KTI
Last year, Zakia took part in the Enterprise Challenge Pakistan, a programme delivered in partnership with King’s Trust International. The experience empowered her to transform a simple idea into ‘Roshni’ – a social venture with real world impact.
At just sixteen years old, Zakia has become a beacon of hope for young people with disabilities in Pakistan. Hailing from Noor-e-Sehar School in Daharki, Sindh, Zakia and her team achieved national recognition when they won Enterprise Challenge Pakistan 2024 with their inspiring social enterprise, Roshni — a venture that provides affordable braille books and transcription services for visually impaired school students.
“Everyone deserves access to knowledge,” Zakia says, a belief that became the driving force behind her business idea.
The challenge was more than a competition; it was an opportunity for Zakia to step beyond the classroom. For the first time, the programme was fully inclusive, with resources made available in braille and sign language, thanks to support from disability inclusion partner STEP. With guidance from experienced mentors and hands-on coaching, Zakia and her team built essential business skills, learning to manage finances, develop a business plan, and work collaboratively.
“The skills and knowledge I gained from the programme were crucial in making Roshni a reality,” Zakia explains. “Without these skills, I wouldn’t have been able to turn my vision into a successful venture that is now making a real difference.”
Zakia describes herself as a dedicated student, but it was the Enterprise Challenge that unlocked something greater — the confidence to lead. Stepping out of her academic comfort zone, she discovered her potential as an entrepreneur and changemaker.
“Launching Roshni proved to me that I could tackle challenges outside the classroom,” she reflects. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built.”
Today, Roshni is not just an idea — it is a growing initiative that’s already helping visually impaired students gain access to education in a more inclusive way. And Zakia’s ambitions don’t stop there.
“Looking ahead, I want to expand Roshni’s reach to more schools across Pakistan — and one day, across the subcontinent.”
