In this episode of the Talha Ahad Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Naveed Arshad, Director of the LUMS Energy Institute (LEI) and a leading expert in energy systems and sustainable technology. He breaks down Pakistan’s EV landscape, charging infrastructure, and the future of clean mobility. Key topics discussed: ✅ The state of EV adoption in Pakistan ✅ Home vs. Public Charging – What’s practical? ✅ Battery Swapping for 3-Wheelers – Game changer? ✅ Pakistan’s 40 EV charging station network ✅ The rol...
Mar 29, 2025•43 min•Ep. 136
With rising electricity costs and evolving government policies, is solar energy still a smart investment in Pakistan? In this episode, Shams Kapadia, CEO of Cosmos Energies, breaks it down: ✅ Is solar still worth it? ROI, cost breakdown & long-term savings ✅ Government policies & net metering confusion – How they impact the solar market. ✅ Pakistan’s 2030 renewable energy targets – Are we on track? ✅ The rise of EVs & solar-powered transport – How clean energy is shaping the future. ...
Mar 26, 2025•38 min•Ep. 135
Join Hamza Bhatti, Abdullah Maroof, and Noman Jaffar as they dive into the world of food content creation in this TAP Into Food Content Roundtable. From the obsession with food reels to the rivalry between Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore’s creator scenes, they break down what makes content go viral, the hustle behind influencer life, and why Ramadan is the ‘World Cup’ for bloggers. They get real about brand deals, PR invites, and how much influencers actually make—plus, they’ve got some solid a...
Mar 24, 2025•2 hr 16 min•Ep. 3
Smuggling manipulated narratives, and hidden influences—Pakistan’s economy and public opinion are being shaped in ways most people don’t realise.In this episode, we sit down with Tariq Junaid, Executive Director of the Institute of Public Opinion Research (IPOR), to discuss; ➡️ The Business of Smuggling – How illegal trade, from tobacco to other goods, is costing Pakistan billions and evading taxation.➡️ Election Polls & Public Perception – Are political polls and public surveys manipulated?...
Mar 19, 2025•54 min•Ep. 134
How much oil & gas does Pakistan really have?For decades, we’ve heard stories of hidden reserves, energy independence, and booming potential, but what’s the reality?In this episode, we sit down with Habib Haider, Director, Corporate & Government Relations, Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited (Formerly Shell Pakistan Limited), & Nida Tanzeel, Social Performance Manager, Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited (Formerly Shell Pakistan Limited), to discuss;➡️ Shell's 77-year journey & its transformat...
Mar 17, 2025•50 min•Ep. 133
They say food brings people together, but behind the scenes, it’s a war zone. Waqar Chattha exposes the harsh realities of Pakistan’s restaurant industry, including corrupt influencers, fake reviews, and customers who refuse to pay, all while struggling to survive in a collapsing economy. Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. #talhaahad #talhaahadpodcast #waqarchattha
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 132
Tap into the world of digital fame with Muhammad Kashan, Daniyal Sheikh, Azlan Shah and Mubeen Ul Haq as they share unfiltered insights on brand deals, creative struggles, and the evolution of Pakistan’s digital space. Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. #talhaahad #talhaahadpodcast #daniyalsheikh #muhammadkashan #azlanshah #mubeenulhaq
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 2
Teen anxiety, social media pressure, and the silent struggles we don’t talk about. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ambreen Ahmad, Child Psychiatrist, to discuss:➡️ How body image issues are affecting both boys and girls?➡️ Why childhood trauma never really leaves us?➡️ The rising stress levels among teenagers and young adults.➡️ How therapy actually works—and why it’s still misunderstood?➡️ The role of self-awareness in overcoming life’s challenges.Are we truly taking care of our mental we...
Mar 06, 2025•40 min•Ep. 131
From selling bananas on the streets to building the world’s leading Islamic app, how did Zahid Hussain Chihpa turn struggle into success?In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Islam360 to discuss:➡️ The journey from hardship to innovation.➡️ How Islam360 became a global platform for Islamic knowledge?➡️ Why he refused commercial investments to keep the app free?➡️ The role of faith, persistence, and technology in his success.➡️ What’s next from AI-driven features, voice recognition, to...
