Womens Pakistan

Private Sector

Private Sector

Mishal Bukhari

Mishal Bukhari (1984–2023) was an award-winning Pakistani broadcast journalist and news anchor. She was widely recognized for her work with several leading news channels, including Express News, 92 News, Neo TV, and PTV News.   Career & Achievements Pioneer Role: She was a member of the launch team for Express News and served as the channel’s first female news anchor. Talk Show Host: She hosted popular current affairs programs, most notably Neo @ 5 on Neo News. International Coverage: In 2016, she provided live coverage of the U.S. Presidential Elections from Washington D.C. and New York. Awards: She received the Best Female Anchor of Pakistan award in 2013. Professional Programs: In 2014, she was selected for the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) sponsored by the U.S. State Department.  Personal Life & Passing Education: She held a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of the Punjab. Family: She was the wife of renowned journalist and anchorperson Ameer Abbas. Death: Mishal Bukhari passed away on January 3, 2023, at the age of 38, after a two-year battle with cancer. Her death was widely mourned by the Pakistani journalist community and political figures. 

Private Sector

Sawera Pasha

Specialty: Cricket Journalism Education Media & Journalism studies Career Transitioned from TV to digital platforms One of Pakistan’s most-followed sports YouTubers

Private Sector

Shaista Zaid

Network: PTV (English News) Education Graduate education in English & Broadcasting Career Anchored English news for 43 years Retired in 2012 — a historic record Legacy Pioneer of English-language television news in Pakistan

Private Sector

Rabia Anum

Network: Geo News Education Bachelor’s degree (media-related) Career Morning shows, current affairs, political programs One of Geo’s longest-serving female faces

Private Sector

Nasim Zehra

Current Role: Anchor, Channel 24 Education Master’s degree in International Relations Postgraduate studies in Strategic & Defense Studies Career Highlights Former host on Dunya News Author of books on Pakistan’s security and politics Expertise National security, foreign policy, civil-military affairs

Private Sector

Gharidah Farooqi

Current Role: Senior Anchor & JournalistNetworks: PTV News, News One Education Master’s degree in International Relations (Islamabad) Career Highlights Hosts hard-hitting political talk shows Known for fearless reporting and opposition to censorship Expertise Politics, civil-military relations, democratic rights

Private Sector

Maria Memon

Current Role: Lead Anchor, ARY NewsPrevious Network: Geo News Education Bachelor’s degree (discipline not publicly disclosed) Career Highlights Known for assertive questioning and political interviews Covers current affairs, governance, and accountability Frequently hosts prime-time political segments Reputation Respected for direct questioning and strong command over political discourse

Private Sector

Dr Shela Hirani

Dr Shela Hirani Profession Nurse educator, academic leader, researcher, and health-sciences administrator Nationality Pakistani Education & Academic Qualifications Dr Shela Hirani has a strong and progressive academic background in nursing, education, and leadership: Diploma in Nursing – Pakistan Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) – Pakistan Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Pakistan Doctor of Education (EdD) – University of Toronto, Canada Her doctoral education focused on higher-education leadership, faculty development, and health professions education, which later shaped her national and international academic leadership roles. Academic & Professional Career Aga Khan University (AKU) Dr Hirani has spent a major part of her career at Aga Khan University, particularly within the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM), where she held several senior roles: Key Positions Dean, School of Nursing & Midwifery (SONAM), AKU Professor of Nursing & Education Senior Academic Administrator and Policy Contributor As Dean, she was responsible for: Strategic planning and academic governance Expansion of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs Faculty recruitment, mentoring, and leadership development Quality assurance and accreditation processes Strengthening regional and international collaborations She played a crucial role in elevating nursing education in Pakistan to international standards. Research & Scholarly Contributions Dr Shela Hirani’s research interests include: Nursing education and curriculum development Faculty development in health professions Leadership in higher education Professional identity and empowerment of nurses Quality assurance in nursing education Publications & Scholarship Author of peer-reviewed journal articles Contributor to book chapters on nursing education and leadership Speaker at national and international conferences Supervisor and mentor to graduate and doctoral students Her scholarly work focuses on building academic capacity and leadership within nursing and allied health disciplines. National & International Contributions Dr Hirani has been deeply involved in policy and capacity-building initiatives: Advisor to nursing councils and regulatory bodies Contributor to national nursing education standards in Pakistan Consultant for health-education projects in South Asia, Central Asia, and East Africa Promoter of women’s leadership in healthcare education She is widely respected for bridging clinical practice, academic rigor, and educational leadership. Recognition & Impact Although she is known more for institution-building than awards, Dr Hirani is recognized for: Transforming nursing education leadership in Pakistan Mentoring generations of nurse leaders, educators, and researchers Advocating for nursing as a scholarly and leadership profession Strengthening Pakistan’s representation in global nursing academia Legacy & Influence Dr Shela Hirani is regarded as: One of Pakistan’s most influential nurse-educators A pioneer in academic leadership for nursing A role model for women in higher-education leadership A key contributor to the professionalization of nursing in Pakistan Her work has had a lasting impact on: Nursing curricula Faculty development systems Institutional governance Regional and international academic partnerships Quick Summary Category Details Name Dr Shela Hirani Education Nursing diplomas & degrees; EdD (University of Toronto) Profession Nurse educator, academic leader Key Role Former Dean, School of Nursing & Midwifery, AKU Expertise Nursing education, leadership, faculty development Impact National & international nursing education reform

