LAHORE - When Dr Zarqa Taimur joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in 2010 she hoped to bring change in society with political activism. For eight years she worked hard to create awareness among people on issues of political rights. Recently PTI weighed her leadership qualities and nominated her for Senate elections 2018.

Dr Zarqa is gold midlist of Punjab University from where she graduated in 1989. After finishing her FCPS Part 1, she along with her family shifted to Lahore from Kashmir. Her father was Chief Secretary of Azad Kashmir. “We were brought up with love for Pakistan. We were raised infused with spirit of nationalism,” Dr Zarqa, who is also expert dermatologist for Loreal Pakistan, talking to The Nation maintained. 

She is a gold medalist and consultant in aesthetic and anti-aging medicine. She has FCPS, MRCP, FFOM, DIPDERM and certification from American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. She is currently an examiner with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and has been on faculty of Otago University, New Zealand and locally with Fatima Jinnah Medical College.

“After spending ten years in UAE where I was President Medical Wing of Dubai Pakistan Association I returned to Pakistan in 2010. I used to give free English classes to Pakistani taxi drivers in UAE,” she said remembering her days spent in Dubai. Now back in Pakistan she is actively arranging awareness group for Downs Syndrome; actively promoting inclusion in normal society for these children and adults. She is a Chairperson of 21up.

Dr Zarqa has served as PTI’s President Lahore Women Wing and as Media head of Punjab Women Wing. She is now Deputy Information Secretary PTI Punjab.

“I joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in 2010. I joined PTI because Imran Khan believes in truth and the rule of law. Women and downtrodden people in society are not being given their rights. We need to elevate status of the common man.

“I have no political background and none from my family is in parliament. I started my political journey at grass-root level in Mian Mir PP 156. I contested intraparty election and was elected Vice President Mian Mir UC, and later Women Wing Vice President of Lahore,” Dr Zarqa said. 

She was one of driving forces behind sit-in at Lalak Chowk on May 13, 2013 that lasted for 13 days. “As PTI President of Women Wing I was on roads most of time. This activism was based on the belief that common man must stand up for his rights. In this struggle I got PTI’s trust and it is an honour for me that I have been nominated to contest Senate election,” Dr Zarqa was of the view.

Commenting on Senate working, she said its role is to legislate, to ensure accountability and to advice the government. 

“If we look at the legislation done in last five years the figures are disappointing. Senate needs to have more educated people as its members,” Dr Zarqa said.