Women’s Day: A look back at Pakistani women making us proud

Just like last year, thousands of Pakistani women will once again march and participate in Aurat Marche on Sunday as today marks International Women’s Day.

This Women’s Day, let’s take a quick look at all the Pakistani women that has inspired many women and girl in our country and made us proud: 

Shafiqa Iqbal

A 24-year-old Shafiqa Iqbal became the only Pakistani to work for Google as a data engineer out of 1300 employees to be hired.

Shafiqa Iqbal is currently working in Warsaw, Poland. Hailing from Sadiqabad, Punjab, the young lady made Pakistanis proud with her achievement. 

Sharmeen Obaid

Two time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy became Pakistan’s first-ever director, the first woman, and the first person of colour to direct a Star Wars film.

She has been tapped to helm a new Star Wars film with Damon Lindelof and an additional co-writer.  Last year, she became Pakistan’s first woman to direct the Marvel series. She not only directed it beautifully but also put colourful and soulful songs of Pakistan which represented country’s taste in music.

Nigar Johar  

In 2019, Lieutenant General Nigar Johar become Pakistan’s first ever three-star female general to be appointed the colonel commandant of Army Medical Corps (AMC).

She is the recipient of Tamgha-i- Imtiaz (Milit­ary), Hilal-i-Imtiaz and Fatima Jinnah Gold Medal for laudable services.

Arooj Aftab

Arooj Aftab became the first Pakistani artist who performed her song ‘Udhero Na’ at the 2023 Grammy Awards.

In 2022, she also became the first Pakistani singer to perform at Coachella, the world’s largest American art and music festival.

Shazia Parveen 

Shazia Parveen is the first female firefighter of rescue unit 1122 in Vehari (near Multan), and the first female firefighter in Pakistan.