• Name: Aamna Asif
• Role: Delivery Associate, Organised Illegal Migration
• Locations: Islamabad, Pakistan

What’s your big “why”? What’s the positive change/impact you and others in your field are trying to achieve and what are some of the challenges you face whilst doing so? 

Growing up in Pakistan, I saw so many challenges around me. Even basic necessities were a struggle. Something as simple as electricity or access to clean water could be a major issue, especially in my village. As I was growing up, I kept asking myself why this was such a problem and why Pakistan could not do better in providing these basic services.

That question stayed with me. I felt that because I had been given the privilege of a good education, I had a responsibility to use it to do something meaningful for my people and my country. That is what led me to the development sector. I wanted my work to be impactful and to genuinely give back.

When I joined ASI through the Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED) programme, it resonated deeply with me. In 2022, Pakistan experienced devastating floods, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A lot of the work we began focused on climate action, which made complete sense because KP was one of the worst affected provinces.

From a personal standpoint, my village is on the outskirts of Chakwal in Pakistan. Chakwal was also badly affected by the floods in 2025. Some of my family members passed away, and there was widespread destruction.

For many Pakistanis, these issues hit very close to home. Almost everyone has experienced loss, whether through terrorism, natural disasters or other crises. It makes you realise that we cannot just leave these problems to the government. We have to work towards solving them ourselves, and that sense of responsibility really drives me.

Working on climate resilient policies and infrastructure felt meaningful. It felt like real action for the country, for my people and for communities like the one I grew up in. In a way, it is selfish because it gives me purpose. But at the same time, it is for the greater good. That balance is my why.

What do you like about working in a global development company? 

The people. Everyone is working towards the same goal, regardless of whether they are from Pakistan, the UK, Africa or anywhere else. The shared purpose is to improve people’s lives.

In this sector, the conversations are always about how to help, how to do better and how to go beyond what is expected. It is not just about meeting targets or milestones, but about exceeding them where possible. Being surrounded by purpose driven people who genuinely care is incredibly inspiring.

What’s the most exciting thing happening in your project/at work right now? 

There is a lot of exciting work happening around organised irregular migration. In Pakistan, I am involved in work with the Federal Investigation Agency to help identify victims of human trafficking and smuggling. Many smuggling routes pass through westwards, often entering Europe through different borders. We initially focused on certain destinations, but the work is now expanding to address the issue across multiple countries.

Just recently, women were identified at an airport who were being smuggled. Knowing that the training we delivered enabled officers to recognise the signs and intervene was incredibly rewarding. We may have saved those women from unimaginable harm. There is always more to do, but moments like that remind you why the work matters.

What movements or discussions inspire you right now?

There is a lot happening in Pakistan at the moment, including constitutional amendments. I try to stay informed and read up on these developments. When we studied history growing up, we learned about pivotal moments that changed the course of a country forever. It feels like we are living through similar times now. What is happening today will shape Pakistan’s future.

I am also very interested in migration. Recently, I was part of a dialogue with the International Organisation for Migration about reintegration of returning migrants. These are the kinds of discussions I enjoy engaging with, but yes, I do keep a close eye on Pakistan’s politics as well.

What volunteering or projects do you do outside of work?

I love animals, and there is very little support for them in Pakistan. Whenever I see an animal on the street, it really affects me. In my free time, I help feed and care for cats and dogs, and I do small things like feeding birds and tending to trees. I am also involved with orphanages and try to give time there when I can. These are small actions, but they matter to me.

What qualities do you think a game changer should have?

A game changer should be motivated by a higher purpose, something bigger than themselves. You cannot think only in terms of your own life. You have to think about the people around you and the community that has shaped you.

Even if your community has not directly given you something tangible, it has still given you identity, values and opportunity. Thinking about how to give back to society is crucial. If more people thought this way, many of our problems would start to solve themselves.

How would you want to be remembered in terms of giving back to Pakistani society?

I would want to be remembered as someone who did something for people who were not privileged enough to do it for themselves. People who did not have the education, the resources or even a voice to reach the right forums and decision makers. I want to give a voice to the voiceless and make sure their concerns are heard in the right rooms and the right meetings. Many of us can speak for ourselves, but those are not the people who need the most support. I want my legacy to be about action, not just words. Not just promises or mandates, but actually working for people who are often forgotten and genuinely caring for those who need help the most.