Pakistan’s Hadiqa Kiani and Mahrang Baloch Secure Spot in BBC 100 Women 2024

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has announced its 100 Women for 2024 list, which features two distinguished individuals from Pakistan, signifying a moment of pride for the nation.

Renowned Pakistani vocalist and songwriter Hadiqa Kiani, along with medical doctor and political activist Mahrang Baloch, both of whom have made substantial contributions to society, were acknowledged alongside a varied assembly of international influencers.

The global influencers comprised stranded astronaut Sunita Williams, rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot, actress Sharon Stone, Olympic athletes Rebeca Andrade and Allyson Felix, singer Raye, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, visual artist Tracey Emin, climate activist Adenike Oladosu, and writer Cristina Rivera Garza, among others.

The list recognizes the significant impact this year has had on women by honoring those who, through their resilience, are advocating for change amidst the evolving global landscape.

What Sets Kiani and Baloch Apart as Influential and Inspiring Figures?

Emerging into prominence in the 1990s, Kiani quickly garnered recognition for her multifaceted vocal abilities, establishing herself as a significant figure among Pakistan’s musical icons. She was renowned within the South Asian female mainstream music landscape.

However, music may not be the sole passion she has pursued, as she is also recognized for her significant contributions to humanitarian endeavors. She additionally holds the position of goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.

As reported by the BBC, in reaction to the catastrophic floods that occurred in Pakistan in 2022, Kiani initiated the Vaseela-e-Raah initiative, which is specifically aimed at assisting the victims in the areas of Balochistan and South Punjab.

She implored the public to extend their support to families who have been displaced, and last year, the initiative reported the construction of 370 residences and additional facilities in the impacted regions.

On the other hand, Baloch is one of the numerous women throughout Pakistan who participated in protests against purported enforced disappearances in Balochistan.

In late 2023, Baloch spearheaded a march comprising hundreds of women, traversing a distance of 1,600 kilometers to Islamabad, to solicit information regarding the whereabouts of their missing family members. She was apprehended on two occasions throughout the course of the voyage.
Since that time, the medical specialist has emerged as a prominent activist, leading her own human rights organization, the Baloch Yakjehti (Unity) Committee (BYC).

Furthermore, her contributions to the domain of human rights were acknowledged in the TIME100 Next 2024 list, which highlights emerging influencers.