Major General Nigar Johar is one of the most eminent women in Pakistani military, who became the first female officer to get a command post and in 2017, she became the Army’s third female major general who achieved two stars.
A doctor by profession, she belongs to the Army Medical Corps. In 2015, she was highlighted in an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) video honouring women in the Pakistan military. At the time, she was the agent commandant of Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Rawalpindi.
“Pakistan is my nation and I was brought into the world here. I was raised here and I think there is no match to Pakistan to anyplace on the planet,” says Johar.
“Think about all the Muslim nations; think about every one of those creating countries. This is the main nation which has had female general officials. Nobody else,” she included.
On 9 Feb 2017, Johar was among the 37 brigadiers who were elevated to the position of major general. Endorsement for her promotions was given at an Army Selection Board meeting which was managed by Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa. She served in as Vice Principal of Army Medical College. At present she is commandant of Pak-Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi.
The major general was born in Panjpir village in Swabi district to a Pashtun family. She is the daughter of Col Qadir, who served in the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). According to her,Johar’s father was her inspiration and the man behind her success. She lost her parents in a car accident when she was very young, but with her strong will-power and utmost courage she managed to achieve the unachievable.
During her journey towards success, she also faced many problems and struggles, gender discrimination was one of them but once she was recognized for her resilience and work she excelled in, she became the most respected woman.
“I have always focused on my work in order to succeed. I have worked with male colleagues and not against them. The glass ceiling is pretty high but Pakistani women are getting there, slowly but surely.”
She has perfectly balanced her professional and domestic life, with support of her spouse, she successfully walks the tightrope between professional and personal life.
“A successful woman aknows how to maintain a balance in her work and home.” said Johar.
She gives a message of empowerment to women that “Have faith and trust in Allah. Educate yourself today to avoid being left behind tomorrow. Work for your purpose and dream. Working hard with positivity and commitment makes your work, your passion. An empowered woman needs to empower other women.”
Major General Nigar Johar is promoted as Lieutenant General on 30th June 2020, the first female officer to be promoted as Lt General and the first female Surgeon General of Pakistan Army.
