Pioneering Pakistani Women in Aviation
Shukriya Khanum qualified as a pilot in 1959 and became the First Pakistani Female to obtain a commercial pilot’s license (CPL). At the time when she joined the country’s sole airline PIA, the female pilots were not permitted to fly commercial planes. She accepted the job of flight instructor at PIA’s training center, where she taught young cadets. She also took flying enthusiasts on joy rides at Karachi Flying Club. The legendary lady never served as a pilot in airline but taught CPL ground course subjects to potential Cadet Pilots for many years. She died of cancer in Lahore at the age of 82.
Maliha Lodhi joined the Pakistan Civil Aviation in 1983 as Calibration Pilot for Radio navigation aids. Thereafter she switched over to PIA as commercial Pilot in 1990 she made history by becoming Pakistan’s first female pilot of PIA as captain of Airbus A310 and Airbus A300. She was also the first lady ever to fly a Fokker plane from Karachi to Gwadar via Panjgur and Turbat airport in her native Provence.
Ayesha Rabia received her commercial pilot license when she was just 17 years old. She joined Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority as Air Traffic controller and then joined PIA as a pilot in 1989. She served in PIA for over 15 years and flown the Airbus 300 as well as Boeing 747. In 2006, she made a record of being the first Pakistani female pilot to captain an all-women crew plane from Islamabad to Lahore, with 40 passengers on board.
Maryam Masood & Erum Masood, the pilot sisters, Maryam Masood and Erum flying PIA’s Boeing-777 aircraft to local and international destination simultaneously, made them the first sister pair to captain the same weight category aircraft concurrently in Pakistan.
Shahnaz Laghari made the nation proud by becoming Pakistan’s 1st pilot to fly a plane in a veil. She even made it to the Guinness Book of World Record for being World’s first Hijabi captain pilot.
In Aircraft Engineering
Maheen Fatima after completing her BE Electronics (Computer Engineering) in 1976 from Karachi joined PIA and enrolled as First Lady Aircraft Engineer of Pakistan in 1981. Done her MS in Computer Engineering in 1987 besides industry training from the reputed aviation manufacturing establishments of USA, UK and France. She became the First and the only lady aircraft engineer of Pakistan holder of Eight Class One approval / Accreditation Certification for B-707, DC-10, A-300, B-747, A 310, and B-737 dealing with R & M of Airborne Computers / controls of these aircrafts. She known as Iron Lady of PIA become the Chief Engineer (Avionics Overhaul) in 2006.
In Airport Security and Management
Shahzada Kosar Malik joined Airports Security Force in 1980, an intelligent, vigilant decorated officer of the force who was given the charge of Benazir Bhutto international airport Islamabad in year 2012 in a very crucial environment. She proved herself and became the First lady Chief Security Officer of any international airport in Pakistan. Based upon her competency, dedication and outstanding performance at BBIAP – a joint user airport – she further elevated and given the overall command of all eleven northern area airport. She retired as DD (N) in 2017 after rendering service of over 37 years with full zeal & devotion. Her two-daughter carrying the legacy of their mother’s footstep in aviation are serving in ASF and PAF.
In Air Traffic Control
Seema Khan Joined Pakistan Civil Aviation as Air traffic controller in 1985 and become the First lady ATCO to secure her solo ratings at Karachi / Lahore air traffic control centers and later became the First lady Chief Operation Officer at CAA Area Control Center Islamabad airport in 2014. She retired in Feb 2018 after rending the 35 years of service in CAA.
Shahista Haroon Join Pakistan Civil Aviation in 1988 as Air Traffic Controller and promoted to Manager Cargo at Jinnah International Airport Karachi thus become the First lady Manager Cargo at the biggest Cargo handling airport of Pakistani in 2015.
Roxana Aziz joined the Air Traffic Services of Pakistan Civil Aviation in 1989. She served at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad Airport in various capacity & position and left a legacy behind by establishing the concept of childcare center for the working women at airports. She has in her credit to establish the ATS Revenue system at IIAP and retired as Dy. Director (APS) in 2021 with the distinction to work as first Manager ATS revenue at Islamabad new airport.
Umme Habiba Ahsan Joined Pakistan Civil Aviation in 1988 in the ATS branch. Served as Air traffic controller at Karachi Airport and Sr. Radar controller at BBIAP Islamabad. She became the Chief operation officer Area Control Center at Islamabad new airport in 2020. She became the First lady Director Operations HQCAA Karachi in 2024. In Jan 2026 she retired after rending the 38 years of service in CAA.
In Airport Operations
Tabassum Ara a competent, intelligent and visionary officer working in Airport Services section of CAA at Islamabad airport. Based upon her capability she qualified to be elevated to the position of Duty Terminal Manager and has the unique honor to be the First duty Terminal Manager on 3rd May 2018 – the day Islamabad new airport becomes operational for commercial flights.
Compilation By
Zia ullah sheikh, FCILT (UK)
Rtd. Sr.Joint Director / Dy. Airport Manager – ISB
Ex.Sr.ATCO & Dy.Chief (ATS) CATI – HYD
Visiting Faculty Air University Kamra Campus & Foundation University Islamabad
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