Women play a crucial role in the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Pakistani women have distinguished themselves both domestically and internationally through their capabilities, resilience, and determination.
Women are rendering remarkable services shoulder to shoulder with men in important institutions such as politics, bureaucracy, judiciary, security agencies, and education.
Today is the day to pay tribute to these great women who have dedicated their lives to Pakistan.
Respected figures such as Fatima Jinnah, Begum Shahnawaz, Salma Taseer Hussain, Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan, Begum Viqar-un-Nisa Noon, Mahmooda Razaq, Begum Abdullah Haroon, and respected Benazir Bhutto. These figures have proven to be role models for women.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif became the first female Chief Minister of any province in Pakistan's history.
Samina Baig became the first Pakistani woman to summit Mount Everest.
Laraib Atta was honored with the Oscar and BAFTA awards in 2022 for her outstanding performance in the James Bond film "No Time to Die."
Sabahat Rizvi became the first female Secretary of the Lahore High Court Bar Association.
In April 2022, Arooj Aftab claimed the "Grammy Award," becoming the first Pakistani-origin woman to do so.
Nida Dar made history as the first female cricketer from Pakistan to take 100 wickets in T20 cricket.
ASP Shehrbano from Bahawalpur recently displayed bravery by saving the life of an innocent civilian in Lahore, setting an example of courage through her professional services.
Renowned Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari was honored with the Royal Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2023.
Maryam Mujtaba, hailing from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, is the first female pilot from Muzaffarabad, who joined Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in 2018.
All of these embody the vision of the founding fathers and reflect the bright image of a prosperous Pakistan.
The role of Pakistani women in defending the country
Pakistani women are also contributing significantly to the defense of the nation, providing exemplary services alongside men.
Women are not only serving in various fields, but also participating equally in leadership and decision-making.
Initially, women in the Pakistan Army were only associated with the medical field.
Today, women are excelling in various branches of the armed forces, including Signals Corps, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Ordnance, Army Services Corps, Medical Corps, Education Branch, Administration and Services, Public Relations, and Law Branches. As well as in the Navy and Pakistan Air Force, including becoming GD Pilots.
Lieutenant General Nigar Johar is a living example, being the first female Surgeon General in the Islamic world.
Major Salma Mumtaz was honored with the Florence Nightingale Award for her dedication during the 1971 war.
Flight Lieutenant Ayesha Farooq was the first female fighter pilot in Pakistan.
Flying Officer Marium Mukhtiar Shaheed was posthumously awarded the Tamgha-e-Basalat for her outstanding service in reconnaissance.
Currently, Pakistani women are part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission under the UN umbrella.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations highly appreciated the services of Pakistani Women Peacekeepers, considering them extremely impactful and exemplary.
In 2020, the Secretary-General of the United Nations awarded the Pakistani Women Peacekeepers' 15-member peacekeeping team for their outstanding performance.
Pakistani women have rendered invaluable services for the dignity and honor of the nation.
Their inclusion in uniforms is a testament to their abilities, and they have served the nation and humanity tremendously.