‘Do not let fear of not being good
enough stop you from starting’
Zunaira Waheed, a young Pakistani author makins her mark in Oman, says, “I have always been interested in how fear, self-doubt and the expectations of others can hold us back from recognising our own potential.”
By Mudassir Raja | Published August 27, 2026
Young Zunaira is a university student and she has already won laurels for penning a mystic novel ‘That Night’ and a motivational book ‘Nobody Told You This Before’. She continues to inspire other as young overseas Pakistani author, public speaker and podcaster.
In her recent interview with Pak-Prism, the budding writer shared her perspectives on continuous journey and accomplishments that can be motivating for young Pakistanis.
Could you please tell our readers about your background, your childhood and schooling in Oman?
I grew up in Oman, a place that has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. I completed my schooling at the International School of Choueifat – Muscat, where I was encouraged to explore my interests in books, writing and expressing my ideas. I became particularly involved in public speaking through the ANA Gavel Club, where I eventually served as President. I also participated in Model United Nations, leadership initiatives and community projects, experiences that helped me develop confidence and a strong interest in connecting with others. Growing up in Oman also gave me the opportunity to experience a wonderfully multicultural environment, where I interacted with people from different backgrounds while remaining closely connected to my Pakistani roots. Looking back, it was in Oman that many of my interests and passions first took shape, eventually leading me towards writing, public speaking and youth advocacy.
What initially motivated you towards creative writing and what keeps you going?
I grew up reading, and books were always a big part of my childhood. I was fascinated by how stories could transport you into completely different worlds and make you feel connected to characters and experiences far beyond your own. My interest in creative writing developed when I participated in a creative writing competition at school. I really enjoyed the process of putting my ideas into words and discovering how writing could bring stories and characters to life. That experience encouraged me to explore writing further, and during the COVID-19 lockdown, I began writing my first book, ‘That Night’. What started as something I was simply curious about gradually became a passion and eventually led to my first published novel. Writing has since become a way for me to express my thoughts, explore different ideas and connect with others. What keeps me writing today is the possibility that something I create might resonate with someone, inspire them, or simply make them pause and think.
As a young Pakistani woman in the literary and media space, what challenges have you faced, and how have you turned those challenges into opportunities?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to take myself seriously at a young age. When you are young, people can sometimes underestimate your ideas or assume that you lack experience. Instead of allowing that to discourage me, I used it as motivation to keep learning and creating. Publishing my first novel as a teenager taught me that you do not have to wait for someone to give you permission to begin. Being a Pakistani young woman living in Oman has also taught me to embrace my different perspectives and see them as strengths rather than limitations.
Your work spans writing, public speaking and podcasting. What unique role does each platform play in helping you connect with and inspire your audience?
I think of writing, public speaking and podcasting as three different ways of connecting with people. Writing gives me the space to explore an idea in depth and allows readers to engage with it in their own time. Public speaking is more immediate and personal; standing in front of an audience allows me to connect with people emotionally and hopefully leave them with something to think about or act upon. Podcasting, on the other hand, has taught me the importance of listening. Through RealWithUs, I get to have open conversations with people from different backgrounds, hear their experiences and give them a platform to share their perspectives. Each medium allows me to communicate in a different way, but the purpose behind all three is the same: to connect with people, exchange ideas and hopefully make a meaningful impact.
What subjects, themes or social issues are closest to your heart as a writer, and what message do you hope readers take away from your work?
One message that is at the heart of my writing is the importance of believing in yourself. I have always been interested in how fear, self-doubt and the expectations of others can hold us back from recognising our own potential. Through my writing, I try to encourage readers to question those limitations and have the confidence to take that first step, even when they are unsure of where it will lead. My motivational collection, ‘Nobody Told You This Before’, explores themes of positivity, self-assurance, overcoming fears and self-discovery. Ultimately, if there is one thing I hope readers take away from my work, it is that they should not underestimate what they are capable of simply because they are afraid to try.
How important is it for young Pakistani women, particularly those living overseas, to find their voice and confidently share their ideas and experiences?
I think it is incredibly important. Living overseas can give young Pakistani women a unique perspective because we often find ourselves navigating multiple cultures and experiences. Our voices can therefore bring perspectives that might otherwise remain unheard. Finding your voice does not necessarily mean being the loudest person in the room; it means having the confidence to express your ideas, stand by your values and contribute to conversations that matter. I also believe that visibility creates possibility. When young women see others like themselves writing, speaking and creating, they realise that these spaces are open to them too.
Podcasting has become an influential medium for young audiences. What motivated you to enter the podcasting world, and what have you learned from your conversations with guests and listeners?
I started my podcast because I wanted to give a voice to people whose experiences and concerns are often overlooked or not given enough space in mainstream conversations. Through RealWithUs, I wanted to create a platform where we could have meaningful conversations about social issues and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our first season explored mental health, while the second focused on gender equality. Speaking to different guests has taught me that there are so many important stories and perspectives that can easily go unheard. It has also shown me that you do not need to have the biggest platform to have something meaningful to contribute. Sometimes, all people need is a space where they feel heard, valued and taken seriously.
Who have been the most influential people, books or experiences in shaping your identity and career, and why have they made such an impact on you?
One of my earliest and most significant influences was Enid Blyton. I grew up reading her books, and the sense of adventure, imagination and wonder in her stories nurtured my creativity and sparked my love for storytelling. Her books showed me how powerful stories can be in transporting readers into different worlds and making them see things differently.
My involvement in public speaking, leadership and community initiatives taught me the importance of finding and using my voice. Writing my first book during the COVID-19 lockdown was another defining experience, showing me that I did not have to wait until I was older to create something meaningful. Together, these influences shaped both my identity and my desire to use writing and communication to connect with and inspire others.
As someone building a career abroad, how do you balance your Pakistani identity, your life in Oman and your ambitions as a young creative professional?
For me, these identities do not compete with one another—they complement each other. Oman is where I grew up and where many of my earliest experiences took place, while my Pakistani heritage remains an important part of who I am. Now, studying at the University of Nottingham has given me another environment in which to grow and challenge myself. Moving between these different worlds has taught me to appreciate different perspectives without losing sight of my own identity. I think being exposed to different cultures has actually strengthened my sense of who I am and broadened the ambitions I have for the future.
What are your aspirations for the future, and what advice would you give to young Pakistanis who dream of becoming writers, speakers, podcasters or creators but lack the confidence to take the first step?
My aspiration is to continue growing as a writer and communicator while using my work to create conversations that matter and give a voice to people and issues that deserve to be heard. I want to keep exploring different forms of storytelling and find new ways to connect with and inspire people.
To young Pakistanis, I would say: do not let the fear of not being good enough stop you from starting. When I began writing my first book, I was young and had no idea where it would lead. I simply had an idea and decided to give it a chance. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Start with what you have, learn along the way and allow yourself to grow. Your first step may not be perfect, but it could be the step that changes everything.
About Writer
Mudassir Raja is a seasoned journalist and founding editor of Pakprism.com
He can be reached at parprism2100@gmail.com