Pakistan graduates first ever women fighter pilots

Grimmlok · March 30th, 2006, 03:42 PM

Go females, it's your birthday..

Quote:

The Pakistani Air Force (PAF) has inducted four women as fighter pilots for the first time.

The women were part of a batch of 36 cadets who were awarded flying badges after three years of gruelling training at the PAF academy at Risalpur.

Being a fighter pilot has until now been a purely male domain. Women could join the armed forces but only for non-combat jobs like the medical corps.

Three years ago the PAF decided to allow women to train as fighter pilots.

It was a passing out parade with a difference. Never before had any woman been part of the batch of fighter pilots being awarded flying badges.

And the difference was recognised by the vice chief of the army, Gen Ahsan Saleem Hayat, who handed out the certificates of honour to the successful men and women cadets.

Expressing his delight, Gen Hayat said the air force had taken the lead to induct women in the combat units of the armed forces.

When the BBC visited the training academy nearly a year ago, the first batch of four women cadets had just moved on to fly jet-engine planes.

There were six others who were in the second batch and a few others in the aerospace unit.

Although these trailblazers were few in number, many instructors admitted their presence was already being felt.

One of the female cadets and now a fighter pilot, Saba Khan, then told the BBC that joining the air force to become a pilot was like a dream come true.

Other female cadets were equally excited.

At the passing out, one of the graduating women flying officers, Nadia Gul, received the trophy for best academic achievement along with two of her male colleagues who got trophies for best flying performance and general duties.

The air force academy is still male-dominated, and it is not clear what the real feelings of the male cadets have been to the induction of women into the fighter pilot programme. Officially, most have welcomed the move.

Even so, the fact that four women are now officially fighter pilots is a clear indication that the new policy of opening up the combat units of the Pakistani armed forces for women is here to stay.

Delphinium · April 1st, 2006, 01:28 PM

While that is great and all, what happens when their parents arrange their marriage?

LynnieD · April 1st, 2006, 02:18 PM

Aww...isn't that nice?? Look at the little pilot! Aww.....so cute!

Barbara · April 1st, 2006, 02:20 PM

They probably didn't have enough men volunteering....
I never see women in the Army as a progress

Grimmlok · April 1st, 2006, 04:57 PM

It is for gender equality.

Secondly, I doubt these particular women have ANYTHING about their lives "arranged".

SVZ · April 1st, 2006, 04:59 PM

you know in the future most doctors will be female?

Delphinium · April 2nd, 2006, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimmlok

It is for gender equality.

Secondly, I doubt these particular women have ANYTHING about their lives "arranged".

I bet they do end up in arranged marriages. and perhaps they are going to be used as kamikaze so the more valuable men will be exposed to less risk. I'm a cynic when it comes to these things.

A*O · April 2nd, 2006, 07:59 AM

Durka! Durka!!

Grimmlok · April 2nd, 2006, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JungleMonkey

I bet they do end up in arranged marriages. and perhaps they are going to be used as kamikaze so the more valuable men will be exposed to less risk. I'm a cynic when it comes to these things.

No, you're culturally ignorant for the most part. It's kind of scary.

deckchick · April 2nd, 2006, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimmlok

No, you're culturally ignorant for the most part. It's kind of scary.

What do you really think Grimmy? Who shat upon your cornflakes today?

Grimmlok · April 2nd, 2006, 06:07 PM

People with an undeserved air of cultural superiority about them?

Delphinium · April 3rd, 2006, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimmlok

No, you're culturally ignorant for the most part. It's kind of scary.

sorry bud, take a look at that part of the world, arranged marriages, dowrys, wife-burnings etc. you are naive.

moomies · April 3rd, 2006, 03:05 AM

My mom almost arranged a marrige for me to marry a millionaire. I'm not kidding... But I refused and she ended up hooking him up with someone else she knew and he turned out to be a jerk so yea thank god. But had I married him, my family would have gotten some great $$$ on the bride price (it's the opposit of a dowry where the bride's family gets monetary compensation).

Grimmlok · April 3rd, 2006, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JungleMonkey

sorry bud, take a look at that part of the world, arranged marriages, dowrys, wife-burnings etc. you are naive.

I didn't say that didn't happen, but your post assumes that it happens for EVERYONE over there, in a black and white fashion, and that every arranged marriage is apparently bad.

I've personally known Indian women who've had arranged marriages and said that while hesitant to go into it, found that they forged a strong and loving relationship and are actually quite happy.

I fail to see how it's any worse than Vegas style weddings/divorces, or unhappy western crap marriages filled with fat kids and abusive spouses.

Grimmlok · April 3rd, 2006, 12:53 PM

Well let's just hope that they aren't set on fire as happens to 100% of indian women.