Samreen Kausar, the widow of Naik Muhammad Asif Nawaz Shaheed, a Punjab Regiment soldier martyred during duty in Siachen in 2017, has joined the Airport Security Force (ASF) to honor her husband’s legacy. Kausar, currently undergoing training at the ASF Academy in Karachi, stated her decision reflects a resolve to "protect the nation" while keeping her husband’s sacrifices alive.
Naik Muhammad Asif Nawaz Shaheed was killed on November 22, 2017, while serving at the Siachen Glacier, one of Pakistan’s most challenging military frontiers. Prior to his deployment, he participated in counter-terrorism operations, neutralizing three militants. His widow, Kausar, described his martyrdom as a catalyst for her own commitment to national service. “His sacrifice made me stronger,” she said in a recent statement. “Joining the ASF allows me to walk his path and safeguard our homeland.”
The Pakistan Army acknowledged Kausar’s determination, facilitating her entry into the ASF—a civilian security agency responsible for protecting airports and critical infrastructure. Officials confirmed she is nearing the completion of her training and is expected to assume operational duties soon.
Kausar’s transition from grieving spouse to security trainee has drawn public attention, with many hailing her as a symbol of resilience. However, the ASF emphasized her recruitment followed standard eligibility protocols. “Candidates must meet stringent criteria regardless of personal background,” an ASF spokesperson noted.
Naik Asif’s military career included deployments in high-risk zones, notably during counter-terrorism missions in northwestern Pakistan. His widow’s journey underscores a broader narrative of families affected by military sacrifices seeking roles in national security. Analysts suggest such cases highlight evolving societal recognition of contributions by armed forces’ families.
While Kausar’s story has resonated on social media, officials stress the importance of separating individual resolve from institutional policy. “Personal courage is commendable, but systemic integrity remains paramount,” said a defense analyst familiar with the matter.
The ASF, established in 1976, oversees aviation security across Pakistan’s major airports. Its training programs include threat detection, crisis management, and counter-terrorism tactics—skills Kausar will deploy in her upcoming role.
As Pakistan commemorates military sacrifices during national observances, stories like Kausar’s renew discussions on support systems for martyrs’ families. Government data indicates over 500 military personnel have been martyred in counter-terrorism operations since 2015, though exact figures remain classified.
Kausar’s journey, while unique, aligns with a small but growing number of women entering Pakistan’s security sector. According to 2023 estimates, women constitute approximately 4% of ASF personnel, a figure the agency aims to increase through targeted recruitment.
