Shahnawaz Chachar is a seasoned cultural entrepreneur, filmmaker, and strategic media consultant with over 20 years of experience in grassroots development, storytelling, and strategic media. Specializing in film, multimedia, and technology, he helps nonprofits, government agencies, and purpose-driven organizations amplify their stories to drive awareness, advocacy, fundraising, and impact. A recognized leader in Pakistan, Shahnawaz has successfully managed complex projects in peacebuilding, governance, election observation, and emergency relief. Known for his collaborative approach and strategic expertise, he works closely with stakeholders and the targeted groups to design and implement programs that are created to achieve results for awareness, advocacy and social change.
Shahnawaz Chachar
With extensive experience in grassroots project development, implementation, and monitoring across Pakistan, including all four provinces (Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) and the AJK, FATA, and Gilgit-Baltistan regions. Shahnawaz has dedicated his career to addressing complex social challenges. From disaster response and governance reforms to peacebuilding, he leverages his leadership approach, grassroots community organizing expertise, and digital media and technology to drive advocacy, awareness, and sustainable impact. His work includes leading emergency relief efforts in the field during the 2005 earthquake and the 2010 megafloods, where he coordinated with international donors and local communities to deliver life-saving assistance and rebuild livelihoods for more than 30 thousand households. He has also spearheaded initiatives in governance and peacebuilding and interfaith harmony, such as short term and long term election observation drives, electoral reforms, governance monitoring, youth development, women empowerment and human rights advocacy.
Shahnawaz has designed, implemented, and/or measured the impact of projects funded by leading organizations such as USAID, UNICEF, UNDP, DFID, UNAIDS, EU, British Council, Care International, CRS, Mercy Corps, the Asia Foundation, DAI and more, the projects were implemented by different local/national organizations. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes and deliver results under pressure has made him a trusted partner for local organizations and stakeholders including donors. As a dedicated trainer and mentor, he has facilitated workshops and training and trained over 1,000 individuals in areas such as peacebuilding, governance monitoring, election observation, youth development, active citizenship, project management, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing. His training sessions empower individuals and organizations with strategic understanding and practical skills to drive change in their areas of work.
Beyond his work in the development sector, Shahnawaz is a cultural entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to promoting Pakistan’s rich heritage and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. He has led high-impact initiatives such as the Pak-US Peace Qawwali Tour 2014, which used Sufi music to bridge cultural divides at grassroot levels on both sides, and the Pak-China CPEC Cultural Caravan 2017, which celebrated the shared legacy of the Silk Route. Other notable projects with his notable contributions include the Face Music Mela in Islamabad, Jashn-e-Jhelum Festival 2019, and the Overseas Pakistanis Convention 2018. These initiatives not only highlighted Pakistan’s cultural diversity but also strengthened international ties and promoted peace through cultural exchange.
As an accomplished documentary filmmaker and media producer, Shahnawaz uses visual storytelling to amplify marginalized voices and address pressing social issues. His documentaries and advocacy videos explore themes such as governance, human rights, and cultural identity, offering fresh perspectives and sparking meaningful conversations. By combining powerful multimedia tools with strategic messaging, he creates awareness campaigns that inspire action and drive social change. His expertise in film and media has led him to provide short-term consultations for organizations such as the Overseas Pakistani Foundation, Quaid-e-Azam University, Sindh Government, Pakistan National Council of Arts, Federal Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, USAID, and Plan Pakistan. Through workshops and training events, he has equipped over 200 students, activists, and citizen journalists with skills in digital media, mobile filmmaking, storytelling, and open-source tech solutions.
Today, Shahnawaz focuses on filmmaking, cultural entrepreneurship, and strategic media consulting for nonprofits. He collaborates with organizations to design and produce compelling media campaigns, including documentaries, digital content, media literacy programs, and e-learning initiatives. His approach blends technical expertise with creative insight, ensuring that every project is both impactful and sustainable. Based in Islamabad, Shahnawaz continues to bridge the worlds of development, culture, and media, driven by a singular mission: to create a more just, equitable, and culturally vibrant society. Whether directing a film, curating a cultural festival, or advising a nonprofit on strategic media design, he brings a unique combination of experience, creativity, and professionalism to every endeavor.
Shahnawaz is open to collaborations and consultations in his areas of expertise. If you’re looking to harness the power of media for advocacy, storytelling, or cultural initiatives, let’s co-create something meaningful together. Contact him for collaborations and/or for sharing your organization’s strategic media needs.