Pakistani lawyer Fahad Shahbaz named to Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2026 list
His founder of Pakistan's Youth General Assembly
Pakistani lawyer and youth advocate Fahad Shahbaz has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list in the Social Impact category, 24NewsHD TV reported on Saturday.
Shahbaz, 29, is among 300 young leaders selected each year from across the Asia-Pacific region for the Forbes list, which highlights emerging figures in business, innovation and social change.
He first came into national attention when he founded the Youth General Assembly in 2015 at the age of 18.
The platform, designed to increase youth participation in policymaking, has since developed into a structured forum modelled on Pakistan’s National Assembly and the UK Parliament.
It brings together 96 young representatives annually to debate public policy issues and prepare recommendations for government institutions.
Alongside his youth advocacy work, Shahbaz serves as managing partner at Rehnuma Law, where he advises government bodies and senior officials on legal, legislative and policy matters.
His work focuses on legal reform, governance and institutional strengthening.
He also holds the position of focal person at the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, working on youth empowerment initiatives and public sector innovation projects.
Shahbaz holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree and has studied at the Hague Academy of International Law, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
He has also represented Pakistan at international forums, including the United Nations, World Economic Forum, Commonwealth meetings, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS platforms.
According to his organisation, he is believed to be the first Pakistani to receive both the Diana Award and a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list.
Commenting on the recognition, Shahbaz said it reflects the potential of Pakistani youth to contribute to public service and policy at both national and international levels.
Forbes publishes its 30 Under 30 Asia list every year, spotlighting young entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers across the region.