The strong women of our country are no less than men around the world

Be it our mothers, sisters, coworkers, friends, or significant others; women make this world a better place to live in. These smart and talented ladies have made us proud from time to time again. Just like a mother cheers on her daughter’s first talent show; we have been here since the beginning and hope to be here till the end. 

As part of International Women’s Day, we have made a list of 11 Pakistani women who are an inspiration to millions of women around the world. 

 1. Karishma Ali 

This outstanding 24-year-old made our jaws drop by being featured on Forbes 30 under 30. Karishma Ali, a soccer player from Chitral, held the nation’s flag high by being the first girl from her hometown to play football at national and international levels. 

2. Sana Mir 

‘Koi cricket khelay toh Mir jaisa khelay’ is our slogan. Sana Mir has sparked the passion of cricket in girls with her exceptional bowling and achievements. She is one of the nine female cricketers to have taken 100 ODI wickets. 

 3. Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy  

Every person knows about the Oscars. But, did you know a Pakistani woman has won not one…but two OSCARS?. Chinoy is a stellar director who has bagged two Oscars and six Emmy awards 

4. Marvia Malik

Marvia aspired to be a journalist or a lawyer from a very young age. She made her debut at Kohenoor News and became a news anchor. In an interview she stated that “Our society treats transgender people shamefully, degrading them, denying them jobs, laughing at them and taunting them. I want to change that’’

5. Arfa Abdul Karim Randhawa

The world’s youngest Microsoft professional was a nine-year-old girl from Karachi. She left the whole nation in tears after her passing in 2012. 

6.  Lieutenant General Nigar Johar

Sounds like a familiar name? Mahira Khan played her biopic in the famous telefilm ‘Aik thi Nigar’. Lieutenant General Nigar Johar is the only woman to reach the rank of lieutenant general. 

7. Samina Khayal Baig 

Summiting mountains takes a lot of willpower and strength. Samina fought through all obstacles and became the first Pakistani woman to climb Mount Everest. She also holds the title of the first Muslim to climb the seven highest peaks.

8. Asma Jahangir 

Known for her honesty and social work, (late) Asma Jahangir has been an idol for many. She was a human rights lawyer who spent her life fighting for the rights of minorities. 

9. Abida Parween 

‘The Pakistani Queen of Sufi music’ also known as, Abida Parween. Her glorious curly hair being a staple and captivating voice has touched the hearts of the country over and over again. 

10. Muniba Mazari

Her alluring smile makes the world a warmer place, and so does her story. Mazari is a motivational speaker, activist, and National Ambassador for UN Women Pakistan. She is a living example of the hurdles of life empowering women to be stronger than they were before. 

11. Shazia Perveen 

Women can do anything they want to if they set their mind to it, even become firefighters. Shazia Parveen became the first female firefighter in Pakistan.

Women in Pakistan are capable of sensational things and will continue to do so. Let us know your woman idol in the comments below.

Cover Photo Courtesy: via fankaronline.com/artist/abida-parveen/