Member of the Punjab Assembly, Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Development and Focal Person to the CM for Garment City, Saadia Temur wears many hats. Her journey into politics is as inspiring as it is transformative. Her flair for event planning caught the eye of Maryam Nawaz when she began organising party events with creativity and elegance, turning dull, conventional meetings into vibrant, tastefully decorated gatherings.
With a wealth of connections spanning diverse sectors, Saadia has become a dynamic force within PML-N. In this candid conversation with Horizon, she reflects on her remarkable journey, the challenges she overcame, and her commitment to creating meaningful change for women and society.
Horizon: Thank you for taking the time to give us this interview for our magazine.
Saadia Temur (ST): I’m grateful to the Horizon team for selecting me and showing interest in my work.
Horizon: Where were you born, and where did you study?
ST: I was born in Lahore, where my maternal and paternal families lived in the Mugha. I received my education in Lahore. A child’s first ideal figures are their parents. My grandfather, Chaudhry Hassan, was a prominent contractor of his time and very active in social welfare. When I was little, people would come to him at night with various issues, and I observed how they all said, “Mian Ji, you have to decide.” This ingrained in me the idea that serving others earns you respect.
When I was 10, my father passed away suddenly, leaving my mother widowed at just 26 years old, with my younger brother only a year old. Despite her young age, my mother decided to take action. She started a school in a building she inherited from her father. Over time, this grew into a system educating 5,000 children. All of us siblings have learned from her strength and perseverance. She always said, “Let your work speak for you.” I pass this same principle on to my children today.
I completed my master’s in journalism, which led me to work in media with reputed organisations before transitioning to the field of event management. I’ve also worked extensively in skill development through centres affiliated with our school system.
Horizon: How did you enter politics?
ST: My husband’s work as a national manager in a pharmaceutical company allowed me to travel across Balochistan and Sindh. I’ve always enjoyed meeting people from diverse backgrounds, learning from them, and building connections. This became a foundation for my political career. During a welfare event, I met Khawaja Imran Nazir, the general secretary of PML-N Lahore, who invited me to join the party, citing the need for women in political roles. This marked the start of my political journey. In 2014, Hamza Shahbaz recognised my work and appointed me as the general secretary of PML-N’s professional wing in Lahore. Along with Khawaja Shahzeb Akram, we connected business and professional communities with the party. This initiative brought various sectors into political dialogue and advocacy. I also served as a convener for the Pakistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce across three terms and worked on Shehbaz Sharif’s Hepatitis-Free Punjab project, focusing on raising awareness and facilitating access to treatment in underserved areas.
Horizon: You’ve been a member of the Punjab Assembly since 2018. Can you share your experience?
ST: I became an MPA for the first time in 2018 when PML-N was in opposition. I worked closely with Hamza Shahbaz, ensuring I attended every court hearing and fulfilled every party assignment. I was present at every by-election across Punjab, supporting our candidates and interacting with the public. I maintained perfect attendance in the Punjab Assembly. My dedication earned me immense respect within the party.
Horizon: You’ve done a lot for women within the party. Can you elaborate?
ST: When Maryam Nawaz was appointed Chief Organiser of the party, she made me president of the Women’s Wing Lahore. Under her leadership, the wing became more organised, and we worked tirelessly to engage more women with the party, especially in preparation for the 2024 general elections. I was re-elected as an MPA and made the Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Development and Focal Person to the CM for Garment City. These roles have allowed me to economically and politically address women’s empowerment.
Horizon: Can you share your views on Maryam Nawaz’s leadership?
ST: Maryam Nawaz brings unparalleled energy and dedication to PML-N. People rightly call her the political heir of Mian Nawaz Sharif. She works tirelessly, addressing concerns at any hour. She has initiated over 100 successful projects in Punjab, making her a role model. My entire political career revolves around her mentorship, which has made my political dreams a reality.
Horizon: What projects are currently underway for women’s welfare?
ST: Several initiatives are in progress. One of our significant projects focuses on improving the condition of women’s hostels. Punjab currently has 16 such hostels, which are in a dilapidated state. We have begun renovating these facilities and are actively working to establish more hostels across the province, to provide safe and secure accommodations for women, who work far from their homes.
Another important project is the expansion of daycare centres at workplaces. Recognising that childcare often hinders women from working, the chief minister has taken a significant step to ensure that daycare centres are established at workplaces across Punjab. Soon, you’ll see these centres becoming a common feature.
We are establishing skill development centres in 18 universities across Punjab. These centres will function as women’s incubators and accelerators, where female students can bring their plans and receive comprehensive guidance. The goal is to equip women with practical skills and career counselling upon graduation.
The chief minister has prioritised mental health as a key area for women’s well-being. We are launching free mental health counselling services in universities and through private channels. Additionally, we will conduct awareness campaigns and seminars to address issues like stress, anxiety, and depression. These initiatives aim to give women the tools and support they need to lead healthier, more balanced lives.
A significant step towards women’s safety is the introduction of the “Safety Button.” Women travelling alone or feeling unsafe in any situation can press this button, immediately notify relevant authorities and receive rapid assistance. Furthermore, the Women Protection Authority, led by Chairperson Hina Butt, is actively working on issues like harassment and domestic violence, ensuring strict action and support mechanisms for affected women.
Horizon: Tell us about the Garment City project.
ST: Garment City is a groundbreaking initiative for women’s economic empowerment. Located in the Lahore Industrial Estate near Kala Shah Kaku, it’s designed as an industrial hub with an integrated vocational training centre. We collaborated with TEVTA to launch a pilot project training 30 women in textile operations. These women were provided stipends, transportation, and promised job placements after the training. It’s heartening to see these women, many from rural areas, without a matric certificate, now earning Rs. 60,000 monthly in a prominent textile mill.
The success of this pilot has led us to scale the project. From January, we’ll train 1,000 women in two shifts daily, aiming to prepare 5,000 women annually for industry roles. Additionally, we’re establishing labour colonies and facilitating microloans for those who wish to start home-based businesses. This model is expected to revolutionise women’s economic participation in Punjab.
Horizon: You’ve worked both in opposition and government. What has your experience been as a woman in politics?
ST: PML-N is the only party that has consistently empowered women and given them respect. For instance, the Women Development Department was established during Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure. I’ve always felt safe and supported by my male colleagues, who have stood by us like a wall. However, during PTI’s government, women’s empowerment was absent. They didn’t appoint a single woman as a parliamentary secretary or member of a standing committee in Punjab. In contrast, Maryam Nawaz has empowered countless women, making them a visible force in politics.
Horizon: How do you manage family and work?
ST: My husband and late mother always supported me. Despite my husband’s feudal background, he encouraged me to pursue my ambitions. My children have also grown up to appreciate and participate in my work, which makes balancing responsibilities easier.
Horizon: Any hobbies?
ST: I love travelling and exploring. Though political commitments have limited my leisure travel recently, my work has allowed me to visit various places and meet amazing people.
Horizon: What can we expect from your department in the coming months?
ST: We aim to revitalise the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women and integrate all women-focused initiatives under one roof in a new office building. A dedicated convention centre is also being established for seminars and events. These initiatives will empower women across Punjab and set new milestones for their development.
Horizon: Thank you for your time.
ST: It was a pleasure talking to you.
