Welcome to Talha Ahad Podcast. It was journalism that brought me back to Islamabad from London in 2016. Over the last 6 years I have been privileged enough to meet with lots of interesting people from former PM Imran Khan, to Guantanamo Bay prisoners, to industry leaders, politicians, creatives and all kinds of people in between. The stories they shared off-screen were far more fascinating than the ones they told on screen. I am Talha Ahad, an entrepreneur, journalist and documentary filmmaker. I am going on a journey to explore who people really are beyond the face they show to the world.
The Men Behind Pakistan's First Silicon Village | Abid Cheema | Shahrukh Malik | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep54
Our guests on this week's episode are Abid Kabir Cheema, CEO of Silicon Village, and Shahrukh Malik, CEO of Molecule. We get insights on their upcoming projects the Silicon Village, Pakistan's first and largest tech hub, and Capital Smart City, a smart housing society. We also discuss the Pakistani start-up ecosystem and the possible solutions to help the entrepreneurial youth.
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27/11/2023 • 47 minutes 30 seconds
90s Karachi, Lyari Gangs, & Reporting From the Heart of Conflict | Faizullah Khan | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep53
Our guest this week is the senior journalist and reporter Faizullah Khan. Joining the news industry at the peak of its revival, Faizullah has firsthand witnessed the rise and fall of major political parties, gangs, and militant groups. He also shares with us his insights on regional politics and affairs.
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24/11/2023 • 1 hour 1 minute 51 seconds
The Lifestory of Pakistan's Leading Real Estate Developer | Imtiaz Rafi Butt | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep52
This week, we have Imtiaz Rafi Butt, the founder of Rafi Group and Jinnah Rafi Foundation, and Pakistan's prominent real estate developer, as our guest. We engage in a conversation with him covering topics such as real estate, business, and wealth creation. Mr. Butt generously imparts valuable life lessons based on his own experiences and provides his expert insights into the financial future of Pakistan.
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18/11/2023 • 1 hour 6 minutes 36 seconds
The American Who Made Pakistan His Home | Todd Shea | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep51
Our guest on this week's episode is Todd Shea, the founder of Comprehensive Disaster Response Pakistan. Todd shares his battle with addiction and his experience in the US Marine Corps. As an eyewitness to the 9/11 attacks, Todd shares how he watched the horrors unfold before his eyes. He also shares the events that brought him to Pakistan and what caused him to stay.
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08/11/2023 • 2 hours 23 minutes 41 seconds
Bouncing Back From Failures - The Success Story of Johnny & Jugnu | Gohar Iqbal | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep50
Joining us this week is Gohar Iqbal, the co-founder and managing partner of Johnny & Jugnu. With a marketing degree to support his journey, Gohar shares with us how he and his friends managed to establish one of Lahore's most famous burger joints after years of setbacks and failures. He also shares his plans to revolutionize Pakistan's fast food scene by serving burgers that cater to the Pakistani taste palate.
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28/10/2023 • 1 hour 10 minutes 45 seconds
The Story of Hustle, Hardwork & Success | Sheikh Sajawal | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep49
In this episode, the renowned digital marketing specialist Sheikh Sajawal joins us for an interesting conversation on the digital economy, marketing, and online earning. He also shares with us anecdotes from his days of struggle and the lessons he learned along the way providing some interesting tips to the youth.
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26/10/2023 • 1 hour 1 minute 8 seconds
The Story of Shahbaz Taseer's Kidnapping and Captivity | Shahbaz Taseer | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep48
Shortly after his father's assassination, Shahbaz Taseer was kidnapped in Lahore and spent the next four years in captivity. In this exclusive interview, he shares the details of his time in Afghanistan's heavily guarded prisons and caves and shares details of how the militant-run kidnapping networks operate.
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In this week's episode, we sit down with Aisha Sarwari, Director of Public Affairs and Comms at Coca-Cola and author of 'Hard Tantrums and Brain Tumours.' She shares her life journey from Uganda and Kenya to America and back to Pakistan. She also shares with us the roller coaster of emotions she experienced after her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor, not once but twice. Aisha also talks about feminism, Aurat March in Pakistan, and offers a message to Pakistani girls.
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06/10/2023 • 1 hour 15 minutes 58 seconds
Digital Media, Politics, and the Life Story of Muzamil Hasan | Muzamil Hasan | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep46
In this week's episode with content creator and podcaster Muzamil Hasan, we discuss in detail content creation, podcasts, and digital media. We also delve into politics, economy, and mental health. Muzamil also gives us an insight into his life in UAE and his future plans.
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29/09/2023 • 1 hour 29 minutes 12 seconds
Extremism, Militancy, and the Story of a Conflict Reporter | Ihsanullah Tipu | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep45
In this exclusive podcast with journalist and reporter Ihsanullah Tipu, we discuss the rise of various new and old terrorist outfits and delve into the recent surge in militant activities by TTP. We also explore the Afghan Jihad and the subsequent fall of Kabul, examining how these events may shape the future of the region in terms of security and stability.
