A 2008 car crash near Rahim Yar Khan left Muniba Mazari with a spinal injury that resulted in permanent paraplegia, redirecting her life from a traditional path toward a multifaceted career in activism and media. Born in 1987, she navigated a prolonged recovery process before emerging as a prominent public figure in Pakistan and an international advocate for gender equality and human rights.
The 2008 Accident and Physical Recovery
On 27 February 2008, Mazari was traveling between Quetta and Rahim Yar Khan when her vehicle was involved in a serious collision. The injuries sustained were extensive, encompassing fractures to her shoulder blade, collarbone, rib-cage, and both the radius and ulna in her arm. Most significantly, damage to her spine resulted in total paralysis of her lower body. After initial treatment at local facilities and subsequent care at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, she underwent two years of bed-bound recovery. Intensive physiotherapy eventually enabled her to transition into using a wheelchair for mobility.
Evolution of Professional Interests
Following her rehabilitation, Mazari moved to Rawalpindi. Her entry into the public sphere began with painting, a practice she initiated while confined to her hospital bed. Utilizing acrylics on canvas under the brand Muniba's Canvas, she adopted the slogan Let Your Walls Wear Colours to promote her work. Her creative output gained enough traction to result in multiple exhibitions, including a 2016 display at Collectors Galleria in Lahore featuring 27 paintings and an international presentation in Dubai titled And I Choose To Live.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Media and Advocacy Work
Mazari expanded her professional scope into broadcasting and social advocacy. She managed social media operations for Areeb Azhar and contributed to the Dheeray Bolo project, which focused on teaching Urdu in schools. Her public profile rose significantly after a TED talk caught the attention of Mohammad Malick, then managing director of Pakistan Television, who recruited her for the network. She also engaged in social outreach through Clown Town in 2014 and became the first wheelchair-using model in Asia following a campaign with Toni & Guy.
Recognition and Institutional Roles
Her work in activism led to her appointment as a National Ambassador for UN Women Pakistan in 2015. International recognition followed, including inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2016 and receiving the Karic Brothers Award in Serbia for humanitarian services in 2017. Additionally, she has been featured on the BBC 100 Women list and identified among the 500 most influential Muslims globally.
Fast facts
- Born: 1987, Rahim Yar Khan
- Citizenship: Pakistan
- Primary medium: Acrylics on canvas
- Son: Niele (adopted 2011)
- 2015 recognition: BBC 100 Women
- 2016 recognition: Forbes 30 Under 30
- 2017 award: Karic Brothers Award
Questions readers ask
What event caused Muniba Mazari's paraplegia?
She sustained a spinal injury during a car crash on 27 February 2008 while traveling from Quetta to Rahim Yar Khan.
What is the focus of her artistic brand?
Her brand, Muniba's Canvas, features acrylic paintings often showcased in international exhibitions under the slogan Let Your Walls Wear Colours.
Which international organizations have recognized her work?
She has served as a National Ambassador for UN Women Pakistan and received honors from the Karic Foundation and Forbes.
