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What makes a lawyer from Peshawar a trailblazer in Pakistani politics? Meet Shandana Gulzar Khan, a dynamic politician who’s shaking things up in Pakistan’s National Assembly. As a proud member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Shandana has become a household name for her bold voice, dedication to women’s rights, and global presence. From her historic election as the first woman from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to win a general seat in the National Assembly to her fiery speeches against injustice, she’s a force to be reckoned with. Why is she so influential? Let’s dive into her journey and find out what makes Shandana Gulzar a standout figure in Pakistani politics.
Early Life and Education
Shandana Gulzar Khan was born on December 6, 1975, in Badaber, Peshawar, a vibrant city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Growing up in a family with a strong political legacy—her father, Gulzar Khan, was a respected bureaucrat and politician—she learned the value of public service early on. Her father’s work as Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar and a PTI politician inspired her to dream big.
Shandana was a brilliant student. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Peshawar, where she shone as a gold medalist. But she didn’t stop there. Thanks to the prestigious Lady Noon Scholarship, she headed to the University of Cambridge in 2001 to pursue a Master’s degree in International Trade and Economic Laws. Imagine moving from Peshawar to Cambridge—what a leap! Her education gave her a deep understanding of global trade and law, skills she’d later use to shape Pakistan’s policies.
Her academic journey wasn’t just about degrees. It shaped her worldview, teaching her how laws and policies can change lives. This foundation would later fuel her passion for justice and equality in politics.
Entry into Politics
Shandana’s political journey began in 2018 when she joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a party led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Why PTI? She believed in their vision of a corruption-free, progressive Pakistan. Her legal background and experience in international trade made her a perfect fit for a party pushing for reform.
In the 2018 general elections, Shandana was elected to the National Assembly on a reserved seat for women from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It was a big moment—not just for her, but for women in her province, where politics has often been male-dominated. Soon after, Prime Minister Imran Khan appointed her as Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce on September 27, 2018. This role put her in charge of helping shape Pakistan’s trade policies—a job she tackled with her trademark energy.
Parliamentary Career
Shandana’s time in the National Assembly has been nothing short of remarkable. From 2018 to 2022, she served as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA), representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In February 2024, she made history again by becoming the first woman from her province to win a general seat (NA-30 Peshawar) in the National Assembly. This was a huge deal—breaking barriers in a region where women rarely contest general seats.
As Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce, Shandana worked on policies to boost Pakistan’s economy. She focused on making trade fairer and supporting small businesses, which are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. She also served on three key National Assembly committees:
- Standing Committee on Privatization: Ensuring government assets are managed wisely.
- Standing Committee on Planning, Development, and Reform: Shaping Pakistan’s growth plans.
- Standing Committee on Industries and Production: Supporting local industries.
Her work didn’t go unnoticed. In 2019, she was elected Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), a global network of women lawmakers, for a three-year term. This role put her on the world stage, representing Pakistan at international conferences like the 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Kampala, Uganda.
Advocacy for Women Empowerment
Shandana is a fierce advocate for women’s rights. She believes that empowering women is key to Pakistan’s progress. As Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (2019–2022), she pushed for more women in politics across Commonwealth countries. She spoke passionately about breaking the “glass ceiling” that holds women back in male-dominated fields like politics.
In Pakistan, she’s worked on laws to protect women, including efforts to stop child marriage and improve opportunities for female farmers. She’s also part of the Parliamentary Taskforce on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), focusing on SDG 5—gender equality. Shandana has called for women-sensitive budgets and trade agreements that consider women’s needs. Her work as a legal activist before politics, including supporting women after incarceration, shows her long-standing commitment to justice.
Her speeches are inspiring. In one interview, she said, “Women are the backbone of Pakistan’s agriculture and economy. We need to give them the tools to thrive.” Her efforts have encouraged more women to step into politics, proving that change is possible even in conservative areas.
Comparison Table: Shandana Gulzar vs. Other PTI Women Leaders
| Leader | Key Role | Achievements | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shandana Gulzar | MNA, Chairperson CWP (2019–2022) | First Khyber Pakhtunkhwa woman on general seat, trade policy reforms | Women empowerment, international trade |
| Zartaj Gul | Former Minister for Climate Change | Environmental policies, youth engagement | Climate change, public outreach |
| Suraya Bibi | MNA (PTI-backed, 2024) | Represented Chitral in National Assembly | Regional representation |
This table shows Shandana’s unique focus on women’s empowerment and trade, setting her apart from other PTI leaders.