Private Sector

Bilquis Bano Edhi

Full Name Bilquis Bano Edhi (بلقیس ایدھی) Birth & Early Life Date of Birth: 14 August 1947 Place of Birth: Bantva, British India (now India) She migrated to Pakistan with her family around the time of partition in 1947. Education Basic/Schooling: Bilquis Edhi is reported to have joined nursing training early in life — even before completing higher secondary school — when she joined the Edhi Nurses Training Centre around the mid-1960s. Nursing Qualification:She trained as a professional nurse at the Edhi Nurses Training Centre in Karachi. Formal University Degree:There is no widely cited public record of a university degree (e.g., BSc Nursing) — her expertise and training were primarily through hands-on nursing education and service work rather than a standard degree program. 👉 In short: her education was in nursing and humanitarian care — learned in practice and training rather than formal academic degree progression. Marriage & Family Husband: Legendary Pakistani humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi — founder of Edhi Foundation. They married in 1966 when Bilquis was a young nurse at the Edhi dispensary. Children: Four — Faisal, Kubra, Zeenat, and Almas. Bilquis and Abdul Sattar Edhi lived simply and devoted their lives to public service, often residing within the Edhi Foundation premises itself. Career & Humanitarian Work Nursing & Early Work Bilquis began her service journey by training as a nurse and then working directly in maternity clinics and dispensaries, especially serving the poorest communities in Karachi. Edhi Foundation She became a pillar of the Edhi Foundation, Pakistan’s largest nongovernmental humanitarian organisation, which was founded by her husband in 1951. Key Roles in Edhi Foundation: Headed maternity homes and childbirth care. Supervised the world-famous “Jhoola (cradle) scheme” where abandoned babies could be safely left at any Edhi centre — a practice that saved tens of thousands of newborns. Managed adoption services, ensuring abandoned children found safe homes and care. Oversaw welfare services for women and children across Pakistan. For decades she was recognized as the maternal heart of the organisation, loved and respected by people of all backgrounds. Awards & Honors Dr Bilquis Edhi received numerous prestigious awards for her humanitarian work: 🌟 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service (1986) — the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Prize. 🌟 Hilal-i-Imtiaz — Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award. 🌟 Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for Social Justice (2015). 🌟 Title “Person of the Decade” in 2021 by Impact Hallmarks for her social impact. 🌟 Other recognitions included international peace prizes and global mentions among most influential Muslims. Impact For over six decades, Bilquis Edhi dedicated her life to serving society, especially the poor, orphaned, abandoned children and women in need. Edhi Foundation’s Jhoola scheme alone helped save more than 42,000 unwanted babies by offering safe abandonment instead of infanticide or neglect. She was widely known as “Mother of Pakistan” for her compassion, courage, and lifelong service. Her work went beyond routine charity — she was instrumental in transforming social welfare services in Pakistan into one of the most humane and respected networks of care in the developing world. Later Life & Death Bilquis Edhi suffered from cardiovascular disease in her later years. She passed away on 15 April 2022 in Karachi, Pakistan, at the age of 74. Tributes flowed from across Pakistan and abroad, honoring her lifelong service. She is buried in Mewa Shah Graveyard in Karachi. Legacy Aspect Detail Birth 14 Aug 1947, Bantva, British India Profession Nurse & Philanthropist Organisation Edhi Foundation (Co-Chair) Impact Saved tens of thousands of abandoned babies; promoted child welfare, women’s care Major Awards Ramon Magsaysay Award, Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Mother Teresa Award Death 15 Apr 2022, Karachi

