Beneficiaries - Right To Play, IBA, LUMS, Alkhidmat

Muhammad Umair Arif

Ranked #1 in the U-17 category under the PSF, Muhammad Umair Arif is regarded as one of the most promising young players in Pakistan. He first rose to prominence in July 2022 by winning the U-15 national title after a thrilling 3–2 comeback against Azan Khan in Karachi. His momentum continued with a win at the LGG All Pakistan National Junior Championship 2024 in Lahore. Internationally, he earned silver at the Qatar International Junior Squash Championship and reached the quarter-finals at the Asian Junior Individual Championships 2025 in South Korea. Most recently, he captured gold at the Sportplex Junior Gold Tournament in the USA, defeating Vitrano Knox 3–0 (11–3, 11–6, 11–2). Umair continues to uphold Pakistan’s rich squash legacy with every milestone.

Sohail Adnan

Sohail Adnan, a rising squash star and fellow of the BARD Foundation, was recently promoted to the U-15 category and currently holds the 11th position under the PSF rankings. In a historic achievement, he won the British Junior Open 2025 (U-13 category), becoming the first Pakistani in 18 years to win the prestigious title. His international success continued with a victory at the Scottish Junior Open 2024 (U-13), along with gold medals at the 3rd McDonald Junior & Women’s Open and the Morgan Reach Junior Squash Championship 2025. Most recently, in July 2025, Sohail won gold at the 32nd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships (U-13) in Gimcheon, South Korea—further solidifying his status as one of Pakistan’s brightest young talents.

Mehwish Ali

Mehwish Ali, currently ranked #1 in the U-19 category by the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), is a dominant force in junior squash, boasting an extraordinary record of 26 gold medals. Among her recent victories, she clinched the Girls U-17 title at the Australian Junior Open 2025, defeating Eden Alma Poulava in straight games (11–5, 11–5, 11–7), contributing to Pakistan’s four-gold medal tally at the event. She also secured her 26th gold at the K2 Squash US Junior Gold Championship 2025 in Philadelphia. However, her career recently faced controversy during the 2025 Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships in Gimcheon, where, after a Round of 16 loss to Hong Kong’s Chung YL, she was seen making an obscene gesture toward her opponent. The incident sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about sportsmanship.

Shehroze Kashif

Shehroze Kashif, a remarkable young mountaineer, has etched his name in history as the youngest Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks. Known for his unparalleled determination and courage, Shehroze has conquered some of the most challenging and treacherous mountains on earth, including Mount Everest and K2. His journey is not just a testament to physical strength, but to an unwavering spirit that continues to inspire millions. Shehroze’s feat of climbing these peaks at such a young age has not only made Pakistan proud but has also positioned him as a leading figure in the global mountaineering community.

Huzaifa Shahid

Huzaifa Shahid is an exceptional young talent in the world of squash, known for his remarkable skills and relentless determination. Over the course of his burgeoning career, he has achieved significant success in various international tournaments, earning accolades and respect on the global stage. Notably, Huzaifa clinched the championship titles at prominent events like the Australian Junior Open and the Jessica Company Hong Kong Junior Squash Open. His continuous hard work and commitment to excellence are making him a key figure in Pakistan’s squash future, inspiring young athletes to pursue greatness with passion and resilience.

Mahnoor Ali

Mahnoor Ali, an 11-year-old squash prodigy, has made history as the first Pakistani female to win the 2024 U.S. Junior Open Squash Championship in the U-13 category, defeating Egypt’s Linda Elsayed 3-1 in the final. Supported by the BARD Foundation, Mahnoor has also won gold at the 2024 Australian Junior Open, bronze at the 7th Borneo Junior Open 2023, and delivered stellar performances in global tournaments like the Hungarian, Lion, and Penang Junior Opens. With 18 gold medals to her name, Mahnoor stands as a shining beacon of talent and dedication in squash.