Mar 03, 2025•49 min•Ep. 130
From commanding warships to transforming education, what happens when a Navy Chief turns to nation-building?In this episode, we sit down with Adm. (Retd.) Asif Sandila, Chairman of Moawin Foundation, to discuss:➡️ The reality of Pakistan’s rural education crisis. ➡️ Why fixing government schools is harder than you think ➡️ How AI and digital tools are changing the way children learn? ➡️ The challenges of funding an NGO without government support. ➡️ The shift from military leadership to social i...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 129
Tap into the Creator Economy with Irfan Junejo, Kazi Akbar, and Momina Munir for a candid conversation on life, business, and the realities of surviving in Pakistan’s creative industry. Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. #talhaahadpodcast #irfanjunejo #kaziakber #mominamunir
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 1
Easypaisa processes 9.5 trillion PKR in transactions a year, but behind the scenes, it’s a constant battle of scale, security, and innovation. With AI reshaping financial technology, where does digital banking go next?In this episode, we sit down with Mohammad Hasan Ayaz, CTO of Easypaisa Digital Bank, to discuss:➡️ The challenges of managing billions of transactions➡️ How AI is transforming digital banking and security➡️ The future of fintech and whether Pakistan will go cashless➡️ What it take...
Feb 19, 2025•30 min•Ep. 128
What does it take to make it as an actor in Pakistan? From theater to television, Hajra Yamin has built her career on passion, persistence, and pushing boundaries. But in an industry where social media clout often outweighs talent, how do actors truly survive?In this episode, we sit down with Hajra Yamin to discuss:➡️ The struggles of breaking into the entertainment industry.➡️ Why theater is still the best training ground for actors?➡️ How social media is reshaping casting and industry standard...
Feb 15, 2025•56 min•Ep. 128
Is Pakistan's foreign policy failing on all fronts? In this episode, we sit down with Mustafa Hyder Sayed, Executive Director of the Pakistan-China Institute, to discuss: ➡️ Why Pakistan’s global standing is shrinking ➡️ How Afghanistan and India perceive us ➡️ The real reason behind Pakistan’s weak ties with China ➡️ Why political chaos is stopping our progress ➡️ How can Pakistan rebuild its reputation on the world stage? Listen now to understand where Pakistan really stands in global politics...
Feb 11, 2025•45 min•Ep. 126
Can we protect Pakistan’s glaciers before it’s too late? In this week’s episode, we are joined by Aisha Khan, CEO of CSCCC & MGPO, who has spent decades working on climate action and conservation. From trekking to K2 in 2000 to leading environmental initiatives, she shares how climate change is rapidly melting our glaciers and threatening our ecosystems. We discuss the urgency of climate action, the role of communities, and why enforcement is key to saving Pakistan’s natural heritage. This s...
Feb 07, 2025•31 min
With 50 million registered users and 1.5 crore active monthly transactions, Easypaisa is at the forefront of Pakistan’s fintech revolution. But what’s next? In this episode, I sat down with Farhan Hassan, Head of Wallet Business at Easypaisa Digital Bank, to break down Pakistan’s shift towards digital banking. We discuss why financial inclusion remains a challenge, how AI and biometrics are reshaping banking, and whether Pakistan will launch its own digital rupee. With 2040 set as the horizon fo...
Feb 04, 2025•45 min•Ep. 124
Pakistan was losing 100 billion every year—just on tube wells in Balochistan. 💡To understand why—and to unpack Pakistan’s never-ending energy crisis—this week, I sat down with Awais Leghari, Federal Minister of Energy.We discuss why electricity remains expensive, why load shedding still exists, and what it will take to fix the system. From unchecked electricity theft to costly IPP contracts, and why some areas face 22-hour outages while others have 24/7 power, we break it all down.With 2030 set...
Feb 01, 2025•47 min•Ep. 123
Is Pakistan ready for a fully digital banking revolution? In this episode, Shahzad Khan, Group Head of Corporate Business at Easypaisa Digital Bank, explores the rise of fintech, the evolution of digital banking, and the future of Pakistan’s financial sector. As traditional banks struggle to keep pace with digital transformation, the State Bank of Pakistan plays a crucial role in regulating fintech. Easypaisa, with 45 million users, has emerged as Pakistan’s leading digital wallet, driving the s...
Jan 30, 2025•45 min•Ep. 122
How does someone go from struggling to building a billion-dollar empire? In this episode, entrepreneur and author Zaffar Khan shares his journey from moving to Australia and working odd jobs to building a billion-dollar business empire. He talks about his failures, starting over, and turning a weekend taxi gig into Australia’s biggest taxi training centre. His story is one of resilience, risk-taking, and business wisdom. Watch the full episode to learn from his setbacks, successes, and the lesso...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 121
Are we letting social media hijack our minds? Aasim Sajjad Akhtar joins us for a podcast to explore how digital media and AI are reshaping the way we think and consume information. From the rise of populist politics and fake news to the unchecked power of big tech, he dissects how social media and AI are shaping our beliefs, economy, and future. Are we moving towards a future where reality is dictated by AI? Watch now to find out! Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you ...
