Redefining Resilience: The Journey of Fareeda Tareen

By Masooma Iqbal

Success belongs to those who dare to dream and possess the courage to pursue those dreams. Standing at the forefront of this ethos is Miss Fareeda Tareen—a dynamic professional who not only challenged rigid societal stereotypes but also achieved remarkable milestones at a young age. Through her unwavering grit, she has continually demonstrated that educating women is just as crucial as educating men, proving that empowered women are central to national progress.

Hailing from Pishin, Fareeda completed her early schooling in her hometown before moving to Quetta in pursuit of quality education. Recognizing her potential, her family fully supported her ambitions. She attended Iqra Army Public School, completed her intermediate studies at Islamia Girls College, and later earned her Bachelor of Arts as a private candidate from the University of Balochistan. Throughout her early student life, she was an enthusiastic participant in co-curricular activities, earning distinction in English declamation contests.

Her academic journey took a major leap when she gained admission to the prestigious Government College University (GCU) Lahore for a Master’s degree in Political Science. At GCU, she excelled academically—earning a place on the Roll of Honour—while immersing herself in student leadership. She served as an active member of the Quaid-e-Azam Political Science Society and the GCU Debating Society, mastering parliamentary-style debates. Her leadership qualities further stood out when she was selected for PILDAT’s Youth Parliament, where she served as Deputy Speaker.

Her engagement with public platforms began early in life, starting as a child presenter on Sunday Pakistan, a Pashto radio show for kids, and serving as a Girl Guide for two years.

Passionate about mentoring others, Fareeda spent years guiding CSS and PCS aspirants at SEERS and Anfal academies in Quetta. She also served as an intern at the University of Balochistan under the Prime Minister’s Youth Training Scheme. In November 2017, her hard work paid off when she cleared the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) examination, embarking on her public service career as an Assistant Settlement Officer.

Driven by a strong sense of responsibility and public welfare, Fareeda has consistently prioritized community service. During the height of the pandemic, she served on the frontlines as a Magistrate alongside the Deputy Commissioner Quetta, managing critical emergency responses. She is currently serving as a Section Officer (Section-8) in the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD).

Beyond her official duties, Fareeda remains dedicated to advocating for female literacy and women’s empowerment, which she views as essential to solving key societal challenges. Currently penning her autobiography—having already completed two chapters—she actively mentors young women and uses her voice to promote the transformative power of education.