A Pathan Daughter by Nabeela Gul is a powerful and transformative story set in a country deeply rooted in tradition, where women’s roles are often dictated by patriarchal values. The book takes readers on a trip through the life of Gulwarena, a woman who was born into a society where gender norms rigidly govern every part of her existence. But instead of giving in to these constraints, Gulwarena’s narrative is one of rebellion, progress, and perseverance.

Gulwarena’s unwavering ascent against the patriarchal forces that strive to define her stands firmly at the core of the book. She is constrained from an early age by her traditional society’s gendered norms. But as she gets older, Gulwarena starts to push these limits, ultimately reaching a noteworthy professional milestone as a commissioner. As she learns to negotiate and eventually transcend the gendered limitations imposed on her life, this professional achievement represents her victory over the repressive forces in her environment.

Despite Gulwarena’s remarkable accomplishments in her career, she finds herself struggling with difficulties in her........

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