Prayers for Climate? | Dr. Fahad Saeed | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep153
What if Pakistan’s climate crisis isn’t just about emissions, but about the flawed data we’re submitting to the world?In this episode, Dr. Fahad Saeed, Senior Climate Scientist, breaks down the alarming gaps in Pakistan’s official climate strategy, from typos in United Nations reports to calling Quetta our hottest zone.We unpack how bad research, clueless foreign consultants, and a broken knowledg
What’s Hiding Inside Your Electricity Bill? | Muhammad Aamir Ghaziani | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep152
Electricity in Pakistan is more than just power generation—it’s a complex web of regulation, taxation, and infrastructure. Muhammad Aamir Ghaziani, Chief Financial Officer at KElectric , joins us to unpack the Multi-Year Tariff framework, the role of NEPRA, and why nearly 40% of your bill isn’t even electricity. If you've ever looked at your bill and wondered, “Why am I paying so much?”, this
Why Are Pakistani Women Still Invisible in Power | Mohamed Yahya | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep151
What does self-worth have to do with development?Everything, says Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan. In this episode, we explore the invisible roots of gender inequality, the silent complicity of society, and why men must be part of the solution. Yahya unpacks what real inclusion looks like, why storytelling is a development tool, and how optimism might just be
Between the Chords - Musicians Talk Life Love and Loss | Bilal Ali | Zohaib Kazi | Saad Hayat | Roundtable Podcast | Ep08
How did we go from concert mania to algorithm music? Why did bands break up? Why do solo acts thrive today? And did Coke Studio save or centralise the scene?Pakistan had a band culture. It had chaos, fanbases, and a sound of its own. Then everything changed.Join Bilal Ali (Lead Vocalist, Kashmir Band), Zohaib Kazi (Producer), and Saad Music (Music Producer) as they trace the fall and fight of an e
How to Build a Global Network from Pakistan | Mekaeel Malik | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep150
He didn’t go to Oxbridge. He didn’t have a fancy visa. What he had was grit, rejection emails, and an obsession with figuring it out.In this roundtable episode, Mekaeel Malik, Co-founder of Carbon Track, shares how he hacked his way into a hedge fund internship in the UK, what the job market doesn't tell you, and why he’s now building systems to help Pakistanis win abroad.We talk strategy, surviva
What Pakistan’s Advertising Industry Gets Wrong and How to Fix It | Faizan Sadi Syed | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep149
Wall Street dream? Shattered. TV channel? Shut down. Business? Rebuilt from scratch. In this week's episode, Faizan Sadi Syed, Founder of East River, shares his journey from Wall Street to building one of the most agile creative agencies in the region.This episode dives into the future of advertising, the broken agency model, creators driven by ego, and how AI is reshaping the game. This conve
Can You Trust a Tobacco Company to Go Smoke-Free? | Dr. James Murphy | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep148
Tobacco has been part of human history for millennia, but what if science could rewrite its future?In this episode, Dr. James Murphy, Director of Research & Science at British American Tobacco, walks us through the data, debates, and decisions behind BAT’s global shift from cigarettes to safer, smokeless alternatives. We talk about nicotine, regulation, Pakistan’s strategic role, and whether t
Are Millennials Too Realistic or Is Gen Z Too Intense? | Usman Asiff | Usra Murtaza | Esha Kirmani | Roundtable Podcast | Ep07
Money, meaning, and messy relationships.What happens when Gen Z’s emotional intensity meets Millennial realism? In this roundtable, Usman Asif, Founder and CEO of Devsinc, Usra Murtaza, Community Builder at Minerva, and Esha Kirmani, Author, Entrepreneur, and NLP Coach, dive deep into money, healing, ego, identity, and what it really takes to live well in a world that’s burning out fast.Search ‘
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