Business

When most boys his age were worried about video games and exams, Ahmed was thinking about how to keep his family afloat. Only 15 years old and a student in 8th standard, he had to grow up faster than most. Every morning, as the sun rises over Karachi’s chaotic streets, Ahmed steps out with a fire in his heart and dreams far bigger than his age.

A Father’s Downfall, a Family’s Test

Ahmed’s father once enjoyed a steady life as a respected FMCG manager. The family had big plans and a bright future ahead. But fate had something else in store. A devastating bike accident left his father unable to work, which cost him his job and turned their lives upside down. Trying to survive, he worked for Bykea and Uber, but the income was so little that it hardly helped, and most of it went into car repairs. Every day felt like a fight they were slowly losing.

Ahmed’s Bright Idea

Amid this darkness, Ahmed lit a spark. Watching his mother make delicious food, he imagined a new path. “Ammi, let’s sell your pasta!” he said with determination. Though hesitant at first, his mother agreed. They transformed their car into a humble food stall and created a simple poster, stepping into the unknown with courage as their only capital.

The Daily Struggle

Every morning at 10 am, Ahmed and his father go to Water Pump market to pick the freshest vegetables and chicken. They can’t afford to buy in bulk yet; each day’s sales decide the next day’s stock. Back home, the kitchen turns into a small factory of love and hard work. The smell of spices fills the house as they prepare the pasta. By 4 pm, they pack everything and head to their usual spot near the Disco Bakery signal.

Standing proudly next to their car, Ahmed greets every customer with a hopeful smile. His father, watches with pride and quiet relief. Even though their bodies are tired, their spirits refuse to bend.

The Flavours of Survival

Their pasta comes in three flavours: Tikka, Fajita, and Achari Chatpata. Each 300-gram box sells for Rs. 250 but it carries the price of endless sacrifices. In the beginning, sales were painfully slow. Ahmed would return home disappointed, but his parents always motivated him. 

Then, destiny smiled on them. A photo of Ahmed selling pasta went viral, and suddenly, the same streets that had ignored them became crowded with customers eager to support their dream. Online orders started pouring in, and their stall transformed into a symbol of resilience.

The Silent Warrior

While Ahmed and his father work on the streets, the real hero stays behind the scenes: Ahmed’s mother. She has been a pillar of strength through every setback when her husband couldn’t walk, when he was lying in the hospital, and when they felt like giving up. Ahmed dreams of one day taking her to Hajj and Umrah, a dream that keeps his heart beating with purpose.

Beyond the Pasta

Ahmed’s father says, “Har mushkil ke sath asani hai. Bura waqt ata hai aur guzar bhi jata hai. Allah tala nikaldenge is mushkil se.” These words light Ahmed’s path like a lantern in the dark.

Ahmed doesn’t just want to stop at pasta. He dreams of expanding the business, turning it into something big and lasting. But his dreams don’t end there he wants to become a model, step into the world of fashion, and see his face on billboards. He even dreams that one day, Fahad Mustafa will come to try their pasta and share a moment of joy with them.

More Than Just a Business

From a stable office job to a street corner pasta stall, this family’s journey is filled with heartbreak, courage, and love. Ahmed knows that sitting and waiting won’t change anything: “Bethe rehne se kuch nahi hota, kuch karna parta hai jabhi future banta hai.”

Today, their car is more than just a car. It’s a kitchen on wheels, a symbol of endless struggle and unbreakable bonds. Their story isn’t just about selling pasta. It’s about fighting for each other, believing in miracles, and turning pain into power.

In a city full of noise and hurry, Ahmed’s journey reminds us that the strongest stories often come from the quietest corners and sometimes, from a single, brave idea whispered in a kitchen.

In a world where big soda brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi have dominated for decades, a new drink is shaking things up and it’s doing so with heart and purpose. Salaam Cola, founded by 27-year-old Irish entrepreneur Aykiz Shah, is not just another fizzy drink on the shelf. It’s a bold movement rooted in ethics, faith, and giving back.

