That number grew from 22 between 2013 and 2019 to 55 between 2020 and 2023, according to the report.
The number of Pakistani women participating in the International Military Education and Training (IMET) programme has reportedly more than doubled in the past decade.
Between 2013 and 2019, 22 Pakistani women attended IMET courses. This number jumped to 55 between 2020 and 2023, according to a US State Department report released on June 21.
The IMET program aims to build military-to-military relationships by funding overseas military students to attend American military training and education courses.
In recent years, Pakistan has led the region in sending female military officers to the United States for specialized courses.
These courses cover counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, military justice, information technology, cyber strategy, public policy, gender-based violence and health-related subjects.
Two women have completed MBAs in financial management at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, and the other has returned to Pakistan in a train-the-trainer role to update the national curriculum.
Moreover, two women officers gained admission into teachers colleges in Pakistan this year, paving the way for them to join teachers colleges in the US.
IMET Program Managers at the Office of Defence Representative of Pakistan (ODRP), Raja Ali and Nasir Ayub, have been instrumental in promoting and supporting the professional development of women in the Pakistan Army.
Their efforts, and the addition of Saba Javed, ODRP’s first female field staff member, have encouraged the military and the Ministry of Defense to send more women for training and education in the United States.
Professional development opportunities for Pakistan’s female military personnel are abundant, with pioneering women laying the foundation for future generations.
As the raindrops continue to fall, the presence and influence of women in the Pakistan Army continues to grow and become more influential.
