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BBC has released its annual list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2020 and Pakistan’s favorite actor Mahira Khan is one of them.

This year, BBC acknowledges and highlights those inspiring women who are leading change and making a difference during these hard times.

“Mahira Khan is no ordinary actress – she is outspoken against sexual violence, refuses to endorse skin-lightening creams, and supports the fight against racism. She wants to tackle social issues in her native Pakistan by changing the narrative in films and on TV,” read Mahira’s introduction by BBC.

Mahira is also a national goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, raising awareness of the plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

Known to speak up about the causes and issues that matter to encourage change. “She’s been a firm favourite with audiences ever since starting out as an MTV video jockey (VJ) in 2006. Mahira is also a devoted mother to her 11-year-old son,” concluded the publication.

 

 

The list also includes Dr Sania Nishtar from Pakistan who is a leader in global health and sustainable development. She is also Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation.

“Since 2018, she has been spearheading the transformative Ehsaas Poverty Alleviation programme, which has improved the livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis by providing mobile banking and savings accounts, and other basic resources,” read her introduction by the publication.

Sania has helped to empower the masses by taking the necessary first steps towards the development of a welfare state in Pakistan.

 

 

While countless women around the world have made sacrifices to help others, the list only features a few leaving one name on the 100 Women list left blank as a tribute.

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