I can do it. I have the strength, the power and the abilities too. Strategically, I’m also very prepared. But there’s only one thing, one major, significant factor which stops me from doing it.

By now, you must be wondering what I’m referring to. Well, I’ll let the cat out of the bag and divulge my secret desire. I’ve always been told to consider my deepest, most secret desire for one moment, to ask myself, “Where did this desire come from?”, and if the thought of fulfilling that desire brings me joy, then this is a clue that it is a true desire and my utmost divine assignment.

My secret desire, the one which I am ranting about, is getting selected in the army as a soldier.

But I’m a girl, a rather valiant, bold and daring girl, who can do anything and there are no limits to what I can do if I put my mind to it. You can say that I may as well be a polymath. And so, I know that I can very well be selected as a soldier in my country, Pakistan, with the finest army, and I might as well get the honour of winning the Sword of Honour or Tamgha-e-Imtiaz or maybe even the Nishan-e-Haider, which is awarded to soldiers who are brave and show acts of greatest heroism in circumstances of extreme danger, in the presence of the enemy on land, at sea or in the air.

The Pakistani nation and Pakistan’s army have always shown bravery and valour against terrorism and in general. Our army is our pride and anyone who becomes a part of it or who was a part of it is, and always will be, greatly honoured.

This is one of the reasons I love Pakistan army so much. I also want to be one of those strong-headed and courageous soldiers who fight for their country without any fear and if I do accomplish this in any way, it would be a dream come true.

Sadly, the Pakistan Navy and Army prohibits women from serving in combat missions, especially in the submarine force command. And that’s what I want to do!

Ugh, if only I could achieve this dream one way or the other! I guess I’ll just have to work as a doctor in the army and play a part in any way that I can.

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 11th, 2020