Born on March 3, 1987, Muniba Mazari Baloch, often referred to as the Iron Lady of Pakistan, is a versatile figure contributing to various fields. Beyond being an activist, she is recognized as an anchor artist, model, singer, and motivational speaker.
Muniba achieved the status of National Ambassador for UN Women Pakistan after her inclusion in the 100 Inspirational Women of 2015 by BBC, a testament to her impactful advocacy for women’s rights. Further, her achievements were acknowledged on the global stage when she earned a place on the Forbes 30 under 30 list for 2016.
Distinguished as Pakistan’s first model and anchor who uses a wheelchair, Muniba’s journey took a challenging turn at the age of 21 due to injuries sustained in a car crash. Undeterred, she has broken barriers and stereotypes, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Her presence as a host on Hum News’s social show Main Nahi Hum exemplifies her commitment to using her platform for positive social impact.
Muniba Mazari Baloch: Roots and Personal Journey
Hailing from a Baloch background, Muniba Mazari belongs to the Mazari tribe and was born on March 3, 1987, in Rahim Yar Khan, situated in southern Punjab, Pakistan. Her educational journey began at the Army Public School, and she later pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in her hometown.
At the age of 18, before completing her studies, Muniba embarked on the path of marriage. However, in 2008, her life took a drastic turn when she was involved in a serious crash that resulted in her becoming paraplegic. This life-altering incident marked a significant chapter in Muniba’s personal journey, shaping her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Life-Altering Crash and Resilient Recovery
On February 27, 2008, while traveling from Quetta to Rahim Yar Khan with her husband, Muniba Mazari Baloch faced a devastating car crash that left her with severe injuries. The impact of the crash resulted in broken bones in her arm (both radius and ulna), rib-cage, shoulder blade, collarbone, and spine. Her lungs and liver suffered deep cuts, and, tragically, her lower body was paralyzed.
The initial hospital she was taken to lacked the necessary facilities to address her critical condition. Muniba was subsequently transferred to a hospital in Rahim Yar Khan and later admitted to the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi for specialized care. Following intensive surgery, she endured a prolonged period of being bed-ridden for two years. Overcoming immense physical challenges, Muniba underwent extensive physiotherapy, eventually regaining enough mobility to use a wheelchair.
After receiving treatment for her injuries, Muniba relocated to Rawalpindi. In a remarkable turn of events, in 2011, four years after the life-altering crash, Muniba welcomed her adopted son, Nile, into her life. This period stands as a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Multifaceted Success: Artist, Activist, and Speaker
Muniba Mazari has achieved widespread acclaim across various domains, establishing herself as an artist, activist, anchor, model, singer, and motivational speaker. Although her diverse career encompasses various roles, a significant portion of her professional journey revolves around painting and motivational speaking.
In 2015, while pursuing her passion for painting, Muniba took on a role managing Areeb Azhar’s Facebook page for a monthly wage. Simultaneously, she engaged in a startup project called Dheeray Bolo (Speak Slowly) at her son’s school, contributing to the teaching of Urdu in multiple educational institutions. Her TED talk caught the attention of Mohammad Malick, the managing director of Pakistan Television (PTV), leading to an opportunity for her to work at PTV.
Adding to her diverse portfolio, Muniba worked with Clown Town in September 2014, where she had the chance to collaborate with both children and the elderly, showcasing her versatility and commitment to making a positive impact through various mediums.
Recognition and Engagements
In addition to her impactful career, Muniba Mazari has received noteworthy recognition and engaged in meaningful initiatives:
- Pond’s selected her as the Pond’s Miracle Woman, celebrating her resilience and achievements.
- Toni & Guy, an international hairdressing salon, broke barriers by choosing Muniba as the first-ever wheelchair-using model in Asia. Her campaign with them, titled “Women of Substance,” marked a significant milestone.
- Muniba actively participated in Dil Say Pakistan’s campaign, contributing to the promotion of patriotism and unity in Pakistan. Her involvement included singing, and she featured in a YouTube video as part of their Independence Day campaign in August 2017.
- In June 2019, Muniba received an appointment from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, to join Pakistan’s inaugural National Youth Council, reflecting her commitment to national development and youth empowerment.
Artistic Journey and Exhibitions
Muniba Mazari’s artistic journey commenced on her hospital bed, where she began expressing herself through painting. Utilizing acrylics on canvas as her chosen medium, she established her own art brand, Muniba’s Canvas, with the motivating slogan “Let Your Walls Wear Colours.”
This talented artist has showcased her creations in various exhibitions, demonstrating her unique perspective and artistic prowess. One notable event was a six-day exhibition held in Lahore from April 19 to April 24, 2016, at Collectors Galleria. The exhibition featured 27 of Muniba’s acrylic paintings, providing a captivating glimpse into her vibrant and emotive artwork.
Taking her art to an international audience, Muniba participated in her first international exhibition titled “And I Choose To Live” in Dubai. The two-day exhibition, hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan, Poetic Strokes, and The Collectors Galleria, Lahore, was inaugurated by Moazzam Ahmad Khan, the Pakistani ambassador to the UAE, further expanding the reach of Muniba’s artistic expression.
Motivational Speaking Engagements
Muniba Mazari has emerged as a dynamic motivational speaker, sharing her inspiring story and insights on various platforms. Her initial breakthrough came with a TED Talks event in Islamabad. Some of her notable speaking engagements include:
- Entrepreneurs’ Organization Network, Pakistan.
- Delivering a motivational speech at Army Public School, Peshawar, and Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar. She also collaborated with singer/songwriter and producer Jamshaid to perform “Ye Watan Tumhara Hai” by Mehdi Hassan.
- Participation in the Leader’s Summit.
- Delivering a motivational speech at Bank Alfalah Training Centre in Lahore.
- Invited as a guest to Women Entrepreneurship Day at the National University of Sciences & Technology Business School.
- Discussing social entrepreneurship at the Youth Alumni Reunion 2014.
- Engagement with the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).
- Participation in VCon Malaysia and Vcon Dubai.
- Through these engagements, Muniba has used her voice to inspire and uplift audiences across diverse platforms and events.