Gilgit: The Gilgit-Baltistan Girls Football League, held annually in the remote village of Passu since 2018, is helping young women from surrounding areas break societal barriers and gain opportunities in sports.
According to Radio Pakistan, the league was founded by sisters Karishma and Sumaira Inayat, who grew up in the nearby village of Shimshal. It offers a chance for girls to compete in football, fostering empowerment, independence, and change in the region. Despite the conservative nature of the region, where young women often face significant restrictions in their participation in public life, the league has become a platform that challenges cultural and religious norms. It was created to inspire girls to pursue their dreams, empowering them to defy the limitations placed upon them by society.
The sisters’ love for football began when they moved to Lahore as children, where they saw girls playing the sport and experienced the challenges of harassment and disapproval for their clothing and independenc
e. Despite these challenges, they grew stronger, and upon returning to Shimshal, they dreamed of introducing football to their village.
However, the road to success was not easy. The tournament faced strong opposition, including protests, online abuse, and even threats from religious leaders. Despite the challenges, the sisters remained determined, securing armed police protection to ensure the event could proceed safely. The final match was held without incident, marking a victory for the girls involved and the local community.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Girls Football League has become more than just a football competition; it represents a cultural shift. The league provides young women with a platform to challenge societal expectations, encouraging them to explore alternatives to early marriage and limited educational opportunities. Through their participation, these girls are inspired to pursue sports and education, opening up pathways for scholarships and future opportunities.
Karishma’s personal journey, i
ncluding her scholarship to study in Paris, exemplifies the life-changing opportunities the league provides. Her efforts to engage with conservative families and convince them to allow their daughters to participate further highlight the broader mission of the league: to inspire independence and broaden horizons for girls in rural Pakistan.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Girls Football League continues to grow, symbolizing hope and empowerment for young women in the region. With each passing year, the league is creating new possibilities, helping to break down cultural and societal barriers and paving the way for the next generation of women to step forward confidently into the world of sports and beyond.