Mawara Tahir
Women have been a part of the Pakistan Military since the country’s inception in 1947. As many as 4,000 women are serving in the military, currently. These respected and courageous women have provided their remarkable services to the Pakistani military in various capacities.
Among these, Major General Nigar Johar is one of the most eminent females in Pakistani military. She became the first female officer to get a command post. In 2017, she became the army’s third female major general who achieved two stars.
A doctor by profession, Nigar belongs to the Army Medical Corps. In 2015, she was featured in an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) video honoring women in the Pakistan military. At that time, she was the agent commandant of Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Rawalpindi.
On 9 Feb 2017, Johar was among the 37 brigadiers who were elevated to the position of major general. She also served as Vice Principal of Army Medical College. At present she is commandant of Pak-Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi.
Major General, Nigar 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 NigarJohar, her father was her inspiration and support 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 faced many problems -gender discrimination was one of them- but once she was recognized for her services, she became the most respected woman among her fraternity.
“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 said in an interview.
She has balanced her professional and domestic life with support from her spouse
“A successful woman knows how to maintain balance in her work and home.” said Johar during an interview.
Nigar Johar advises the young female 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.”
Pakistan feels proud of a daughter who has achieved great success despite many challenges and hopes that many will follow her in pursuing their dreams!
