When it comes to female excelling in Pakistan, they always make the most motivating stories. In the modern age of the 21st century, the struggle women experience to prosper is still pretty much still there, especially in the South Asian countries.

Women, regardless of their education are still limited to just acquiring the education and then devoting themselves to marriage and household chores. While there’s nothing wrong with doing so, pressurizing the women to let go of her dreams and career decisions is what makes it oppressive in nature.

Much of support also depends on your family – how they allow you to run after your dreams and their countless support makes you the person you are, once are living the dream.

All of This Can be Summarized by the Story of First Officer of PIA, Huma Liaquat!

I knew that coming across a female pilot in the cockpit is a rare sight which is why I craved it more. Ever since I was a kid, being a Doctor was the only goal in my life, but all that changed the minute I stepped into a cockpit. The moment, the image is vividly clear in my head: the infinite sky, the thrill of not knowing what’s ahead and the white crisp uniform; it was clear that day, that this is what I was born for – to fly! I knew that taking this step would be hard knowing that my father wouldn’t approve of it. I had lived in Abu Dhabi all my life, moving to Lahore alone for my training was one of the biggest challenges and difficult times in life. 

However, I did not let myself get down or feel demotivated and consistently worked hard to complete the training alongside my graduation. Fortunately, I started working at PIA soon after completing my graduation in 2010 and since then my career progression has been great. I am lucky to be the second First Officer to be trained in Airbus 320 from China and honored to have flown directly from there to Pakistan, when they were inducted in the fleet. 

Flying has become an addiction for me, even on my days off I can’t think of anything but flying! Sometimes it is very difficult to juggle between my work life and personal life. My parents live in Abu Dhabi, my husband is in USA, while my station of duty is in Pakistan. But the thrill of flying and serving my country makes it all worth it.

Even when I am not flying, I am moving back and forth between countries just to meet my family and spend time with them. Being a wife, I also look after my husband and home. I am blessed to have such a supportive husband who encourages and motivates me to keep on pursuing my dreams.

Though this field is hard, especially for women, it is not always that bad. Just a year back, I posted few pictures on social media and they went viral like a wild forest fire. Even Indian websites took my pictures, made videos, and appreciated how women are constantly entering and excelling in this field. The support I got from them was a great moment of pride for me. 

After strenuous days at works, missing my husband and yearning to be with family, my passion for flying keeps me going.

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