Nida Saleh Malik Becomes Pakistan’s First Female Train Driver

In a landmark achievement that blends personal ambition with national progress, Nida Saleh Malik has made history as Pakistan’s first female train driver. What began as a childhood fascination with the sounds and movement of trains has culminated in a groundbreaking career that challenges deep-rooted gender norms.

Operating the Orange Line Metro Train in Lahore, Nida now guides one of the city's busiest transport systems with professionalism and poise. Her journey to the front of the train was neither easy nor typical, especially in a field long dominated by men.

Initially, her family had reservations about her career choice. But Nida’s persistent passion and commitment gradually won their support. “They weren’t comfortable at first, but when they saw I was serious, they stood by me,” she recalled in a recent TV interview.

Nida's path was fueled by a strong academic background; she studied Transportation Engineering and joined the Lahore Metro as an engineer. Her advocacy for greater female inclusion in technical roles did not go unnoticed. When new driver positions opened, she was selected not for symbolic representation, but on the basis of her skill and capability.

Her daily routine begins before dawn, as she conducts thorough safety checks to ensure reliable service for the thousands who ride the metro each day. “This achievement isn’t just mine,” Nida emphasized. “It’s a message to every girl in Pakistan that their dreams matter, no matter how untraditional they may seem.”

The news of her appointment has resonated across the country. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif praised her success as a “proud moment for the nation,” reaffirming the provincial government’s focus on advancing gender equality in all sectors.

While women in Pakistan have made strides in politics, education, and sports, industries like transportation and engineering have remained resistant to change. Cultural norms and systemic challenges have often sidelined women from such professions. Nida’s role marks a shift toward meaningful representation, one where women are trusted with responsibility, not merely visibility.

In a society where public mobility and safety concerns often restrict women's freedom, Nida’s presence in the driver’s cabin of a metro train is more than symbolic; it's a statement of empowerment, opportunity, and progress. Her story paves the way for others to follow and helps redefine what’s possible for women in Pakistan.