As the PML-N Women’s Wing president in Punjab, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar has played a pivotal role in strengthening women’s political participation. She has worked tirelessly to expand the party’s grassroots network, having been entrusted with this responsibility by Ms Maryam Nawaz. In addition to leading the Women’s Wing, she also serves as the president of the Young Parliamentarians Forum in the National Assembly, advocating for youth empowerment and legislative reforms. Her contributions extend further as a member of key parliamentary committees, including Human Rights, Interior, Federal Education, and Energy & Power. In an exclusive conversation with Horizon, she shared insights into her journey, challenges, and vision for the future.
Horizon: Where were you born, and what is your educational and professional background?
SNI: I was born in Lahore but raised in Sialkot, where I completed the entirety of my educational journey. I pursued my master’s degree in MBA from UMT but had to drop out due to my grandmother’s health issues. Later, I shifted back to Sialkot and continued my career there. After completing my MBA with a focus on marketing, I was offered a position as Assistant Manager at HBFC, a significant step since women in my family were traditionally not encouraged to work. Despite coming from a conservative family, my mother was incredibly supportive. I convinced my father, who eventually agreed and allowed me to pursue my professional aspirations. I then worked as a Regional Quality Assurance Manager for the Bank of Punjab, covering the entire Gujranwala division. I have gained valuable experience in the banking sector, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way.
Horizon: Tell us about your father and his legacy.
SNI: My father, Syed Iftikhar Ul Hassan, joined hands with Mian Nawaz Sharif in 1985. He contested and won eight elections and never switched parties, even under immense pressure. He always said he could leave politics but would never leave Nawaz Sharif. This loyalty earned him immense respect. During COVID-19, he refused to abandon his people, ultimately losing his life to the virus in 2020. I am proud of his legacy and hope to continue his mission with the same dedication.
Horizon: Were you mentally prepared for politics after your father’s passing? Did you already have the necessary skill set?
SNI: My father was deeply connected to the grassroots level. My grandfather was also a politician. Growing up in such an environment, I observed and learned much, including politicians’ hardships, from NAB cases to military rule. My father endured it all. While I never had a personal desire to enter politics, before his passing, my father expressed his wish that if anyone from our family were to continue his political legacy, it should be me. He believed I was capable, and that is how my political journey began.
Horizon: The by-election in Daska became a major national headline in 2021. How was that experience for you?
SNI: It was an incredibly challenging experience. The PTI-led administration tried every means to manipulate the election, but I am grateful for the unwavering support from the people of Daska. The February 2021 by-election was my first electoral contest. That election was declared void, but I contested again in April 2021 and won the seat. In 2024, I contested for the third time, winning again. Contesting three elections in three years is no small feat, but I am grateful for my success. The first by-election was particularly difficult, like a nightmare. However, I had the party’s support, especially Ms Maryam Nawaz, who stood by me throughout. It was a valuable learning experience.
Horizon: You are among the few women elected through direct constituency politics. How have you built your grassroots support?
SNI: My father’s political base, which consisted of Nawaz Sharif’s voters, never abandoned me. I have maintained close connections with my constituents — attending weddings, funerals, community meetings, and rallies. Daska’s rallies are among the largest and most vibrant because the people have fully accepted me as their representative. I currently serve as the President of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF), and when I visit other provinces, people take pride in knowing that someone from Daska is representing them. This trust and recognition motivate me to work even harder.
Horizon: In constituency politics, many issues are related to law enforcement and civic problems. Do women feel more comfortable approaching you with their concerns?
SNI: Absolutely. Women make up half of my voters, and I believe they voted for me in greater numbers than men. Women in my constituency face numerous challenges, such as inheritance disputes, pressure from in-laws after a husband’s death, harassment, and blackmail. They feel comfortable approaching me with these issues. I ensure that women do not have to visit police stations repeatedly for justice. I directly coordinate with law enforcement when needed because I understand how crucial protecting women’s rights is. While the conversation around women’s empowerment grows, female leadership is still not widely accepted. I hope to work on legislation that will create lasting protections for women.
Horizon: The PML-N Women’s Wing was restructured before the elections. What was your role in that process?
SNI: For the first time, I travelled across Pakistan to reorganise the Women’s Wing at the grassroots level. We structured it down to the UC and ward levels. We now have 60,000 officially designated women members working for PML-N in various capacities. Ms Maryam Nawaz conducted large conventions, mobilising women in massive numbers. This was unprecedented. I requested a free hand to implement reforms, and with Ms Nawaz’s trust and support, we successfully built a strong, structured women’s network.
Horizon: What legislative work is currently underway in Parliament, particularly within the Young Parliamentarians Forum?
SNI: The YPF was founded in 2008 by KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, the then deputy speaker of the National Assembly, and Anusha Rahman. Our current speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, has now revitalised it. The forum is for members of parliament under 45, and we have over 300 young parliamentarians nationwide. It focuses on effective legislation concerning youth employment, education, scholarships, and national unity. Unfortunately, misinformation and fake news on social media are negatively shaping young minds. Our goal is to counter this with awareness campaigns and legislative measures. We also emphasise nationalism because our national identity must come before political affiliations.
Horizon: How do you balance your demanding political career with your family life?
SNI: Family time is limited in politics. When I feel exhausted, I take a week off for Umrah. Otherwise, I dedicate Fridays and Saturday evenings to my children. Sundays are intense workdays, often lasting 14 hours. Managing a political career while ensuring my children receive attention is challenging, but their father is very supportive.
Horizon: What message do you have for the youth?
SNI: My father used to say, “If Pakistan exists, we exist.” This independent nation is a divine blessing. When you travel abroad, you realise that no place will ever accept you as its own. My message is to be positive, contribute to your country’s progress, and uphold national unity. Prioritise truth over fake news and use social media responsibly. A single piece of misinformation can destroy lives.
Horizon: Thank you for your time and valuable insights.
SNI: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure speaking with Horizon.