Aykiz Shah, a hijab-wearing mother from Ireland, started Salaam Cola from her kitchen in Brentford, UK, in October 2023. With only £160 in her pocket for sample cans, she took a huge leap of faith. Just 18 months later, her halal-certified soda has sold nearly 2 billion cans worldwide and is now available in 14 countries, including Ireland, the UK, USA, France, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia.

More Than Just a Drink

What makes Salaam Cola truly different is its mission. Shah didn’t just want to make a tasty drink, she wanted to create something that makes a real difference in the world. That’s why the company donates 10% of its profits to help people in conflict-affected regions, especially in Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon.

Through a partnership with the UK-based charity Muslims in Need, Salaam Cola has already achieved some incredible things:

• Built a school for displaced Palestinian children in Egypt
• Provided medical care for over 10,000 people
• Rebuilt a mosque in Syria that was destroyed in conflict
• Gave food and shelter to people living in crisis zones

Shah says, “As a mother and a woman in hijab in a male-dominated industry, I wanted to show that you don’t have to give up your values to build something meaningful. Salaam Cola is more than a drink — it’s a tool for global good.”

A Taste That Stands Out

Besides its strong mission, Salaam Cola also wins hearts with its taste and ingredients. The drink uses cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, which many people believe makes it taste better and feel healthier. It is also halal-certified, which means it’s made in a way that meets Islamic dietary laws, allowing even more people around the world to enjoy it without worry.

From Middle Eastern restaurants in America to Pakistani street food stalls, Salaam Cola is becoming the drink of choice for many people who want something refreshing and ethical.

A Growing Global Movement

Salaam Cola’s fast success has caught the attention of the biggest names in the soda industry. Reports say that large companies are now having strategic meetings to figure out how to respond to Salaam Cola’s rise. Some are even changing their regional marketing plans because of the new competitor.

Shah doesn’t shy away from this challenge. She boldly states, “We didn’t come to play. We came to disrupt. If our presence makes the industry uncomfortable, that means we’re doing something right.”

Looking ahead, Salaam Cola has big plans. The brand wants to expand to 10 more countries by 2026 and open local production hubs. These new factories will not only make distribution easier but will also create jobs and support local economies.

Inspiring a New Wave

Thanks to Salaam Cola’s success, many new halal and ethical beverage startups are now emerging, inspired by Shah’s story and her fearless approach. She has proven that a small idea even one started on a kitchen island, can grow into a global movement when driven by strong values and a clear mission.

Whether people buy Salaam Cola for its smooth, crisp taste or to support its humanitarian work, they are joining something bigger than just a drink. They are becoming part of a community that believes in doing good, one can at a time.

Meet Zahra, the creative mind and founder of ZHR Nails a brand born from memory, meaning, and a deep love for storytelling through art. While working on nail art from her home studio, Zahra noticed something missing. Beautiful nails were everywhere, but none reflected her roots or culture. This inspired her to create designs that felt personal and meaningful. Zahra didn’t want to make just pretty nails; she wanted to create something that shared pieces of her heritage and felt truly authentic.

Inspired by Memories and Traditions

What makes ZHR Nails different is Zahra’s unique approach. She doesn’t follow trends; she creates from emotion and memory. A Kashmiri stitch pattern, a Mughal window carving, or the color palette of a bridal lehenga can inspire an entire collection. Each nail set becomes a tribute to something close to her heart, a grandmother’s sari, a wedding moment, a region’s history, or a forgotten motif brought back to life. Every piece tells a story and carries a piece of her heritage. Her designs are not just decorations; they are meaningful art pieces that honor her background and celebrate cultural details that are often overlooked.

More Than Just Beautiful Nails

Zahra’s goal goes beyond creating pretty nails. She wants each design to feel like home and to spark pride and recognition, especially for people who rarely see their culture represented in the beauty space. Through her detailed, hand-painted nails, Zahra helps people connect with their roots and feel seen. Her work shows that beauty can be deeply personal and powerful at the same time. She turns nails into small canvases where art and identity meet, proving that even the smallest details can carry strong messages and deep emotion.

