The social media is abuzz with a picture of two female pilots who flew the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Islamabad to Gilgit flight.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, PIA spokesperson Mashood Tajwar confirmed that Capt Maryam Masood and First Officer Shumyla Mazhar steered ATR aircraft.
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However, he pointed out that it was not the first time female pilots had commanded a flight. “Capt Ayesha Rabia and First Officer Saadia Aziz made the first all-female crew a few years ago.”
The PIA spokesperson also said that the pairing of the two cockpit crew members was based on merit and was not intentional. “The flight crew is chosen out of a pool of rested pilots,” he added.
“The flight to Gilgit is very challenging and requires a lot of precision and technique. Our dynamic duo, Captain Maryam Masood and First Officer Shumaila Mazhar make it look so easy as they fly through the mountains celebrating the beauty of our northern areas! Way to go!!,” the national carrier said in a tweet.
The original photo has been shared over 800 times and garnered kudos for the national carriers on social media.
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