DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Adviser to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Samar Haroon Bilour has urged young women to believe in themselves, dream big and pursue their ambitions with confidence, hard work and determination.
She was speaking as chief guest at an Iqbal Day ceremony at Government Girls Degree College, Zaryab Colony, Peshawar, where she shared her personal experiences and encouraged students to overcome challenges through education, courage and perseverance.
She said young women in Peshawar had immense talent and potential to excel in every field. Sharing her life experiences, she said her journey demonstrated that determination and resilience could help people overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
Recounting personal tragedies, Samar Haroon Bilour said she got married at the age of 18 while still a student. Her father-in-law, Shaheed Bashir Ahmed Bilour, was killed in a terrorist attack, and nearly five years later, her husband, Shaheed Haroon Bilour, also lost his life in a terrorist attack. Despite these losses, she remained steadfast and took responsibility for raising her children and supporting her family.
She said their adversaries had resorted to cowardly attacks under the cover of darkness, but her family had always faced challenges with courage and determination.
Recalling her entry into electoral politics, she said she decided to contest the election from her late husband’s constituency at the insistence of her children. Although many people had told her that a woman could not win an election in Peshawar’s Pashtun society, she chose to take the first step and assert her rights.
She recalled that during her election campaign, publicity materials mostly carried the title “Begum Haroon Bilour” rather than her own name and photograph. Today, she said, people themselves displayed billboards bearing her name and pictures. She added that the people of Peshawar had elected her twice.
The adviser said meaningful social change required someone to take the first step. She urged students not to let social conventions, criticism or other people’s opinions stand in the way of their ambitions.
Referring to the situation of women in a neighbouring country, she said the restrictions imposed on women’s education and professional opportunities there highlighted the importance of protecting women’s rights, freedom and access to education.
She stressed that safeguarding women’s opportunities to participate in practical life was a collective responsibility, adding that obstructing the progress of even one woman ultimately affected society as a whole.
Samar Haroon Bilour said women could pursue professional careers while fulfilling their family responsibilities. She encouraged students to set clear goals and explore opportunities in politics, police, armed forces, civil services and other professions, emphasising that hard work and dedication were essential for success.
Citing the services of Ms Wazir in Peshawar, she said she was an example of women’s professional commitment and dedication to public service, noting that she continued performing her official duties on the streets until 2am.
Expressing confidence in the students, she hoped they would excel in their chosen fields and contribute to society. She advised them to remain determined and work consistently to turn their dreams into reality.
On Iqbal Day, she said the philosophy, vision and poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal continued to guide the younger generation. She urged students to draw inspiration from his teachings and put his ideas into practice.
She also congratulated the college principal and administration on organising the ceremony.
