Economist. Researcher.
Multiple International Scholarship Recipient.
From a small village in Pakistan to some of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities — my journey is built entirely on perseverance, academic excellence, and competitive international scholarships.
This is where I studied my primary education
Humble Beginnings
Born and raised in Pakistan, I developed a passion for economics and development at an early age. My curiosity about poverty, inequality, and regional development inspired me to pursue higher education and eventually build an international academic career dedicated to evidence-based policymaking.
I earned my MPhil in Economics from the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), one of Asia's leading institutions specializing in economics, public policy, and development research. My postgraduate training provided a strong foundation in applied economics, econometrics, and development policy, shaping the research interests that continue to define my academic career today.
Soon after completing my MPhil, I joined the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), one of Pakistan's leading policy think tanks, where I worked as a Research Associate for more than three and a half years. Working on projects spanning exchange rate management, SDGs, household indebtedness, and skill development trained me extensively in interdisciplinary research. Working alongside policymakers, development practitioners, and international organizations gave me invaluable experience in translating academic research into practical policy recommendations.
Rather than allowing financial limitations to define my future, I focused on earning competitive international scholarships that would open the doors to world-class universities.
A Journey Built on Scholarships
My international academic journey began in 2019, when I received admission to pursue a PhD in Türkiye. I joined the program as a Research Assistant, receiving a monthly stipend while studying without paying tuition fees. This experience marked the beginning of my international research career and strengthened my determination to pursue academic excellence.
In 2020, my academic profile attracted recognition from multiple universities across the world. I was awarded fully funded PhD scholarships by three Italian universities, all supported by the Italian Government. Choosing Italy, I began my doctoral studies and later completed my PhD in Economics at the University of Perugia in June 2024.
During the same year, I also received a project-based PhD scholarship from the University of Tasmania, Australia. However, because of the global COVID-19 pandemic and resulting administrative delays, the university requested that I postpone my enrolment. Rather than waiting indefinitely, I decided to continue my doctoral journey in Italy — a decision that ultimately shaped my successful academic career.
My journey demonstrates that success often comes not from a single opportunity, but from making the right choice among many.
Perugia
2024
King's College London — Visiting Postgraduate Researcher
Research Across Europe
While pursuing my PhD, I expanded my research internationally. I spent three months as a Visiting Postgraduate Researcher at King's College London, collaborating with international researchers and strengthening my expertise in regional development, inequality, and applied economics. This international experience broadened both my academic perspective and my professional network, allowing me to engage with leading scholars in the field.
Doctoral Research
I completed my PhD in Economics at the University of Perugia, Italy, one of Italy's leading public universities.
My doctoral research focused on:
My work integrates satellite data, household surveys, and advanced econometric techniques to better understand regional disparities and support evidence-based policymaking. My research has contributed to discussions on sustainable development, regional policy, and economic inequality in both developing and developed countries.
Postdoctoral Research at the University of Bologna
Following the completion of my PhD, I joined the University of Bologna as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Over one year and nine months, I conducted advanced research.
Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is widely recognized as the oldest university in continuous operation and remains one of the world's leading research institutions. Working there allowed me to collaborate with internationally recognized scholars while contributing to research addressing regional development challenges across Europe.
Research Areas at Bologna
Research Impact
Living and researching in Italy — Venice, 2024
PhD graduation — University of Perugia, June 2024
Publications and Academic Contributions
My research has been published in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. My work focuses on producing policy-relevant evidence that helps governments, international organizations, and researchers better understand regional disparities and design more effective development policies.
I have published several scholarly articles in peer-reviewed international journals of Wiley, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, Springer, and Sage, and I also regularly contribute to major print media in Pakistan.
- Green growth and low carbon emission in G7 countries: how critical the network of environmental taxes, renewable energy and human capital is? 921 citations
- Does fiscal decentralization and eco-innovation promote sustainable environment? A case study of selected fiscally decentralized countries 285 citations
- Exchange rate and external competitiveness: a case of Pakistan 15 citations
- Revisiting the growth–inequality nexus in Italian regions: inter-regional inequality and regional traps
- Cohesion Policy and Institutional Quality Impact: Does Urban–Rural Classification Matter?
Beyond Research — The Mission
Academic success alone is not my ultimate goal.
Having personally experienced the challenges of applying for scholarships, preparing research proposals, securing admissions, and adapting to life abroad, I understand how overwhelming the process can be for many students. Through my website and digital platforms, I aim to simplify that journey by sharing practical guidance on:
My mission is to make global education more accessible for talented students regardless of their financial background.
Living and studying in different countries has given me an international outlook on education, research, and development. Each experience — from Pakistan to Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and Italy — has reinforced one belief: Education has the power to transform lives when opportunities are made accessible.
For me, every scholarship earned, every research project completed, and every student guided is another step toward building a world where talent — not circumstance — determines opportunity.
Trafalgar Square, London — during my King's College research visit