If you look closely at her forehead, you’ll see grid-like wrinkles that tell stories of decades. That’s because she might be the world’s oldest living person.
Meet Khanen Ahmad from Jhang, Pakistan, who is not only the oldest person alive today—outliving Ethel Caterham (the Guinness World Record holder) from the United Kingdom, who celebrated her 116th birthday in 2025—but also possibly the oldest person ever to be identified and backed by an official government-issued ID. Khanen will celebrate her 125th birthday on July 1 this year.
The oldest living person ever verified and registered was Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days.
However, our Khanen from Pakistan is already 124 years, 7 months, and 24 days old as of this story’s filing. According to her CNIC issued by the Government of Pakistan, Khanen was born on July 1, 1901. She is a resident of Jhang and lives with her family.
During the renewal process, when government offices had become computerized, officials were astonished by her age and requested on-ground verification. To verify her claim, Sikandar Hayat, an 85-year-old Numberdar—a revenue officer appointed during the British Raj in that area —came forward. He confirmed that he knew Khanen and had processed her papers during the British era. Based on this, her date of birth was verified as July 1, 1901.
That Numberdar passed away 5 years ago.
Khanen Ahmad has had her ID renewed four times in total throughout her life. Pakistani authorities requested on-ground verification twice, and her age was successfully verified through old British Raj records. Once through Numberdar Sikandar Hayat and then through his son Numberdar Noubahar Hayat of the same area.
A Numberdar (also Numbardar or Lambardar) is a traditional village headman and local revenue official in rural Punjab, Pakistan (and parts of India). Originating in the British Raj, the role involves collecting land taxes, maintaining village records, certifying documents, and acting as a trusted link between villagers and government authorities. Often hereditary in landowning families, it carries social prestige and a small commission rather than a full salary. In places like Jhang, Numberdars still help verify historical or personal claims using old records.
Khanen was the eldest of five siblings and was born in the same district. She never married and spent her life raising her siblings. Now she resides at her nephew Ismail’s house; she raised him as well, in a small community in Jhang. Ismail says that although his mother was alive, it was Khanen who raised him, and he has always considered her his real mother.
He says Khanen is in perfect health and still does all her chores herself. He adds that she has an impeccable memory and remembers everyone. “On special occasions, all her relatives come to visit her, and she remembers every one of them.”
Ethel Caterham (the Guinness World Record holder) from the United Kingdom, who celebrated her 116th birthday in 2025.
Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days.