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22/09/2023 • 1 hour 19 minutes 18 seconds
What Went Wrong With Pakistan's Entertainment Industry? | Part 02 | Jamshed Raza (Jami) | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep44
In continuation of the exclusive podcast with Jami, in this second part, we explore film, TV, and the world of advertising and the downward spiral of Pakistan's entertainment industry. Jami also opens up about his battle with mental health issues and his greatest regrets in life.
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20/09/2023 • 1 hour 10 minutes 9 seconds
Why Was Jami Isolated After His "MeToo" Revelation? | Part 01 | Jamshed Raza (Jami) | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep44
In this exclusive interview, following nearly four years since his #MeToo revelation against a media mogul, the acclaimed filmmaker, and director. Jami delves into the scandal and discusses for the first time the challenges he faced in the aftermath of breaking his silence.
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15/09/2023 • 1 hour 6 minutes 42 seconds
Future of Education in the Digital Age | Nassir Kasuri | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep43
My guest for this episode is Nassir Kasuri, an education visionary and CEO of Beaconhouse International College and Beacon Energy Limited. We discuss the impact of AI and digitization on education and Beaconhouse Group's 'Homebridge' initiative for remote international qualifications. Nassir also shares insight into the Single National Curriculum and helps us understand where Pakistan's education system is lacking.
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08/09/2023 • 58 minutes 25 seconds
How Is This Pak-American Businesswoman Revolutionizing Tech for Women? | Saima Ali | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep42
My guest this week is Saima Ali, founder and CEO of Revsoft. With a Harvard degree to back her, Saima has stirred up a revolution in the IT sector with her company, 'Revsoft'. We discuss the gender gap in the IT sector and Saima shares her plans of how she plans to address these gaps. We also discuss the potential of tech outsourcing in Pakistan and the future of Pakistan's tech industry.
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01/09/2023 • 38 minutes 54 seconds
From Doctor to Entrepreneur - Story of a Pakistani Startup | Dr. Hamza Tauqeer | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep41
My guest on this week's episode is Dr. Hamza Tauqeer, the founder and CEO of Aesthetics Lab and Tibbi Inc. Hamza shares with us his entrepreneurial journey in the field of healthcare and medical aesthetics. We also discuss Pakistan's startup ecosystem and the problems it is facing due to the current unstable socio-political environment of Pakistan.
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In this week's episode, our guest and former foreign secretary of Pakistan, Mr. Shamshad Ahmad, takes us back to the days of partition and Pakistan's formative years. He shares stories from his diplomatic missions around the world, including a significant encounter with Mullah Omar. Mr. Shamshad also articulates his perspective on Pakistan's policies towards Israel and provides insight into his thoughts on the future of democracy in the country.
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18/08/2023 • 1 hour 24 minutes
The Overlapping of Culture & Religion in Pakistan | Sabookh Syed | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep39
In this week's episode, I'm joined by, Sabookh Syed, a seasoned journalist and reporter. With nearly two decades of experience in reporting on religious and political matters, Sabookh shares his perspective on Pakistan's religious and societal state, as well as the blurred lines between cultural and religious values. We also delve into journalism's current state in Pakistan and the future of news.
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11/08/2023 • 1 hour 7 minutes 33 seconds
Meet The First Female Captain of Pakistan's Tent Pegging Team | Arooj Kayani | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep38
In this episode, I am joined by Arooj Kayani, the first female captain of Pakistan's tent-pegging team. Arooj shares with us her journey to the forefront of horse riding. We also discuss her spiritual path towards God, and she tells us how horse riding helped her build a stronger connection with her faith. Arooj is also a professional in the field of early education and shares her insights from working closely with children.
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In this week's exclusive episode, my guest is Aamer Kiani, former PTI secretary-general, and a long-time friend of Imran Khan. He provides us with an insider's account of the 9th May events. We delve into PTI's three-decade journey, seeking to understand why Khan distanced himself from close companions and examining other decisions he made, including the controversial appointment of Buzdar. Aamer Kiani also offers his insights on what led to the downfall of the establishment-Imran relations.
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In this week's episode, I am joined by content creator, and the founder of Karachi Vynz, Daniyal Sheikh. We delve into Pakistan's growing digital content creation industry. Daniyal shares insights into Karachi's diverse ethnicities and its history. We discuss centrism and identity crisis. Daniyal also opens up about the struggle that went into Karachi Vynz.
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25/07/2023 • 57 minutes 55 seconds
Backdrop of 9th May, Jail Time Across Pakistan & The Future of PTI | Asad Umar | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep35
In this week's exclusive episode, I am joined by Asad Umer, former Secretary General and senior leader of PTI. We delve into Asad Umer's journey from entering the realm of politics in 2012 to the pivotal events of 9th May and the subsequent string of arrests. Asad Umer also addresses some frequently asked questions and concerns regarding the PTI-Establishment and the future prospects of his political party.
