Since 1947 until this moment, Pakistan’s foreign policy has been unveiled through the sliver of window of forceful orations of male prime ministers, belligerent postures of generals, and dramatic turnarounds during international crises. But think about it: behind much of that latest turning point have been women’s rapid, hard, and revolutionary work done quietly behind closed doors, unsung by the spotlight. They were not just sitting in men’s bathrooms jotting down notes they were making decisions, bridging gaps, and rewriting the history of what it meant to be a female diplomat.
Ever since the birth of Pakistan in 1947, the country stepped into a world of complex diplomatic battles, alliances, and global Cold War politics. History books tell us about Liaquat Ali Khan’s visit to the U.S., Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s fiery orations in the UN, or General Ayub Khan’s interactions with America and the Soviet Union but working behind the scenes were women joining this profession stealthily. Not in the form of parades and titles but in the form of brains, grittiness, and diplomacy that built the country’s foreign image. These women did not desire the limelight but were handed it. During the 1970s and 80s, Pakistani political society was largely male-dominated. Women were told to speak softly, smile, and never command but nothing could prevent some courageous ladies from venturing into the field of diplomacy. These women had to try twice as hard to make themselves heard. On international forums, they were the only lady in the room. A few nations were not used to having a lady speak on behalf of a Muslim country like Pakistan. But our lady diplomats stood firm. They spoke to people with brains, grace, and courage. Gradually, the world started hearing them out. They helped in peace negotiations, trade negotiations and cultural exchanges. Even when they were not breaking news, they were helping Pakistan determine its global standing. Pakistan made history in 2011 by appointing Hina Rabbani Khar as the first female foreign minister. She joined as Pakistan’s relations with the world, particularly America, Afghanistan, and India were pushed to the breaking point. Khar inherited a new foreign policy approach. She was lauded for her level headed, tempered demeanor and ability to negotiate diplomatically in amongst some of the most challenging circumstances. Quite possibly the most important task she had during her term was managing the Pakistan U.S. relationship after the Osama bin Laden raid in Abbottabad in May 2011. Relations were then better than ever before. Khar assisted in representing Pakistan’s interests on the global stage and keeping channels of communications open in Washington. She also exercised regional diplomacy with India. She indicated strongly during her trip to New Delhi in July 2011 that peace cooperation and dialogue were the key. She worked towards the resumption of diplomatic talks after years of tensions after the Mumbai attacks of 2008. She kept the conversation on trade and peace building with a stern but polite tone. She was also an advocate of warmer ties with neighboring countries of Pakistan such as Afghanistan and Iran. While Hina moved into the limelight, there are some women who stayed behind the scenes. Diplomats like Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s diplomat to the UN, fought the cause of global justice, Kashmir, and Muslim rights with great force. She did not just attend sessions but also made them take notice. And then there are envoys such as Tehmina Janjua, who received the first woman Foreign Secretary of Pakistan’s title in 2017. She headed the country’s diplomacy with firm hands, during a period when relations were tense with other countries. Other lesser-known diplomats worked hard in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, building confidence, preventing crises, and showing a softer, more humane image of Pakistan. It was not a glamorous career, but it was valuable. It is not an easy task to be a woman in diplomacy especially in Pakistan. These women were faced with many challenges like Cultural pressures to stay at home, get married early, or quit their job, Gender bias by male colleagues who did not think that women can be involved in diplomacy or International skepticism by countries not used to seeing a Muslim woman leading a mission. They were most assessed in terms of how they looked versus what they could deliver. They were being left out of meetings, excluded from major decisions, or given lesser postings. But they did not give up. They continued to show themselves. Their strength was not in roaring but in never giving up. Women Pakistan diplomats were far more varied in foreign policy formulation. While politics and intimidation were utilized by some men, women used listening, understanding, and empathy. That did not weaken them; it empowered them. They were focused on peace-building, education, women’s rights, and cultural diplomacy. They helped the world understand that Pakistan is not all war or politics but about people, stories, and shared dreams. Some planned art exhibitions abroad in a bid to put Pakistan’s culture in the limelight. Others started language exchange initiatives, youth conferences, and academic partnerships. These are little gestures but they built bridges instead of walls. Increasing numbers of women than ever before are participating in Foreign Service from Pakistan. They are motivated by trendsetters who made the way ahead. Social media also gave them an opportunity to voice their stories, challenges, and deeds. There is still so much to accomplish, however. Gender equality isn’t a game of numbers it’s a matter of respect, opportunity, and freedom. Women diplomats are far from taking space at the top. They are still culturally forced to “settle down” rather than reach the top. But if history is anything to be on the lookout for, such women aren’t losing. They are rewriting the script of Pakistan’s foreign policy, mission by mission.
In a country oftentimes viewed through the lens of extremism and conservatism, these women presented themselves as unexpected ambassadors of change. They presented balance to negative stories through their voice. Even at international levels they let the world know Pakistan was more than what was being told in news headlines. They did not just write for a nation they wrote for change. Why do we not hear more about them? Because history never looked at women who didn’t fit the narrative. But times have changed now. These narratives are being dug up, documented, and commemorated. A new generation of young Pakistani women entering the domain of international relations, inspired not by the names one encounters in history books but by the names who worked behind the scenes and set history upside down.
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