Women’s sports in Pakistan are often undermined and overlooked. We’ve built up our men’s teams to a great extent – which is wonderful. However, we can’t turn a blind eye to our women, especially when they’re filled to the brim with talent. Pakistan’s women’s football team is suffering as a result of this.

Therefore, Hajra Khan – captain of the women’s football team – took to Twitter to voice her concern.

She explained how she was “battling hard to promote women’s football in Pakistan to keep the game alive.”

She further talked about how the team had been inactive for three years. She expressed her desire to play friendly matches abroad as well. She ended her tweet with a request for help.

Battling hard to promote women's football in Pakistan- to keep the game alive. Team's been inactive for 3yrs. Personally trying to get friendly matches abroad. If you think you can invite us to play against your NT or club or can help set up a few matches – email at hajrakn@gmail

— Hajra Khan (@hajrakn) January 4, 2018

Soon, a dialogue was established.

difficult to tour anywhere as a national team due to the ban. however as a club maybe able to.

— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) January 4, 2018

Of course. As a private team – already on it.

— Hajra Khan (@hajrakn) January 4, 2018

There was some back and forth…

BUWFC? just a quick question..whilst every other womens club is playing and staying active..why is BU inactive?

— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) January 4, 2018

…with Hajra answering many questions that were directed at her.

Not BUWFC. It's been quite difficult to pick the team back up and get it running after Shahlyla's demise. Also, players from BU are scattered all across Pakistan and camps aren't that easy to set up unless the national champship is on. Basically, no competition to look forward to

— Hajra Khan (@hajrakn) January 4, 2018

Hajra managed to start a discussion…

has been disappointing given its the club of PFF Congress member and head of womens wing. Diya, YRS, KU etc have continued to give matches even in local tournament. it was tough after that tragedy but BUWFC needed to keep things going.

— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) January 4, 2018

Diya, YRS are supposedly the only registered clubs you've mentioned out of the 3. However, like I said before players are scattered all across. Diya YRS and KU players are settled where the club is based. Hence, earlier to continue playing.

— Hajra Khan (@hajrakn) January 4, 2018

…which is usually the first step towards action.

all thats true, BU too needed to establish those youth teams to recruit and keep local players involved like other clubs do. it seems like since they got their congress vote for 4 years, football became secondary.

— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) January 4, 2018

Soon though, something wonderful happened. People started reaching out for collaborations.

Are you interested in collaborating with corporations for teaching their women football? Or schools to teach young girls the same?

— TK (@tubakhalid) January 4, 2018

I am indeed.

— Hajra Khan (@hajrakn) January 4, 2018

Moreover, people started offering help in various forms. 

I agree the best way to go is as a private club. Hard to get an FA to spend $ playing in a non-FIFA sanctioned match. Tournaments in Southeast Asia would be your best best, Hajra. Let’s talk soon. I may be able to connect you with some clubs.

— Haley Carter (@HalesBells99) January 4, 2018

Hi Hajra, it's Sam from talkSPORT in London. Could we talk to you about this later? Could we DM/email? Many thanks

— Sam Stevens (@SamStevens71) January 4, 2018

People started spreading the word regarding Hajra’s concern as well.

Will amplify this. You are doing the work of a manager, coach, captain and federation exec.

— Shireen Footybedsheets Ahmed (@_shireenahmed_) January 4, 2018

To top it all off, people from across the border reached out too.

You must come to India and play football, rather than our govt playing hardball with each other

— rajennair (@rajennair) January 5, 2018

While none of this guarantees the revival – rather establishment – of women’s football in Pakistan, it’s a baby step nonetheless. It’s absolutely essential to empower our women and encourage them to display their talent. Pakistan is a land that is filled to the brim with potential. We absolutely cannot let any of it go to waste.

What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments.

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