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20/07/2023 • 54 minutes 39 seconds
From Working at a Shop to Building Pakistan’s Nuclear Bomb - The Journey of Dr. Afzal Khan | Dr Afzal Khan | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep34
In this episode, my guest is a revered nuclear scientist and close aide of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, Dr. Afzal Khan. Dr. Afzal shares his witness account of the 1947 partition horrors as a 5-year-old. We also delve into his journey of traveling to America to pursue higher studies and how that journey eventually landed him in the heart of Pakistan's nuclear program, Project 706. Dr. Afzal also shares with us his disappointment in the state's treatment of A.Q. Khan and his hopes for Pakistan.
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In this episode with my guest Bilal Anwar, CEO of NDRMF, we talk about climate change which is still an enduring issue that poses more threats to Pakistan than anything else. Bilal Anwar talks about how lack of awareness, public disinterest, and ineffective coping mechanisms make Pakistan more vulnerable to economic and humanitarian crises.
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07/07/2023 • 46 minutes 25 seconds
Peshawar's Dark Past, Media, Establishment, and Subcontinent's Religious History | Shafaat Ali | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep32
In this episode, I am joined by comedian and satirist Syed Shafaat Ali who takes us through Peshawar's rough past with terrorism, his personal journey in the media industry, and his experience with various media houses. Shafaat also shares his extensive knowledge of the Subcontinent's vibrant religious history and the untapped potential of religious tourism in Pakistan.
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01/07/2023 • 1 hour 25 minutes 2 seconds
Pakistan's Media, Regressive Journalism, World History, and Politics | Zarrar Khuhro | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep31
In this episode, I am joined by a special guest, Zarrar Khuhro, an esteemed journalist, columnist, and talk show host. Together, we delve into discussions on Pakistan's media landscape, regressive journalism, politics, and democracy. The conversation also steers toward world history. Drawing from his extensive experience, Zarrar provides invaluable insights and shares his perspective on the future of journalism.
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23/06/2023 • 1 hour 1 minute 39 seconds
Religion, Wisdom, Charity, and Dealing with Worldly Affairs | Omar Badi-uz-Zaman | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep 30
In between traveling, learning, and handling his family's charity foundation, Omar Zaman shares how he strives to find a balance between his faith and worldly affairs. He also clears common misunderstandings about the sunnah of Qurbani on Eid ul Azha. Omar also shares insights into the impactful work of his organization, Sab Saath, which is dedicated to revolutionizing charitable initiatives in Pakistan and globally.
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17/06/2023 • 1 hour 10 minutes 16 seconds
Karachi's Dark Side, Pakistani Politics, and Distorted History | Shehzad Ghias | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep 29
In this episode, I sat down with Shehzad Ghias the host of The Pakistan Experience. We discuss his journey of growing up in Karachi amidst the violence of the 90s and 2000s. He shares his unique perspective on elite ignorance, the distortion of history, and politics. We also delve into topics such as culture, resilience, and the significance of healthy debate.
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17/06/2023 • 1 hour 14 minutes 37 seconds
Who Is Responsible for the 9th May Incident and Its Consequences? | Zubair Umer | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep 28
If Imran Khan's verbal attack on Gen Bajwa was wrong, then how is Maryam Nawaz's commentary on Chief Justice Bandial justified? In this episode, I sat down with the Former Governor and PMLN leader Zubair Umer, and we delved into the depths of the 9th May Incident and talked about Pakistan's political turmoil.
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17/06/2023 • 1 hour 10 minutes 29 seconds
Long-term Investment, Real Estate in Pakistan & Insight into DAO Proptech | Owais Barlas | Talha Ahad Podcast | Ep 27
Delved deep into the conversation with Owais Barlas, Co-founder & Chief Commercial Officer at Dao PropTech. We discovered how this innovative technology is transforming the real estate industry and unlocking new possibilities for investors. We unlocked the secrets of long-term investments and got to know the realities behind the booming real estate industry of Pakistan.
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17/06/2023 • 1 hour 9 minutes 16 seconds
A Sneak Peak into Episode 1 | Azaz Syed | Talha Ahad Podcast
He lost his mother during his teenage years. I sat with a man who was 'hired' by CIA, known for raiding retired generals with camera on, knows the of secrets Al-Qaeda, covered the Lal Masjid siege from ground zero and worked closely with the slain journalist Arshad Sharif on Mumbai attacks in 2008.
This is the Story of Azaz Syed.
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08/11/2022 • 1 minute 51 seconds
Talha Ahad Podcast | Trailer
It was journalism that brought me back to Islamabad from London in 2016. Over the last 6 years, I have been privileged enough to meet with lots of interesting people from former PM Imran Khan, to Guantanamo Bay prisoners, to industry leaders, politicians, creatives, and all kinds of people in between. The stories they shared off-screen were far more fascinating than the ones they told on screen.
I am Talha Ahad, an entrepreneur, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. I am going on a journey to explore who people really are beyond the face they show to the world. And have meaningful conversations about how their stories have shaped them and the way they see the world today.
03/10/2022 • 59 seconds
The Journey has just Started | Teaser
It's time to bring something fresh. Stay tuned for the updates!
Subscribe now https://youtube.com/c/TalhaAhad