Women’s equal participation is crucial to achieving sustainable development goals. Yet, women remain underrepresented at almost every major level. Achieving gender parity in politics remains a challenge for today’s growing women leaders.
According to research, only 26 women are serving as Heads of State in 24 countries, while others continue fighting for their rights in a male-dominated political world. Pakistan is no exception — women must work hard to gain reputable positions in politics.
Luckily, a few Pakistani women have achieved great success in politics using reputation management techniques, marking their identity and contributing significantly to the country’s development.
Let’s take a look at some brave and beautiful women in Pakistani politics:
1. Maryam Nawaz
Maryam Nawaz is the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Kulsoom Nawaz (late).
- Chief Minister of Punjab, elected 26 February 2024, first woman to hold the office
- Senior Vice President PML N since 2023
- Member National Assembly 2013 to 2018
- Led party campaign during 2018 and 2024 elections
- Known for smart communication skills, elegance, and political knowledge
- A central political figure giving tough competition in a male-dominated environment
2. Kashmala Tariq
Kashmala Tariq serves as Federal Ombudsperson for protection against harassment of women at the workplace since 2020
- Member National Assembly 2002 to 2007 on PML Q ticket
- Former Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women 2007 to 2009
- Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace since 2020
- Bold political sense and decent personality
3. Sharmila Farooqi
Sharmila Farooqi is known for her advanced political knowledge and expressive personality.
- Member Provincial Assembly of Sindh 2013 to 2018 on PPP Ticket
- Elected Member National Assembly on reserved seat in 2024
- Served as Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh on Information 2008 to 2013
- Active in talk shows, morning shows, and fashion events
- Combines politics with fashion sense and versatility
4. Marvi Memon
Marvi Memon is celebrated for her bold stance on development issues.
- Former chairperson of Benazir Income Support Program during PMLN Tenure 2015 to 2018
- Member of National Assembly from 2008 to 2013 on reserved seat
- Parliamentary Secretary for Information Technology 2008 to 2011
- Daughter of Nisar Memon, a politician and educator
5. Hina Rabbani Khar
Hina Rabbani Khar is recognized for her decency and elegance, and for speaking at international forums about foreign policy of Pakistan
- Member National Assembly multiple terms since 2002
- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs 2009 to 2011
- Served as 23rd Foreign Minister of Pakistan (July 2011– March 2013)
- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs April 2022 to August 2023
- Represented Pakistan in various forums
- Glamorous yet politically influential
6. Shazia Marri
Shazia Marri combines talent, beauty, and brain. She is one of the few women politicians who contest elections directly.
- Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety 2022 to 2023
- Member National Assembly 2018 to present
- Sindhi Baloch politician and member of the National Assembly
- Former Provincial Minister for Information and Electric Power of Sindh
- First elected to the provincial assembly in 2002
- Provincial Minister for Information Sindh 2008 to 2013
- Belongs to a veteran political family
7. Alizeh Iqbal Haider
Alizeh Iqbal Haider focused on human rights and law.
- Former Member National Assembly from 2013 to 2018 on PPP Ticket
- Studied Public International Law and Human Rights Law
- Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan
- Spokesperson for PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
- Daughter of former PPP lawmaker and veteran Iqbal Haider
8. Ayla Malik
Ayla Malik is known for her scandal with Imran Khan and for being the granddaughter of the Nawab of Kala Bagh.
- Niece of former President Sardar Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari
- Sister of former Federal Minister Sumaira Malik
- Served as Imran Khan’s campaign manager in Mianwali
- Contested National Assembly seat NA 95 in 2013 and 2015 by election
- Associated with PTI 2011 to 2016
- Younger sister of Sumaira Malik
9. Hina Pervaiz Butt
Hina Pervaiz Butt combines beauty, intelligence, and strong political skills.
- Former Member Provincial Assembly Punjab 2013 to 2018 on reserved seat
- Re-elected as MPA Punjab 2024 on PML N ticket
- Gold medalist from LUMS
- Daughter of Pervaiz Butt, owner of Dawlance
- Bold personality with strong viewpoints on human rights
- Stylish in both traditional and western attire
10. Sumaira Malik
Sumaira Malik is a social worker and human rights activist.
- Former member National Assembly from 2002 to 2013
- Appointed as Minister of State for Tourism 2004
- Contested and lost 2018 general elections as an independent candidate
- Known for her graceful aging, beauty, and traditional attire
- Inspires women with her dignified political presence
- Elder sister of Alya Malik
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11. Shehla Raza
Sumaira Malik is a social worker and human rights activist.
- Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly 2008 to 2013
- Member Provincial Assembly Sindh 2002 to 2013 on PPP ticket
- Elected MNA from PPP 2024
- Key spokesperson that defend PPP on major TV shows
12. Uzma Bukhari
- Member Punjab Assembly 2013 to 2018
- Re elected MPA 2024
- Punjab Information Minister 2024
13. Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar
Nosheen Iftikhar joined politics after her father’s death. She is one of the few women politicians who contest elections directly.
- Won NA 75 Sialkot by-election, Member National Assembly 2021 to 2024
- Serving as a member of National Assembly 2024 onward
- Daughter of Syed Iftikhar ul Hassan, member NA for 5 times
14. Shandana Gulzar
- Member National Assembly 2018 to 2023 on PTI ticket
- Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce 2018 to 2022
15. Zartaj Gul
- Minister of State for Climate Change 2018 to 2022
- Member National Assembly 2018 to 2023
16. Ayesha Raza Farooq
- Member National Assembly 2013 to 2018
- Parliamentary Secretary for Information Technology 2013 to 2018
17. Bushra Anjum Butt
- Member Punjab Assembly 2013 to 2018 on PMLN ticket
Ending Thoughts
These Pakistani women are breaking barriers in a male-dominated political world. They combine beauty, brains, and leadership to make a mark in politics.
If you have any thoughts on any of them? Or do you have your own rating, you can comment below.
