Born on 21 July 1972, Marvi Memon stands as a notable figure in Pakistani politics. She served as the Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme from February 2015 to June 2018. Her contributions to the National Assembly of Pakistan are marked by two distinct periods, the first from March 2008 to June 2011 and the second from June 2013 to May 2018.
Early Life and Education of Marvi Memon
Before stepping into the realm of politics, Marvi Memon embarked on a diverse professional journey. Commencing as an intern, she gained valuable experience at institutions such as DAWN, Newsline, Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the United States embassy in Islamabad.
Upon completing her education at the London School of Economics, Memon ventured into the banking sector, contributing her skills at Citibank. With a focus on Marketing and Quality Management, she later transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding Trakker, Pakistan’s largest vehicle tracking service provider, where she made a mark as a successful entrepreneur.
In 2004, Memon broadened her professional horizons by joining the Inter-Services Public Relations, where she played a crucial role in the media monitoring and analysis wing until 2007. Concurrently, she served as a media consultant to the Board of Investment.
Marvi Memon’s educational journey took her through various cities. She pursued her studies in Karachi, Kuwait City, and Paris. Eventually, she continued her academic pursuits at the London School of Economics, where she successfully earned her BSc (Econ.) Honors in International Relations in 1993.
Political Inception and Service in the National Assembly
Marvi Memon’s political journey commenced when she assumed the role of an advisor at Pakistan’s Board of Investment, primarily tasked with advising the Minister of Strategies on the strategic promotion of Pakistan’s lucrative sectors.In 2007, she officially joined the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) (PML-Q).
Her impactful foray into formal politics saw success in the 2008 general election, securing a seat in the National Assembly of Pakistan on a reserved seat for women from Punjab. Throughout her tenure as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA), she actively contributed to the opposition benches, holding key positions, including membership in the standing committees of Environment, Information Technology, and Kashmir.
Legislative Impact and Departure from National Assembly
Marvi Memon’s legislative contributions centered on addressing the unique challenges faced by women in both rural and urban contexts. Notable among her accomplishments are:
- The Acid and Burns Crime Legislation, which gained further recognition as the subject of Pakistan’s first Oscar-winning documentary.
- Legislative initiative for establishing the Pakistani Institute of Parliamentary Services, marking a milestone as Pakistan’s premier research and training institute for parliamentarians.
- Crafting procedures and obligations for airlines post-air crashes.
- Active involvement in the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s Flood Commission Report, a technical document addressing climate change implications and government responsibilities before and after flooding.
- Advocacy for the rights of rural women confronting honor killings.
- Strong advocacy for worker rights in the agriculture sector.
- In 2011, Marvi Memon made the decision to resign from the National Assembly and disassociated herself from the PML-Q, expressing her disagreement with the party’s decision to join the PPP-led coalition government.
- Her parliamentary experiences were encapsulated in her 2012 memoir, “My Parliamentary Diaries,” offering readers an intimate look into the day-to-day life of a parliamentarian.
Transition to PML-N and Leadership Roles
In 2012, Marvi Memon underwent a political shift, aligning herself with the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N). This transition proved successful, as she secured a seat in the National Assembly on a reserved seat for women from Sindh.
Beginning her journey with the PML-N as the Prime Minister’s Youth Wing Coordinator, Memon’s responsibilities expanded when she assumed the position of Chairperson for the Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting, and Heritage. Her tenure in this role witnessed the implementation of various reforms designed to uphold legislative oversight over the Federal Government’s Information Ministry.
In a noteworthy development in February 2015, Marvi Memon assumed the role of Chairperson for the Benazir Income Support Programme, elevating her status to that of Minister of State. This appointment marked a significant phase in her political career.
Global Involvement and Political Resilience
In April 2017, Marvi Memon broadened her horizons by joining the Advisory Council on Gender and Development at the World Bank, showcasing her commitment to international engagement.
Her role as Minister of State experienced an interruption when the federal cabinet dissolved following Nawaz Sharif’s resignation as Prime Minister. However, with the appointment of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as the new Prime Minister in August 2017,she rebounded, reclaiming her position as Minister of State in his federal cabinet. Her trajectory continued to ascend, as she was subsequently elevated to the position of federal minister within the cabinet until the dissolution of the National Assembly in May 2018.
Global Accolades for Marvi Memon
In a testament to her commitment to democratic values, Marvi Memon was awarded the Speaker’s Democracy Award by the House of Commons of the United Kingdom in March 2017.
Her international recognition continued to soar as she received the French National Order of Merit in July 2017. Bestowed by the French Ambassador to Pakistan in Islamabad, this honor acknowledged Marvi Memon’s significant contributions and influence on the global stage.
In a strategic move, Marvi Memon showcased her versatility in November 2018 by establishing the Lifelong Learners Consultancy. This consultancy firm specializes in providing services related to development, national security, women empowerment, media management, and poverty alleviation, catering to a diverse clientele including organizations, universities, governments, and corporates.