In a groundbreaking moment for gender representation in Pakistan’s public transport sector, Nida Saleh Malik has become the country’s first female train driver, operating Lahore’s Orange Line Metro Train.
A trained transport engineer from Lahore, Nida turned her childhood fascination with trains into a historic achievement. Starting her professional journey as an engineer on the Orange Line, she earned her place in the driver’s cabin after completing a rigorous three-month training program conducted by Chinese experts. She has now been confidently driving the metro for the past eight months, becoming a role model for young women across the country.
Despite coming from a business family, Nida chose to follow her own path. While her father initially encouraged her to pursue the family business, her persistence and passion for transport engineering eventually won his support. Today, she drives the metro with professionalism, serving thousands of passengers daily.
Nida acknowledged feeling nervous on her first drive, but says the experience has now become second nature. Her presence behind the controls is inspiring many women to consider careers in the transport sector, with an increasing number seeking training opportunities in metro operations.
Her achievement has been widely celebrated. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Transport Minister Bilal Akbar extended their congratulations, calling Nida a symbol of national pride and progress.
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