Top 10 Best Women That Changed Pakistan Forever

Pakistan, officially known as Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign country of South Asia. With an approximate population of 170 million, it is 6th most populated country, covering an approximate area of 796,095 km2 (307,374 sq mi). Pakistan is spread in 1,046-kilometres along the coastline of the Arabian Sea and in southern side of the Gulf of Oman. The border line of this country joins India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China. Here the men and women contribute to different walks of life, some of them gotten worldwide fame. Ever since this has been a controversial state, Pakistan’s various aspects are misrepresented. The fact is that like any other nation, here the women have worked equally hard as men to raise their graphs of success. Let us check out the list of top 10 best women that changed Pakistan forever.

10. Noor Jehan

Noor Jehan was the finest singer of Pakistan history. She was not only a singer but also a fantasti actress. She appeared in several movies, and was titled “Noor” because of her beautiful personality. After partition from India in 1947, Noor Jehan shifted Karachi from Bombay. She was born in a family of musicians and was trained in classical dance. She performed in Chan Wey, a Punjabi movie. Her famous national songs are “Ae Rah-e-Haq Ke Shaheedo” and “Ae Watan Ke Sajeelay” which she sung for honoring Pakistani soldiers.

9. Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan

Ra’ana Liaquat had been a great politician of Pakistan. She got fame as a prominent stateswoman from the times of Cold War on the continent. After the death of her husband, who was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, she started focusing more on political career and worked for the women’s right in the country. She was also a part of Bhutto government till 1970, and continued serving the country from economical, social and political points of view. She was died in 1990, and is given the title of “Mother of Pakistan”.

8. Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy

Sharmeen Obaind Chinoy was a famous journalist and energetic woman. She used to cover the weakest parts of our society and community in her articles. She was also a great filmmaker and made several documentaries. One of her best documentaries “Lifting the Veil”, released in 2007 made her suffer criticism, however, she continued her mission and presented “Saving Face” in 2012. She is the winner of an Oscar for this documentary. In 2010, she also won an Emmy Award, and several others.

7. Nazia Hassan

Nazia Hassan is a well known name in the traditions and cultural values of Pakistan. She is highly admired for her singing abilities. Music had always been a tool for Nazia to make herself recognized the world over. She was also fond of dancing, and is one of the versatile musicians and singers of the country. She was the undisputed Queen of Pop in Pakistan, and started her career from the music album Disco Deewane which is one of the best selling pop records of Asia at the time.

6. Arfa Karim

Known as IT expert, Arfa Karim was born in Faisalabad in 1995. She is the youngest certified Microsoft professional in 2004, at the tender age of 9. She now participated in various international forums and courses to raise her graph of success in IT industry. She won a Pride of Performance award, a presidential honor and other awards in her field. Tragically in 2011, Arfa Karim suffered an epileptic seizure, followed by heart attack. Bill Gates personally paid for her treatment. On 14th January, 2012, she passed away.

5. Shahida Malik

In 2002, Brigadier Shahida Malik became the first woman in Pakistan’s history as Major General of Pakistan Army. She has been trained as an army medic and an on-field combat officer. Shahida’s nickname is “Lady General”. She is one of fewer female officers in the world who has served the nation in nursing and the medical corps for years. In 2002, she was chosen along with 27 other officers for prestigious ranks. Her contributions to Pakistan’s army are countless and she worked hard to become a prominent lady.

4. Ayesha Farooq

Ayesha Farooq is the first ‘qualified for battle’ fighter pilot of Pakistan Air force. She is also honored because of being the only female so far to appear in the Muslim world as a fighter pilot. She was born in Bahawalpur, in Central Punjab. Her mother discouraged her entering a male-dominating society, but it was her luck and determination that brought her to this field.

3. Benazir Bhutto

Benazir Bhutto is one of the most popular female politicians in the world. She is the daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who founded leftist PPP party. Benazir worked as a party member alongside her father after completing her graduation from Oxford. After the death of her father, Benazir became the leader of the PPP, and is known for her unwavering ethics and astute political knowledge. She is also the first Muslim woman in Asia to become the head of a state. In 2007, while delivering a speech at a political rally, Bhutto was killed.

2. Fatima Jinnah

The tireless efforts of Fatima Jinnah for the making of Pakistan cannot be forgotten. She is also known as Madar-e-Millat (Mother of the Nation). She was a dental surgeon, but abandoned this field to participate in politics. Like her brother, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Fatima is still remembered for her endless contribution for the welfare of the state. After the partition, her brother laid the foundation of Pakistan’s Women Association, which was headed by Fatima. She remained alongside her brother on his deathbed.

1. Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a student and educational activist. She belongs to Swat region of North West Frontier Province. This is the land which is dominated by Taliban. On the afternoon of October 9th 2012, Malala, according to reports, was on her school bus when an assailant entered the bus and asked for her specifically. She was shot in the head. She was brought to the hospital, but her condition got improved and now she has shifted to England for intensive rehabilitation. She has emerged as a symbol of female education in Pakistan.