PROVINCE REPORT
MALAKAND: Farishta Noor, a humanitarian activist and youth leader from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has won the prestigious 2026 Global Recognition Award in the Leadership category in recognition of her outstanding contributions to refugee girls, women and conflict-affected communities.
The award acknowledges her efforts to promote education and healthcare, combat gender-based violence and strengthen women’s economic empowerment in vulnerable communities.
According to the Global Recognition Awards, Noor was selected from approximately 15,000 annual entrants, with only 5.8 percent receiving recognition. She secured the highest grade of 5 in vision and strategy implementation, ethical decision-making and integrity.
Hailing from Malakand, Noor began her humanitarian journey by mobilising relief assistance for families displaced by conflict in Swat. Over the years, she has expanded her work to education, healthcare, women’s protection and community development.
Her notable contributions include facilitating the enrolment of 1,000 Afghan refugee girls in schools, supporting flood-affected women through menstrual hygiene initiatives and organising medical camps for underserved communities.
Beyond grassroots activism, Noor has used journalism, documentary production and digital storytelling to highlight the challenges faced by marginalised communities. She is also a TEDx speaker and a member of the Prime Minister’s National Youth Council for 2025–2027, representing young people and marginalised groups in national-level discussions.
Her previous recognitions include the Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Award, selection among the 100 Women from Grassroots to Global Impact in 2025, and Silver Runner-up in the Rural and Regional Areas Impact Award at the 2025 Women Changing the World Asia Awards.
Global Recognition Awards spokesperson Alex Sterling praised Noor’s leadership, integrity and dedication to vulnerable communities, describing her work as an example of how grassroots service can translate into broader national influence.
