It’s an honor to stand as the youngest candidate in APPNA’s history to run for the Board of Directors – not just as a physician, but as someone deeply committed to connection, collaboration, and compassion.

As a Harvard-trained Infant, Child & Adult Psychiatrist, Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach, and Master Parenting Coach, I have spent my career walking alongside children, families, and communities – supporting healing, nurturing resilience, and cultivating leadership rooted in empathy and purpose.

In 2023, I had the privilege of serving as the youngest President in PAPANA’s history. With the guidance of mentors and the energy of a dedicated team, we worked hand-in-hand to:

• Launch Pakistan’s first public-sector Autism Center at Mayo Hospital
• Earn an invitation from the President of Pakistan to help lead national mental health and autism initiatives
• Develop Child Psychiatry Guidelines to support physicians across Pakistan

But leadership is more than policy – it’s about seeing people who often go unseen. That belief has shaped my work to uplift marginalized communities with dignity and care:

• Co-founded the first Khawaja Sira Support Program (Mera Hunar Mera Fakhar)
• Partnered with Akhuwat to provide education for children of sex workers
• Piloted trauma-informed care initiatives for Christian minority families in Punjab following community violence

As the immediate Past President of NANA, I’ve worked to expand opportunity by raising over $300,000 for scholarships, awards, healthcare infrastructure, and women’s education. We’ve launched Step 1 scholarships, initiated NANA Housing for residency applicants, and supported the dreams of many young physicians.

• Within APPNA, I’ve tried to listen first, then lead – with integrity and inclusion. I’ve:
• Launched the SAAF Paani Project to expand access to clean water
• Updated the APPNA Scholarship Portal to make it more accessible
• Led Digital Detox Workshops for families navigating tech and mental health
• Created Bridge-the-Generation-Gap programming to support physician parents
• Founded new spaces for expression, such as the APPNA Author Corner and Community Empowerment Forums

Outside of organizational work, my commitment to education and advocacy continues. With collaboration with my mentor from Harvard Dr. Harrision, we were able to secure a Harvard Mittal Research Grant to advance mother-infant mental health in rural communities in Pakistan and hosted South Asian’s first International Infant Mental Health Conference, bringing Harvard faculty to Islamabad in April 2025.

Furthermore, I’ve authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles and 10+ books, and I’m grateful to connect with over 325,000 global followers on my bilingual platform, @ParentingwithDr.Z, where I share resources on emotional wellness, parenting, and connection.

APPNA is at an important moment. We face new challenges, but also new possibilities. I believe now is the time to trust a new generation of leadership – leaders who serve with humility, lead with empathy, and listen with an open heart.

This campaign isn’t about a title. It’s about continuing a lifelong commitment to service.
Let’s rise together – uplifting our youth, supporting families, and building an APPNA that reflects the strength, diversity, and compassion of its members.