Jan 24, 2025•37 min•Ep. 120
In this week’s podcast, film director Asad Ul Haq joins us for a conversation on Pakistan’s creative industry, from the challenges of filmmaking to the lack of support and opportunities for growth. He discusses the struggles of working with Pakistani actors, the dire need for a reboot in the film industry, and how cultural shifts could help revitalize the sector. Asad also dives into the importance of collaboration, the struggles with bureaucratic systems, and the steps needed to create a sustai...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 119
In this week’s episode, Fauzia Viqar, Federal Ombudsperson for Women Protection against Workplace Harassment, joins us to discuss the barriers women face in the workforce and the world in general. From limited access to resources to harassment, she discusses how we can break these societal barriers and create a more inclusive environment for women. Find out her insights on advancing women’s rights in Pakistan. Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen to you...
Jan 11, 2025•39 min•Ep. 118
Is social media a tool for freedom or oppression for journalists? In this week’s episode, senior journalist Azaz Syed joins us to discuss the challenges journalists face in today’s digital age. We dive into the rise of online propaganda, trolling, and cyberattacks, and how political and religious groups are using social media to target reporters. Azaz also shares his thoughts on the role of the government and Big Tech platforms in moderating content and protecting press freedom. Find out about t...
Jan 10, 2025•38 min•Ep. 117
This week, Sunil Munj, founder of PakWheels, joins us for a special New Year’s Townhall! We talk about the ups and downs of building Pakistan’s first online car marketplace. Sunil shares his unique perspective on staying genuine in the digital world, the evolution of content creators, and how Pakistan’s entrepreneurship landscape is shifting. From his journey in tech to his take on how local businesses are paving the way for a digital future, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want t...
Jan 03, 2025•59 min•Ep. 116
In this week's episode, Justice (Retd.) Mahrukh Aziz, Legal Advisor at FOSPAH, joins us for a discussion on the challenges facing Pakistan’s judicial system. She opens up about the crippling delays in the courts, the urgent need for major legal reforms, and how women in the judiciary are still fighting for their place. Justice Mahrukh also discusses the outdated investigation processes, the lack of proper training for judges, and the inadequate protection for judicial staff and emphasises the pr...
Dec 27, 2024•47 min•Ep. 115
From investment basics to understanding market dynamics, in this week's podcast, Raeda Latif, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at PSX, joins us to break down the essentials of investing, share insights into the financial sector, and explore why Pakistan is lagging behind in embracing modern investment practices. Tune in to understand how regional instability and regulatory gaps impact stock markets and investments. Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you ...
Dec 24, 2024•57 min•Ep. 114
In this week's episode, we are joined by lawyer and activist Jibran Nasir who shares his personal journey into activism and his definition of what it truly means to be an activist. He discusses the challenges within Pakistan’s political system, the delays in justice, and the role of the establishment in the country’s political instability. Jibran reflects on key issues like the Nazim Jhokio case and the importance of holding leaders accountable. He also shares a special message for General Asim....
Dec 15, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 113
What lies ahead for Pakistan’s policing system? Can reforms truly transform law enforcement? This week, we sit down with AIG Shehla to uncover the answers to these pressing questions. We dive into the challenges of investigator workloads, the impact of specialized units, and the successes of Sindh Police in improving conviction rates. From addressing gender-based violence to enhancing crime detection, we explore the future of policing and its implications for justice in Pakistan. Search ‘Talha A...
Dec 11, 2024•55 min•Ep. 112
Join us this week for an exclusive conversation with Mohammad Khosa, CEO and FMCG expert, as we explore leadership, the future of Pakistan's industries, and how innovation drives sustainable growth. He shares insights on empowering talent, fostering collaboration, and the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in modern corporate culture. Search ‘Talha Ahad Podcast' on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. #talhaahad #talhaahadpodcast #mohammadkhosa...
Dec 06, 2024•51 min•Ep. 111
What lies ahead for Pakistan’s judiciary? Can the backlog crisis be effectively resolved? This week, we sit down with Justice Riffat Inam Butt to find answers to these questions and more. We explore the challenges and reforms in Pakistan’s judicial system, the role of digital transformation, and the importance of equitable access to justice. From addressing backlog issues to empowering women in law, we discuss the future of the judiciary and its implications for Pakistan. Search ‘Talha Ahad Podc...
Dec 05, 2024•50 min•Ep. 110
