From this August onwards, our six-month journey to turning 30 begins,” says Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), as he explains why the appointment is important to him.

“It has been 30 years since I have been working in fashion. I directed my first show on March 23, 1994 and insha Allah, this March we will be in fashion for 30 years.

“On reflection, I have found myself thinking a lot about what it is that defines me. Is it my contribution to fashion; from fashion shows to marketing strategies, to design, to teaching, to being on the board [of a fashion council]?

“These are all wonderful things, but I feel that as I’m growing older, I understand that I’ve been very fortunate, I have worked very hard, but I’ve also been very fortunate to have had the success that I have in so many different areas. I want to make sure that now I give my time to those charities and initiatives that are important to me.”

HSY goes on to explain that education has been a huge part of his consciousness, with his mother, and grandfathers being educationists for decades. While he had been free to choose his profession, it was stipulated by his mother that he study fashion before pursuing it as a career.

And what a career it has been! HSY made his presence felt in the industry while co-hosting a show with then-supermodel Iffat Omer, speaking about fashion, happenings and trends. While fashion shows did happen prior to the year 1994, HSY brought a youn-ger, fresher perspective to the ramp, before turning to designing himself.

HSY designs are opulent, and perfect for celebratory occasions, and he is one of the most sought-after bridal designers in the country at the moment.

“Literally the most important thing that we can give to any child is education, and that has always been at the forefront for me, which is why I have been working with Network of Organizations Working with Persons with Disabilities (NOWPDP), because it educates, teaches and empowers people with disabilities,” says HSY.

“I find that there’s a certain magic in having a voice for those that do not have a voice and often the poor do not have that voice, they require assistance,” he continues.

“Another thing that’s authentically aligned with me is that when I lost my sight and got it back, I know how much that changed my life.

“So for me, the connection with Layton Rehmatulla Benevolent Trust, being their Goodwill Ambassador doesn’t necessarily mean only to go and visit their space and provide comfort and support where I can – which I plan to do 100% – it is giving my time to advocacy, to be able to understand and bring the importance of what they’re doing to a new generation of Pakistanis.”

HSY believes that younger Pakistanis are primed to help those in need, but perhaps not aware of where to direct their efforts.

“50 percent of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 35,” he says. “And this demographic needs to understand the philanthropy and the great work that is happening and how they can assist, we have 26 million people that are blinded – that is the entire population of Lahore and Karachi combined. But you don’t see these people on the streets because they’re not part of society. They’re not part of the community, and LRBT can help 25 million of this number.

“53 million people have been serviced by LRBT so far,” HSY says, and points out that the organization uses only 4.5% of donations for overheads.

“That means the largest chunk of money goes right towards helping the very people who need their help to be a part of this organization, the very organization helped me get my sight back.” he says.

“Now, 30 years on, this feels full-circle to me. Like I said, I want to use my voice and my presence or influence, or whatever it is – I don’t know these words and I don’t really care for these words.

“I just know that there are greater things to be achieved. Now, we must give back and in a time like now in Pakistan, where we’re constantly bashing our own country, I think we need to step up to be able to do what we can.”