The face above speaks volumes of Ms. Kashmala Tariq’s poise and determination. She has gained prominence with her flamboyant and outspoken attitude. Though not from a political or aristocratic background, her approach towards the ill treatment of women of Pakistan has won her a great deal of support. A kind soul, who has been working day in and day out for the emancipation and uplift of women, and has a promising and compassionate attitude for the masses. At a very young age, she has achieved milestones. She has touched success at every point and stage of her life. Married and a mother of a son, Ms. Kashmala Tariq worked with her heart and sinew for standing out as a shining star and a symbol of pride for the women folk of Pakistan.
Ms. Kashmala Tariq was born in Lahore on January 24, 1972. Her educational background includes graduation from Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore in 1991; followed by an LL.B from Punjab University Law College in 1996 and LL.M from London School of Economics, U.K in 1999.
Leadership qualities are something innate in her. Throughout her academic career she had been a ‘guiding light’ for her peers. Her records prove that the name ‘Kashmala’ always signified confidence and courage. She has been leading from the front, always. Kashmala, confident lass at Kinnaird, finally made it to Punjab University for her LLB, where she won a merit scholarship in 1992. After completing her LLB, she did her LLM from London School of Economics (LSE), UK in 1999. At LSE she remained the President of the LSE Students’ Union between 1998 and 1999. Being an active student member at LSE, her leadership abilities blossomed and became more fine and unique. She learnt new ways of dealing with multi-ethnic and multi-cultural groups of people. This gave her a new insight, which is probably unique to her.
Politics has been her passion, right from the very beginning. She was Secretary General of an Environmental NGO (Sath) from 1992 to 1995; and has served as President of the Peoples Students Federation (PSF) from 1993 to 1995. Her stay at Punjab University made her well-versed with the political maneuverings and trends prevalent in Pakistan. This exposure made her street-wise and helped her to go a long way in her political struggle, later in life. At LSE she was able to lead the LSE Students’ Union – an honor for Ms. Kashmala, indeed. During her stay at LSE, she developed her political affiliations with ‘Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf – Imran Khan’s brain child’. For two long years i.e. 1998 – 2000, she remained ‘Chief Organizer – Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf UK’.
Ms. Kashmala Tariq’s political career did start in her student life, but she joined mainstream politics when she was in UK and became Chief Organizer of PTI. However, her affiliations with Imran Khan could not last long. On her return to Pakistan, she joined PML (Q). As of today, Ms. Kashmala shares her political school of thought with PML (Q). Ms. Kashmala is known as a staunch supporter of General Pervez Musharraf. She was also one of the few legislators, who met President George W Bush on his trip to Pakistan in March, 2007. Ms. Kashmala has also gained the trust of the PML-Q leaders for her unflinching support to the regime of President Pervez Musharraf, on TV talk shows and on the floor of the National Assembly.
Kashmala Tariq was elected to the Parliament in Pakistan on a Women Reserve Seat in the Punjab Province. An ardent advocate of Musharraf’s enlightened moderation theory; she feels a dire need of awareness and education for the masses. Her political success has been scandalized, quite a number of times.
Such events and occurrences have made her the darling of the Urdu-language media. In spite of all odds, Ms. Kashmala has come a long way in her political journey. Such minor hurdles come and go. There are forces that oppose and forces that make you move along; it is how you manage to fair well.
Ms. Kashmala has faired well, exploring a new world for herself and for her fellow women folks. Her realistic and intelligent ideas have made her a popular political figure at a very young age.
She likes travelling has travelled to Europe, Far East and U.A.E.
Her hobbies include Horse Riding and Swimming. She is a brave young lady who has always loved dauntingly difficult tasks and interests. She is vigorous and this very vigor is, arguably, her core competency.
Her areas of legislative interests include:
Education
Women Development
Law Membership of National Assembly Committees
Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Human rights
Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue
Standing Committee on House and Library
