LAHORE: Former MPA and prominent PPP leader Sania Kamran has extended her heartfelt congratulations to Lieutenant General (Retd) Nigar Johar Khan on her appointment as the Brand Ambassador for Women Empowerment by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

The RCCI announced this groundbreaking appointment during its special event titled "SHE Leads – A Tribute to Women," which was held at the RCCI Chamber House on Monday. Lt Gen (r) Nigar Johar, who holds the distinction of being Pakistan's first and only female three-star general, graced the occasion as the chief guest.

In her message, Sania Kamran praised Lt Gen (Retd) Johar’s career as “an extraordinary journey defined by courage and barrier-breaking achievements.” Highlighting Johar’s historic rise to become Pakistan Army’s first and only female three-star general, Kamran noted, “Her appointment is a landmark moment for women’s empowerment in our country. It sends a powerful message that glass ceilings are meant to be shattered.”

Lt Gen (r) Nigar Johar's journey to this prestigious position began in Swabi, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where she was born before joining the Army Medical College in 1981. Following her graduation in 1985, she embarked on a remarkable military career that ultimately led to her appointment as the colonel commandant of the Army Medical Corps. This achievement marked a historic milestone as she became the highest-ranking female officer in the Pakistan Army's history.

Calling the Brand Ambassador role “a perfect fit for a leader of her caliber,” Sania Kamran added, “Her leadership and dedication will inspire countless women to pursue their ambitions, be it in uniform, boardrooms, or civic life. Pakistan needs more role models like Lt Gen (Retd) Johar to guide our next generation of women leaders.”

"This appointment represents a significant step forward for women empowerment in Pakistan," Sania Kamran stated, emphasizing the inspirational value of having such a distinguished female figure leading initiatives related to women's advancement.

Sania Kamran particularly highlighted how Johar's appointment as RCCI's brand ambassador will inspire generations of young women across Pakistan to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men. The former legislator noted that having visible female leaders in positions of influence creates pathways and possibilities for women and girls throughout the country.

The RCCI’s initiative and Johar’s appointment have been widely welcomed across political and civil society circles, seen as a significant step toward promoting gender equality and empowering women to take on prominent roles in all sectors of national development.

This initiative comes at a time when Pakistan continues to work toward greater gender equality and women's participation across all sectors. According to development experts, symbolic appointments like this one play a crucial role in changing societal perceptions about women's capabilities and leadership potential.