Farwa Batool: the Alumna with the Winning Streak

“Women are the key partners in our country’s growth and prosperity. Experience has taught me that empowering women elevates us all,” Syed Babar Ali, Founding Pro Chancellor once said. A few days back, LUMS alumna, Farwa Batool, BSc (Accounting and Finance) 2018, School of Business, bagged the first position in Balochistan during the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination and the ninth position in Pakistan. Not only did she make her University proud, she also proved once again that women can achieve anything they set their mind to.

Being the only daughter with two younger brothers, Batool was always encouraged by her parents to study. “Since the result has been announced, I have made my parents proud and making them this happy is what I consider to be my biggest achievement yet. I feel elated about my success. Allah has been extremely kind towards me and I am grateful to Him for allowing me to experience this feeling,” says Batool.

However, getting to this success has not always been an easy road. She worked her way through many a struggles. There once came a time when her mother, due to financial constraints, had to ask Batool to stop pursuing her degree at LUMS. However, determined as she was, Batool applied for financial assistance from the University and received support.

Her interest in CSS started around the time of her graduation in 2018. A friend of hers kept telling her to explore the field. This led her to do some research and she sought help from different people. Additionally, the social science courses that she had been exposed to at LUMS were the first steps for her to realise that she should sit for the CSS exam. Studying nine hours a day and shifting to Islamabad to prepare for the interview to join the academy, Batool left no stone unturned.

Acknowledging the role of LUMS, she says, “At LUMS I recognised my strengths and had the time to polish them. The ability to think critically and analyse situations was something I learned there. This greatly aided me in my preparation for the exam”.

Batool is one of the lucky individuals whose family supported her in her decisions. While she waits to join the CSS Academy, she has plans to give back to society. “I acknowledge the fact that where I am today is a product of the opportunities that Allah has blessed me with and my parents' innumerable sacrifices. I want to play my part in providing the same opportunities to the people around me, particularly in the field of education”.

LUMS wishes her the best of luck for her future.