Leaving a Mark

ZHR Nails stands as a strong symbol of cultural pride and representation. Zahra proves that stories don’t have to be loud to make an impact. Sometimes, they can live on the smallest surfaces, like a single nai,l and still speak volumes. Her work is a reminder that art and identity can come together in beautiful, unexpected ways. ZHR Nails is not just a brand; it is a celebration of memory, meaning, and the power of representation in the world of beauty.

• Arifa’s Rise to Leadership: From a 17-year-old volunteer to Senior Community Block Officer, Arifa has become a leader in the fight against polio in Quetta.

• Overcoming Cultural Barriers: Despite facing threats and cultural obstacles, Arifa has continued her work, inspiring women in her community.

• Empowering Women and Combating Misinformation: Arifa has successfully empowered women and built trust within her community by tackling misinformation and engaging with local leaders.

Introduction: A Young Girl’s Fight Against Polio

In the heart of Pashtoonabad, Quetta, a young girl named Arifa has transformed from a schoolgirl into one of the leading figures in the battle against polio. Her story is not just about defeating a disease; it’s about courage, resilience, and the power of women who refuse to be silenced by the harsh realities of their environment.

From Volunteer to Community Leader

Arifa’s journey began in 2014 when, at the age of 17, she volunteered as a polio worker. With little more than a determination to make a difference, she entered one of Quetta’s most high-risk areas, earning a modest 80 rupees per day. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including the loss of her father at a young age and growing up in a conservative society, Arifa never wavered in her resolve.

Her relentless work and natural leadership abilities soon caught the attention of her peers and superiors. In a short time, she rose to the position of Senior Community Block Officer (SCBO), a role that has positioned her as one of the top leaders in the polio eradication program in Quetta.

Challenges Faced and Overcome

Working as a woman in a male-dominated and conservative community, Arifa faced immense challenges. She was verbally attacked, faced physical threats, and endured the fear of unleashed dogs. Despite these trials, she continued her work, driven by her passion for protecting children and her commitment to improving the lives of those around her.

The social and cultural barriers in her community posed an additional challenge, as many parents initially refused to vaccinate their children due to fears and misconceptions about the polio vaccine. Arifa, however, didn’t give up. She initiated programs to engage with local teachers and religious scholars, gaining their support to change the minds of skeptical parents.

Empowering Women: Arifa’s Lasting Impact

Arifa’s efforts are not just about fighting polio; they also reflect a broader mission to empower women in her community. Today, nearly 100% of polio vaccination workers in her area are women, many of whom were inspired by Arifa’s example. By challenging societal norms and fighting for children’s health, Arifa has demonstrated the power of education, courage, and community leadership.

Her leadership has opened doors for countless other women in the region, offering them an opportunity to take on active roles in health and community programs. She is not only a role model for girls aspiring to make a difference but also a beacon of hope for other women looking to break free from the constraints placed on them by society.

Building Trust to Combat Misinformation

One of the most significant challenges in the fight against polio has been overcoming the spread of misinformation. In areas like Quetta, false claims linking the polio vaccine to infertility or other health issues have fueled fear and resistance. Arifa took this head-on, organizing community awareness sessions that involved teachers, doctors, and religious scholars to dispel myths and build trust in the vaccine.

By directly addressing concerns and providing scientific evidence about the safety of the vaccine, Arifa helped reduce resistance and increase vaccination rates in previously underserved areas.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Hope

Arifa’s story is a testament to the power of determination and community involvement. Her role in the fight against polio has not only protected thousands of children from a debilitating disease but has also empowered a generation of women to step into leadership roles. Arifa is rewriting the narrative for women in Quetta—one vaccination at a time.

Her legacy is more than just a triumph over polio; it is the embodiment of what happens when a young girl, driven by purpose and fueled by resilience, stands up to make a difference.