Beauty, confidence and success are a few words that define Hina. She has proven over time that she is not just a pretty face. As she goes from strength to strength with a thriving business and having a seat in the provincial assembly, Hina sits down with Faiza Murad and with refreshing candor reveals what makes her tick
A politician, entrepreneur, a mother and recently a student again, how do you manage it all?
I am a very energetic person and I believe being a woman teaches you to multitask. I take each day as it comes and try my level best to give my all in anything I do. I wake up and I think to myself, how can I make a difference in someone’s life today? Being a politician gives you that opportunity to try changing a common man’s life. As for being a student again, I have enrolled in Esmod College, Dubai. I feel it’s a plus point to have an academic background in fashion so I have set my sights on achieving that.
From medicine to entrepreneurship, was that a sudden change of heart?
Like any other child, I wanted to please my parents. My mother wanted me to become a doctor. I however always looked up to my father who was an entrepreneur. It was only when I once went to pick my friend up from LUMS that I realized this is the place where I want to be. This is where I belong. That was the turning point in my life.
You are the daughter of a successful businessman who is also close to the political party you represent. Did that pave the way for your political career?
My father has always been my mentor and has been a very strong force behind me. I have learned a lot from him when it comes to business. As for him being the reason for my political career, I believe that is not true. I was an active member in the youth wing and I worked tirelessly for my party. I was chosen purely on merit.
In Pakistan it is close to impossible for an ordinary man let alone a woman to make it to the Assembly, do you think it’s true?
It used to be, but not anymore. In these general elections, every party came forward with young new faces who were from humble backgrounds and that included women. Female workers are extremely important as they are the ones who are familiar with the grassroot level problems and they have made it, not only to the Provincial but the National Assembly as well. If you are dedicated and work hard then you certainly have a chance.
Do you think politics in Pakistan is still a man’s world
I believe educated and privileged women have come forward in Pakistani politics with an intention of bringing societal change. I don’t think it’s a man’s world anymore. I think we have a wonderful blend of women in the Assembly, including currently a lawyer, a doctor, an economist, a psychologist and a street worker. The dynamics are changing for women now.
You have always been an advocate of women’s empowerment. How do you think you and others like you can achieve that?
I feel strongly for women’s empowerment and I think all women in the Assembly regardless of whichever party they belong to have the same goal, which is to empower other women in our country. I am personally, through my business, employing women in the comfort of their homes in several villages and they are doing exceptionally well. I believe in a society that not only respects but also allows its women to play a strong role in nation building.
Politics in Pakistan is a ruthless business. How do you manage to be heard?
It certainly is. However, women have a higher attendance than men; they bring out more resolutions than men. That says a lot about how serious women are. Recently, my resolution was passed in the Punjab Assembly, which was about how only women photographers should be hired at NADRA and DGIP to facilitate female applicants who are harassed in large numbers at such places.
Do you see yourself as a more successful business woman or politician?
I haven’t ranked myself ever as such, however, I would prefer to be someone who makes a difference in others lives and be a success at that. Each day I set a goal to change the world around me in whichever way I can.
You look better than ever! Any particular diet that you care to share with our readers?
I lost a lot of weight last year. I followed a very strict diet of eating two pieces of fruits and two pieces of lean protein, sticking to 700-800 calories a day with exercising at least thrice a week. I workout religiously and I think that’s the key. Being a Kashmiri, my love for food is obviously there, but I try to maintain a healthy diet as much as I can. I have a detox soup that I take everyday. I would recommend having black coffee, which increases your metabolism.
What is your dream vacation or one destination that would make you grab your passport in a jiffy?
It has to be Cape Town in South Africa. It is an amazing place to unwind and the Table Mountain has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.
What is your favorite handbag, one item of clothing and a pair of shoes that you can’t get enough of these days?
When it comes to a bag I always carry my Celine with me. It’s big enough to pop everything into, so it’s convenient. As for clothing, I have a simple black cape in my closet that is my favourite. I can wear it with anything, anytime. Shoes have to be my Valentinos. I want to say Louboutins, but no matter how good they look, they are extremely uncomfortable to wear.
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