Naila Kiani

Naila Kiani, Pakistan’s top female mountaineer, is the fastest to summit 11 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks, including all five in Pakistan. An aerospace engineer, former HSBC executive, and National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls’ Education, she made history as the first Pakistani woman to scale an 8,000-meter peak in 2021. Her achievements, including the prestigious Sitara-i-Imtiaz, inspire generations with her courage and excellence.

Abdul Ahad

Abdul Ahad is a rising star in the world of squash, known for his exceptional talent and determination. A skilled and disciplined athlete, he has made waves on both national and international platforms. His notable victories, including triumphs at the NBP 16th Chief of Naval Staff International and strong performances at prestigious tournaments like the Hong Kong Junior Open and the Korean Junior Open, have solidified his reputation as one of the brightest prospects in the sport. Abdul’s dedication to his craft, combined with his strategic gameplay and resilience, continues to inspire aspiring squash players, positioning him as a key figure in Pakistan’s emerging sports scene.

Hania Minhas

Haniya Minhas is a rising Pakistani tennis prodigy with exceptional achievements. At just 10, she ranked #1 nationally (U10 & U12) and #10 in Asia, the highest for her age. With 80 titles, she made history in 2021 as the youngest and first Pakistani to win an Under-14 Asian Tennis Federation tournament. She also claimed 3rd place at the Eddie Herr Junior World Championship in Florida, competing against 2,000+ players worldwide. Now managed by IMG, Haniya continues to inspire as one of Pakistan’s most promising young athletes.

Hassan Usmani

Hassan Usmani is a rising star in the world of tennis, known for his exceptional talent and impressive performances on the international stage. A young Pakistani tennis player, Hassan made headlines by securing both singles and doubles titles at the prestigious Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) U14 Tournament in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he defeated top seed Suleyman Hudayberdiyev in singles and later partnered with him to win the doubles title. His extraordinary achievements have earned him recognition and praise from the Pakistan Tennis Federation and beyond, while his inspiring journey continues to motivate young tennis players in Pakistan and worldwide.

Right To Play

BARD Foundation has signed a two-year agreement with Right To Play, to launch a sport-for-development life skills program in 5 schools of Lahore in the periphery of Descon Technical Institute (DTI). This effort is in line with the Bard Foundation’s commitment to empowering Pakistani youth and acting as a catalyst for change. The initiative will not only assist children to improve their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive life skills, but it will also help children, particularly girls, have better exposure and participation in sports.

Roshni Homes Trust

BARD Foundation has sponsored Roshni Trust x Science Fuse programme, which aims to teach high-quality scientific education in a creative way, to children in Gujranwala. This is an after-school programme that will teach young students about science artistically, and equip instructors to teach science in a way that makes it fun to learn.

IBA Karachi

Carrying forward the legacy of supporting the cause of Education, Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation has established the Descon Endowment Fund with IBA, Karachi. This program will support 1 MBA student in perpetuity. The MOU signing ceremony was attended by the President of BARD Foundation – Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood & Member Board of Governors – Miss Mehreen Dawood.

LUMS

To strengthen the research ethos at LUMS and create a social impact, the Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation has made a generous donation to establish the Abdul Razak Dawood Dean’s Chair at the Suleman Dawood School of Business, and the Bilquis Dawood Dean’s Chair at the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School for Humanities and Social Sciences.
These Chairs will provide the two schools at LUMS the opportunity to offer PhD scholarships and faculty fellowships that would pave the way for research initiatives that can address national and regional issues.

Alkhidmat Pakistan

BARD Foundation in collaboration with Alkhidmat Pakistan has distributed tents and ration bags among flood affectees of Koh- e-Sulaiman, Taunsa Sharif – District Dera Ghazi Khan (DG Khan), Punjab. These people have been in dire conditions without any roof in the open suffering from hunger, heat, and mosquitoes.

Ace Tennis Pakistan

BARD Foundation & Ace Academy join hands to support and uplift the tennis landscape of Pakistan. Ace Academy is a wonderful initiative by the pride of Pakistan, Aisam Ul Haq Qureshi… The goal of this sponsorship is to enhance the future of Pakistani tennis, by scouting young and talented sports players and training them into world-class athlete citizens.