This 29-year-old Pakistani is the first Asian woman to join a Bomb Disposal Squad unit

In her 15-day training, she and 31 other male members will be taught about the types of bombs

By: News Desk |
December 9, 2016 7:08 pm

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Rafia Qaseem Baig is not just the first Pakistani but also the first Asian to have become a member of the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU). Seven years ago, this 29-year-old joined the police force and will now be a part of the BDU.

In her 15-day training, she and 31 other male members will be taught about the types of bombs, ways to identify and defuse them. The training will take place at the School of Explosive Handling in Nowshera.

Recalling what motivated her to work towards joining the BDU, she said that she witnessed a bomb blast near a Sessions Court on the first day when she joined the police force.

Making a mark in the ‘male-dominated’ field, Rafia says she isn’t afraid of losing her life.

“It will be a matter of pride for me and my family if I sacrifice my life for the country while tackling explosives to save people’s lives,” she said.

rafia qaseem baig 1st asian woman in bumb disposel squad: https://t.co/abuFXqj0gy via @YouTube

— Karuli Piran (@karulipiran) December 9, 2016

Before joining the police force, Rafia completed her Masters in Economics and International Relations. She is also currently pursuing LLB from the University of Peshawar.

Remarkable Ms Rafia Qaseem Baig!
Having such distinguished educational degrees (DoubleMasters) still LadyConstable?? https://t.co/a4mlb71wMc

— Kamran Khan (@kamranalf) August 14, 2016

Rafia’s work was also recognised by many multilateral organisations when she was involved in an operation against terrorists. Thereafter, she got several from reputed international organisations, but she chose to stay in Pakistan and work for her own country.

She rose to fame earlier this year when she sang the national song “Hamara Parcham” at an event in Peshawar.