Famous Afghan Physicians

Anahita Ratebzad was an Afghan socialist and Marxist-Leninist politician who was a member of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), specifically the Parcham faction. She served as the vice-president of the Revolutionary Council under the leadership of Babrak Karmal. Ratebzad was one of the first women elected to the Afghan parliament and held the position of deputy head of state from 1980 to 1986. Throughout her professional life, she played a significant role in the political landscape of Afghanistan, advocating for socialist principles and women's rights.

Fatima Aziz was an accomplished Afghan physician and politician known for her dedication to serving the people of Kunduz province. Elected to the lower house of parliament in 2005, she made significant contributions during Afghanistan's first free parliamentary election in decades. Her re-election in 2010 and 2018 reflected the trust and support she garnered from her constituents. Throughout her tenure as a Member of Parliament, Fatima Aziz worked tirelessly to address important issues and advocate for positive change until her passing in 2021.

Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi was a Jordanian doctor who became known for his involvement as a triple agent in the Camp Chapman attack. He initially worked as a doctor specializing in medicine and surgery. However, he later became radicalized and aligned himself with Islamist extremists of al-Qaeda. This led him to carry out a suicide attack against a CIA base near Khost, Afghanistan in 2009. Balawi's professional life took a drastic turn as he transitioned from a medical professional to a suicide bomber for extremist causes.

Anarkali Kaur Honaryar is a prominent Sikh Afghan political leader, dentist, physician, and women's rights activist. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first non-Muslim to be elected to the Afghan Parliament. Her professional life is marked by a strong commitment to human rights activism, particularly in advocating for women's rights and fighting against domestic abuse and gender discrimination. Anarkali Kaur Honaryar's dedication to promoting tolerance and non-violence earned her the prestigious UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize, recognizing her significant contributions in these areas.

Dr. Massouda Jalal is a trailblazing figure in Afghan history, having run for the presidency multiple times. She served as Minister of Women's Affairs and led efforts to combat violence against women. Dr. Jalal played a key role in developing the National Action Plan for Afghan Women, aiming to empower them economically and politically. Prior to politics, she held prominent positions in international organizations and academia. Fluent in several languages, she brought a diverse skill set to her advocacy for women's rights and peace in Afghanistan.

Dr. Habiba Sarābi is a prominent hematologist, politician, and reformer in Afghanistan. She made history by becoming the first Afghan woman to serve as a provincial governor, holding the position in Bamyan Province. Throughout her career, she has held key roles in the Afghan government, including Minister of Women's Affairs and Minister of Culture and Education. Sarābi has been a champion for women's rights, environmental issues, and the representation of marginalized groups, particularly the Hazara people.

Suhaila Siddiq, also known as 'General Suhaila', was a prominent figure in Afghan politics. She held various key positions, including serving as the Minister of Public Health and working as the Surgeon General in the military. With the title of Honorable, she was one of the few female government leaders in Afghanistan. Siddiq made history as the only woman in Afghanistan to hold the rank of lieutenant general. She had a long and distinguished career in the government, dating back to the era of Mohammed Zahir Shah, and was also a paratrooper in the Afghan Commando Forces.

Suraya Dalil is an Afghan physician and politician with a distinguished career in public health and diplomacy. She served as the Minister of Public Health in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2014, where she played a key role in improving healthcare services and addressing public health challenges. Since November 2015, Dalil has been serving as the country's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, advocating for Afghan interests and engaging in global health and diplomatic efforts on behalf of her nation.

Sima Samar is a prominent Hazara woman known for her work as a human rights advocate, activist, and medical doctor. She has held various significant positions, including serving as the Minister of Women's Affairs of Afghanistan and as the Chairperson of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. Samar also took on the role of United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Sudan. Her dedication to human rights, particularly women's rights, has been recognized globally, earning her prestigious awards like the Right Livelihood Award.

Nasrin Oryakhil is an accomplished Afghan gynecologist and obstetrician who has made significant contributions to her field. Her dedication and expertise have earned her prestigious awards for her outstanding work. In 2015, she was appointed as a minister in recognition of her contributions to healthcare and women's rights in Afghanistan. Throughout her career, Nasrin Oryakhil has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving healthcare services and advocating for the well-being of women in her country.