Zainab is from Pakistan and holds an MSc in International Relations and an Executive MBA with a gold medal. After graduation, Zainab served at a prominent security think tank before joining the National Counter Terrorism Authority as its youngest and sole female officer. In this role, she played a crucial part in national-level counterterrorism efforts, including the formulation of the second National Internal Security Policy and the revision of the National Action Plan. Zainab was also involved in the Working Group that successfully navigated Pakistan's removal from the Financial Action Task Force Grey List.

Zainab is eager to apply the knowledge and experiences she gains on the MPP to influence and reform public policy in Pakistan, with a focus on infusing compassion into policymaking, challenging outdated approaches, and addressing the grievances of marginalised communities, particularly in Balochistan.

Zainab is an Oxford Pakistan Programme scholar.