Actress Mahira Khan and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Sania Nishtar, are both on the BBC’s list of the 100 most influential women for 2020.

Sania Nishtar has been added to the list owing to her work as head of the Ehsaas Poverty Alleviation Programme, which provided monetary aid to those affected by the lockdown in Pakistan.

The BBC stated that Mahira Khan is one the 100 most influential women of the year because “Khan is no ordinary actress – she is outspoken against sexual violence, refuses to endorse skin-lightening creams and supports the fight against racism,”. The BBC also appreciated her work as a UN Goodwill ambassador

Mahira Khan has been included in the list because of her activism and highlighting of social issues in Pakistan. And also for her contribution to “changing the narrative” in Pakistani films and television.

Mahira Khan has stated that she is honoured to be included in this list .

One slot on the list has been left blank by the BBC has a tribute to  all those women across the world who have extended their support to others during the COVID-19 pandemic.