A Pakistani woman can do anything given the opportunity. My excitement at meeting Squadron Leader Saira Amin will never fade. Here was a woman with great distinction and courage serving her country with dedication. I must thank the Pakistan Air Force for setting up the talk.
How would you define yourself?
My name is Squadron Leader Saira Amin. I am a Pakistani fighter pilot. I come from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, belonging to a Pathan family. The roles I have played have varied. I’m a daughter, a wife and a mother of three. I am presently flying Phenom 100 and Yankee 12 as captain.
My training:
I did my Secondary School Certificate from Federal Government School, Peshawar and the Higher Secondary School Certificate (pre-medical) from the Army Public College, Peshawar. After that I joined the PAF Academy, Risalpur where I stayed for a year and a half and studied various subjects related to flying and completed my BSc in aero sciences. After that, I reported to the Primary Flying Training Wing for training on Super Mushshak aircraft. This was the start of a new era for my class and me. After six months of training in the PFT wing, our course reported to the basic flying training wing and we started flying T-37 aircraft. We had a one-year training on T-37 to complete our basic pilot training requirement after which I graduated as a general duty pilot.
My training did not end there it was the start of my training to become a fighter pilot. I reported to the Fighter Conversion Unit after graduation and underwent seven months training on Karakoram 8, the advanced jet trainer aircraft. I learnt the basics of fighter flying. When I was ready to be on a fighter aircraft, I went to Mianwali for my operational conversion on F-7 fighter jet. That was the first time I flew a fighter aircraft and became the first Pakistani woman to fly a fighter aircraft.
After my operational conversion course I reported to No 14 Fighter Squadron. The final step was training to become a ‘war ready’ pilot. By the grace of Allah Almighty, after completing all courses and training, I became the first female fighter pilot of the PAF.
I must say that our training never stops, we are continuously learning to improve our skills and routinely undergo training. It is a continuous effort to become the best and remain the best.
A passion that became a reality
It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together. I was passionate about flying and my childhood dream was to become a pilot. When I got the opportunity to study and take it further, it was a childhood dream that was fulfilled. It’s now been 13 years in this profession. Alhamdulillah, I feel blessed that Allah Almighty has given me so much and made me able to serve my nation in this way.
The journey that brought me here
When our training started initially, the routine of academy was very tough on me. It was physically difficult to cope with the rigorous routine. The PAF Academy girls really had to put in their best to qualify and come up to standards set for their male colleagues. The competition was quite tough as males do not have to prove themselves in the field of flying, but the females batch were the pioneers in the profession. We carried the responsibility of proving that ‘women can fly’, putting in 200 per cent in everything.
Our routine was exceedingly tough and it kept us very busy. We became experts in multi-tasking as we had to fly, study, do parades, take part in games and were even belted out disciplinary punishments, all within the span of 24 hours. However, the academy life also gave me the discipline and the focus with which I was able to manage so many things together.
When we started out there were 50 of us and by the time I completed my flying training, 38 were left behind as they did not fulfill the desired standards. Out of the 12 successful ones two were female. I was one of the two.
The resolve
My entire journey has been one big challenge. I had to make a promise to myself that I would finish what I started. Yes, there were moments when I thought that perhaps I was not capable of doing it, but I was blessed to have a father who was always there to boost my morale. The academy and the armed forces were the other motivating factors.
As women, we had to cross many physical and social barriers during the course. I am from a Pathan family where it is highly unlikely for a woman to enter a male-dominated career. But the academy made it easy they trained us, they guided us and I made it.
Yes, after marriage, a woman in our society faces difficulties, and yes, there is a great demand on her time there were certainly a lot of sacrifices to be made and many roles to be played. In our society, there is a lot of pressure and a female has to put in double efforts as compared to a male. But I am here today with the support not only of my family but also of the PAF. And I stand here today, serving my nation.
People who surround me
I wouldn’t have gotten to this point in my life if I didn’t have my family behind me. Although some of my relatives were against my joining the PAF my father was the man behind me at every step. A retired naval officer, he understood the drive and knew that I was determined to do this, and he supported me financially and emotionally. As a primary motivational force he guided me through everything. Today, at whatever position I am, it is because of him.
To continue with such a challenging profession it’s almost impossible without the support of a good and understanding partner in life. Even though he is a civilian, my husband understands the profession I am in and he has always given me the freedom to make decisions regarding my professional life and my choice of career.
How I feel when I am flying
The sense of elation is indescribable. This is something every pilot will tell you. It is a very personal experience as well. Once you are in the air, there is no feeling on ground that matches that. I feel alive in the air flying an aircraft that is under my control, responding to my input, and above all, I feel very close to Allah. The risky profession I am in has strengthened my belief in Allah. Every day of my life in the air, there is a risk involved and every time I am up in the air I feel blessed to be alive to be able to do this.
Awards and recognition
Within the initial year and a half year of my studies in flying, I achieved a Golden Pointer in ground studies (Golden Pointer is a first position holder in the course). I also received trophies for being the best in academics and the Asghar Khan Trophy.
The turning point was the moment not only for me but also for all women in the armed forces in Pakistan when I was bestowed the most coveted Sword of Honour. The Sword of Honour is the highest award for achieving an overall top performance in academics, flying and general service training. I am the first female to get this award in any military academy.
I became the first woman to fly a fighter jet, and the first ever woman operational pilot in the history of Pakistan.
My Pakistan and my role as a Pakistani
My loyalty to Pakistan is apparent by my choice of profession. I am ready to lay down my life for the sovereignty of Pakistan.
Message for the nation
Literacy and education are two things we must focus on for our women to progress. Women empowerment, employment, decision-making and individuality will follow. Social presence of Pakistani women is much more significant today. Until lately, they were shadowed by patriarchal dominance. The contemporary woman has moved beyond social boundaries to emerge as a triumphant leader for tomorrow. Not only has she taken up courageous roles in society, her individuality as a woman has now taken a new meaning. We must empower our women by educating and supporting them. My message for the future leaders is that we must follow our passion, but nothing will come easy. Everything can be achieved, but we must strive hard for it.
