Interview by Rabiya Aslam ( President ) – Nojwan Youth Success Stories
Alishba Eman’s journey from Lyari to a world record reflects her dedication to medicine, AI, and mental health at just 22 years old. A medical student from Karachi, researcher, author, motivational speaker and, according to her submission, a London-based world-record holder, Alishba’s journey is rooted in a simple belief: age, limited resources and setbacks should not decide how far a young person can go.
Her academic journey began at Bilal City Grammar School in Lyari Town, Karachi. She later attended St. Joseph’s College for Women before joining Bahria University Health Sciences Campus Karachi in 2023, where she is pursuing her medical degree. She reports earning a 4.0 GPA in her third year and studying on a merit scholarship.
When Medicine Met Artificial Intelligence
Alishba had always wanted to become a doctor and serve humanity. During her medical studies, however, she developed a growing interest in artificial intelligence and its potential applications in healthcare.
She became particularly interested in the intersection of AI and mental health, a field she believes can help address gaps in healthcare and support earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Her work has included writing books and contributing to interdisciplinary research. She reports having authored five books covering areas including artificial intelligence, mental health, psychology and public health, as well as contributing to more than 15 research projects involving AI-assisted medical diagnostics, psychiatry, rehabilitation sciences and healthcare innovation.
Among the achievements listed in her submission is a London, UK world-record recognition for being the youngest female author to publish a book at the intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health.
She also reports receiving recognition from the Asia Book of Records, Karwan-e-Hayat, Women in Tech Pakistan, the National Media Foundation, Mayor Karachi, Dupty mayor karachi, Government of Sindh and several public and community organisations.
A Dream Interrupted by Six Centimetres
One of the most important chapters in Alishba’s story began with a dream that did not work out.
She once wanted to join the Pakistan Air Force. She prepared seriously, worked on her physical fitness and eyesight, and progressed through the written and medical stages. But she was ultimately not recommended after the physical assessment because she fell short of the required height by six centimetres.
She describes that moment as one of the most difficult days of her life.
Instead of allowing that setback to end her ambitions, she redirected her energy toward medicine, research and writing.
“I found my way,” is the message running through her account of what happened next.
Building Without the Resources She Wanted
Her journey was not made easier by abundant resources. Alishba recalls that when she began her studies and research, she did not even have a laptop.
She went to libraries, read research papers and worked on her book using the resources available to her. At the same time, she began developing skills in AI, graphic design, manuscript writing and logo design.
Research brought its own challenges. She says her papers were rejected by journals and that some publication opportunities required fees in dollars. Yet she continued writing, learning and submitting her work.
One particularly emotional milestone came when she received an invitation for her first interview after waiting for around two years. She recalls crying because the opportunity represented something she had worked toward for so long.
The Mindset Behind the Journey
For Alishba, success is less about avoiding failure and more about repeatedly getting back up.
She describes her mindset simply: fail, get up, work, fail again, and repeat.
Pressure, self-doubt, a lack of motivation, limited resources and a lack of support did not disappear. She learned to keep working despite them.
Her inspiration comes from both family and role models. In her written submission, she names Hazrat Fatima (S) and Bibi Zainab (S), alongside her mother, as major sources of inspiration. In the interview, she also identified her parents and brother as the people who supported and motivated her throughout her journey.
Looking Beyond the Record
For Alishba, the world-record recognition is not the final destination.
She hopes to become a neuroscientist working at the intersection of healthcare and AI, with the goal of helping create systems in which people can receive proper diagnosis and treatment earlier.
She has also begun work on an AI, rehabilitation and mental-health application called Lishva, which she hopes to launch in the future.
Her wider ambition is to encourage young people to begin exploring research, innovation and meaningful careers from an early age.
A Message to Pakistani Youth
Alishba’s advice to young people comes directly from her own setbacks.
She believes that people may criticize you when you are struggling, but their reactions can change when you succeed.
Her message is to listen to your own heart and mind, remain patient through hardship, trust Allah and continue working hard.
For young women in particular, she emphasizes the importance of education, strength and standing up for themselves. She also calls on families to support their children as they pursue their goals.
Alishba Eman’s story is ultimately not only about a record, a degree or a collection of achievements. It is about continuing after rejection, creating opportunities when resources are limited, and choosing to build a new path when the original dream does not work out.
Her journey from a school in Lyari to medical studies, research, authorship and work at the AI-and-mental-health intersection reflects the kind of persistence that can turn a setback into a new beginning.
- From Lyari to a World Record: Alishba Eman’s Path to Success
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Rabiya Aslam
Rabiya Aslam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Karachi. She is a debater and analyst and serves as President of Nojwan.