Pakistan Army’s First Woman Lt Gen Nigar Johar Becomes KP Health Adviser
Lieutenant General (Retired) Nigar Johar Khan has been appointed adviser for health in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking another milestone in the career of one of Pakistan’s most prominent military medical professionals. Her appointment came after the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in the province in October 2026.
Johar made history in 2020 when she became the first woman in Pakistan Army history to attain the rank of lieutenant general. Her rise through the military medical system represented a significant breakthrough for women serving in the armed forces.
Johar’s career combines medical expertise with leadership in military healthcare. A graduate of Army Medical College, she holds postgraduate qualifications in family medicine, advanced medical administration and public health, giving her experience across clinical practice and healthcare management.
She also became the first woman to command an army hospital when she led Combined Military Hospital in Jhelum as a brigadier. Later, she served as surgeon general of the Pakistan Army, taking on senior responsibilities within its medical services.
As health adviser, Johar will oversee the health portfolio within the new provincial administrative arrangement. Her medical background and experience managing military healthcare bring a specialised perspective to a role connected to public service delivery across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The advisory council has been tasked with helping the governor manage provincial affairs, with healthcare and education identified among the areas requiring attention. Its formation follows the federal government’s decision to impose emergency and governor’s rule in the province.
Lieutenant General (Retired) Nigar Johar Khan has been appointed adviser for health in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking another milestone in the career of one of Pakistan’s most prominent military medical professionals.
Lieutenant General (Retired) Nigar Johar Khan has been appointed adviser for health in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking another milestone in the career of one of Pakistan’s most prominent military medical professionals. Her appointment came after the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in the province in October 2026.
Johar made history in 2020 when she became the first woman in Pakistan Army history to attain the rank of lieutenant general. Her rise through the military medical system represented a significant breakthrough for women serving in the armed forces.
Johar’s career combines medical expertise with leadership in military healthcare. A graduate of Army Medical College, she holds postgraduate qualifications in family medicine, advanced medical administration and public health, giving her experience across clinical practice and healthcare management.
She also became the first woman to command an army hospital when she led Combined Military Hospital in Jhelum as a brigadier. Later, she served as surgeon general of the Pakistan Army, taking on senior responsibilities within its medical services.
As health adviser, Johar will oversee the health portfolio within the new provincial administrative arrangement. Her medical background and experience managing military healthcare bring a specialised perspective to a role connected to public service delivery across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The advisory council has been tasked with helping the governor manage provincial affairs, with healthcare and education identified among the areas requiring attention. Its formation follows the federal government’s decision to impose emergency and governor’s rule in the province.