International Representation
Shandana’s expertise in international trade has made her a key player on the global stage. Before entering politics, she worked as Pakistan’s negotiator at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva from 2006 to 2013. She advised on complex issues like Dispute Settlement Understanding and TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights). Her work helped Pakistan navigate global trade rules and protect its interests.
As a politician, she’s represented Pakistan at forums like the OECD Global Parliamentary Network and the World Economic Forum. Her speeches at these events highlight Pakistan’s potential in trade and women’s empowerment. She’s also worked on strengthening ties with other countries through the Pak-Afghan Friendship Group, promoting peace and commerce.
Her global experience makes her a bridge between Pakistan and the world, bringing international best practices back home to improve policies.
Key Achievements
Shandana’s career is full of milestones:
- Historic Election: First woman from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to win a general seat in the National Assembly (2024).
- Leadership in CWP: Elected Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (2019–2022), advocating for women’s political participation globally.
- Trade Policy Reforms: As Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce, she worked on policies to support small businesses and fair trade.
- Legislative Work: Contributed to laws on child marriage and agricultural modernization, focusing on women and small-scale farmers.
- Recognition: Praised for her articulate and informed approach, earning respect at home and abroad (e.g., Gulf News called her a “perfect example of a 2021 parliamentarian”).
Her ability to combine legal expertise with political action has made her a standout leader.
Challenges and Controversies
Shandana’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. In April 2022, when Prime Minister Imran Khan lost a no-confidence vote, she resigned from the National Assembly on his orders, along with other PTI members. The new government initially refused her resignation, but it was accepted in July 2022. This was a tough period, as PTI faced political turmoil.
In 2023, Shandana faced a sedition case for allegedly “inciting violence” against state institutions. She had criticized the Shehbaz Sharif government, claiming it was “fuelling terrorism” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after a deadly Peshawar mosque blast. The case, filed under Pakistan Penal Code sections 153A, 124A, and 505, sparked debate. PTI supporters rallied behind her, calling it an attempt to silence her bold voice,. The case remains unresolved, with her interim bail extended until January 2025.
Despite these challenges, Shandana has stayed outspoken, using platforms like X to protest issues like drone attacks and election fraud,. Her courage has won her both fans and critics.
Current Status and Future Prospects
As of July 2025, Shandana Gulzar remains a key figure in PTI and a core member of its committee. She’s actively serving as an MNA, representing NA-30 Peshawar. Her recent posts on X highlight her commitment to human rights and justice, calling out violations and advocating for PTI leader Imran Khan’s release.
Looking ahead, Shandana’s future in Pakistani politics looks bright. Her historic 2024 election win shows her strong voter base, and her global experience makes her a candidate for higher roles, perhaps in trade or foreign affairs. She’s also likely to continue pushing for women’s rights, inspiring a new generation of female leaders.
Could she become a minister or even a global envoy for Pakistan? With her track record, anything’s possible. Her focus on practical solutions—like supporting farmers and women—makes her a leader to watch.
FAQs
Q: Who is Shandana Gulzar?
A: Shandana Gulzar Khan is a Pakistani politician, PTI member, and MNA from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, known for her work in women’s empowerment and trade policy.
Q: What is Shandana Gulzar’s education?
A: She holds a Bachelor’s in Law from the University of Peshawar and a Master’s in International Trade and Economic Laws from the University of Cambridge.
Q: Why is Shandana Gulzar famous?
A: She’s famous for being the first woman from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to win a general seat in the National Assembly and for her advocacy for women’s rights.
Q: Has Shandana Gulzar faced any controversies?
A: Yes, she faced a sedition case in 2023 for comments against the government, but she remains a vocal PTI leader.
Sources:
- Wikipedia: Shandana Gulzar
- Dawn: Nadia Gulzar Khan’s allegations
- Express Tribune: Sedition case against Shandana
- UrduPoint: Bail extension for Shandana
- PTI official website
- Gulf News interview