Pakistan’s First Female Firefighter Defies Odds in Karachi’s Blazes
Syeda Masooma Zaidi, a 23-year-old woman, is making waves as a firefighter in Karachi, Pakistan. She is one of the few women in this male-dominated profession, where they represent less than 1% of the total force. Zaidi has proven her mettle, saving lives and property despite initial doubts from the public.
Zaidi's journey began at the Punjab Rescue Service Academy, where she honed her skills in high-angle rescues and various fire and water emergencies. She joins a growing number of women trained as lifeguards, paramedics, or emergency responders in Sindh province, totalling 181 specialists.
Recently, Zaidi and her team tackled a significant fire at a tire storage facility in Karachi's industrial zone. Their swift action saved nearby factories and prevented loss of life, with damages estimated in the millions of Pakistani rupees. Zaidi's courage, duty, and faith drive her daily work, demonstrating that gender is no barrier to bravery.
Her fellow firefighter Areeba Taj and supervisor Ayesha Farooq praise Zaidi's unique strengths, highlighting the valuable contributions women bring to rescue services, especially when victims include women and children.
Syeda Masooma Zaidi continues to break barriers as a woman firefighter in Pakistan. Her successful rescue missions, including the tire storage facility fire, have silenced doubters and proven her worth. With more women like Zaidi joining the ranks, the rescue services in Pakistan are becoming more inclusive and effective.
