The Iron Lady Of Pakistan (Muniba Mazari)
Muniba Mazari Baloch, known as the Iron Lady of Pakistan, was born on March 3, 1987. She is a prominent Pakistani activist, anchor artist, model, singer, and motivational speaker. Her remarkable achievements include becoming the National Ambassador for UN Women Pakistan and being recognized as one of the 100 Inspirational Women of 2015 by BBC. Additionally, she earned a spot on the Forbes under 30 list for 2016.
Muniba Baloch holds the distinction of being Pakistan's first model and anchor who uses a wheelchair, a result of injuries sustained in a car accident at the age of 21. She also served as a host on Hum News's social show, Main Nahi Hum.
At the age of 18, she got married before completing her studies. In 2008, a life-altering crash resulted in her becoming paraplegic.
The Crash and recovery
On the fateful day of February 27, 2008, Muniba and her husband were en route from Quetta to Rahim Yar Khan when they were involved in a devastating car accident. This tragic event left Muniba with a series of severe injuries, including fractures in her arm (both radius and ulna), ribcage, shoulder blade, collarbone, and spine. Additionally, her lungs and liver suffered deep lacerations, and her lower body was tragically paralyzed.
Initially rushed to a nearby hospital, it became evident that the facility was ill-equipped to handle the gravity of her injuries. Subsequently, Muniba was transferred to a hospital in Rahim Yar Khan, and eventually, she found herself admitted to the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi. The aftermath of the surgery rendered her bedridden for a grueling two-year period. Through dedicated physiotherapy, she made strides in her recovery, eventually gaining the ability to use a wheelchair.
Following her extensive treatment, Muniba relocated to Rawalpindi. In 2011, marking four years since the life-altering crash, she welcomed her son Nael into her life.
Muniba Mazari's Career
Muniba Mazari's illustrious career spans across various domains, encompassing artistry, activism, anchoring, modeling, singing, and motivational speaking. Notably, her foundation is rooted in the realms of painting and motivational speaking.
During her painting endeavors, she took on the role of managing Areeb Azhar's Facebook page for a regular stipend. Concurrently, Muniba embarked on a venture at her son's school, contributing to the startup project known as Dheeray Bolo or Speak Slowly, focused on teaching Urdu in diverse educational institutions. Her TED talk caught the attention of Mohammad Malick, the managing director of Pakistan Television (PTV), leading to an offer for her to join PTV. Additionally, in September 2014, she collaborated with Clown Town, engaging with both children and the elderly.
Muniba's exceptional qualities were recognized when she was chosen as Pond's Miracle Woman and named as the first-ever wheelchair-using model in Asia by the renowned international salon, Toni & Guy. Her inaugural campaign with them, titled Women of Substance, made a significant mark.
Furthermore, Muniba actively contributed to the Dil Say Pakistan campaign, dedicated to fostering feelings of patriotism and unity within Pakistan. She also showcased her musical talents in a YouTube video released in August 2017, as part of the Independence Day campaign for that year.
In a significant development in June 2019, Muniba received an appointment from the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, to serve on Pakistan's inaugural National Youth Council, further solidifying her impact and influence.
Muniba as an Artist
Muniba Mazari's artistic journey began on her hospital bed, where she turned to acrylics on canvas as her chosen medium. Under the banner of Let Your Walls Wear Colors, she established her own art brand, Muniba's Canvas. Her creative prowess has been showcased in various exhibitions, including a notable six-day event held at Lahore's Collectors Galleria from April 19 to April 24, 2016, where 27 acrylic paintings were on display.
Her first international exhibition, titled And I Choose To Live, took place in Dubai at the Pakistan Association Dubai, inaugurated by Moazzam Ahmad Khan, the Pakistani ambassador to the UAE. This event was a collaborative effort between the Embassy of Pakistan, Poetic Strokes, and The Collectors Galleria in Lahore.
Muniba's art has graced numerous exhibitions, both for artistic expression and charitable causes, including solo and group exhibitions at venues like USEA Art Club in Islamabad, Nomad Art Gallery, Tribal Heritage Art and Craft Gallery in Islamabad, My Art World Gallery in Islamabad, and a special project for the Embassy of the United States of America Overseas Buildings Operations in Islamabad. She also participated in the Australian High Commissioners' Charity Art Exhibition for a Christian school in Rawalpindi, exhibited at Serena Hotel in Islamabad, collaborated with the National University of Modern Languages, and joined forces with three fellow artists for an exhibition at Arts Council in Rawalpindi in 2011.
In her commitment to philanthropy, Muniba took part in a Charity Event for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and generously donated a painting to UNHCR and the Ministry of Women Development during an exhibition for refugees organized by the Islamabad-based SACH (Struggle for Change) NGO.
Muniba as a Motivational speaker
Muniba Mazari is a dynamic motivational speaker, known for her impactful presentations on various platforms. Her journey began with a breakthrough TED Talk in Islamabad, and since then, she has left a mark with several notable engagements, including:
- Addressing the Entrepreneurs' Organization Network in Pakistan.
- Delivering a motivational speech at the Army Public School in Peshawar and the Combined Military Hospital in Peshawar.
- Collaborating with singer/songwriter and producer Jamshaid to perform Ye Watan Tumhara Hai by Mehdi Hassan.
- Sharing her insights at the Leader's Summit.
- Inspiring audiences at the Bank Alfalah Training Centre in Lahore.
- Serving as an esteemed guest at Women Entrepreneurship Day hosted by the National University of Sciences & Technology Business School.
- Advocating for social entrepreneurship at the Youth Alumni Reunion 2014, organized by the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO).
- Representing her motivational prowess at VCon Malaysia.
Muniba's powerful words and inspiring presence continue to resonate across diverse audiences, leaving a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to experience her talks.
Muniba's Awards and honors
Muniba Mazari has garnered a remarkable array of awards and honors, underscoring her exceptional contributions:
- Named one of the 100 Inspirational Women of 2015 by BBC.
- Recognized among the 500 Most Influential Muslims of the World.
- Appointed as the first Pakistani UN Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women.
- Featured in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2016.
- Received The Karic Brothers Awards in 2017 in Serbia, bestowed by The Karic Foundation, particularly for her outstanding humanitarian services.
A notable highlight includes the Karic Brothers Award, which she received in Belgrade, Serbia, specifically in acknowledgment of her humanitarian endeavors.
