Women of Islam Soar in the Skies of South Asia

Across the border in Pakistan, the military has considerable power in governance. Since Pakistan’s independence in 1947, as constitutional guarantors of the Islamic State, the Pakistani Army Generals have held the seat of power for more than 32 of the country’s last 66 years of existence. The Pakistani military and Inter-services Intelligence (ISI) are often accused of supporting the Taliban and other radical Salafi jihadists who wish to subjugate women according to “puritanical” Islamic law under which women are treated like commodities and disposable animals. However, a stark dichotomy has formed in the past few years due to the Pakistani military embracing new prominent roles for women in its organizations.

 

In 2009, Hina Tahir became Pakistan’s first female fighter pilot. She successfully completed conversion in the F-7 Chengdu fighter jet. (3)In July 2009, Hina gave an interview on the popular Pakistani television show “A Morning with Farah.” During the interview, the host, Farah Hussein, asked Hina what most motivated her throughout her training. Her answer was insightful; Hina said, “There were many hardships… very tough, but … the driving force that keeps me motivated is the Noble Cause of defending my county.” She said there are multiple factors that contribute to her success, such as physical fitness, awareness, fast reaction and of course, hard work – but her ultimate goal was achieving F-7 fighter pilot transition.(4) She did not self-promote or talk about women’s rights or roles. Throughout the 20-minute interview, she was an example of a dedicated Pakistani Air Force (PAF) officer who just happens to be female.

 

Pakistani women have served in the PAF for well over a decade, but there is a fundamental difference in prominence between serving in a support role such as an aircraft engineer and flying frontline fighters such as the F-7. It is reported that there are now seven women fighter pilots in the Pakistani Air Force (PAF). This recent shift is a credit to the Pakistani military and reflects the government’s tilt towards empowering women within their Islamic society. Perhaps over time, as PAF female pilots prove themselves, whether in training or combat, more prominent roles for women in leadership will lead to more prominent roles in the broader Islamic society.

 

These three women of Islam soar and give rays of hope to multitudes of women in South Asia who fear the dark resurgence of the Taliban. Although the Afghan and Pakistan governments agree on very little, this is a mutually encouraging step: Both countries empowering women as military aviators, further tilting the odds towards freedom and liberty.