Nilofar Bakhtiar

Who is Nilofar Bakhtiar?

Nilofar Bakhtiar is a public official in Pakistan. She was Federal Minister for Tourism in Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz's cabinet until a scandal forced her to resign. She remains a senator. Bakhtiar has worked toward improving women's social status, as well as working in areas of health and education.

She was born in Bannu. The family has a background of social work and military service. Her father was retired from army as colonel while her two brothers retired from brigadier rank.Begum Ali Malik, Bakhtiar's mother, was a renowned social worker and was also the founder and chairperson of The National Committee for the Repatriation of POWs after the 1971 war. At that time Begum Ali Malik went all over the world and met with Heads of State, and politicians including the Pope in Italy. Nilofar got passionately involved in social work right from childhood.

Nilofer Bakhtiar, of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 82nd International Convention, held in San Diego, California, USA, June 28-July 2, 1999. A Lioness since 1982 and a member of the Sawaan Valley Lions Club since 1992, Past Director Bakhtiar has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chairman, council chairman and district governor. In addition, she serves as chairman of the Prevention of Diabetic Blindness Center and has pioneered the creation of several Lions schools and a school for mentally handicapped children. She also created a Lioness district with 23 Lioness clubs, a Leo district with 18 Leo clubs and a Lions district with 30 Lions clubs. In recognition of her service to the association, Past Director Bakhtiar has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President Award, four Leadership Awards, three Presidential Medals, seven International President’s Certificates and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. She is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.