Celebrating the Proud Women of Balochistan Who Have Made Their Mark on Pakistan and the World

Baloch women are not only the pride of Balochistan but also of Pakistan, as they have proven themselves in various fields on both domestic and global platforms. The federal and provincial governments continue to provide opportunities for women, creating an environment conducive to their growth and success, similar to that of their male counterparts.

Here are some exceptional and inspiring women from Balochistan who have brought pride to the province and the entire nation:

**Parag Gul Tareen**
Parag Gul Tareen, from Pishin, made history by becoming the first Baloch woman to join the police force after passing the CSS exam in 2020. Currently, she serves as the head of the Women’s and Children’s Facilitation Center in Quetta.

**Justice Tahira Safdar**
Justice Tahira Safdar made history as the first woman Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court, a significant achievement for women in the legal profession.

**Batool Asadi**
Batool Asadi, another trailblazer from Balochistan, became Quetta’s first female Assistant Commissioner (AC), demonstrating the rise of women in administrative roles.

**Saira Batool**
Baloch women are also breaking barriers in the military. Saira Batool made history as the first female fighter pilot from Balochistan, showcasing the courage and determination of Baloch women in defense services.

**Zakia Jamali**
Zakia Jamali became the first woman commissioned naval officer from Balochistan, an achievement that underscores the growing participation of Baloch women in the armed forces.

**Shazia Sarwar**
Shazia Sarwar, a PSP officer from Bolan, Balochistan, has served as a DPO in the city of Leiah, Punjab. She is a resilient and strong woman, having survived a targeted attack during the Mach attack, where terrorists aimed to take her down.

While these women represent the strength and capability of Baloch women, it is essential to also recognize the challenges that many women face due to terrorism and exploitation. For instance, women such as *Shahri Baloch*, *Samia Qalandrani*, *Naila Qadri*, and others are victims of terrorism-related violence. Baloch women often become easy targets for militant organizations like the BLA/BLF.

Additionally, young girls like *Mahroosh Baloch*, the daughter of *Shahri Baloch* (a suicide bomber), are forced into the hands of such extremist groups. Women are manipulated and exploited in such situations, as demonstrated by the case of *Mahil Baloch*, who was used in February 2023 to carry a suicide vest for a terrorist attack, highlighting the vulnerability of women in Balochistan.

In conclusion, while Balochistan’s women have made remarkable strides in various fields, there is still a long road ahead in ensuring their safety and freedom from extremist exploitation. However, their accomplishments continue to serve as a source of pride and inspiration for the entire nation.