Private Sector

Dr Rozina Karmaliani

Dr Rozina Karmaliani – Complete Profile Name: Dr Rozina KarmalianiProfession: Public health scientist, nurse educator, researcher, academic leaderCurrent Roles: Implementation Scientist & Associate Director, South & Central Asia, Brain & Mind Institute, Aga Khan University (AKU) Professor & long-time senior faculty member at AKU School of Nursing & Midwifery (AKU-SONAM) Education & Academic Qualifications Dr Karmaliani has an extensive educational background in nursing and public health: 📌 Diploma in Nursing – Aga Khan University, Pakistan (1987)📌 Diploma in Midwifery – Aga Khan Hospital/AKU, Pakistan (1988)📌 Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) – Aga Khan University (1991)📌 Master of Public Health (MPH) – University of Minnesota, USA (1994)📌 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – University of Minnesota, USA (1997)📌 PhD in Nursing – University of Minnesota, USA (2000)→ She was the first Pakistani to earn a PhD in Nursing from the University of Minnesota. Career & Leadership Aga Khan University (AKU) Dr Karmaliani has served AKU for nearly 30 years in multiple academic, research, leadership, and administrative capacities, including: Dean of AKU School of Nursing & Midwifery (AKU-SONAM) (2019–2022) — guiding growth of nursing education and leadership in Pakistan. Faculty Member, Community Health Sciences — teaching and mentoring graduate students. Implementation Scientist & Associate Director, Brain & Mind Institute — focusing on mental health, adolescent wellbeing, and violence prevention in South & Central Asia. She has also contributed to nursing program development in other countries (e.g., Afghanistan, East Africa, Syria, and Egypt), advancing higher education in nursing regionally. Research & Scholarly Contributions Dr Karmaliani’s research portfolio spans women’s, child, and adolescent health, with special strengths in: Prevention of gender-based violence and violence against women & girls Mental health promotion & suicide prevention from a health systems perspective Community health nursing practices Health systems strengthening and public health policy She has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, supervised graduate students, and secured national and international research grants supporting her work. Major Achievements & Honors Dr Karmaliani’s contributions have earned her prestigious recognition nationally and internationally: Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) — First Pakistani nurse and first from Central & South Asia ever inducted into this global nursing academy (inducted Oct 2022). WHO Global 100 Nurse & Midwife Leader (2020) — recognized for outstanding nursing leadership worldwide. Women Leaders Award — HUM TV (2022) — for exceptional leadership as a woman in health and science. Juran Fellowship Award for Leadership in Quality and Distinguished Leadership Award from the University of Minnesota — highlighting global leadership impact. Impact & Legacy Dr Karmaliani is widely regarded as a trailblazer in nursing education and public health in Pakistan and South Asia. Her work has helped: Elevate nursing as a science and profession in higher education. Strengthen research culture and evidence-based practice in maternal, child, and mental health. Build leadership capacity among healthcare professionals. She is also a role model for women in STEM, health sciences, and academia — bridging community health needs with policy and education. Summary   Category Details Name Dr Rozina Karmaliani Education Nursing diplomas & degrees (AKU); MPH, MSN, PhD (University of Minnesota) Position Associate Director & Implementation Scientist, Brain & Mind Institute, AKU Leadership Former Dean, AKU School of Nursing & Midwifery Research Focus Women’s health, mental health, gender-based violence, health systems Honors FAAN Fellow, WHO Global 100 Nurse & Midwife Leader, HUM TV Women Leaders Legacy Pioneering nursing education & public health leadership in Pakistan & region  

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