Pakistan's journey to the stars... literally!

Namira Salim and Mahnoor Cheema have defied stereotypes and shattered glass ceilings, etching their names in history.

In the heart of Pakistan, a land brimming with boundless talent, our nation’s stars shine brightly, not just within our borders but across the globe, casting a radiant light upon our homeland. Women, in particular, have consistently proven their mettle in diverse fields, surmounting challenges with unwavering determination and emerging victorious time and again.

From conquering the icy vastness of the North Pole to the serene beauty of the South, and even daring to skydive over the formidable Mount Everest, all while carrying Pakistan’s flag aloft, Namira Salim stands as a testament to the limitless spirit of Pakistani achievement. Yet, for Namira, the sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning. On October 5th, she will embark on a groundbreaking journey as the inaugural Pakistani astronaut, proudly representing our nation in Virgin Galactic’s pioneering space mission under the visionary leadership of Richard Branson. She has secured her position as the sixth astronaut, and her multi-talented persona as an artist and musician promises to make the journey even more captivating.

Back in 2006, the government of Pakistan officially recognised Namira as the first Pakistani astronaut, a milestone that was followed by her appointment as the Honorary Ambassador of Tourism for Pakistan in 2007 by the Ministry of Tourism. Her remarkable achievements include being the first Pakistani to set foot on the North Pole in April 2007, followed by a triumphant expedition to the South Pole in January 2008. Namira also etched her name in history as the first Asian and Pakistani to partake in a tandem skydive over Mount Everest from an astounding altitude of 29,500 feet during the historic First Everest Skydives event in 2008. Beyond her adventurous endeavours, she is a dedicated peace activist honoured with the prestigious ‘Tamgha-e-Imtiaz’ (Medal of Excellence) in 2011.

And then, another star on the rise, Mahnoor Cheema, a British-Pakistani prodigy who has dazzled the world with her intellect and determination. At just 16 years old, she achieved the extraordinary feat of passing a staggering 34 subjects at the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) level, boasting an astounding IQ score of 161, surpassing even the genius Albert Einstein who had an IQ of 160.

These stories eloquently affirm that women stand on par with the best and brightest when provided with the right opportunities. They are not mere supporting characters but the protagonists of their narratives. From trailblazers like Fatima Jinnah and Begum Raana Liaquat Ali Khan of yesteryears to modern icons like Namira, these women have not only contributed to society but have also defied stereotypes and etched their names in the annals of history.

Indeed, Pakistan’s progress is a symphony of men and women who have orchestrated their roles with grace and valour. Over the past 76 years, Pakistani women have shattered glass ceilings, exemplifying their unwavering dedication to realising their dreams. They have transitioned seamlessly from nurturing homes to leading the nation as prime ministers. The extraordinary talents, indomitable resilience, and boundless courage exhibited by Pakistani women are a source of immense pride, igniting a beacon of hope for generations to come.

In a land where women are the very bedrock of society, the heartbeat of our culture, and the life force of our nation, let us honour the remarkable 48.54% of our population who have contributed significantly to Pakistan’s excellence across various domains. The youth of Pakistan are privileged to have a constellation of formidable role models to look up to, drawing inspiration from the luminous trail these women have blazed across the sky of achievement.