Pakistan’s first woman train driver is here and she is not slowing down

Dubai: In the heart of Lahore, a childhood dream has turned into a historic milestone.

Nida Saleh Malik, once a little girl enchanted by the rumble of trains, has become Pakistan’s first female train driver, blazing a trail for women in a profession long considered a male stronghold.

At the helm of the Orange Line Metro Train in Lahore, Nida now commands a powerful locomotive that serves thousands daily, guiding it with skill, confidence, and an unwavering sense of purpose. But the road to the driver’s seat was not so smooth.

“At first, my family wasn’t comfortable with the idea. But once they saw my determination, they stood by me,” Nida said while talking a television channel.

That determination took root early. Fascinated by trains, Nida pursued a degree in Transportation Engineering, later joining the Lahore Metro system as an engineer. Her insistence on inclusion for women in operational roles did not go unnoticed. When the opportunity arose, she was selected during the intake for new drivers, not as a token gesture, but as the best person for the job.

National attention

Each day, Nida arrives before sunrise to carry out full safety and service checks, ensuring that thousands of commuters have a smooth and safe journey.

“This is not just my success. It’s a signal to every girl in Pakistan that your dreams are valid, no matter how unconventional,” she noted.

Her achievement has drawn national attention. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif lauded Nida’s appointment as a “moment of pride for the nation,” reiterating the government’s commitment to creating equal opportunities for women across all sectors.

While Pakistan has seen notable women rise in politics, sports, and academia, many sectors, especially transportation and engineering, have remained male-dominated. Over the years, efforts have been made through policies, quotas, and advocacy to enhance women’s participation in the workforce. Yet, cultural and structural barriers persist.

Initiatives like Nida’s appointment represent a shift from symbolic inclusion to real, visible representation in high-responsibility roles. In a society where safety, mobility, and social norms can limit women’s freedom, seeing a woman in charge of a train sends a powerful message: the track ahead is open for everyone.