Hania Aamir's new calling

Actor partners with UN Women to drive awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for women

ISLAMABAD:

In a remarkable week that has placed her at the centre of both celebration and concern, actor Hania Aamir has been officially appointed as the National Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women Pakistan - even as reports of her sudden hospitalisation in the United States have left fans deeply worried.

The dual headlines have brought the 27-year-old star under intense public spotlight, blending triumph with uncertainty. On one hand, the honour marks her as one of Pakistan's youngest cultural figures to assume a major advocacy role for gender equality; on the other, her health scare has cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of unbroken pride.

UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, announced Aamir's appointment earlier this week. As National Goodwill Ambassador, she is expected to serve as a voice for women and girls across Pakistan - using her influence to promote empowerment, social inclusion, and the prevention of gender-based violence.

"I am deeply honoured to be designated as UN Women's National Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan," Aamir said in her official statement. "This is more than just a title - it is a commitment to speak up for women and girls whose voices deserve to be heard," she said.

"I hope to contribute meaningfully by championing equality, promoting empowerment, and helping create opportunities where every woman and girl can shape her own future with confidence and dignity."

The appointment comes at a defining moment as the UN Women marks 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, considered one of the most important frameworks for global gender equality.

Jamshed M Kazi, UN Women Pakistan's Country Representative, described the popular Pakistani celebrity as an "ideal advocate" whose energy and connection with the nation's youth make her a fitting choice.

"Her passion, creativity, and strong connection with Pakistan's youth make her an ideal advocate to carry forward UN Women's mission," he said. "We look forward to working closely with her to turn awareness into concrete action and transformative change for women and girls across Pakistan."

Aamir succeeds Muniba Mazari, who held the role until August 2025 and remains a global voice for inclusion and social justice. The actor's appointment signals UN Women's renewed effort to reach younger audiences through cultural influence and digital engagement - areas where Hania's reach is unmatched.

Her social media following alone is evidence of her influence: over 19 million followers on Instagram, making her Pakistan's most-followed celebrity. Her posts - ranging from candid glimpses of daily life to moments of reflection - have created an unusually intimate connection between celebrity and audience.

Yet it was through this same medium that concern for her well-being spread rapidly. Reports emerged this week that Hania had been hospitalised in Houston, United States, after falling ill during a private trip for an award ceremony. Images and short clips shared on social media showed the 'Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha' star lying in a hospital bed, looking pale and weak.

The lack of clarity surrounding her condition has fuelled intense speculation online. "What happened to Hania?" became a trending topic across platforms as fans expressed prayers and concern, urging her management to issue a statement. So far, no official update has been released regarding her health.

For a star whose career has continually straddled the space between artistic ambition and digital celebrity, the week's events have served as a reminder of both her reach and vulnerability.

Just last month, Hania had been making headlines in Bangladesh, where her presence at several cultural events earned her admiration. Her visit - highlighted by vibrant social media posts of her exploring Dhaka, tasting local cuisine, and wearing the Bangladeshi cricket team's jersey - took an unexpected turn when a light-hearted onstage moment spiralled into an online debate.

Asked to choose between Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan and Bangladeshi superstar Shakib Khan, Hania picked the latter - a decision that divided fans and set off a frenzy of comments. Some criticised her choice, while others defended it as an act of respect for her hosts.

Despite the chatter, her grace under scrutiny only reinforced her reputation as a figure capable of handling global attention. Her recent cross-border work, including a role opposite Indian singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh in the Punjabi film 'Sardaar Ji 3', further expanded her regional footprint, even as the film faced release restrictions in India.

For Hania, who began her career with a breakout role in 'Janaan' and has since become one of Pakistan's most recognisable entertainment figures, the UN Women appointment appears to be a natural evolution - one that channels her celebrity toward social impact.

Her new role will see her participating in campaigns aimed at advancing women's participation in the economy, leadership, and digital innovation. She will also support advocacy for climate resilience, education access, and protection from gender-based violence.

For now, fans await word on her recovery, hoping she will soon return to continue the work she has only just begun. Whether on the silver screen, on international stages, or as a voice for empowerment, Hania Aamir's influence has already extended far beyond entertainment.

Her story this week - a blend of accomplishment and fragility - has underscored something both intimate and powerful: that even in moments of uncertainty, her presence continues to inspire millions who see in her not just a performer, but a symbol of resilience, compassion, and change.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP & NEWS DESK)