Shahmeen Islam
Philanthropist, architect, social activist, mother
- President, Pakistani Women’s Association (PWA)
- Founder, Shaad Abaad Pakistan
- Founders award, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture
- Founding member, Playbook
our stories
Qyssa is a talking, women-centric brand
We host & create niche Pakistani content to help you stay connected to your roots, wherever in the world you are.
@qyssa_
Our mission
Positively highlight the Pakistani name
By celebrating Pakistani women, food, innovation and culture, so families abroad, and the generations growing up there, stay close to their roots.
PakistaniWomen
PakistaniFood
PakistaniInnovation
PakistaniCultureQyssa Podcast
Latest episodes
On our podcast, we share the stories of amazing Pakistani women and their achievements. We give them a platform to celebrate their successes and be a source of inspiration.
Teachers Day SpecialSeason 3 · Episode 11
Teachers Day Special
Some teachers teach a subject. Some teach you how to believe in yourself.
Watch now →
The many lives we live with Shahmeen and SabaSeason 3 · Episode 10
The many lives we live with Shahmeen and Saba
How many lives can one person live? Shahmeen and Saba talk about the many versions of themselves they’ve been along the way.
Watch now →
Pause & Return with AroobaSeason 3 · Episode 9
Pause & Return with Arooba
When we first met Arooba, her story was deeply tied to Desi Dastarkhwan, the restaurant she stepped into after losing her father. Over time, the restaurant grew, and so did she.
Watch now →
When intention becomes destinySeason 3 · Episode 8
When intention becomes destiny
What if some of the things we call coincidence were always meant to find us?
Watch now →
Riding to a brighter future with Muhammad AhmadSeason 3 · Episode 7
Riding to a brighter future with Muhammad Ahmad
Some people see a delivery rider. He sees the first chapter of a much bigger story.
Watch now →
From naat reciter to Pakistan Idol finalist- Maham Tahir’s QyssaSeason 3 · Episode 6
From naat reciter to Pakistan Idol finalist- Maham Tahir’s Qyssa
From singing naats for pocket money as a young girl to becoming a finalist on Pakistan Idol, Maham Tahir’s journey is a story of faith, resilience, and the power of a voice.
Watch now →
Women who lift women with Usha JagdishSeason 3 · Episode 5
Women who lift women with Usha Jagdish
Entrepreneur Usha Jagdish reflects on a life shaped by resilience, as part of our Beauty Within series.
Watch now →
Love that built me with Hasham Baig, Beauty within series part 2Season 3 · Episode 4
Love that built me with Hasham Baig, Beauty within series part 2
Stylist and creative Hasham Baig shares a side of his story that has shaped him far beyond fashion and beauty.
Watch now →New episodes appear here automatically
Qyssa Reviews
Dramas that say something about us
We review dramas that talk about something specific in our society, something we feel is meaningful to talk about. Then we dissect it: the characters, their motivations, and how the drama’s message affects us as a society.
The charactersWho they are, and who they become.
Their motivationsWhy they do what they do.
The messageWhat it says about us, as a society.
Aik Aur Pakeezah- Yes or No? Qyssa ReviewQyssa Reviews
Aik Aur Pakeezah- Yes or No? Qyssa Review
We unpack Aik Aur Pakeezah, the Kashf Foundation project directed by Kashif Nisar and written by Bee Gul.
Watch now →
Case no 9- In conversation with Hina Bayat on Qyssa ReviewsQyssa Reviews
Case no 9- In conversation with Hina Bayat on Qyssa Reviews
Hina Bayat, who plays Shaheena, Sehar’s mother in Case No. 9, joins us for an honest and deeply reflective conversation.
Watch now →
Neelofar- Honest Review by QyssaQyssa Reviews
Neelofar- Honest Review by Qyssa
Neelofar brought Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan back to the big screen. What moved us, and the gaps we couldn’t ignore.
Watch now →
The importance of Manisha in Case no 9- Interview with Navin Waqar: Qyssa ReviewsQyssa Reviews
The importance of Manisha in Case no 9- Interview with Navin Waqar: Qyssa Reviews
Navin Waqar, who plays Manisha in Case No. 9, on women’s advocacy, solidarity and the power of standing together.
Watch now →
Case no.9: Qyssa Reviews- Halfway In, Fully InvestedQyssa Reviews
Case no.9: Qyssa Reviews- Halfway In, Fully Invested
Our new series begins with Case No. 9: halfway in, watching the characters stumble, rise and test our patience.
Watch now →New reviews appear here automatically
In conversation
Power women in media
We sit down with celebrated women from Pakistani media to talk about the things that matter.
Maham Tahir
From naat reciter to Pakistan Idol finalist: a story of faith, resilience and a voice that refused to be silenced.
Watch the conversation →
Hina Bayat
Shaheena in Case No. 9, in an honest and deeply reflective conversation.
Watch the conversation →
Navin Waqar
Manisha in Case No. 9, on women’s advocacy, solidarity and the power of standing together.
Watch the conversation →Our community
The women of Qyssa
Every one of them has a qyssa. Founders, artists, teachers, makers and mothers, from Bahrain to Pakistan and beyond.
Qyssa Live Radio · LiveFM 107.2
“Bahrain may Pakistan ka chota sa hissa”
For 2 years, we brought you “Bahrain may Pakistan ka chota sa hissa” every weekend, celebrating Pakistani culture, stories, music and moments.
Every weekend2 years on airWith guests like Grammy winner Taurees Habib
Listen to the archive
The women behind Qyssa
Founded by two influential Pakistani women
Qyssa is founded by two influential Pakistani women, based in Bahrain and Canada.
Saba Saleem
Tech & design entrepreneur, artist, speaker, mother
- Founder, Studio Saba
- Fractional CGO for solopreneurs
- Board member, Pakistan Women’s Association
- Winner, Startup Weekend Bahrain 2023
Get involved
Be part of the story
There are a few ways to join Qyssa in telling Pakistani women’s stories. We choose our partners carefully, so every collaboration feels like Qyssa.
Sponsor an episode
Sponsor an upcoming episode and your brand becomes a patron of Qyssa. It tells people that you, or your brand, care about telling Pakistani women’s stories and bringing them forward.
Become a patronGet featured
Wherever you are in the world, there are two ways to tell your qyssa:
Personal storyA personal journey, a life lesson, a turning point, career reinvention, motherhood, cultural identity, quiet achievements.
Brand storyNot a traditional advert: a story-led feature on the person, purpose and journey behind a women-led business, studio, food or fashion label.
Other ways to join us
- Movie screenings with the Qyssa community
- Brand collaborations that fit who we are
We’re very specific about what we take on and how people take part with Qyssa. If you think we’d be a good fit, tell us about it.
Start a conversation