Maryam Mujtaba, a resident of Muzaffarabad has become the first female commercial pilot from Azad Kashmir.
Talking to the media, Mujtaba said that flying planes always attracted her and she wanted to become a part of the aviation industry.
AJK President Sardar Masood Khan praised her contributions to the field and has called her a role model for other young women.
Mujtaba joined Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) back in 2011 as a cadet pilot. After getting the training from academies in Rawalpindi and America, she completed her flying hours through numerous domestic flights.
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She was just promoted as a first officer by the national flag carrier after she finished her designated flying hours. Mujtaba currently operates the PIA Airbus A-320 aircraft in various countries of the world.
Recalling her journey, she said her inspiration was captain Ayesha Rabia, who was also a captain in PIA.
“When I was a child, I was very excited to see a woman flying planes and I told my father that girls can fly planes too,” the pilot remembered, adding that it wasn’t always smooth sailing, but things turned out in her favour.
She attributed her success to her family, friends and colleagues.
Mujtaba encouraged women who want to become pilot and those who want to pursue other fields.
Mujtaba highlighted that confidence is the “key to success.”
“You should always be confident about what you are doing and take charge of your responsibilities,” the pilot advised.
